Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite electrolyte membrane including: a first folding process of folding a laminate (10A) obtained by laminating and integrating an electrolyte sheet (11) having an electrolyte as an electrolyte layer and a reinforcing sheet (12) having a porous polymer material as a reinforcing layer, so that a part of a surface of the laminate (10A) lies on another part of the surface; an impregnation process of impregnating the electrolyte of the folded laminate (10B) into the reinforcing layer; and a hydrolysis process of hydrolyzing the electrolyte impregnated in the laminate (10C).

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst having high catalytic activity which uses a transition metal, e.g., titanium, which process comprises thermal treatment at relatively low temperature, i.e., not including thermal treatment at high temperature (calcining) step. The process for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst comprises a step (1) of mixing at least a transition metal-containing compound, a nitrogen-containing organic compound and a solvent to provide a catalyst precursor solution; a step (2) of removing the solvent from the catalyst precursor solution; and a step (3) of thermally treating a solid residue obtained in the step (2) at a temperature of 500 to 1100° C. to provide an electrode catalyst; wherein the transition metal-containing compound is partly or wholly a compound comprising at least one transition metal element (M1) selected from the group 4 and 5 elements of the periodic table as a transition metal element.

Abstract: A fuel cell microporous layer including a plurality of porous particles wherein at least 90% of intruded volume by mercury porosimetry is introduced into pore size diameters ranging from about 0.43 ?m to about 0.03 ?m.

Abstract: A method of preparing advanced membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for use in fuel cells. A base polymer is selected for a base membrane. An electrode composition is selected to optimize properties exhibited by the membrane electrode assembly based on the selection of the base polymer. A property-tuning coating layer composition is selected based on compatibility with the base polymer and the electrode composition. A solvent is selected based on the interaction of the solvent with the base polymer and the property-tuning coating layer composition. The MEA is assembled by preparing the base membrane and then applying the property-tuning coating layer to form a composite membrane. Finally, a catalyst is applied to the composite membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly having an anode electrode face; an anode plate adjacent said membrane-electrode assembly electrode face and coupled thereto by a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket, electrode face and anode plate together define a fluid containment volume for delivery of anode fluid to the electrode face. A sheet of porous diffuser material is situated in the fluid containment volume and having at least one plenum defined between at least one lateral edge of the sheet of diffuser material and the sealing gasket. Fluid for delivery to an active surface of the membrane-electrode assembly may be delivered by the plenum and by diffusion through the diffuser material to such an extent that fluid flow channels in the anode plate are not required.

Abstract: The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell of the present invention includes M-Co-Ch where M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, and combinations thereof, and Ch is at least one element selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. The cathode catalyst of the present invention has high activity and excellent selectivity for reduction of an oxidant, and is capable of improving performance of a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, a fuel cell system including the same, and a membrane-electrode assembly including the same.

Abstract: A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte film according to the present invention includes a resin having a repeating unit of the general formula (1) containing a bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methide moiety: where R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; Y represents an oxygen atom or NH; Rf represents a C1-C4 perfluoroalkyl group; and W represents either a C2-C4 straight or C3-C4 branched alkylene group or a C5-C8 cyclic hydrocarbon group as a linking group, which may have a branched chain or a cross-linking structure. This solid electrolyte film combines high proton conductivity with low methanol permeability for prevention of methanol crossover and can suitably be used for a direct methanol fuel cell etc.

Abstract: An MEA comprising: (i) a central first conductive gas diffusion substrate having a first face and a second face; (ii) first and second catalyst layers each having a first and second face and wherein the first face of the first catalyst layer is in contact with the first face of the gas diffusion substrate and the first face of the second catalyst layer is in contact with the second face of the gas diffusion substrate; (iii) first and second electrolyte layers each having a first and second face and wherein the first face of the first electrolyte layer is in contact with the second face of the first catalyst layer and the first face of the second electrolyte layer is in contact with the second face of the second catalyst layer; (iv) third and fourth catalyst layers each having a first and second face and wherein the first face of the third catalyst layer is in contact with the second face of the first electrolyte layer and the first face of the fourth catalyst layer is in contact with the second face of the se

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a mixed reactant fuel cell and a mixed reactant fuel cell system including the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a membrane-electrode assembly for a mixed reactant fuel cell includes an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer, an electrode substrate disposed on at least one of the anode catalyst layer or the cathode catalyst layer, and an oxidant supply path penetrating the polymer electrolyte membrane, the anode catalyst layer, the cathode catalyst layer, and the electrode substrate and adapted to supply an oxidant.

Abstract: A benzoxazine-based monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the same, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the same, and a fuel cell using the same. The aromatic ring may contain up to 2 nitrogens within the ring. Single ring and fused ring substituents are attached to the pendent nitrogen. The ring substituents may be heterocyclic.

Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.

Abstract: A sealed and/or reinforced membrane electrode assembly is disclosed. Encapsulation films, each comprising a backing layer and an adhesive layer, are positioned on the edges of at least one face of each gas diffusion substrate such that the adhesive layers impregnate into each gas diffusion substrate. Methods of forming sealed and/or reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (10), an anode separator (20), and a cathode separator (30). The membrane-electrode assembly (10) includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1); a first anode catalyst layer (2A) and an anode gas diffusion layer (4) sequentially stacked on one of main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1); a second anode catalyst layer (2B) disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and the first anode catalyst layer (2A); and a cathode catalyst layer (3) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (5) sequentially stacked on the other main surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1). The second anode catalyst layer (2B) contains a catalyst which adsorbs a sulfur compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to platinum-metal oxide composite particles and their use as electrocatalysts in oxygen-reducing cathodes and fuel cells. The invention particularly relates to methods for preventing the oxidation of the platinum electrocatalyst in the cathodes of fuel cells by use of these platinum-metal oxide composite particles. The invention additionally relates to methods for producing electrical energy by supplying such a fuel cell with an oxidant, such as oxygen, and a fuel source, such as hydrogen.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (10) includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (20); an electrode catalyst layer (90c) provided on one surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (20); a separator (80c) having electrical conductivity, and shielding gas; and an electrode member (50c) interposed between the electrode catalyst layer (90c) and the separator (80c) and constituting an electrode together with the electrode catalyst layer (90c). The electrode member (50c) includes: first contact portions (111) in direct contact with the electrode catalyst layer (90c); second contact portions (112) in direct contact with the separator (80c); and gas diffusion paths (121) through which the gas flows. The electrode member (50c) is provided with a large number of pores (131) formed therein, and constituted by a plate member (100) having electrical conductivity and bent into a wave shape.

Abstract: The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including a plurality of unit cells which are composed of an electrolyte membrane, an anode including anode catalyst layers arranged at intervals on one of surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, and anode gas diffusion layers stacked on the anode catalyst layers, and a cathode including cathode catalyst layers arranged at intervals on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane and opposed to the anode catalyst layers, respectively, and cathode gas diffusion layers stacked on the cathode catalyst layers, wherein a thickness of at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer of one of the unit cells, which neighbor each other, gradually decreases toward the other of the unit cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a direct methanol fuel cell. The direct methanol fuel cell includes a membrane having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The membrane is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. Two terminals of the membrane and a portion of the first and second surfaces adjacent to the two terminals are exposed from a pair of the electrodes. A pair of gas diffusion layers is respectively disposed on the pair of electrodes. A plurality of first border material layers having a plurality of holes is respectively physically embedded on the exposed first and second surfaces. A plurality of adhesion materials is respectively mounted on the border material layers, passing through the holes to contact the first and second surfaces of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method a membrane electrode assembly which has a low proton conduction resistance at a boundary of an electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer. Catalyst ink including solvent, electrolyte 23 having proton permeability, and a carbon 26 supporting platinum is applied on both sides of an electrolyte membrane 4 having proton permeability. The solvent is evaporated for forming catalyst layers 10, 14. Voltage is applied between the catalyst layers 10, 14 under hydrogen atmosphere for forming proton conduction paths at boundaries between the catalyst layers 10, 14 and the electrolyte membrane 4.

Abstract: In order to inhibit a gasket (1) adhered to a plate body such as a separator (3) of a fuel battery or the like from being adversely affected by an elution component from an adhesion means, the gasket has a main lip (11), a back surface seal portion (12) formed in a back surface of the main lip and closely contacted with a separator (a plate body to be adhered) (3), an adhesion portion (14) arranged in a position in an opposite side to a space (S) to be sealed with respect to the back surface seal portion (12) and adhered to a bottom portion (31a) of a gasket installation groove (31) of the separator (3) via an adhesive agent (2), and an adhesive agent sump (15) formed between the back surface seal portion (12) and the adhesion portion (14) and holding an excess adhesive agent (2a).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a proton-conductive polymer electrolyte membrane using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a base material and having excellent proton conductivity and methanol blocking properties is provided. The method includes: heat-treating a precursor membrane including PVA and a water-soluble polymer electrolyte having a proton conductive group to proceed crystallization of the PVA; and chemically crosslinking the heat-treated precursor membrane with a crosslinking agent reactive with the PVA, to form a polymer electrolyte membrane in which a crosslinked PVA is a base material and protons are conducted through the electrolyte retained in the base material. The content of a water-soluble polymer except the PVA and the water-soluble polymer electrolyte in the precursor membrane is in a weight ratio of less than 0.1 with respect to the PVA.

Abstract: A diffusion medium for use in a PEM fuel cell including a porous spacer layer disposed between a plurality of perforated layers having variable size and frequency of perforation patterns, each perforated layer having a microporous layer formed thereon, wherein the diffusion medium is adapted to optimize water management in and performance of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell is formed by stacking first cell units and second cell units alternately. An inlet buffer and an outlet buffer are formed on a surface of a first metal separator of the first cell unit. Bosses are provided in the inlet buffer and the outlet buffer of the first metal separator. An inlet buffer and an outlet buffer are formed on a surface of the second metal separator of the first cell unit. Continuous guide ridges are formed in the inlet buffer and the outlet buffer of the second metal separator. The bosses and the continuous guide ridges are provided at positions overlapped with each other in the stacking direction.

Abstract: There is provided a hollow-shaped membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell capable of improving power density per unit volume, wherein the hollow-shaped membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprises a hollow solid electrolyte membrane, an outer electrode layer formed on the outer circumferential surface of the solid electrolyte membrane and an inner electrode layer formed on the inner circumferential surface of the solid electrolyte membrane, and wherein the hollow-shaped membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is formed in the shape of a spiral.

Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell with a proton-conducting membrane two catalyst layers adjoining both sides of the membrane, wherein the catalyst layers have an electrically conductive base material and at least one catalytic material deposited on the base material, and two gas diffusion layers adjoining the catalyst layers. The membrane and/or at least one of the catalyst layers and/or at least one of the gas diffusion layers includes at least one hydrogenatable material capable of binding hydrogen in a reversible exothermic hydrogenation operation by forming a hydride, depending on the temperature and/or pressure. The hydrogenatable material can be distributed in the gas diffusion layer and/or in the catalyst layer or can be present as a separate layer on at least one side of the gas diffusion electrode or the membrane.

Abstract: A separator includes a plurality of first and second sandwiching sections, a plurality of first bridges connected thereto, and first and second fuel gas supply units integrally connected to the first bridges. Electrolyte electrode assemblies are sandwiched between the first and second sandwiching sections. A fuel gas supply channel is formed in each of the first bridges. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the first and second fuel gas supply units in a stacking direction. A pressure loss generator mechanism is provided in the fuel gas supply channel. The pressure loss generator mechanism generates a pressure loss over the entire fuel gas supply channel for distributing a fuel gas equally to each of the electrolyte electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A benzoxazine-based monomer includes a halogen atom-containing functional group and a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group. A polymer formed from the benzoxazine-based monomer may be used in an electrode for a fuel cell and electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell.

Abstract: A phosphorus containing monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the polymer, and a fuel cell including the electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell power generation system is disclosed. The fuel cell power generation system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack, which produces electrical energy by reacting hydrogen with oxygen and in which the hydrogen is supplied as fuel and the oxygen is in the air; a hydrogen tank, which supplies fuel comprising hydrogen to the stack; and a heat transfer tape, which transfers heat generated from the stack to the hydrogen tank. The fuel cell power generation system can improve the efficiency of supplying hydrogen by supplying waste heat generated from the stack to the hydrogen tank through the use of the heat transfer tape without a heat supplying device and be applied to a mobile device due to the reduced volume of the fuel cell power generation system.

Abstract: A fuel cell according to the present invention comprises a membrane electrode assembly, a bipolar plate for guiding a reaction gas to the membrane electrode assembly, two layers of coolant flow fields formed on the bipolar plane opposite to another plane on which a reaction gas flow field is formed, and an interlayer separation plate; wherein the interlayer separation plate separates the two layers of coolant flow fields and has permeability or jet orifices so as to allow a coolant to pass through.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, which includes an anode and a cathode facing each other; and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and cathode. The cathode includes a first catalyst layer that includes catalyst particles, and a second catalyst layer that includes the catalyst particles and a pore-forming agent. The membrane-electrode assembly efficiently performs mass transfer and release, due to pores in the second catalyst layer.

Abstract: Methods of making reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are described. Catalyst coated free standing microporous layers and reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: In an electrolyte membrane (10) for a solid polymer fuel cell, sealing ribs (12) of a predetermined height made of an electrolyte resin is formed integrally with the electrolyte membrane (10). Using the electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly (20) is formed, which is further processed into a fuel cell (30). Thus, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly which are capable of improving the sealing characteristic when incorporated into a fuel cell are obtained. Besides, a fuel cell improved in the sealing characteristic is obtained.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is provided that uses a proton conductive membrane having high proton conductivity and also superior heat resistance and chemical durability. A membrane-electrode assembly for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is provided with an anode on one side of a proton conductive membrane and a cathode on another side thereof, and the proton conductive membrane is a sulfonated polyarylene containing a structure expressed by the general formula (1) below: —Rs—Z—Rh??(1) In the formula (1), Z represents at least one structure selected from the group consisting of —CO—, —SO2—, and —SO—; Rs represents a direct bond or any divalent organic group; and Rh represents a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method for an electrode-membrane-frame assembly in a fuel cell, a first frame member and an electrolyte membrane member are arranged in a first mold for injection molding such that the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is arranged on the first frame member, a second mold is arranged to form a resin flow passage for forming a second frame member which is in contact with the first frame member by interposing the electrolyte membrane member, and a part of the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is pressed and fixed to the first frame member by a presser member mounted on the second mold and a molding resin material is injected into the resin flow passage to form a second frame member.

Abstract: A small molecule or polymer additive can be used in preparation of a membrane electrode assembly to improve its durability and performance under low relative humidity in a fuel cell. Specifically, a method of forming a membrane electrode assembly comprising a proton exchange membrane, comprises providing an additive comprising at least two nitrogen atoms to the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and two gas diffusion electrodes being bonded to the membrane so that the membrane can be between them, in which assembly each gas diffusion electrode is comprised of an electrode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, intermediate layer(s) being an ion conductor is/are arranged between the electrode catalyst layer(s) and the membrane, the ion conductor mainly comprises a block copolymer comprising a polymer block (A) having ion-conductive groups and a polymer block (B) having no ion-conductive group, both blocks phase-separate from each other, (A) forms a continuous phase, and the contact part(s) of the intermediate layer(s) with the polymer electrolyte membrane and the contact part(s) of the intermediate layer(s) with the electrode catalyst layer(s) are comprised of polymer block (A) having ion-conductive groups; and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell wherein the assembly is used.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly (10) is characterized by including an electrolytic membrane (11) having proton conductivity and a first electrode (12) jointed on the electrolytic membrane. The first electrode has a catalyst (121, 122) and a first ionomer (123) covering the catalyst and acting as a proton exchange group. A ratio of water-generation amount (mol/min) at rated output point of the membrane-electrode assembly/volume (cm3) of the first ionomer in the first electrode is 1350 or larger.

Abstract: A device to produce electricity by a chemical reaction without the addition of liquid electrolyte comprises an anode electrode, a polymer membrane electrolyte fabricated to conduct hydroxyl (OH—) ions, the membrane being in physical contact with the anode electrode on a first side of the membrane, and a cathode electrode in physical contact with a second side of the membrane. The anode electrode and cathode electrode contain catalysts, and the catalysts are constructed substantially entirely from non-precious metal catalysts. Water may be transferred to the cathode side of the membrane from an external source of water.

Abstract: This invention relates to fuel cells, particularly proton exchange membrane fuel cells, more particularly to proton exchange membrane fuel cells employing nanocomposite sulphonated polystyrene-butadiene rubber-carbon nanoball (SPSBR-CNB) membranes as an electrolyte.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fuel cell system features a fuel cell (14) having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), and an antioxidant residing in or contacting the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), for inactivating active oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention prevents a flooding phenomenon by a simple method and receives a relatively small influence by a proton transfer in the catalyst layer so as to provide an MEA having an excellent power generation performance. An MEA of the present invention has an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer on surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane and catalyst loaded particles are included in the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. It is a feature of the present invention that the cathode catalyst layer has more catalysts in a surface region than in a boundary region with the polymer electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, whereas the anode catalyst layer has more catalysts in a boundary region than in a surface region in the thickness direction.

Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst composition, a polymeric binder, a polymeric dispersant, and a solvent. The polymeric dispersant includes a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing polymer.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a medium member. Unit areas are formed at both sides of the medium member. The unit areas include outlets and inlets which allow a fuel to flow. First path members which have first flowpaths for circulating the fuel are disposed at the unit areas. Membrane-electrode assemblies are connected to the respective first path members. Second path members which have second flowpaths for circulating air are connected to the respective membrane-electrode assemblies.

Abstract: Separators (5A, 5B, 6) and membrane-electrode assemblies (2) of a fuel cell stack (1) are alternately stacked in a guide box (40). The separators (5A, 5B, 6) each have groove-like gas paths (10A, 10B). Powder of an adhesive agent (7) is adhered in advance to the surfaces of the separators (5A, 5B, 6), except the gas paths (10A, 10B), through photosensitive drums (31A, 31B) to which the powder is adsorbed in a given pattern. The separators (5A, 5B, 6) and the membrane-electrode assemblies (2), stacked in the guide box (40), are heated and compressed by a press (43) and heaters (40C) to obtain a unitized fuel cell stack (1).

Abstract: New multifunctional aromatic copolymers bearing pyridine or pyrimidine units either in the main chain or side chain and single wall carbon nanotubes or multi wall carbon nanotubes as side chain pendants have been prepared. These multifunctional materials will combine both high proton and electrical conductivity due to the existence of polar pyridine or pyrimidine groups and carbon nanotubes within the same chemical structure. The prepared multifunctional materials can be used in the catalyst ink of the electrodes in high temperature PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) device having a gradient interconnect is provided, including a first gradient interconnect having opposing first and second surfaces, a first trench formed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect, a second trench formed over the second surface of the first gradient interconnect, and an interconnecting tunnel formed in the first gradient interconnect for connecting the first and second trenches. A first porous conducting disc is placed in the first trench and partially protrudes over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect. A first sealing layer is placed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect and surrounds the first trench. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is placed over the first surface of the first gradient interconnect and contacted with the first porous conducting disc and the first sealing layer.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane having (a) an ion exchange material and (b) dispersed in said ion exchange material, a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst bound to a carbon particle support, wherein the hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst comprises (i) polyvinylphosphonic acid and (ii) transition metal with multiple oxidation states or a lanthanide metal with multiple oxidation states.

Abstract: A gasket formed of compressible material and having a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for providing a fluid seal between a first component and a second component, a plurality of cavities provided within the gasket proximate the first and/or second sealing surfaces and extending over at least a first portion of the gasket to provide increased compressibility of the gasket in the first portion.