Bloom Energy has been granted a patent for a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that includes an ionically-conductive proton exchange membrane, an anode with multiple layers containing catalyst particles and bonding agents, and a cathode. This innovation aims to improve the efficiency of fuel cells. GlobalData’s report on Bloom Energy gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Bloom Energy, Polymer electrolyte fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. Bloom Energy's grant share as of March 2024 was 40%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11973231B2) discloses a membrane electrode assembly designed for fuel cells. The assembly includes an ionically-conductive proton exchange membrane with an anode on one side and a cathode on the other. The anode consists of multiple layers, including an anode gas diffusion layer, a first catalyst layer with specific particles for carbon monoxide oxidation, and a second catalyst layer for hydrogen ion generation. The cathode comprises catalyst particles and a cathode gas diffusion layer.
Furthermore, the membrane electrode assembly features a unique combination of materials in its construction. The anode includes a hydrophobic polymer bonding agent like polytetrafluorethylene and a first ionomer bonding agent without functional chains on the molecular backbone. The second ionomer bonding agent in the second anode catalyst layer does include functional chains on the molecular backbone. This design allows for preferential catalyzation of specific reactions, such as carbon monoxide oxidation and hydrogen ion generation. Overall, this patented technology showcases advancements in fuel cell technology, particularly in optimizing catalyst performance and membrane structure for enhanced efficiency and performance.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on Bloom Energy, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
