Patent ID: 7351491
Filing Date: 2008-04-01
Classification: H01M,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An electrode supported electrolyte membrane for an electrochemical cell comprising: a substantially continuous layer of a ceramic ion conducting electrolyte supported on a conductive electrode substrate, wherein the conductive electrode substrate is planar and has a thickness less than about 750 μm and includes an active electrode layer and a bulk electrode layer; a backing structure on a face of the bulk electrode layer opposite the electrolyte layer and composed of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient about equal to the terminal expansion coefficient of the ceramic ion conducting electrolyte; wherein the backing structure has a thickness cross-section, and includes at least one void extending completely through the thickness cross-section of the backing structures wherein the at least one void is arranged in a two-dimensional pattern such that the backing structure covers less than about 50% of the area of the face of the bulk electrode layer and is effective to prevent deflection of more than about 0.05 mm/cm of length of the bulk electrode layer upon a temperature change from 1000° C. and 100° C. and wherein the pattern includes elongated strips spanning substantially completely across the face of the substrate.