An integrated composite membrane electrode assembly (ICMEA) and its application in small H2/air fuel cells

The commercialization of small fuel cells requires both the reduction of components cost and improvement of power density. To meet these requirements, we proposed the concept of an integrated composite membrane electrode assembly (ICMEA) which integrates the functions of conventional MEA, flow field, and current collector. Compared to conventional ones, it is advanced in simplification of fuel cell components, higher mechanical strength and dimensional stability, reduction in volume and weight, lower clamping pressure, and lower cost. A 200 μm thick ICMEA was successfully fabricated. A sandwiched structure was fabricated by attaching an e-PTFE substrate with two finely porous thin metal sheets on each side. After the impregnation of polymer electrolyte, the porous PTFE was filled with the polymer electrolyte and was bounded with the two metal sheets. Catalyst layer was directly coated on the surface of the composite membrane. At ambient conditions, the achieved maximum power density of ICMEA in H2/air fuel cell was nearly 80 mW cm−2.