Electrochemical power generator

Abstract

An electrochemical power generator is disclosed which is composed of a plurality of unit cells stacked with interconnectors interposed therebetween; said unit cells being each composed of an anode consisting of a porous carbon plate having on its one surface a plurality of grooves constituting gas passages and on its other surface an anode catalyst layer; a cathode formed on its one surface with a cathode catalyst layer and applied on its other surface a hydrophobic material powder consisting of fluoropolymer resin; and an electrolyte layer interposed between the anode and the cathode in such a manner that its two surfaces are allowed to come into contact, respectively; said anode catalyst layer and said cathode catalyst layer, the electrolyte layer being prepared by causing an acidic electrolyte to be impregnated into an inorganic compound powder having heat resistance and chemical resistance; the interconnectors being each compressed of a high density carbon plate and having, on each surface coming into contact with the cathode, a plurality of grooves for gas passages, being used as an anode-active material, of a gas consisting mainly of hydrogen and, as a cathode-active material, of an oxidizing gas. First ribs and second ribs wider than said first ribs are formed between adjacent ones of the grooves of the anode substrate, and a catalyst is dispersed in the cathode substrate over a range extending from a boundary between a surface of contact of the cathode substrate with the cathode catalyst layer up to a point located inside the cathode substrate.