Novel fuel cell structure

• Main Author: TROCCIOLA; JOHN C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 16.09.1975
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

A compact electrochemical cell comprising a pair of opposed electrodes; an electrolyte matrix containing an aqueous, ion-conductive electrolyte between the opposed electrodes; and an electrolyte reservoir positioned behind and partially defined by at least one of said electrodes. The electrode partly defining the reservoir has a continuous hydrophobic surface and select hydrophilic areas substantially uniformly distributed within the boundaries of the electrode surface. The electrolyte volume of the cell is controlled by electrolyte movement between the electrolyte matrix of the cell and the reservoir through the select hydrophilic areas of the electrode, thereby stabilizing the electrochemical performance of the cell.