Membrane and electrode structure for methanol fuel cell
US5958616A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides devices and techniques for reducing or eliminating fuel crossover from the anode to the cathode in fuel cells using organic fuels. The invention particularly provides proton exchange membranes having passages or channels with or without a catalyst layer active for the electrochemical oxidation of a fuel. The invention reduces fuel crossover by providing void spaces within the membrane where the fuel may be sequestered as it diffuses through the membrane from the anode to the cathode. The sequestered fuel may be removed physically and/or electrochemically. The invention provides for physical removal of the sequestered fuel by means of flowing a gas stream or a liquid stream through the passages thus evacuating the fuel before it diffuses to the cathode. Electrochemical removal of the fuel involves coating the inner walls of the passages with a catalyst, electronically connecting the catalyst with the anode, and electrooxidation of the crossover fuel sequestered in contact with the catalyst which is active for this oxidation process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.