| 摘要 |
This invention describes the use of metal foam materials as electrodes, catalyst supports, and other components in alkaline (AFC) fuel cells and alkaline electrolysers. Metal foam is generally made from reticulated plastic foams. It has a very open porous structure, is light weight and possesses physical and mechanical properties suitable for fuel cell and electrolyser applications. The porous open structure of the metal foam material is ideally suited to the deposition of catalytically active materials by various coating techniques including vapour deposition, and electrochemical deposition. Although the exact microstructure of the metal foam material depends on many factors, it possesses key physical properties which are relevant to the invention described here, such as high electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity. Moreover, the metal foam can be readily incorporated into structured layers for making electrode assemblies for fuel cells and electrolysers. |
