Electrochemical cell comprising a ribbed electrode substrate

Patent · Tue Sep 19 04:00:00 EDT 1978

OSTI ID:6762887

Christner, L G; Nagle, D C

A ribbed electrode substrate for an electrochemical cell comprises a gas porous substrate having ribs of hydrophilic material extending across one side thereof. The other side of the substrate is substantially flat and may have a catalyst layer disposed thereon. In one embodiment a stack of fuel cells uses electrodes having these ribbed substrates. A flat, gas impermeable plate separates the electrode substrates of adjacent cells, the ribs of each substrate abutting opposite surfaces of the plate forming channels for carrying reactant gas across the cells. Electrolyte is stored in the ribs, which are hydrophilic. The electrolyte in the ribs moves to and from the electrolyte matrix of the cell by capillary action through the substrate. 1 claim.

• Assignee: United Technologies Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 4115627
• OSTI ID: 6762887
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
300503* -- Fuel Cells-- Materials
Components
& Auxiliaries
CAPILLARY FLOW
CATALYST SUPPORTS
CATALYSTS
DESIGN
DIRECT ENERGY CONVERTERS
ELECTROCATALYSTS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
FLUID FLOW
FUEL CELLS
SUBSTRATES