FUEL CELL WITH FIBER-REINFORCED MEMBRANE Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: polymeric-electrolyte fuel cells. SUBSTANCE: fuel cell has fiber- reinforced central porous membrane and two external porous membranes. Both sides of central membrane are coated with thin films of catalyst and metal-electrode materials by various techniques such as ion or photon bombardment, etching, and vacuum evaporation. Two catalysts are evaporated in case of complex fuels. First catalyst is formed inside electrode incorporating surface replica. Second catalyst is made on inner surfaces of pores to catch hydrogen before it starts diffusing from electrode and electrolyte. Water-repelling film is evaporated above electrode films to check up condition of electrolyte and to raise strength of electrodes. Active surface area of catalyst is maximized by separating catalyst film from porous insulating substrate and filling substrate-to-film spaces with electrolyte. Single-pole battery of fuel elements is formed on central membrane by arranging cells on the latter so as to ensure contact through membrane, water flow through cell, thin film electrodes, and open circuits in electrodes . Fuel cell may be also used as electrolysis cell for separating gaseous agents from electrolyte. EFFECT: reduced space requirement, mass, and cost of fuel cell. 41 cl, 17 dwg