METHODS OF FORMING FUEL CELL LAYERS

摘要

The present invention relates to electrically conductive paths in planar substrates. Various embodiments provide a method of forming one or more electrically conductive paths in a planar substrate, wherein substantially none of the substrate is removed during formation of the path. In various embodiments, by avoiding the removal of substrate during formation of the electrically conductive path, problems caused by residual substrate material can be advantageously avoided. In various embodiments, the planar substrate with the electrically conductive path can be used to make a planar fuel cell array.

主权项

1. A method for forming an electrically conductive path, comprising:
at least one of obtaining and providing a planar substrate having first and second major faces and a first volume, the substrate comprising at least one ionically conductive region; forming at least one aperture in the at least one ionically conductive region of the planar substrate, the aperture extending between the first and second faces and defining a punctured planar substrate having a second volume substantially the same as the first volume; and disposing an electrically conductive material in the aperture of the punctured planar substrate, to give the electrically conductive path extending between the first and second face; wherein the electrically conductive path is sealed to the substrate such that the substrate is substantially gas-tight between the first and second face.