Method of making membrane-electrode assemblies for electrochemical cells and assemblies made thereby

Abstract From the Canadian patent

There is provided a combination, unitary membrane and electrode assembly with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and first and second electrodes at least partially embedded in opposed surfaces of the membrane. The method leads to a very significant increase in catalyst utilization. The electrodes each comprise a respective group of finely divided carbon particles, very finely divided catalytic particles supported on internal and external surfaces of the carbon particles and a proton conductive material intermingled with the catalytic and carbon particles. A first group of finely divided carbon particles forming the first electrode has greater water attraction and water retention …