FUEL CELL ELECTRODE-ELECTROLYTE UNIT

摘要

An electrode-electrolyte unit for a fuel cell which prevents the permeation of the fuel used or the permeation of water through the electrolyte layer. An electrolyte is subdivided into two electrolyte layers with a barrier layer disposed between them. The barrier layer is permeable only to protons and may be coated with a catalytically active porous layer having a high effective surface area. A porous layer on the side of the unit facing the cathode increases the electrochemically active surface area and a porous layer on the side of the unit facing the anode ensures that a sufficient amount of hydrogen is dissolved. The fuel used can be hydrogen or methanol and suitable electrolytes include membranes or other solid or liquid electrolytes.