US 6,589,682 B1 · Fuel cells incorporating nanotubes in fuel feed

Abstract

A novel design and process for: a) a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with aligned carbon nanotubes as a nano-scale gas distributor which yield better gas conversion efficiencies in PEM fuel cells, and (b) doped silicon flow field plates (FFP) which increase electrode conductivity of the membrane-catalyst-gas diffusion layer (GDL)-FFP interfaces of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Also, part of the invention are a stacking configuration and a gas distribution design that also enhance conductivity of carbon/metal catalyst/electrode, GDL, and FFP interfaces surfaces without crushing the FFPs. Aligned carbon nanoscale gas distributors are employed at the interfaces, thereby increasing the overall performance of the PEMFC. The FFPs are easy to manufacture and mass-producible, yet mechanically sturdy and significantly lighter in weigh than their conventional counterparts. Another novel feature of the invention is an integrated monitoring and communication/Internet system located directly or connected to the FFP.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A fuel cell which comprises:

first and second flow field plates;
an electrolyte between the flow field plates;
catalytic electrodes on first and second, opposite faces of the electrolyte for promoting the dissociation of a fuel at the first face of said electrolyte and the formation of water at the second face of the electrolyte, and
a system for delivering a gaseous fuel through the first flow field plate to the first face of the electrolyte, said system comprising an array of nanotubes oriented to discharge said fuel into contact with the catalyst on the first face of the electrolyte.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fuel cells incorporating nanotubes in fuel feed

Life of this patent

Fuel cells incorporating nanotubes in fuel feed

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25