[Problem] Provided are a protective-layer-coated-interconnector, a cell stack, and a hydrogen energy system. A component (particularly Cr) of the interconnector is prevented from diffusing even if the interconnector is exposed to high temperature for a long time. The interconnector has sufficient diffusion barrier performance and protective performance even with a protective layer thinner than conventionally, is inhibited from being degraded through use, and has excellent electrical conductivity.

[Solution] A protective-layer-coated-interconnector including an interconnector material and a protective layer on the surface of the interconnector material, wherein the protective layer contains a metal layer constituted by a Group 11 element. A cell stack and a hydrogen energy system that each include this interconnector.

[Problem] Provided are a protective-layer-coated-interconnector, a cell stack, and a hydrogen energy system. A component (particularly Cr) of the interconnector is prevented from diffusing even if the interconnector is exposed to high temperature for a long time. The interconnector has sufficient diffusion barrier performance and protective performance even with a protective layer thinner than conventionally, is inhibited from being degraded through use, and has excellent electrical conductivity.

[Solution] A protective-layer-coated-interconnector including an interconnector material and a protective layer on the surface of the interconnector material, wherein the protective layer contains a metal layer constituted by a Group 11 element. A cell stack and a hydrogen energy system that each include this interconnector.

A fuel cell 1 includes a silicon substrate 2, a porous support material layer 5, a plurality of holes 60 or columns 40, and a stacked body. The stacked body includes an upper electrode layer 10, a solid electrolyte layer 100 and a lower electrode layer 20. The upper electrode layer 10 is also formed on a surface parallel to a main surface of the silicon substrate 2 in a manner of being continuous to the upper electrode layer 10 formed in the plurality of holes 60 or columns 40, or the lower electrode layer 20 is also formed on a surface parallel to the main surface of the silicon substrate 2 in a manner of being continuous to the lower electrode layer 20 formed in the plurality of holes 60 or columns 40. The stacked body is supported by the porous support material layer 5 in at least upper end portions and lower end portions of the plurality of holes 60 or columns 40.

A fuel cell 1 includes a silicon substrate 2, a porous support material layer 5, a plurality of holes 60 or columns 40, and a stacked body. The stacked body includes an upper electrode layer 10, a solid electrolyte layer 100 and a lower electrode layer 20. The upper electrode layer 10 is also formed on a surface parallel to a main surface of the silicon substrate 2 in a manner of being continuous to the upper electrode layer 10 formed in the plurality of holes 60 or columns 40, or the lower electrode layer 20 is also formed on a surface parallel to the main surface of the silicon substrate 2 in a manner of being continuous to the lower electrode layer 20 formed in the plurality of holes 60 or columns 40. The stacked body is supported by the porous support material layer 5 in at least upper end portions and lower end portions of the plurality of holes 60 or columns 40.

An electrochemical, media-guiding system, a contact element for electrically and mechanically contacting such a plate, and a transmission device containing such a contact element. The present disclosure further relates to the production of such a plate or such a contact element. A plate having at least one contact point forming a voltage take-off point, a current supply point, and/or a current take-off point. The at least one contact point having a laser-surface-treated region.

An electrochemical, media-guiding system, a contact element for electrically and mechanically contacting such a plate, and a transmission device containing such a contact element. The present disclosure further relates to the production of such a plate or such a contact element. A plate having at least one contact point forming a voltage take-off point, a current supply point, and/or a current take-off point. The at least one contact point having a laser-surface-treated region.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane layer (EML), and includes a first electrode catalyst layer (ECL) and a first metallic gas diffusion layer (MGDL) positioned to a first side of the EML such that the first ECL is positioned between the first MGDL and the EML. The first MGDL includes a metal-containing layer and a coating of porous material disposed on a surface of the metal-containing layer of the first MGDL that faces the first ECL. The apparatus further includes a second ECL and a second MGDL positioned to the second side of the EML such that the second ECL is positioned between the second MGDL and the EML. The second MGDL includes a metal-containing layer and a coating of porous material disposed on a surface of the metal-containing layer of the second MGDL that faces the second ECL.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an electrolyte membrane layer (EML), and includes a first electrode catalyst layer (ECL) and a first metallic gas diffusion layer (MGDL) positioned to a first side of the EML such that the first ECL is positioned between the first MGDL and the EML. The first MGDL includes a metal-containing layer and a coating of porous material disposed on a surface of the metal-containing layer of the first MGDL that faces the first ECL. The apparatus further includes a second ECL and a second MGDL positioned to the second side of the EML such that the second ECL is positioned between the second MGDL and the EML. The second MGDL includes a metal-containing layer and a coating of porous material disposed on a surface of the metal-containing layer of the second MGDL that faces the second ECL.

A fuel cell device includes a housing defining an inner space, a runner plate disposed in the inner space, two electrode plates disposed in the inner space such that the runner plate is stacked on and in contact with one of the electrode plates, and a proton exchange membrane clamped between the electrode plates. The runner plate includes a plurality of straight sections arranged in two rows, and a plurality of connecting sections. Each two adjacent straight sections define an opening therebetween. The openings in the two rows are staggered with respect to each other. Each two adjacent connecting sections are connected to and cooperate with a common straight section to define a drain channel communicating with the opening that aligns with the common straight section.

An electrochemical cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells stacked along a longitudinal axis. The electrochemical cells include a membrane electrode assembly comprising a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and a polymer membrane interposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The electrochemical cells also include an anode plate and a cathode plate with the membrane electrode assembly interposed therebetween, and the anode plate defines a plurality of channels that form an anode flow field facing the anode catalyst layer. The electrochemical cells further include a cathode flow field positioned between the cathode plate and the cathode catalyst layer, wherein the cathode flow field comprises a porous structure.