FLEXIBLE ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE BASED ON A CARRIER COMPRISING POLYMER FIBERS AND ON A PROTON-CONDUCTING MATERIAL, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF, AND USE THEREOF

摘要

The invention relates to a proton-conducting membrane, a method for the production thereof, and the use thereof. The proton-conducting, flexible electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, which is impermeable to the reaction components used for the fuel cell reaction, comprises a flexible, perforated carrier that is permeable to substances and is provided with polymer fibers. Said carrier is interspersed with a proton-conducting material which is suitable to selectively conduct protons through the membrane. The inventive membrane represents a new class of fixed proton-conducting membranes, based on a porous and flexible carrier comprising polymer fibers, preferably a polymer mat. Said carrier is infiltrated with a proton-conducting material, whereupon the membrane is dried and the proton-conducting material is solidified to form a proton-conducting material, preferably a proton-conducting gel, such that ultimately a proton-conducting membrane is obtained, which is impermeable to substances. The electrolyte membrane remains flexible and can be used as a membrane in a fuel cell without any problem.