Patent ID: 6083638
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A fuel cell comprising:a cell including an electrolyte member, an anode layer, and a cathode layer, wherein one main surface of the electrolyte member is provided with the anode layer and the other main surface of the electrolyte member is provided with the cathode layer;a pair of current collectors, where one of the pair of current collectors is positioned to contact the anode layer and the other of the pair of current collectors is positioned to contact the cathode layer, at least one current collector includes a thin porous substrate comprising a fibrous material and a hydrophilic material, wherein the hydrophilic material is either (i) loaded between fibers of the thin porous substrate or (ii) provided to cover surfaces of the fibers so that hydrophilic areas formed by the hydrophilic material successively pass through the thin porous substrate between both surfaces of the thin porous substrate;a first channel member which includes channels, the channels facing the anode layer with one of the pair of current collectors in between; anda second channel member which includes channels, the channels facing the cathode layer with the other one of the pair of current collectors in between, whereinthe hydrophilic areas of the at least one current collector are exposed to channels of at least one of the first channel member and the second channel member.