JP4175264B2 - Manufacturing method of fuel cell - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel cell manufacturing method for manufacturing a fuel cell that generates power by reacting different types of reaction gases, and a fuel cell manufacturing ink used when manufacturing a fuel cell by the manufacturing method.

  Conventionally, there is a fuel cell in which an electrolyte having a property of passing ions is sandwiched between porous electrodes having a property of passing electrons. Some fuel cells generate electricity using hydrogen, natural gas, alcohol, or the like as fuel. Among such fuel cells, for example, in a fuel cell using hydrogen as a fuel, a first reaction gas containing hydrogen is supplied to one electrode, and a second reaction gas containing oxygen is supplied to the other electrode. Electricity is generated by a reaction based on hydrogen contained in the first reaction gas and oxygen contained in the second reaction gas.

  In fuel cells, platinum is often used as a catalyst for promoting the reaction. The reaction layer including the catalyst is formed between the substrate and the electrolyte membrane, and the application of the catalyst is performed by, for example, spraying (see Patent Document 1). The applicant of the present application has filed an application relating to a method of manufacturing a fuel cell using a discharge device as a method of manufacturing a fuel cell that can be easily manufactured at low cost (Japanese Patent Application). 2003-63357).

JP 2002-298860 A

  By the way, when manufacturing a fuel cell using a discharge device, for example, the reaction layer is formed by applying ink in which platinum fine particles are dispersed onto a substrate by a discharge device. At this time, as the ink in which the platinum fine particles are dispersed, for example, a chloroplatinic acid solution which is a transparent solution is used, and this chloroplatinic acid solution is applied onto the black porous carbon particles constituting the gas diffusion layer. There are many cases. Here, since the transparent chloroplatinic acid solution is applied onto the black porous carbon particles, the application position of the ink cannot be confirmed, and for example, it is difficult to perform accurate alignment. In addition, since transparent ink is applied, for example, even when the nozzle of the ejection device is clogged, it is difficult to confirm whether or not the ink has been ejected. However, there is a problem that the production efficiency may be lowered.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell manufacturing method capable of easily and accurately performing alignment on a substrate, and a fuel cell manufacturing ink capable of easily confirming that the fuel cell has been discharged. It is.

  According to the fuel cell manufacturing method of the present invention, a first gas flow path forming step of forming a first gas flow path for supplying a first reaction gas on a first substrate, a first collector A first current collecting layer forming step for forming an electric layer, a first reaction layer forming step for forming a first reaction layer, an electrolyte film forming step for forming an electrolyte membrane, and a second reaction layer are formed. A second reaction layer forming step, a second gas diffusion layer forming step for forming the second gas diffusion layer, a second current collecting layer forming step for forming the second current collecting layer, And a second gas flow path forming step of forming a second gas flow path for supplying the reaction gas on the second substrate, wherein the first reaction layer forming step and At least one of the second reaction layer forming steps is an ink containing a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material using a discharge device. And forming a reaction layer by discharging.

  According to this fuel cell manufacturing method, the reaction layer is formed by ejecting ink containing a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material. Therefore, for example, even when a transparent chloroplatinic acid solution in which platinum fine particles are dispersed as a catalyst is applied on a gas diffusion layer composed of black porous carbon, an ink containing a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material By using as a catalyst, the discharge state can be confirmed and an appropriate reaction layer can be formed.

  Further, the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the present invention is characterized in that the fluorescent material and the phosphorescent material are organic materials. According to this method for producing a fuel cell, since the organic fluorescent material or the organic phosphorescent material is contained in the ink, for example, after forming the reaction layer, the substrate is baked at 500 ° C. Alternatively, the phosphorescent material can be decomposed to deposit only platinum on the substrate.

  In the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the present invention, at least one of the first reaction layer formation step and the second reaction layer formation step may be performed by applying ultraviolet light to the ink discharged by the discharge device. A light irradiation step of irradiating light, an imaging step of capturing an image of the ink that emits fluorescence or phosphorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light in the light irradiation step, and an image of the ink imaged in the imaging step And a position detecting step for detecting the ink application position.

  According to this fuel cell manufacturing method, ink containing a fluorescent material or phosphorescent material is discharged, and the position where the discharged ink is applied is detected. Therefore, for example, alignment between the substrate and the head portion of the ejection device that ejects ink can be performed, and ink can be ejected accurately at a desired position.

  The ink for producing a fuel cell according to the present invention is an ink for producing a fuel cell used when forming a fuel cell using a discharge device, and includes a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material. According to this fuel cell manufacturing ink, for example, when forming a reaction layer of a fuel cell, it is confirmed on which part of the substrate a transparent chloroplatinic acid solution has been applied, and an appropriate reaction layer is formed. Can do.

  In the fuel cell manufacturing ink according to the present invention, the fluorescent material and the phosphorescent material are organic materials. According to this fuel cell manufacturing ink, since the fluorescent material and phosphorescent material contained in the ink are organic materials, they can be decomposed and removed by baking after being applied onto the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent the performance of the fuel cell from being affected by containing a fluorescent material or a phosphorescent material in the ink.

  The ink for producing a fuel cell according to the present invention is characterized in that the fluorescent material emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the phosphorescent material emits phosphorescent when irradiated with ultraviolet light. And Since this fuel cell manufacturing ink emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet light, for example, it is possible to align the substrate and the head portion of the ejection device that ejects the ink, thereby achieving a high-quality fuel cell. Can be manufactured.

  A method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fuel cell production line used in a method for producing a fuel cell according to an embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel cell production line includes a discharge device 20a to 20m used in each process, a belt conveyor BC1 connecting the discharge devices 20a to 20k, a belt conveyor BC2 connecting the discharge devices 20l and 20m, and a belt. The driving device 58 drives the conveyors BC1 and BC2, the assembly device 60 that assembles the fuel cell, and the control device 56 that controls the entire fuel cell production line. The discharge devices 20a to 20k are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the belt conveyor BC1, and the discharge devices 20l and 20m are arranged in a line at a predetermined interval along the belt conveyor BC2.

  The control device 56 is connected to each of the discharge devices 20a to 20m, the drive device 58, and the assembly device 60. The belt conveyor BC1 is driven based on a control signal from the control device 56, and a fuel cell substrate (hereinafter simply referred to as "substrate") is conveyed to each of the discharge devices 20a to 20k, and in each of the discharge devices 20a to 20k. Process. Similarly, the belt conveyor BC2 is driven based on a control signal from the control device 56, the substrate is conveyed to the discharge devices 20l and 20m, and processing in the discharge devices 20l and 20m is performed. Further, in the assembling apparatus 60, the fuel cell is assembled by the board carried in via the belt conveyor BC1 and the board carried in via the belt conveyor BC2 based on a control signal from the control apparatus 56.

In this fuel cell production line, a process of applying a resist solution for forming a gas flow path to the substrate is performed in the discharge device 20a, and an etching process for forming the gas flow path is performed in the discharge device 20b. In the discharge device 20c, a process of applying a supporting carbon for supporting the current collecting layer is performed.
In addition, the discharge device 20d performs a process for forming a current collecting layer, the discharge device 20e performs a process for forming a gas diffusion layer, and the discharge device 20f performs a process for forming a reaction layer. In the apparatus 20g, a process for forming an electrolyte membrane is performed. Further, a process for forming a reaction layer is performed in the discharge device 20h, a process for forming a gas diffusion layer is performed in the discharge device 20i, and a process for forming a current collecting layer is performed in the discharge device 20j. In the apparatus 20k, a process of applying the supporting carbon is performed.

  Further, in the discharge device 20l, a process of applying a resist solution for forming a gas flow path to the substrate is performed, and in the discharge apparatus 20m, an etching process for forming the gas flow path is performed. When processing is performed on the first substrate in the discharge devices 20a to 20k, in the discharge devices 20l and 20m, processing for forming a gas flow path is performed on the second substrate.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an ink jet type ejection device 20a used when manufacturing a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ejection device 20a includes an inkjet head 22 that ejects an ejected material onto a substrate. The ink jet head 22 includes a head main body 24 and a nozzle forming surface 26 on which a large number of nozzles for discharging discharged matter are formed. When a discharge channel, that is, a gas flow path for supplying a reaction gas is formed on the substrate from the nozzle of the nozzle forming surface 26, a resist solution applied to the substrate is discharged. Further, the ejection device 20a includes a table 28 on which a substrate is placed. The table 28 is installed to be movable in a predetermined direction, for example, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. Further, the table 28 moves in the direction along the X axis as indicated by an arrow in the drawing, so that the substrate conveyed by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20a.

  The ink jet head 22 is connected to a tank 30 containing a resist solution that is a discharge product discharged from a nozzle formed on the nozzle forming surface 26. In other words, the tank 30 and the inkjet head 22 are connected by a discharge material transport pipe 32 that transports the discharge material. In addition, the discharge material transport pipe 32 includes a discharge material flow path portion ground joint 32a and a head portion bubble elimination valve 32b for preventing charging in the flow path of the discharge material transport pipe 32. This head part bubble elimination valve 32b is used when suctioning the discharged substance in the inkjet head 22 with the suction cap 40 mentioned later. That is, when sucking the discharged material in the ink jet head 22 by the suction cap 40, the head part bubble elimination valve 32b is closed so that the discharged material does not flow from the tank 30 side. Then, when suction is performed with the suction cap 40, the flow rate of the suctioned product is increased, and the bubbles in the inkjet head 22 are quickly discharged.

  In addition, the discharge device 20a has a liquid level control sensor 36 for controlling the amount of discharged material stored in the tank 30, that is, the height of the liquid level 34a of the resist solution stored in the tank 30. It has. The liquid level control sensor 36 keeps the height difference h (hereinafter referred to as the water head value) between the tip end portion 26a of the nozzle forming surface 26 of the inkjet head 22 and the liquid level 34a in the tank 30 within a predetermined range. Take control. By controlling the height of the liquid level 34a, the discharge 34 in the tank 30 is sent to the inkjet head 22 with a pressure within a predetermined range. Then, the ejected material 34 can be stably ejected from the inkjet head 22 by sending the ejected material 34 at a pressure within a predetermined range.

  In addition, a suction cap 40 that sucks the ejected matter in the nozzles of the inkjet head 22 is disposed at a certain distance from the nozzle formation surface 26 of the inkjet head 22. The suction cap 40 is configured to be movable in the direction along the Z axis indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2, and is in close contact with the nozzle forming surface 26 so as to surround a plurality of nozzles formed on the nozzle forming surface 26. In addition, a sealed space is formed between the nozzle forming surface 26 and the nozzle can be blocked from outside air. In addition, the suction of the ejected matter in the nozzle of the inkjet head 22 by the suction cap 40 is in a state where the inkjet head 22 is not ejecting the ejected material 34, for example, the inkjet head 22 is retracted to a retracted position or the like. This is performed when the table 28 is retracted to a position indicated by a broken line.

  A flow path is provided below the suction cap 40, and a suction valve 42, a suction pressure detection sensor 44 for detecting a suction abnormality, and a suction pump 46 including a tube pump are disposed in the flow path. Has been. Further, the discharge 34 sucked by the suction pump 46 and transported through the flow path is accommodated in a waste liquid tank 48.

  The configuration of the ejection devices 20b to 20m is the same as that of the ejection device 20a, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. However, in the following description, each configuration of the ejection devices 20b to 20m is different in the description of the ejection device 20a. The description will be made using the same reference numerals as those used in the configuration. In addition, in the tank 30 provided in each of the discharge devices 20b to 20m, a discharge material necessary for a predetermined process performed in each of the discharge devices 20b to 20m is accommodated. For example, the discharge material for etching performed when forming the gas flow path is formed in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20b and the discharge device 20m, and the supporting carbon is formed in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20c and the discharge device 20k. Each discharge is stored. Moreover, the discharge materials for forming a current collection layer are accommodated in the tanks 30 of the discharge device 20d and the discharge device 20j, respectively. Further, the discharge material for forming the gas diffusion layer is in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20e and the discharge device 20i, and the discharge material for forming the reaction layer is in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20f and the discharge device 20h. In the tank 30 of the discharge device 20g, discharge materials for forming the electrolyte membrane are respectively stored. Further, in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20l, the same discharge material as the discharge material for forming a gas flow path with respect to the substrate stored in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20a is stored.

  Next, a method for manufacturing a fuel cell using the discharge devices 20a to 20m according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the drawings.

  First, a gas flow path for supplying a reaction gas to the substrate is formed (step S10). That is, first, as shown in FIG. 4A, a rectangular flat plate shape, for example, a silicon substrate (first substrate) 2 is conveyed to the discharge device 20a by the belt conveyor BC1. The board | substrate 2 conveyed by belt conveyor BC1 is mounted on the table 28 of the discharge apparatus 20a, and is taken in in the discharge apparatus 20a. In the discharge device 20 a, the resist solution stored in the tank 30 is discharged through the nozzles of the nozzle formation surface 26 and applied to a predetermined position on the upper surface of the substrate 2 placed on the table 28. Here, as shown in FIG. 4B, the resist solution is applied linearly at a predetermined interval from the front direction to the back side in the drawing. That is, in the substrate 2, for example, a portion that forms a gas flow path (first gas flow path) for supplying a first reaction gas containing hydrogen is left, and only the other portions are resisted. The solution is applied.

  Next, the substrate 2 (see FIG. 4B) on which the resist solution is applied at a predetermined position is conveyed to the discharge device 20b by the belt conveyor BC1, and is placed on the table 28 of the discharge device 20b to be discharged. 20b. In the discharge device 20b, an etching solvent, for example, a hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution, which is used to form a gas flow path accommodated in the tank 30, is discharged through the nozzles of the nozzle forming surface 26, and is then placed on the table 28. It is applied to the entire top surface of the substrate 2 placed on the substrate.

  Here, since the resist solution is applied to the substrate 2 in a portion other than the portion that forms the gas flow path, the portion where the resist solution is not applied is etched with the hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution, and FIG. As shown, a gas flow path is formed. That is, a gas flow path having a U-shaped cross section extending from one side surface of the substrate 2 to the other side surface is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the substrate 2 on which the gas flow path is formed is subjected to resist cleaning in a cleaning apparatus (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the substrate 2 on which the gas flow path is formed is transferred from the table 28 to the belt conveyor BC1, and is conveyed to the discharge device 20c by the belt conveyor BC1.

  Next, in order to prevent the gas flow path formed on the substrate 2 in step S10 from being blocked by the current collection layer, the support carbon (first support member) that supports the current collection layer is gas flow path. It is applied inside (step S11). That is, first, the substrate 2 conveyed to the discharge device 20c by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20c. In the discharge device 20 c, the supporting carbon 4 accommodated in the tank 30 is discharged through the nozzles on the nozzle forming surface 26 and applied to the gas flow path formed on the substrate 2. Here, as the supporting carbon 4, porous carbon having a predetermined size, for example, a particle diameter of about 1 to 5 microns in diameter is used. That is, a porous carbon having a predetermined size is used as the supporting carbon 4 to prevent the gas flow path from being blocked by the current collecting layer and to ensure that the reaction gas can flow through the gas flow path. Used.

  FIG. 6 is an end view of the substrate 2 to which the supporting carbon 4 is applied. As shown in FIG. 6, by applying the supporting carbon 4 in the gas flow path, the current collecting layer formed on the substrate 2 is prevented from falling into the gas flow path. The substrate 2 coated with the supporting carbon 4 is transferred from the table 28 to the belt conveyor BC1 and is conveyed to the discharge device 20d by the belt conveyor BC1.

  Next, a current collecting layer (first current collecting layer) for collecting electrons generated by the reaction of the reaction gas is formed on the substrate 2 (step S12). That is, first, the substrate 2 conveyed to the discharge device 20d by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20d. In the discharge device 20d, a material for forming the current collecting layer 6 accommodated in the tank 30, for example, a conductive substance such as copper, is placed on the table 28 via the nozzles of the nozzle forming surface 26. Discharge onto the substrate 2. At this time, the conductive material is discharged into a shape that does not hinder diffusion of the reaction gas supplied to the gas flow path, for example, a mesh shape, and the current collecting layer 6 is formed.

  FIG. 7 is an end view of the substrate 2 on which the current collecting layer 6 is formed. As shown in FIG. 7, the current collecting layer 6 is supported by the supporting carbon 4 in the gas flow path formed on the substrate 2, and is prevented from falling into the gas flow path. In addition, the board | substrate 2 in which the current collection layer 6 was formed is moved to the belt conveyor BC1 from the table 28, and is conveyed by the belt conveyor BC1 to the discharge apparatus 20e.

  Next, a gas diffusion layer for diffusing the reaction gas supplied through the gas flow path formed in the substrate 2 is formed on the current collecting layer 6 formed in step S12 (step S13). That is, first, the substrate 2 conveyed to the discharge device 20e by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20e. In the discharge device 20e, a material for forming the gas diffusion layer 8 accommodated in the tank 30, for example, carbon particles is discharged onto the current collecting layer 6 through the nozzles of the nozzle forming surface 26, and the gas flow A gas diffusion layer 8 for diffusing the reaction gas (first reaction gas) supplied through the passage is formed.

  FIG. 8 is an end view of the substrate 2 on which the gas diffusion layer 8 is formed. As shown in FIG. 8, for example, carbon particles having a function as an electrode are discharged onto the current collecting layer 6 to form a gas diffusion layer 8 for diffusing the reaction gas. Here, as the carbon particles constituting the gas diffusion layer 8, porous carbon having a size that can sufficiently diffuse the reaction gas supplied through the gas flow path is used. It is done. For example, porous carbon which is smaller than the supporting carbon 4 and has a particle diameter of about 0.1 to 1 micron is used. In addition, the board | substrate 2 with which the gas diffusion layer 8 was formed is moved to the belt conveyor BC1 from the table 28, and is conveyed by the belt conveyor BC1 to the discharge apparatus 20f.

  Next, on the gas diffusion layer 8 formed in step S13, a reaction layer (first reaction layer) in which the reaction gas supplied through the gas flow path formed on the substrate 2 reacts is formed (first reaction layer) (see FIG. Step S14). That is, the board | substrate 2 conveyed by the belt conveyor BC1 to the discharge apparatus 20f is mounted on the table 28, and is taken in in the discharge apparatus 20f.

  Here, in the tank 30 of the discharge device 20f, as a material for forming the reaction layer, an ink containing a fluorescent material in which platinum fine particles are dispersed, for example, a chloroplatinic acid solution containing the fluorescent material is accommodated. That is, a chloroplatinic acid solution in which platinum fine particles are dispersed and containing a fluorescent material is accommodated in the tank 30 as an ink for a reaction layer forming material. Here, examples of the fluorescent material include organic fluorescent materials such as polyfluorene-based materials such as polyparaphenylene vinylene (PPV), polythielenylene vinylene (PTV), and poly (2,5-furylene vinylene) (PFV). These materials are used. Here, when forming the reaction layer, first, a position confirmation process for confirming the position where the chloroplatinic acid solution is applied on the substrate 2 is performed.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 9, the ejection device 20 f is provided with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera 50 in the head main body 24, and an ultraviolet (UV: Ultra Violet) beside the head main body 24. ) A light source 52 is provided. Therefore, as the position confirmation process, first, several drops of ink, for example, a chloroplatinic acid solution, is ejected from the head main body 24 to a predetermined position of the substrate 2 placed on the table 28 and placed on the predetermined position of the substrate 2. Apply. Next, the chloroplatinic acid solution applied to a predetermined position on the substrate 2 is irradiated with UV light from a UV light source 52. Here, since the fluorescent material contained in the chloroplatinic acid solution applied on the substrate 2 emits fluorescence when irradiated with UV light, it is applied onto the substrate 2 by irradiation of UV light from the UV light source 52. The prepared chloroplatinic acid solution emits fluorescence. Therefore, after the UV light is irradiated by the UV light source 52, a predetermined position of the substrate 2 is imaged by the CCD camera 50, and the position emitting fluorescence is detected based on the imaged image, whereby the chloroplatinic acid solution. Check the application position.

  Next, the chloroplatinic acid solution accommodated in the tank 30 is discharged onto the gas diffusion layer 8 based on the position confirmed by the position confirmation process to form the reaction layer 10. Here, since a chloroplatinic acid solution containing a fluorescent material is dispersed on the gas diffusion layer 8 by adding a dispersing agent, for example, the substrate 2 is placed at about 500 ° C. in a nitrogen atmosphere. By heating, platinum fine particles are adhered as a catalyst on the surface of the carbon particles constituting the gas diffusion layer 8 to form the reaction layer 10. Note that the fluorescent material and the dispersant contained in the chloroplatinic acid solution are not left on the substrate 2 because they are decomposed during the firing process.

  FIG. 10 is an end view of the substrate 2 on which the reaction layer 10 is formed. As shown in FIG. 10, the reaction layer 10 is formed by adhering platinum fine particles as a catalyst to the carbon particles constituting the gas diffusion layer 8. In FIG. 10, only platinum fine particles are shown as the reaction layer 10 so that the reaction layer 10 and the gas diffusion layer 8 can be easily identified. In the following figures, the reaction layer is shown in the same manner as in FIG. The substrate 2 on which the reaction layer 10 is formed is transferred from the table 28 to the belt conveyor BC1, and is conveyed to the discharge device 20g by the Belcoton bear BC1.

  Next, an electrolyte membrane such as an ion exchange membrane is formed on the reaction layer 10 formed in step S14 (step S15). That is, first, the substrate 2 conveyed to the discharge device 20g by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20g. In the discharge device 20g, a material for forming an electrolyte film accommodated in the tank 30, for example, a material in which a ceramic solid electrolyte such as tungstophosphoric acid or molybdophosphoric acid is adjusted to a predetermined viscosity is used as the nozzle of the nozzle forming surface 26. Then, the electrolyte membrane 12 is formed by discharging onto the reaction layer 10.

  FIG. 11 is an end view of the substrate 2 on which the electrolyte membrane 12 is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, an electrolyte membrane 12 having a predetermined thickness is formed on the reaction layer 10. The substrate 2 on which the electrolyte membrane 12 is formed is transferred from the table 28 to the belt conveyor BC1, and is conveyed to the discharge device 20h by the belt conveyor BC1.

  Next, a reaction layer (second reaction layer) is formed on the electrolyte membrane 12 formed in step S15 (step S16). That is, the substrate 2 transported to the discharge device 20h by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20h. Here, the discharge device 20h has the same configuration as that of the discharge device 20f (see FIG. 9), and platinum fine particles as a catalyst are dispersed by a process similar to the process performed in the discharge apparatus 20f to contain a fluorescent material. Discharge the chloroplatinic acid solution. And the reaction layer 10 'is formed by baking the board | substrate with which the chloroplatinic-acid solution was apply | coated at about 500 degreeC.

  FIG. 12 is an end view of the substrate 2 on which the reaction layer 10 ′ is formed on the electrolyte membrane 12. As shown in FIG. 12, a reaction layer 10 ′ is formed by applying carbon carrying platinum fine particles as a catalyst onto the electrolyte membrane 12. Here, the reaction layer 10 ′ is a layer that reacts based on a second reaction gas, for example, a reaction gas containing oxygen.

  Next, a gas diffusion layer for diffusing the reaction gas (second reaction gas) is formed on the reaction layer 10 ′ formed in step S16 (step S17). That is, the substrate 2 on which the reaction layer 10 ′ is formed is transported to the discharge device 20 i by the belt conveyor BC 1, and the discharge device 20 i is a porous material having a predetermined particle diameter by the same process as that performed in the discharge device 20 e. The carbon is applied to form a gas diffusion layer 8 ′.

  FIG. 13 is an end view of the substrate 2 on which a gas diffusion layer is formed on the reaction layer 10 ′. As shown in FIG. 13, by applying porous carbon on the reaction layer 10 ′, a gas diffusion layer 8 ′ is formed.

  Next, a current collecting layer (second current collecting layer) is formed on the gas diffusion layer 8 'formed in step S17 (step S18), and support for supporting the current collecting layer on the current collecting layer is performed. Carbon for application (second support member) is applied (step S19). That is, the substrate 2 transported to the discharge device 20j by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20j, and the current collecting layer 6 is processed by the same processing as that performed in the discharge device 20d. 'Is formed on the gas diffusion layer 8'. In addition, the substrate 2 transported to the discharge device 20k by the belt conveyor BC1 is placed on the table 28 and taken into the discharge device 20k, and the supporting carbon 4 is processed by the same process as the process performed in the discharge device 20c. 'Is applied.

  FIG. 14 is an end view of the substrate 2 in which the current collecting layer 6 ′ and the supporting carbon 4 ′ are applied on the gas diffusion layer 8 ′. As shown in FIG. 14, the current collecting layer 6 'is formed by the process of step S18 described above, and the supporting carbon 4' is applied by the process of step S19 described above. Here, the supporting carbon 4 ′ is applied in the same manner as the supporting carbon 4, that is, along the gas flow path formed in the substrate 2.

  Next, the fuel cell is assembled by placing the substrate (second substrate) on which the gas flow path is formed on the substrate (first substrate) coated with the supporting carbon in step S19 (step S20). That is, in the assembling apparatus 60, by disposing the substrate 2 ′ (second substrate) carried in via the belt conveyor BC2 on the substrate 2 (first substrate) carried in through the belt conveyor BC1, Assemble the fuel cell. Here, a second gas flow path is formed on the substrate 2 ′ separately from the processing in the above-described Steps S10 to S19. That is, in the discharge device 20l and the discharge device 20m, the second gas flow path is formed by the same process as the process performed by the discharge device 20a and the discharge device 20b. Therefore, the U-shaped gas channel extending from one side surface to the other side surface formed on the substrate 2 is parallel to the U-shaped gas channel formed on the substrate 2 '. As described above, the substrate 2 'is arranged to assemble the fuel cell, thereby completing the manufacture of the fuel cell.

  FIG. 15 is an end view of the completed fuel cell. As shown in FIG. 15, the substrate 2 ′ on which the second gas flow path is formed is disposed at a predetermined position on the substrate 2 to which the supporting carbon 4 ′ is applied, and is formed on the first substrate. The manufacture of the fuel cell that supplies the first reaction gas via the first gas flow path and supplies the second reaction gas via the second gas flow path formed on the second substrate is completed. .

  According to the method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to this embodiment, a fuel cell is manufactured by discharging a fuel cell manufacturing ink onto a substrate using an ink jet type discharge device to form a reaction layer. That is, a chloroplatinic acid solution in which platinum fine particles are dispersed and containing a fluorescent material is discharged as a reaction layer forming ink using a discharge device, applied onto the gas diffusion layer, and then baked at a predetermined temperature. The fuel cell is manufactured. Therefore, by applying transparent ink on the gas diffusion layer composed of black porous carbon particles in the past, it is easy to check the ink application position, which was difficult to check because of poor visibility on the substrate. In addition, the ink application state can be easily confirmed.

  In addition, according to the method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to this embodiment, an organic fluorescent material is used as the fluorescent material contained in the reaction layer forming ink. That is, after applying the chloroplatinic acid solution on the substrate, in the process of baking at about 500 ° C. to deposit platinum, the fluorescent material contained in the ink is decomposed, and the platinum deposited on the substrate The organic fluorescent material is used as the fluorescent material so that only the remaining color remains. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fluorescent material contained in the ink from remaining on the substrate, and to react while confirming the application state using the ink that does not affect the characteristics of the final fuel cell. A layer can be formed.

  In addition, according to the method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to this embodiment, after confirming the position where the chloroplatinic acid solution is discharged, the reaction layer is formed by discharging the chloroplatinic acid solution. Accordingly, since the position of the head body of the ejection device and the substrate can be accurately aligned and the reaction layer can be formed by applying the chloroplatinic acid solution at an appropriate position, a high-quality fuel cell can be manufactured.

  Further, according to the method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the fluorescent material is contained in the ink, for example, nozzle clogging or the like can be easily found, and a high-quality fuel cell is obtained. Can be efficiently manufactured. In addition, by checking the application state, it is possible to confirm that only a necessary amount is discharged to a predetermined position even when an expensive substance such as platinum is used as a catalyst material. it can. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently manufacture the fuel cell at a low cost by preventing an unnecessary increase in the amount of the catalyst used.

  In the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the above-described embodiment, the reaction layer forming ink used when forming the reaction layer includes a fluorescent material as an example. The ink used for forming the current collecting layer or the electrolyte membrane may contain a fluorescent material. Moreover, you may make it use when forming a transparent conductive film (ITO: Indium Tin Oxide). That is, indium is dispersed in the ink containing the fluorescent material and applied onto the substrate, and tin is dispersed in the ink containing the fluorescent material and applied onto the substrate. And you may make it form ITO by baking the board | substrate with which indium and tin were apply | coated.

  In the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the above-described embodiment, PPV, PTV, PFV, and the like are used as fluorescent materials, but other organic fluorescent materials may be used. That is, as long as it is a material used for organic EL (Electro Luminescence), any material may be contained in the ink as a fluorescent material. Further, instead of the fluorescent material, a phosphorescent material may be included in the ink to manufacture a fuel cell.

  In addition, a large fuel cell may be manufactured by stacking a plurality of fuel cells created in the fuel cell manufacturing method according to the above-described embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, a gas flow path is further formed on the back surface of the substrate 2 ′ of the manufactured fuel cell, and the above fuel cell is manufactured on the back surface of the substrate 2 ′ on which the gas flow path is formed. A large fuel cell may be manufactured by forming a gas diffusion layer, a reaction layer, an electrolyte membrane and the like and laminating the fuel cells in the same manner as the manufacturing process in the method. Thus, when a large-sized fuel cell is manufactured, for example, it can be used as a power supply source of an electric vehicle, and a clean energy vehicle appropriately considering the global environment can be provided.

  According to the method for manufacturing a fuel cell according to the present invention, the reaction layer is formed by discharging ink containing a fluorescent material using a discharge device. Therefore, it is easy to confirm on which part of the substrate the material for forming the reaction layer, for example, the chloroplatinic acid solution containing the fluorescent material in which the platinum fine particles are dispersed is applied, and form the reaction layer appropriately. Thus, a fuel cell can be manufactured. In addition, since an organic fluorescent material is used as the fluorescent material, position confirmation and the like can be easily performed without affecting the performance of the fuel cell.

  According to the fuel cell manufacturing ink according to the present invention, since the fluorescent material is contained, it is possible to easily confirm to which part on the substrate of the fuel cell the ink is applied. Further, since it is possible to easily detect a clogging of the ejection device based on the fluorescent material contained in the ink, it is possible to manufacture a high-quality fuel cell and to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the fuel cell. Can be improved.

It is a figure which shows the manufacturing line of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. 1 is a schematic view of an ink jet type ejection device according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart of the manufacturing method of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining the formation process of the gas flow path which concerns on embodiment. It is another figure explaining the formation process of the gas flow path which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the formation process of the reaction layer which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate in the manufacture process of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. It is an end view of the board | substrate of the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment. The figure of the large sized fuel cell which laminated | stacked the fuel cell which concerns on embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  2, 2 '... substrate, 4, 4' ... supporting carbon, 6, 6 '... current collecting layer, 8, 8' ... gas diffusion layer, 10, 10 '... reaction Layer, 12 ... electrolyte membrane, 20a-20m ... discharge device, BC1, BC2 ... belt conveyor.

Claims (2)

A first gas channel for supplying a first reaction gas having a U-shaped cross section extending from one side surface to the other side surface is formed on the first substrate, and a first gas channel is formed in the first gas channel. A first current collecting layer forming step of applying one supporting carbon and forming a first current collecting layer on the first substrate and the first supporting carbon;
A first gas diffusion layer forming step of forming a first gas diffusion layer on the first current collecting layer;
A first reaction layer forming step of forming a first reaction layer on the first gas diffusion layer;
An electrolyte membrane forming step of forming an electrolyte membrane on the first reaction layer;
A second reaction layer forming step of forming a second reaction layer on the electrolyte membrane;
A second gas diffusion layer forming step of forming a second gas diffusion layer on the second reaction layer;
A second current collecting layer forming step of forming a second current collecting layer on the second gas diffusion layer;
The second collector layer, placing a second substrate formed with the second gas flow path for supplying a second reaction gas a U shape extending from one side to the other side Therefore, after partially applying the second supporting carbon to a position corresponding to the second gas flow path, the second substrate is placed on the second supporting carbon. A second substrate laminating step of laminating so that the path is disposed ;
In a manufacturing method of a fuel cell including
At least one of the first reaction layer formation step and the second reaction layer formation step is performed before the formation of the first reaction layer or the second reaction layer,
An ink ejection process for ejecting ink containing a material that emits fluorescence or phosphorescence by ultraviolet light using an ejection device ;
A light irradiation step of irradiating the ink discharged by the discharge device with ultraviolet light;
An imaging step of capturing an image of the ink that emits fluorescence or phosphorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light in the light irradiation step;
A position detecting step of detecting the ink application position based on the image of the ink imaged in the imaging step;
A method for producing a fuel cell, further comprising:   2. The method of manufacturing a fuel cell according to claim 1, wherein the fluorescent material and the phosphorescent material are organic materials.

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