초록 ▼

An electrochemical fuel cell comprises a pair of separator plates and a pair of fluid distribution layers interposed between the separator plates. At least one of the fluid distribution layers comprises a sealing region and an electrically conductive, fluid permeable active region, and a preformed s

An electrochemical fuel cell comprises a pair of separator plates and a pair of fluid distribution layers interposed between the separator plates. At least one of the fluid distribution layers comprises a sealing region and an electrically conductive, fluid permeable active region, and a preformed sheet material extending into each of the sealing region and the active region. An ion exchange membrane is interposed between at least a portion of the fluid distribution layers, and a quantity of electrocatalyst is interposed between at least a portion of each of the fluid distribution layers and at least a portion of the membrane, thereby defining the active region. Compression of the preformed sheet material by urging of the pair of plates towards each other renders the at least one fluid distribution layer substantially fluid impermeable in a direction parallel to the major planar surfaces, in the sealing region. The performed sheet material included in the at least one fluid distribution layer thus has intrinsic sealing capability. This approach reduces or eliminates the need for separate gaskets or sealing components and integrates several functions, such as sealing, fluid distribution, and current collection, in a single layer.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrochemical fuel cell comprising:(a) a pair of substantially fluid impermeable separator plates having associated therewith a compressive mechanism for urging said plates towards each other;(b) a pair of fluid distribution layers interposed between said separator p

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An electrochemical fuel cell comprising:(a) a pair of substantially fluid impermeable separator plates having associated therewith a compressive mechanism for urging said plates towards each other;(b) a pair of fluid distribution layers interposed between said separator plates, each of said fluid distribution layers having two major planar surfaces, at least one of said fluid distribution layers comprising a sealing region and an electrically conductive, fluid permeable active region, said at least one fluid distribution layer comprising a preformed sheet material extending into each of said sealing region and said active region;(c) an ion exchange membrane interposed between at least a portion of said fluid distribution layers;(d) a quantity of electrocatalyst interposed between at least a portion of each of said fluid distribution layers and at least a portion of said membrane, thereby defining said active region; rein said at least one fluid distribution layer is compressed by movement of said pair of separator elates towards each other, thereby rendering said at least one fluid distribution layer substantially fluid impermeable in a direction parallel to said major planar surfaces, in said sealing region.