Electrochemical cell with a porous support plate
US6024848A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An improved electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is disclosed including a porous support plate for enhancing transport of fluids throughout the cell and for enhancing capacitance and transient response capability of the cell. The electrochemical cell includes an electrolyte having opposed major surfaces with an anode and a cathode electrode supported in intimate contact with the opposed major surfaces. A porous support plate is secured adjacent each electrode, and each porous support plate includes a contact bi-layer in intimate contact with the electrode. Each contact bi-layer is comprised of a hydrophobic phase including a mixture of carbon black and a hydrophobic polymer defining a network of hydrophobic gas passages and each contact bi-layer also includes a hydrophilic phase including a mixture of carbon black and a proton exchange resin defining a network of hydrophilic liquid passages integrated throughout the contact bi-layer. Each porous support plate also includes a porous substrate layer adjacent and supporting the contact bi-layer. A method of manufacture of the porous support plate includes the steps of preparing a hydrophobic phase compound, preparing a hydrophilic…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.