Abstract: Hydrodynamic transport and flow channel passage structures associated with fuel cell electrode structures and fuel cell electrode stack assemblies, as well as to methods relating thereto, are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a novel fluid delivery and removal channel passage structures integrally associated with electrode structures adapted for use within a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Metallic blocking layers integrally associated with fuel cell electrode structures and fuel cell electrode stack assemblies, as well as to methods relating thereto, are disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a metallic blocking layer integrally associated with an electrode structure of a fuel cell system such as, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell system. In this embodiment, the invention may be characterized in that the electrode structure comprises an inorganic (i.e., noncarbonaceous) support substrate having one or more discrete porous regions, wherein the one or more discrete porous regions is defined by an array of acicular pores disposed across the top surface area of the electrode structure such that at least a portion of the blocking layer covers the top surface area and protrudes into the array of acicular pores.

Abstract: Fuels cells, electrode assemblies, and electrodes that comprise silicon and/or sol-gel derived support structures, as well as to methods relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an electrode assembly adapted for use with a fuel cell comprises: an anode derived from a first planar silicon substrate; an electrolyte; a cathode derived from a second planar silicon substrate; wherein the anode and the cathode are parallel to each other and separated by an interstitial region comprising the electrolyte. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to electrode adapted for use with a fuel cell, wherein the electrode comprises a silicon substrate that functions as a current conductor, wherein the silicon substrate has a plurality of pores that define pore surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the pore surfaces have a catalyst thereon, wherein the catalyst is derived from one or more metallic precursors chemisorbed onto at least the pore surfaces.

Abstract: Metallic blocking layers integrally associated with fuel cell electrode structures and fuel cell electrode stack assemblies, as well as to methods relating thereto, are disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a metallic blocking layer integrally associated with an electrode structure of a fuel cell system such as, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell system. In this embodiment, the invention may be characterized in that the electrode structure comprises an inorganic (i.e., noncarbonaceous) support substrate having one or more discrete porous regions, wherein the one or more discrete porous regions is defined by an array of acicular pores disposed across the top surface area of the electrode structure such that at least a portion of the blocking layer covers the top surface area and protrudes into the array of acicular pores.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to sol-gel derived electrode structures and sol-gel derived electrode assemblies associated with fuel cell systems, as well as to methods relating thereto. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to electrode structure adapted for use with a fuel cell system such as, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell system. In this embodiment, the invention may be characterized in that the electrode structure comprises a support substrate or structure having a one or more discrete porous regions, wherein each of the one or more discrete porous regions comprise a sol-gel. The sol-gel of the present invention comprises platinum ruthenium dioxide, platinum-ruthenium-silicon oxide, platinum-ruthenium-titanium oxide, platinum-ruthenium-zirconium oxide, platinum-ruthenium-aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof, preferably, however, the sol-gel comprises platinum ruthenium dioxide.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic transport and flow channel passage structures associated with fuel cell electrode structures and fuel cell electrode stack assemblies, as well as to methods relating thereto, are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a novel fluid delivery and removal channel passage structures integrally associated with electrode structures adapted for use within a fuel cell system.