FUEL CELL MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES WITH IMPROVED POWER OUTPUTS AND POISON RESISTANCE

摘要

An electrode-membrane combination for use in a fuel cell and providing improved power outputs and resistance to poisoning. Multiple embodiments are described which generally involve use of a vapor deposited zone or layer of one or more catalytically active metals. Vapor deposition can be carried out by, for example, sputtering or physical vapor deposition. An electrode- membrane combination comprising: at least one reactant diffusive, electronically conductive electrode comprising at least one first catalytically active metal and at least one ionically conductive polymer; an d at least one ionically conductive membrane contacting the electrode to form an electrode-membrane interfacial region, wherein the interfacial region comprises at least one zone comprising at least two different second catalytically active metals, e.g. Platinum and Ruthenium and having a zone thickness of about 3 angstroms to about 5,000 angstroms is disclosed.