초록

An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Improvements in interfacing of the catalyst layer and the membrane and activating catalyst materials are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for generating electrical power by electrochemical reactions of a liquid organic fuel, comprising:a housing having a first compartment for electro-oxidation of said fuel and a second compartment for electro-reduction of oxygen;a solid electrolyte membrane having

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A device for generating electrical power by electrochemical reactions of a liquid organic fuel, comprising:a housing having a first compartment for electro-oxidation of said fuel and a second compartment for electro-reduction of oxygen;a solid electrolyte membrane having a first and a second membrane surfaces, disposed in said housing to partition said housing into said first and second compartments, said membrane operable to conduct protons and exchange cations;an anode formed on said first membrane surface and interconnecting said membrane and said first compartment, said anode comprising a first catalyst layer and a first carbon backing layer; anda cathode formed on said second membrane surface and interconnecting said membrane and said second compartment, said cathode comprising a second catalyst layer and a second carbon backing layer;wherein each catalyst layer is formed from a mixture having about 7-10% of a catalyst that comprises platinum and ruthenium, about 60-70% of perfluorovinylether sulfonic acid, and about 15-20% of polytetrafluoroethylene.