Patent ID: 8486551
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell unit having a PIN structure comprising: a fuel electrode formed of a p-type semiconductor, an oxygen electrode formed of an n-type semiconductor, and an interlayer formed of an intrinsic semiconductor arranged between the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode; the fuel electrode being porous and permeable to fuel fluid; a metal-based catalyst layer being formed on inner surfaces of pores in the porous portion of the fuel electrode; the oxygen electrode being porous and permeable to oxidizing fluid; a metal-based catalyst layer being formed on inner surfaces of pores in the porous portion of the oxygen electrode; the interlayer being porous and holding electrolyte therein, allowing hydrogen ions generated at the fuel electrode to pass therethrough, but blocking electrons; the fuel electrode, the interlayer and the oxygen electrode each have a planar shape and are arranged parallel to each other within the fuel cell; and the fuel cell has an operating structure that permits light to reach the interlayer and irradiate the electrolyte contained in the interlayer, that supplies fuel fluid to a surface of the fuel electrode and that supplies an oxygen-containing oxidizing fluid to a surface of the oxygen electrode; and the fuel cell unit comprising a connecting terminal in each of the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode, the connecting terminals being electrically connected to each electrode.