Abstract: A tubular conductive wire mesh is provided for use in solid state electrochemical devices such as fuel cells. The tubular conductive wire mesh is typically formed from wire using knitting, weaving, or similar process. The mesh typically includes a plurality of substantially uniform interconnected adjacent segments that may form junctions that provide a repetitive pattern of localized bumps that may form preferred electrical contact points between the conductive wire mesh and a surface of a tubular fuel cell body in a solid state electrochemical device. In some embodiments the conductive wire mesh is disposed adjacent the inside surface of a tubular electrode and in some embodiments the conductive wire mesh is disposed adjacent the outside surface of a tubular fuel cell body.

Abstract: A method for treating a porous item constructed of metal powder, such as a powder made of Series 400 stainless steel, involves a step of preheating the porous item to a temperature of between about 700 and 900° C. degrees in an oxidizing atmosphere and then sintering the body in an inert or reducing atmosphere at a temperature which is slightly below the melting temperature of the metal which comprises the porous item. The thermal stability of the resulting item is enhanced by this method so that the item retains its porosity and metallic characteristics, such as ductility, at higher (e.g. near-melting) temperatures.

Abstract: An internal current collector for use inside a tubular solid oxide fuel cell (TSOFC) electrode comprises a tubular coil spring disposed concentrically within a TSOFC electrode and in firm uniform tangential electrical contact with the electrode inner surface. The current collector maximizes the contact area between the current collector and the electrode. The current collector is made of a metal that is electrically conductive and able to survive under the operational conditions of the fuel cell, i.e., the cathode in air, and the anode in fuel such as hydrogen, CO, CO2, H2O or H2S.