A high molecular weight direct antifreeze cooled fuel cell 10 includes
an
electrolyte 52 secured between an anode catalyst 54 and a cathode
catalyst 56; a porous anode substrate 58 secured in direct fluid
communication with and supporting the anode catalyst 54; a porous wetproofed
cathode substrate 62 secured in direct fluid communication with and supporting
the cathode catalyst 56; a porous water transport plate 64 secured
in direct fluid communication with the porous cathode substrate 62; and,
a high molecular weight direct antifreeze solution passing through the porous water
transport plate 64 to cool and remove product water from the fuel cell 10.
The high molecular weight direct antifreeze solution preferably includes polyethylene
glycol having a molecular weight ranging from 200 to 8,000 AMU. The direct antifreeze
solution does not leave the water transport plate 64 in significant quantities
to poison the catalysts.
