| 摘要 |
PURPOSE:To prevent electrolyte from flowing out during stacking and clamping so as to enable a fuel cell to operate stably for a long time by providing an area which is not impregnated with the electrolyte within the surface of an electrolyte matrix. CONSTITUTION:A fuel cell is constituted by stacking a gas separator, a fuel electrode, an electrolyte matrix 5 and an oxidant electrode in order. The matrix 5 is prepared by sintering mixture consisting of silicon carbide and polytetrafluoroethylene. Within the surface of the matrix 5, an area 9 having a width of around 0.5-1cm is provided. The area 9 is provided outside the reaction surfaces of an air electrode and the fuel electrode touching the upper and the lower surfaces of the matrix 5. During the time when the fuel cell is assembled by stacking and clamping, due to pressure applied to the surface of the matrix 5, electrolyte existing in the matrix 5 moves to the area 9 which is not impregnated with the electrolyte without flowing outside the matrix 5. Even after the movement of the electrolyte, a proper amount of the electrolyte is held within an area of the matrix 5 facing the electrode without causing any problem to the reaction. As a result, stable operation of the fuel cell can be carried out for a long time. |
