Abstract A method of making electrodes using a solid polymer electrolyte base member and catalyst is disclosed. Before the catalyst is deposited upon the surface of the solid polymer electrolyte, the surface is treated by a suitable abrading or roughening means which contacts the surface of the solid polymer electrolyte base member in at least two directions. In a preferred mode, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is abraded with a silicon carbide sheet to provide the desired roughness. The catalyst is deposited upon the roughened or abraded surface and fixed thereto by suitable means, e.g., pressure and/or heat. By this method, substantially reduced loadings of catalysts are possible. Solid polymer electrolyte catalytic electrodes made by this method are superior to prior art electrodes having substantially higher catalytic loadings when used as anodes in water electrolysis.
An electrode comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane base member having at least one abraded surface and finely-divided catalytic particles fixed upon the abraded surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
An electrode comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane base member having at least one abraded surface and finely-divided catalytic particles fixed upon the abraded surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the surface is abraded in at least two directions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claims 1 or 2 wherein the abraded surface is crosshatched.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the abraded surface is a grit blasted surface which has been subjected to grit blasting in at least two directions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the abraded surface is a sanded surface which has been subjected to frictional engagement with an abrasive in at least two directions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the catalytic particles are a metal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the catalytic particles are an oxide of a metal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the catalytic particles are a metal alloy.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
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The electrode of claim 1 wherein the catalytic particles are fixed upon the abraded surface by pressure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the catalytic particles are fixed upon the surface by heat.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrode of claim 1 wherein the catalytic particles are fixed upon the surface by pressure and heat.