초록 ▼

Gas diffusion electrodes (1) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are modified such that the diffusion of water therein is inhibited in comparison with un-modified electrodes. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with the modified gas diffusion electrodes can be operated, with on the avera

Gas diffusion electrodes (1) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are modified such that the diffusion of water therein is inhibited in comparison with un-modified electrodes. Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with the modified gas diffusion electrodes can be operated, with on the average unchanged operating conditions, without addition of water, since the gas diffusion electrodes do not allow more water to escape than that formed during the reaction of burnable gas and oxidizing agent, and guarantee sufficient membrane moisture.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A gas diffusion electrode for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell to be operated with a burnable gas and an oxygen-containing gas as oxidizing agent, comprising:an anode electrode; a cathode electrode; and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode el

1. A gas diffusion electrode for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell to be operated with a burnable gas and an oxygen-containing gas as oxidizing agent, comprising:an anode electrode; a cathode electrode; and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, wherein at least one electrode selected from the group consisting of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode function as the gas diffusion electrode, wherein the gas diffusion electrode has an effective diffusion constant for water, and wherein the gas diffusion electrode is filled, in at least a partial region thereof, with a filling material which reduces the effective diffusion constant of the gas diffusion electrode for water, which filling material is present in such an amount that, during a phase of continuous operation of the fuel cell under constant conditions, sufficient moisture of the polymer electrolyte membrane is maintained without adding water from outside the fuel cell for humidification of the polymer electrolyte membrane.