A fuel cell having an optimized flow space for the passage of hydrogen gas
across the surface of an anode. The invention prevents destructive
oxidation of the anode by preventing the buildup of locally high levels of
oxygen. The anode surface itself may be shaped in lateral plan to follow
the natural contours of gas flow to eliminate hydrogen stagnation areas on
the anode surface. Alternatively, the anode surface or the cathode surface
may be coated in regions of anode stagnation to prevent the fuel cell
reactions from occurring in those regions. Alternatively, the gas seals
may be formed to cover the anode surface in stagnation regions.
Alternatively, the cathode and/or electrolyte may be shaped or thickened
to reduce or prevent diffusion of oxygen ions therethrough.
