The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 08, 2011
Filed:
Sep. 13, 2005
Mark K. Debe, Stillwater, MN (US);
Amy E. Hester, Hudson, WI (US);
Mark K. Debe, Stillwater, MN (US);
Amy E. Hester, Hudson, WI (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A membrane electrode subassembly includes an ion conducting membrane and a microporous layer having microtextured surfaces. Complementary features of the microtextured surfaces may be formed as grooves, ridges, pyramids or other shapes. Features of the microtextured surface of the ion conducting membrane engage features of the microporous layer. The engagement of the features of the microtextured surfaces may involve an interlocking fit, a tongue and groove fit, or another type of engagement. A thin catalyst layer is disposed between the microtextured surfaces. The microtextured surfaces increase the surface area at the catalyst layer interfaces.