Patent Disclosure: A Method for Fabricating a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Fuel Cells

Strategic Insights -

A groundbreaking patent for a novel method in fabricating polymer electrolyte membranes has been published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WO/2011/096149). This innovation, submitted by Panasonic Corporation, offers a significant improvement in the production of fuel cells. The invention proposes a method that involves creating a mold with an array of fine concave portions, supplying a hydrophilic polymer electrolyte solution, solidifying the solution, immersing the membrane in a hydrophilic liquid, and peeling it off from the mold. This technique aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of polymer electrolyte membranes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent discloses a method for fabricating a polymer electrolyte membrane with a unique surface structure, comprising an array of fine convex portions with specific depth and aspect ratio ranges.
  • The method involves preparing a mold with fine concave portions, supplying a hydrophilic polymer electrolyte solution, solidifying the solution, and immersing the membrane in a hydrophilic liquid.
  • The invention targets the improvement of polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells, with potential applications in various fields, including energy and transportation.
  • The patent application was filed on Dec. 17, 2010, under Application No. PCT/JP2010/073479.
  • The patent was published on Aug. 11, with the publication number WO/2011/096149.

Statistics:

  • The depth of the fine convex portions on the membrane surface ranges from 3mm to 12mm.
  • The aspect ratio of the fine convex portions is between 0.4 and 2.0.
  • The hydrophilic polymer electrolyte solution is supplied to the surface in step (B) of the method.
  • The hydrophilic liquid used for immersing the membrane is specified not to have any additives.
  • The patent application took approximately 11 months to be published after the filing date.

Sources:

  • WO/2011/096149 - World Intellectual Property Organization (Published Aug 11)
  • PCT/JP2010/073479 - World Intellectual Property Organization (Application Filed Dec 17, 2010)
  • http://www.wipo.int - World Intellectual Property Organization (Official Website)