Patent ID: 8241818
Filing Date: 2012-08-14
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell comprising: an anode; a cathode; a proton exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; a fluid distribution chamber associated with the cathode having a gas entrance and a gas exit side; a fluid distribution chamber associated with the anode having a gas entrance and a gas exit side; a diffusion medium disposed within the fluid distribution chamber associated with the cathode, the fluid distribution chamber associated with the anode, or both, wherein the diffusion medium spans the fluid distribution chamber from the entrance side to the exit side, and wherein at least one of the diffusion media comprises: an electrically conductive porous material; a hydrophobic polymer deposited on the porous material defining hydrophobic areas; and a hydrophilic polymer deposited on the porous material defining hydrophilic areas.