| 摘要 |
<p>An electrochemical fuel cell is provided for converting a fuel reactant stream and an oxidant reactant stream to a reaction product stream and electrical energy. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (52) interposed between two separator layers (54, 56). The separator layers are formed of thin electrically conductive sheet material which is substantially impermeable to the fuel and oxidant reactant streams. The membrane electrode assembly comprises first and second electrode layers (64, 66) formed of porous electrically conductive sheet material. The electrode layers have a catalyst associated therewith, and an ion exchange membrane is interposed between the first and second electrode layers. The electrode layers include passages, such as the interstitial spaces within the electrode material or grooves (64a, 66a) formed in the surface of the electrode material, for flowing a reactant stream between an inlet and outlet within the electrode layer.</p> |
