Spatially varying diffusion media and devices incorporating the same
US7332240B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A diffusion media and a scheme for spatially varying the parameters of the diffusion media to address issues related to water management in electrochemical cells and other devices employing the diffusion media are provided. A device is configured to convert a hydrogenous fuel source to electrical energy and comprises an electrochemical conversion assembly, first and second reactant inputs, first and second product outputs, and first and second diffusion media. The device is configured such that a mesoporous layer is carried along at least a portion of a major face of one of the first and second diffusion media substrates. The mesoporous layer comprises a hydrophilic carbonaceous component and a hydrophobic component. The mesoporous layer occupies a substantially greater portion of one of the high or low H2O regions of the device, relative to the other of the high or low H2O region of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.