WO2026056329A1 - Packaging method and packaging structure for single-frame membrane electrode - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of membrane electrodes. Disclosed are a packaging method and packaging structure for a single-frame membrane electrode. A frame base material is separately connected to a first sealing member and a second sealing member to form a first assembly; the first assembly is connected to a first gas diffusion layer to form a second assembly; a catalyst coating CCM is connected to a second gas diffusion layer to form a third assembly; and the second assembly and the third assembly are assembled and aligned by means of a mold, and hot-pressed to form a single-frame membrane electrode having a sealing member. The present invention has the beneficial effects: a sealing element for stack assembly and a membrane electrode are assembled together in advance, so that the subsequent fuel cell stack assembly process is greatly simplified, the assembly precision is high, and the sealing element and a frame have good adhesion and are not easy to move, avoiding rework caused by misalignment of the sealing element during stack assembly, improving the stack assembly efficiency and yield, and reducing the costs.

Description

A packaging method and packaging structure for a single-sided edge film electrode Technical Field

This invention relates to the field of membrane electrodes, and in particular to a packaging method and packaging structure for a single-frame membrane electrode.

Background Technology

Currently, fuel cell stack sealing processes can be divided into stacked sealing and integral adhesive encapsulation. Stacked sealing typically uses silicone as the sealing material, which is applied to the bipolar plates via dispensing or injection molding. After the stack is stacked, the sealing material is pressed together under assembly pressure to seal the stack's gas field. The advantage of this method is that the stack can be easily disassembled, allowing for direct inspection and analysis of the operating status of the solar panels or membrane electrode assembly (MEA), facilitating design optimization. The disadvantages are that the adhesion between the sealing strip and the bipolar plates relies on pressure, resulting in poor bonding and a tendency for misalignment. During curing, impurities, especially in graphite bipolar plates, can easily be introduced into the sealing strip, creating defects. Therefore, this process requires sophisticated equipment (e.g., high-precision visual positioning, dispensing or injection equipment, and additional curing processes), leading to high investment in production line equipment. Another method is the full adhesive encapsulation process, which uses special adhesive materials and a stack structure design to bond the battery panel and MEA together as a whole, achieving a permanent (non-removable) seal of the gas field. It has advantages such as high production efficiency, reliable sealing effect, flexible production process, and low equipment production line investment cost, but it has high requirements for adhesive materials.

Summary of the Invention

The purpose of this application is to provide a packaging method and packaging structure for a single-sided edge film electrode, so as to simplify the assembly process, improve the assembly accuracy, and enhance the assembly efficiency.

The objective of this application is achieved through the following technical solution:

A method for encapsulating a single-sided edge film electrode includes the following steps:

S1: Connect the first and second sides of the frame substrate to the first and second sealing elements respectively to form a first assembly, wherein the first and second sides are large flat surfaces opposite to the frame substrate.

S2: Connect one side of the first assembly to the first gas diffusion layer to form a second assembly, wherein the first gas diffusion layer is connected to the first surface of the frame substrate;

S3: A cathode catalytic layer and an anode catalytic layer are coated on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, and after drying, a three-layer catalyst coating CCM is obtained.

S4: Connect the catalyst coating CCM to the second gas diffusion layer to form a third assembly;

S5: The second assembly and the third assembly are assembled and aligned using a mold, and then hot-pressed together using a servo press to form a single-frame membrane electrode with a seal, wherein the catalyst coating CCM is connected to the second surface of the frame substrate.

In some embodiments of this application, in step S1, a primer is applied to the contact area between the frame substrate and the first sealant, and a primer is applied to the contact area between the frame substrate and the second sealant. The first sealant is directly glued to the first surface using a glue injection machine, and the second sealant is directly glued to the second surface using a glue injection machine. The frame substrate, the first sealant, and the second sealant are integrally cured and formed.

In some embodiments of this application, the curing temperature of the frame substrate, the first sealant, and the second sealant is 100°C to 150°C, and the curing time is 1 min to 10 min.

In some embodiments of this application, the curing temperature of the frame substrate, the first sealant, and the second sealant is 110°C, and the curing time is 3 minutes.

In some embodiments of this application, in step S2, the first assembly is bonded to the first gas diffusion layer by an adhesive.

In some embodiments of this application, in step S4, the catalyst coating CCM is bonded to the second gas diffusion layer by an adhesive.

In some embodiments of this application, the first assembly is bonded to the first gas diffusion layer by cold pressing, and the catalyst coating CCM is bonded to the second gas diffusion layer by cold pressing.

In some embodiments of this application, in step S5, the hot pressing temperature is 100℃～150℃, the hot pressing pressure is 1T～5T, and the hot pressing time is 10s～60s.

In some embodiments of this application, the hot pressing temperature is 130°C, the hot pressing pressure is 3T, and the hot pressing time is 30s.

A packaging structure for a single-frame membrane electrode fabricated using the packaging method described above is characterized in that it includes a frame substrate, a first sealing element, a second sealing element, a first gas diffusion layer, a catalyst coating CCM, and a second gas diffusion layer. The first sealing element and the second sealing element are respectively disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the frame substrate. The first gas diffusion layer is connected to the first surface of the frame substrate. The catalyst coating CCM is connected to the second surface of the frame substrate. The second gas diffusion layer is connected to the side of the catalyst coating CCM opposite to the first gas diffusion layer. The first sealing element and the second sealing element are located on the outer side of the frame substrate, and the first gas diffusion layer, the catalyst coating CCM, and the second gas diffusion layer are located on the inner side of the frame substrate.

The single-frame membrane electrode packaging method and packaging structure of this application pre-assemble the sealing component for fuel cell stack assembly with the membrane electrode, which greatly simplifies the assembly process of the downstream fuel cell stack. It also has high assembly precision, good adhesion between the sealing component and the frame, and is not easy to move. This avoids rework caused by misalignment of the sealing component during the stack assembly process, improves the stack assembly efficiency and yield, reduces costs, and finally obtains an integrated packaging structure of single-frame membrane electrode and sealing component, which has good sealing performance, simple structure, and reliable use.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 is a top view of the packaging structure of the single-sided membrane electrode of this application;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the packaging structure of the single-sided membrane electrode of this application;

Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the first assembly of this application;

Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the second assembly of this application;

Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the third assembly of this application.

In the figure, 1 is the frame substrate; 11 is the first surface; 12 is the second surface; 2 is the first seal; 3 is the second seal; 4 is the first gas diffusion layer; 5 is the catalyst coating CCM; and 6 is the second gas diffusion layer.
100, First assembly; 200, Second assembly; 300, Third assembly.

Detailed Implementation

The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., used herein to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to a connection within two components or an interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

As shown in Figures 1-5, a first aspect of this application proposes a method for encapsulating a single-sided frame film electrode, comprising the following steps:

S1: Connect the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 of the frame substrate 1 to the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 respectively to form a first assembly 100, wherein the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are large flat surfaces opposite to the frame substrate 1.

S2: Connect one side of the first assembly 100 to the first gas diffusion layer 4 to form a second assembly 200, wherein the first gas diffusion layer 4 is connected to the first surface 11 of the frame substrate 1;

S3: A cathode catalyst layer and an anode catalyst layer are coated on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, and after drying, a three-layer catalyst coating CCM5 is obtained;

S4: Connect the catalyst coating CCM5 to the second gas diffusion layer 6 to form a third assembly 300;

S5: The second assembly 200 and the third assembly 300 are assembled and aligned using a mold, and then hot-pressed together using a servo press to form a single-sided frame membrane electrode with a seal, wherein the catalyst coating CCM5 is connected to the second surface 12 of the frame substrate 1.

Based on the above technical solution, the single-frame membrane electrode assembly method of this application pre-assembles the sealing components used for fuel cell stack assembly with the membrane electrode assembly, greatly simplifying the assembly process of the downstream fuel cell stack. It also features high assembly precision, good adhesion between the sealing components and the frame, and minimal movement, avoiding rework caused by misalignment of the sealing components during stack assembly. This improves stack assembly efficiency and yield, reduces costs, and ultimately results in an integrated single-frame membrane electrode assembly and sealing component encapsulation structure. It should be noted that CCM is short for catalyst coated membrane, which is the site of electrochemical reactions in the fuel cell and refers to the fuel cell chip.

In some embodiments of this application, as shown in Figures 2-4, in step S1, a primer is applied to the contact area between the frame substrate 1 and the first sealing element 2, and a primer is applied to the contact area between the frame substrate 1 and the second sealing element 3. The first sealing element 2 is directly injected with adhesive onto the first surface 11 using a dispensing machine, and the second sealing element 3 is directly injected with adhesive onto the second surface 12 using a dispensing machine. The frame substrate 1, the first sealing element 2, and the second sealing element 3 are integrally cured and formed. Compared with conventional fuel cell stacks using a single sealing strip as a sealing element, this application has a first sealing element 2 and a second sealing element 3, and two sealing strips are also designed between the frame substrate 1 and the sealing element. When one sealing strip malfunctions or fails, the other sealing strip can still play a sealing role, which greatly improves the sealing reliability and sealing durability of the fuel cell stack. Furthermore, the integral curing and forming method after dispensing with adhesive using a dispensing machine also results in better forming effect and more stable sealing effect.

Specifically, the curing temperature of the frame substrate 1, the first sealing element 2, and the second sealing element 3 is 100℃～150℃, and the curing time is 1min～10min. Setting the curing conditions within the above range can effectively improve the curing effect, resulting in better molding and sealing effects.

More specifically, the curing temperature of the frame substrate 1, the first sealing element 2, and the second sealing element 3 is 110°C, and the curing time is 3 minutes. Choosing a curing temperature of 110°C and a curing time of 3 minutes further enhances the molding and sealing effects.

In some embodiments of this application, as shown in FIG4, in step S2, the first assembly 100 and the first gas diffusion layer 4 are bonded together by an adhesive. The adhesive can easily and conveniently connect the first assembly 100 and the first gas diffusion layer 4 together, achieving a reliable connection between the two.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, in step S4, the catalyst coating CCM5 and the second gas diffusion layer 6 are bonded together using an adhesive. Similarly, the adhesive can easily and conveniently connect the catalyst coating CCM5 and the second gas diffusion layer 6, achieving a reliable connection between the two.

More specifically, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first assembly 100 is bonded to the first gas diffusion layer 4 by cold pressing, and the catalyst coating CCM5 is bonded to the second gas diffusion layer 6 by cold pressing. The anode and cathode gas diffusion layers of the single-frame membrane electrode can be firmly bonded to the catalyst coating CCM5 or the frame through a brief cold pressing with an adhesive, thereby improving production efficiency. Furthermore, because the hot pressing process is reduced, the catalyst coating CCM5 is less affected by temperature changes causing expansion and contraction, reducing bulging and warping of the membrane electrode product, resulting in a smoother product appearance.

In some embodiments of this application, in step S5, the hot-pressing temperature is 100℃～150℃, the hot-pressing pressure is 1T～5T, and the hot-pressing time is 10s～60s. The above-mentioned hot-pressing temperature, pressure, and time are all within a suitable range, which allows for the efficient and reliable installation of the connected assemblies.

Specifically, the hot-pressing temperature is 130℃, the hot-pressing pressure is 3T, and the hot-pressing time is 30s. Using more precise temperature, pressure, and time can further improve the hot-pressing effect and increase assembly efficiency.

As shown in Figures 1-5, a second aspect of this application proposes a packaging structure for a single-frame membrane electrode fabricated using the packaging method described above. The structure includes a frame substrate 1, a first sealing element 2, a second sealing element 3, a first gas diffusion layer 4, a catalyst coating CCM5, and a second gas diffusion layer 6. The first sealing element 2 and the second sealing element 3 are respectively disposed on a first surface 11 and a second surface 12 of the frame substrate 1. The first gas diffusion layer 4 is connected to the first surface 11 of the frame substrate 1, the catalyst coating CCM5 is connected to the second surface 12 of the frame substrate 1, and the second gas diffusion layer 6 is connected to the side of the catalyst coating CCM5 facing away from the first gas diffusion layer 4. The first sealing element 2 and the second sealing element 3 are located on the outer side of the frame substrate 1, while the first gas diffusion layer 4, the catalyst coating CCM5, and the second gas diffusion layer 6 are located on the inner side of the frame substrate 1. Using the above packaging method, an integrated packaging structure of the single-frame membrane electrode and the sealing element can be obtained, which has good sealing performance, a simple structure, and reliable use.

In summary, the single-frame membrane electrode packaging method and packaging structure of this application pre-assemble the sealing components for fuel cell stack assembly with the membrane electrode, greatly simplifying the assembly process of the downstream fuel cell stack. Furthermore, the assembly precision is high, the adhesion between the sealing components and the frame is good, and it is not easily moved, avoiding rework caused by misalignment of the sealing components during stack assembly. This improves stack assembly efficiency and yield, reduces costs, and ultimately yields an integrated single-frame membrane electrode and sealing component packaging structure with good sealing performance, simple structure, and reliable use.

The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of this application, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims (10)

A method for encapsulating a single-sided edge film electrode, characterized by comprising the following steps: S1: Connect the first and second sides of the frame substrate to the first and second sealing elements respectively to form a first assembly, wherein the first and second sides are large flat surfaces opposite to the frame substrate. S2: Connect one side of the first assembly to the first gas diffusion layer to form a second assembly, wherein the first gas diffusion layer is connected to the first surface of the frame substrate; S3: A cathode catalytic layer and an anode catalytic layer are coated on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, and after drying, a three-layer catalyst coating CCM is obtained. S4: Connect the catalyst coating CCM to the second gas diffusion layer to form a third assembly; S5: The second assembly and the third assembly are assembled and aligned using a mold, and then hot-pressed together using a servo press to form a single-frame membrane electrode with a seal, wherein the catalyst coating CCM is connected to the second surface of the frame substrate. The encapsulation method for a single-sided frame film electrode according to claim 1 is characterized in that, in step S1, a primer is applied to the bonding area between the frame substrate and the first sealing member, a primer is applied to the bonding area between the frame substrate and the second sealing member, the first sealing member is directly glued to the first surface using a glue injection machine, the second sealing member is directly glued to the second surface using a glue injection machine, and the frame substrate, the first sealing member, and the second sealing member are integrally cured and formed. The encapsulation method for a single-frame membrane electrode according to claim 2 is characterized in that the curing temperature of the frame substrate, the first sealing element and the second sealing element is 100℃～150℃ and the curing time is 1min～10min. The encapsulation method for a single-frame membrane electrode according to claim 3 is characterized in that the curing temperature of the frame substrate, the first sealing element and the second sealing element is 110°C and the curing time is 3 min. The packaging method for a single-sided edge film electrode according to claim 1 is characterized in that, in step S2, the first assembly and the first gas diffusion layer are bonded together by an adhesive. The encapsulation method for a single-sided edge film electrode according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in step S4, the catalyst coating CCM and the second gas diffusion layer are bonded together by an adhesive. The encapsulation method for a single-sided edge film electrode according to claim 6 is characterized in that the first assembly is bonded to the first gas diffusion layer by cold pressing, and the catalyst coating CCM is bonded to the second gas diffusion layer by cold pressing. The packaging method for a single-sided edge film electrode according to claim 1 is characterized in that, in step S5, the hot pressing temperature is 100℃～150℃, the hot pressing pressure is 1T～5T, and the hot pressing time is 10s～60s. The encapsulation method for a single-sided edge film electrode according to claim 8 is characterized in that the hot-pressing temperature is 130°C, the hot-pressing pressure is 3T, and the hot-pressing time is 30s. A packaging structure for a single-frame film electrode manufactured using the packaging method described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it comprises a frame substrate, a first sealing element, a second sealing element, a first gas diffusion layer, a catalyst coating CCM, and a second gas diffusion layer. The first sealing element and the second sealing element are respectively disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the frame substrate. The first gas diffusion layer is connected to the first surface of the frame substrate. The catalyst coating CCM is connected to the second surface of the frame substrate. The second gas diffusion layer is connected to the side of the catalyst coating CCM opposite to the first gas diffusion layer. The first sealing element and the second sealing element are located on the outer side of the frame substrate, and the first gas diffusion layer, the catalyst coating CCM, and the second gas diffusion layer are located on the inner side of the frame substrate.