Patent ID: 6350539
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
An assembly for an electrochemical cell comprising a composite diffusion structure, and an electrode structure having first and second opposed major surfaces, said diffusion structure comprising:an absorption layer with third and fourth opposed major surfaces and comprising a first electrically conductive material, said third surface engaging said second surface of said electrode structure and arranged to accept water at said third surface; a bulk layer with fifth and sixth opposed major surfaces and comprising a second electrically conductive material, said fifth surface engaging said fourth surface of said adsorption layer, said bulk layer comprising at least two portions, a first portion adjacent said fifth surface and a second portion adjacent said sixth surface, where said first portion is less hydrophobic than said second portion; a desorption layer with seventh and eighth opposed major surfaces and comprising a third electrically conductive material, said seventh surface engaging said sixth surface of said bulk layer and said eighth surface facing away from the electrode structure to release water at said eighth surface.