DIFFUSION MEDIUM FOR USE IN FUEL CELL, FUEL CELL AND METHOD OF MAKING THE DIFFUSION MEDIUM

摘要

A diffusion medium (10) for use in a fuel cell, a fuel cell (80) and a method (60) of making the diffusion medium (10) are provided. The diffusion medium (10) includes a porous substrate (12) having a first surface (14) and a second surface (16), a microporous layer (18) formed on the first surface (14) of the porous substrate (12), and a plurality of water-retaining portions (20) formed on the microporous layer (18). The porous substrate (12) is electrically conductive. The microporous layer (18) provides a hydrophobic surface (22). The water-retaining portions (20) define a hydrophilic area (24) on the hydrophobic surface (22) of the microporous layer (18).