Simple membrane electrode and frame assemblies for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack and improved methods for making them are disclosed which involve the use of a single adhesive layer. Using an appropriate design, the single adhesive layer can provide multiple bonds, including a bond between one of the gas diffusion layers and a catalyst coated membrane assembly, between the catalyst coated portion of the catalyst coated membrane assembly and the frame, and between either the other of the gas diffusion layers and the frame, or between an uncoated portion of the catalyst coated membrane assembly and the frame.

A sheet attaching apparatus includes a gripping mechanism that grips one end portion, in a longitudinal direction, of a first sheet that has been drawn out from a first supply roll; a moving mechanism that allows the first sheet to be attached to a second sheet by moving the gripping mechanism to cause the first sheet to approach and contact the second sheet that passes through an attaching portion provided in a feeding path; and a releasing mechanism that releases a grip of the gripping mechanism on the first sheet, after the first sheet has contacted the second sheet.

A sheet attaching apparatus includes a gripping mechanism that grips one end portion, in a longitudinal direction, of a first sheet that has been drawn out from a first supply roll; a moving mechanism that allows the first sheet to be attached to a second sheet by moving the gripping mechanism to cause the first sheet to approach and contact the second sheet that passes through an attaching portion provided in a feeding path; and a releasing mechanism that releases a grip of the gripping mechanism on the first sheet, after the first sheet has contacted the second sheet.

An electrochemical system having two metallic separator plates, an electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates and sealed by at least one sealing element, and fixing elements for fixing the separator plates. The fixing elements comprise at least two fixing elements which are designed as integral with the first or with the second separator plate, which differ from the at least one sealing element, are spaced apart from the at least one sealing element parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates, and project at least in sections beyond the plate planes of the separator plates in a stacking direction. The first fixing element is thereby supported on the second fixing element in such a way that the second fixing element prevents a displacement of the first separator plate relative to the second separator plate.

An article comprising a first gas distribution layer (100), a first gas dispersion layer (200), or a first electrode layer, having first and second opposed major surfaces and a first adhesive layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein the second major surface (102) of the first gas distribution layer (100), the second major surface (202) of the first gas dispersion layer (200), or the first major surface of the first electrode layer, as applicable, has a central area, wherein the first major surface of the first adhesive layer contacts at least the central area of the second major surface of the first gas distribution layer, the second major surface of the first gas dispersion layer, or the first major surface of the first electrode layer, as applicable, and wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a porous network of first adhesive including a continuous pore network extending between the first and second major surfaces of the first adhesive layer. The articles described herein are useful, for example, in membrane electrode assemblies, unitized electrode assemblies, and electrochemical devices (e.g., fuel cells, redox flow batteries, and electrolyzers).

An article comprising a first gas distribution layer (100), a first gas dispersion layer (200), or a first electrode layer, having first and second opposed major surfaces and a first adhesive layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein the second major surface (102) of the first gas distribution layer (100), the second major surface (202) of the first gas dispersion layer (200), or the first major surface of the first electrode layer, as applicable, has a central area, wherein the first major surface of the first adhesive layer contacts at least the central area of the second major surface of the first gas distribution layer, the second major surface of the first gas dispersion layer, or the first major surface of the first electrode layer, as applicable, and wherein the first adhesive layer comprises a porous network of first adhesive including a continuous pore network extending between the first and second major surfaces of the first adhesive layer. The articles described herein are useful, for example, in membrane electrode assemblies, unitized electrode assemblies, and electrochemical devices (e.g., fuel cells, redox flow batteries, and electrolyzers).

Embodiments provide a bipolar plate for a battery, which can enhance battery efficiency by reducing a contact resistance in contact with an electrode, and a redox flow battery having the same are provided. According to at least one embodiment, there is provided a bipolar plate including a thermoplastic portion formed on at least a part thereof to be brought into contact with an electrode and having conductivity, wherein the thermoplastic portion having the conductivity is morphologically matched with the electrode.

Embodiments provide a bipolar plate for a battery, which can enhance battery efficiency by reducing a contact resistance in contact with an electrode, and a redox flow battery having the same are provided. According to at least one embodiment, there is provided a bipolar plate including a thermoplastic portion formed on at least a part thereof to be brought into contact with an electrode and having conductivity, wherein the thermoplastic portion having the conductivity is morphologically matched with the electrode.

A redox flow battery and battery system are provided. In one example, the redox flow battery includes a cell stack assembly interposed by two endplates and comprising a plurality of mated membrane frame plates and bipolar frame plates forming, at a mated interface, a plurality of negative and positive flow channels configured to distribute negative and positive electrolyte into a plurality of bipolar plates. In the battery a membrane is coupled to each of the plurality of membrane frame plates and positioned sequentially between two of the bipolar plates included in the plurality of bipolar plates.

A manufacturing method for a fuel cell may comprise preparing an electrode sheet including at least an electrolyte membrane; arranging a joining material constituted of a thermoplastic resin in a frame shape on the electrolyte membrane; arranging a support frame having an opening on the joining material arranged on the electrolyte membrane; performing a first laser irradiation process in which the support frame is irradiated with a laser beam such that a first portion of the joining material between the support frame and the electrolyte membrane melts and the electrolyte membrane and the support frame are welded to each other; and performing a second laser irradiation process in which a second portion of the joining material that is positioned inside the opening of the support frame is irradiated with a laser beam such that the second portion of the joining material melts and is welded to the electrolyte membrane.