US 12,322,840 B2
System and method for preventing iron from infusing into a proton exchange membrane in a fuel cell
Paul T. Yu, Lake Orion, MI (US); and Craig S. Gittleman, West Bloomfield, MI (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 15, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/887,791.
Prior Publication US 2024/0055620 A1, Feb. 15, 2024
Int. Cl. H01M 8/0286 (2016.01); H01M 4/86 (2006.01); H01M 4/88 (2006.01); H01M 8/0234 (2016.01)
CPC H01M 8/0286 (2013.01) [H01M 4/8605 (2013.01); H01M 4/8668 (2013.01); H01M 4/8807 (2013.01); H01M 4/8875 (2013.01); H01M 8/0234 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for minimizing iron infusion in a fuel cell, the system comprising:
a catalyst coated on proton exchange membrane (CCM) having a plurality of side edge portions and including:
a proton exchange membrane having a first planar side and a second planar side;
an anode electrode on the first planar side of the proton exchange membrane; and
a cathode electrode on the second planar side of the proton exchange membrane;
an anode gas diffusion layer (GDL) including a first micro-porous layer, wherein the first micro-porous layer is disposed in contact with the anode electrode;
a cathode GDL including a second micro-porous layer, wherein the second micro-porous layer is disposed in contact with the cathode electrode;
a first sub-gasket disposed in contact with the first micro-porous layer; and
an adhesive in contact with the plurality of side edge portions of the CCM;
wherein the anode electrode has a planar surface configured for contacting the first micro-porous layer and the adhesive,
wherein a first portion of the planar surface is disposed in contact with the first micro-porous layer and a remaining portion of the planar surface is not disposed in contact with the first micro-porous layer and is disposed in contact with the adhesive; and
wherein the first micro-porous layer, the second micro-porous layer, and the adhesive collectively encapsulate the CCM and minimize iron infusing into the proton exchange membrane.