Commissariat a L'energie Atomique

Commissariat a L'energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives

Christine Nayoze

Didier Marsacq

Christel Roux

Jean-Yves Laurent

Alejandro Franco

Françis Cardot

The fuel cell, generating electric power from oxygen and hydrogen ions and comprising an anode (A), a magnetic cathode, comprising an active layer (),and a proton electrolyte () between the anode and the cathode, comprises a network () of permanent magnets () designed to increase the diffusion of oxygen in the active layer. The centers of the magnets () of the network () of permanent magnets are preferably arranged with a two-dimensional distribution in a plane arranged at the interface between the electrolyte () and the active layer (), the magnets being magnetized in parallel manner along the axis perpendicular to this plane. In this way, all the poles of one polarity (S) are surrounded by the active layer (), all the poles of opposite polarity (N) being surrounded by the electrolyte ().

Fuel cell comprising a magnetic cathode with static pumping

The invention relates to a fuel cell with a stack comprising an electrolytic membrane (), with front and rear faces () on which first and second current collectors () are respectively arranged, each comprising a metallic deposit and provided with a number of transverse passages. First and second electrodes () are respectively arranged on the first and second current collectors () such as to come into direct contact with the electrolytic membrane ().

Fuel cell comprising current collectors integrated in the electrode-membrane-electrode stack

The PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type basic fuel cell element has a high efficient when only the protons migrate towards the cathode, excluding any other species that could react with the cathode. It is composed mainly of a silicon substrate () crossed by pipes (), terminating on the bottom of a dish. The cathode () is deposited on the bottom of this dish, covered by a first layer of electrolyte (). An internal part () of the anode is embedded between two layers () of electrolyte, while an external part () is placed on the upper part of it. The internal part () is preferably a grid or a foam such that fuel migrating towards the cathode can be consumed and protons can pass through.

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Fontaine, France

Christine Nayoze