Patent ID: 8383283

Claim:
A fuel cell comprising: a porous electrolyte matrix defining a cathode abutment portion and an anode abutment portion, said cathode abutment portion having a cathode disposed thereon which is exposed to an oxidant and during operation comprises dissolved nickel ions, said anode abutment portion defining an anode receiving portion, said anode abutment portion defining a sealing portion positioned peripherally to said anode receiving portion, and said anode receiving portion having an anode disposed thereon; a fuel conduit defined by a base plate, at least one side wall and a sealing platform connected to the base plate by said at least one side wall, said sealing platform defining at least one sealing surface thereon and a first opening extending between inwardly facing edges of said sealing platform, said sealing surface abuts said sealing portion of said anode abutment portion of said electrolyte matrix such that said anode is positioned in said first opening; said base plate, said at least side one wall, said sealing platform and said anode cooperate to form an interior area of said fuel conduit, said fuel conduit having an inlet and an outlet extending therethrough for flowing fuel through said fuel conduit for reaction with said anode; and a barrier layer manufactured from a metallic material, the barrier layer prevents the occurrence of an electrical short circuit between said cathode and said sealing platform, said barrier layer being aligned with said sealing platform and positioned on said electrolyte matrix and said barrier layer prevents said dissolved nickel ions from migrating from said cathode into said electrolyte matrix.