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Alkaline membrane fuel cells and apparatus and methods for supplying water thereto

  • US 7,943,258 B2
  • Filed: 06/03/2009
  • Issued: 05/17/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An alkaline membrane fuel cell, the fuel cell comprising:

  • an anode electrode;

    a polymer membrane electrolyte configured to conduct hydroxyl (OH—

    ) ions, the membrane being in physical contact with the anode electrode on a first side of the membrane; and

    a cathode electrode in physical contact with a second opposite side of the membrane;

    wherein the fuel cell is configured and disposed with a substantially dead ended anode chamber and is configured to transfer water from the anode electrode through the membrane to the cathode electrode at a rate substantially equivalent to water generation at the anode electrode; and

    wherein water transport across the membrane is facilitated by a highly hydrophilic membrane or mesh shaped and placed as a frame around the active area on both the anode and cathode sides.

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