Patent ID: 7432008
Filing Date: 2008-10-07
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An electrochemical cell comprising: a membrane electrode assembly; a first reactant flow field plate for providing a first reactant flow field disposed on one side of the membrane electrode assembly; a first seal disposed between the first reactant flow field plate and the membrane electrode assembly for impeding leakage of process fluids of the electrochemical cell; a first gas diffusion layer disposed between the first reactant flow field plate and the membrane electrode assembly for diffusing reactant from the first reactant flow field to the membrane electrode assembly, the first gas diffusion layer including: wherein on the first side of the first gas diffusion layer a thickness of the edge portion is reduced in relation to the porous body to provide a step between the porous body and the edge portion, the step for engaging the first seal; and wherein the first seal has a thickness corresponding with a height of the step, such that the second side of the first gas diffusion layer provides a substantially flat surface for supporting the membrane electrode assembly to impede substantial distortion of the membrane electrode assembly at the first seal.