Patent ID: 6869716
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: B01D,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A gas separator assembly for use with a direct oxidation fuel cell that includes a membrane electrode assembly having a protonically-conductive membrane electrolyte, with a catalyst disposed in proximity to the membrane electrolyte, said membrane having an anode face and a cathode face, and an anode chamber being defined within said cell contiguous to said anode and a cathode chamber being defined within said cell contiguous to said cathode, and when a fuel is introduced into the anode chamber, electricity-generating reactions occur in which anodically generated carbon dioxide, electrons and protons are produced and when supplied with oxygen, cathodically-generated water is produced, the gas separator assembly, comprising: A) an inlet end coupled with said anode chamber to receive anode effluent including unreacted fuel and water and carbon dioxide; and B) a conduit component coupled with said inlet end in to which said anode effluent is conveyed, said conduit having walls comprised substantially of a porous, hydrophobic material, and defining a tortuous path exiting said conduit, whereby carbon dioxide is separated out from said anode effluent.