Solid Polymer Fuel Cell-Purpose Electrolyte Membrane, Production Method Therefor, and Membrane-Electrode Assembly

Abstract

In an electrolyte membrane ( 10 ) for a solid polymer fuel cell, sealing ribs ( 12 ) of a predetermined height made of an electrolyte resin is formed integrally with the electrolyte membrane ( 10 ). Using the electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly ( 20 ) is formed, which is further processed into a fuel cell ( 30 ). Thus, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly which are capable of improving the sealing characteristic when incorporated into a fuel cell are obtained. Besides, a fuel cell improved in the sealing characteristic is obtained.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A production method for a solid polymer fuel cell-purpose electrolyte membrane in which sealing ribs of a predetermined height made of an electrolyte resin or a resin integratable with an electrolyte membrane when melted are formed integrally with the electrolyte membrane, comprising:
 creating an electrolyte membrane that does not have a sealing rib, and   spraying the electrolyte resin particle or the resin particle integratable with the electrolyte membrane when melted to sites on the created electrolyte membrane where the sealing ribs are to be formed, and   forming the sealing ribs of the predetermined height made of the electrolyte resin particle or the resin particle integrally with the electrolyte membrane by thermally melting the electrolyte resin particle or the resin particle sprayed to the electrolyte membrane.   
     
     
         14 . The production method for the electrolyte membrane according to  claim 13 , wherein a particle diameter of the electrolyte resin particle or the resin particle integratable with the electrolyte membrane when melted, which is sprayed is 10 μm or greater.