End plate for fuel cell stack and air breathing fuel cell stack using the same

An air breathing fuel cell stack comprising:

• a membrane electrode assembly comprising an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolyte positioned between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode;
• an anode end plate having an inner surface that faces the membrane electrode assembly, comprising a current collector disposed on the inner surface, in contact with the anode electrode;
• and
• a cathode end plate having an inner surface that faces the membrane electrode assembly, comprising a current collector disposed on the inner surface, in contact with the cathode electrode.

An end plate for a fuel cell, the end plate contacting a membrane electrode assembly of an air breathing fuel cell stack, the end plate comprising:

• a first surface facing a cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack, and an opposing second surface;
• a current collector disposed upon the first surface, in contact with the cathode electrode;
• a connecting pad disposed upon the second surface;
• and
• a conductive layer connecting the current collector and the connecting pad.