US3859138A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Novel composite fuel cell electrode
Assignee: RTX Corp
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Filing: 1974-01-11
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Granted: 1975-01-07
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Expires: 1994-01-11
Abstract
Abstract Electrode substrates comprising infusible, cured novolac fibers and silicon dioxide fibers are fabricated into a suitable form. The substrate is made electrically conductive by heat treatment in an inert atmosphere to render the novolac fibers conductive. The substrates are relatively inexpensive, have good resistance to acid and alkaline electrolytes, have low ohmic resistance, and when treated with an electrocatalyst provide a highperformance electrode.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen T Narsavage
- 👤 Raymond W Vine
- 👤 Roger C Emanuelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:21
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M8/00; H01M8/02; H01M8/0289; H01M8/0293; H01M4/00; H01M4/86; H01M50/00; H01M50/40; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y02E60/30; Y02E60/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
THE METHOD OF PROVIDING A FUEL CELL ELEMENT COMPRISING ADMIXING FROM 85 TO 60 PERCENT OF AN INFUSIBLE, CURED NOVOLAC FIBER WITH 15 TO 40 PERCENT OF HIGH PURITY SILICON DIOXIDE AND FORMING SAID ADMIXTURE INTO A SUBSTRATE; HEAT-CURING SAID SUBSTRATE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INERT GAS TO RENDER SAID NOVOLAC FIBERS CONDUCTIVE; AND DISPOSING OF SAID STRUCTURE IN A FUEL CELL SAID PERCENTAGES BEING ON A WEIGHT BASIS RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
74 words
THE METHOD OF PROVIDING A FUEL CELL ELEMENT COMPRISING ADMIXING FROM 85 TO 60 PERCENT OF AN INFUSIBLE, CURED NOVOLAC FIBER WITH 15 TO 40 PERCENT OF HIGH PURITY SILICON DIOXIDE AND FORMING SAID ADMIXTURE INTO A SUBSTRATE; HEAT-CURING SAID SUBSTRATE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN INERT GAS TO RENDER SAID NOVOLAC FIBERS CONDUCTIVE; AND DISPOSING OF SAID STRUCTURE IN A FUEL CELL SAID PERCENTAGES BEING ON A WEIGHT BASIS RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the inert gas is nitrogen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the heat treatment is greater than 600*C.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 including the additional step of applying a catalytic layer of electrocatalyst and hydrophobic binder to said substrate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A fuel cell element disposed in a fuel cell comprising a substrate containing from 85 to 60 percent infusible, cured novolac fiber, and 15 to 40 percent silicon dioxide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A fuel cell element disposed in a fuel cell comprising a substrate containing from 85 to 60 percent infusible, cured novolac fiber, and 15 to 40 percent silicon dioxide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 5 wherein the infusible, cured novolac fiber is electrically conductive.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-06 | 1978-07-08 | 1979-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-06 | 1982-07-08 | 1983-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-06 | 1986-07-08 | 1987-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |