Proton exchange membrane fuel cell

摘要

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell is described and which includes a proton exchange membrane having at least one gas diffusion layer which is juxtaposed relative thereto, and which is fabricated, at least in part, of a porous, electrically conductive, inorganic material which is selected from the group comprising metal diborides, metal disilicides, metal nitrides, metal carbides, and composites, laminates and solid solutions thereof.

主权项

1. A proton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising:
a copolymer proton exchange membrane having at least one gas diffusion layer which is juxtaposed relative thereto, the at least one gas diffusion layer fabricated solely of a porous, electrically conductive, inorganic material which is selected from the group comprising metal diborides, metal disilicides, metal nitrides, metal carbides, and composites, laminates and solid solutions thereof, wherein the proton exchange membrane fuel cell is configured to operate with an intake ambient air temperature range of about 42 to about 58 degrees Celsius and generates water as a byproduct during operation, and wherein the porous, electrically conductive, inorganic material forming the at least one gas diffusion layer retains an operationally effective amount of liquid water during operation so as to render the proton exchange membrane fuel cell substantially self-humidifying.