Patent ID: 6617068
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A bi-zone water transport plate for a fuel cell having a proton exchange membrane electrolyte, an anode catalyst and a cathode catalyst secured on opposed sides of the electrolyte, the bi-zone water transport plate comprising:a. a water permeability zone secured in fluid communication with the electrolyte; b. a bubble barrier zone secured to the water permeability zone and secured in fluid communication with the electrolyte, for directing flow of product water from the cathode catalyst through the plate, and; i. wherein the bubble barrier zone extends between all reactive perimeters of the plate, has liquid filled pores having a pore size of less than 20 microns, and has a thickness of less than 25 per cent of a shortest distance between opposed contact surfaces defined by the plate; and, ii. the water permeability zone has a mean pore size of at least 100 per cent greater than the pore size of the bubble barrier zone, and has a thickness of greater than 75 per cent of the shortest distance between the opposed contact surfaces.