Dual membrane, hollow fiber fuel cell and method of operating same
US4100331A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 1977 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A gaseous fuel cell is described which includes a pair of electrodes formed by open-ended, ion-exchange hollow fibers, each having a layer of metal catalyst deposited on the inner surface thereof and large surface area current collectors such as braided metal mesh in contact with the metal catalyst layer. A fuel cell results when the electrodes are immersed in electrolyte and electrically connected. As hydrogen and oxygen flow through the bore of the fibers oxidation and reduction reactions develop an electrical potential. Since the hollow fiber configuration provides large electrode area per unit volume and intimate contact between fuel and oxidizer at the interface, and due to the low internal resistance of the electrolyte, high power densities can be obtained.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.