초록 ▼

The invention provides for reducing the number of parts and the number of interfaces found in certain types of chemical reactors, particularly in electrochemical reactors, and especially in the type or reactor known as a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. This reduction comes from the use of a unified st

The invention provides for reducing the number of parts and the number of interfaces found in certain types of chemical reactors, particularly in electrochemical reactors, and especially in the type or reactor known as a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. This reduction comes from the use of a unified structure that combines the functions normally carried out by several components in the unit, particularly by combining the functions of the gas distribution structure and the gas diffusion structure, the gas distribution structure and the gas barrier structure, or all three structures into a single, unitary, metallic part. This offers the advantages of simplified design, better performance, and lighter weight.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An apparatus for use in an electrochemical device comprising:a porous metal flow field having a first face and a second face; anda porous metal gas diffusion layer metallurgically bonded to the first face of the porous metal flow field, wherein the porous metal gas diffusion laye

[ We claim:] [1.]1. An apparatus for use in an electrochemical device comprising:a porous metal flow field having a first face and a second face; anda porous metal gas diffusion layer metallurgically bonded to the first face of the porous metal flow field, wherein the porous metal gas diffusion layer is made hydrophobic. [39.]39. An apparatus for use in an electrochemical device comprising:a porous metal flow field having a first face and a second face; anda gas diffusion layer in contact with the first face of the porous metal flow field, the gas diffusion layer comprising a hydrophobic, carbonaceous gas diffusion matrix and a metal current collector disposed within the hydrophobic, carbonaceous gas diffusion matrix.