The present invention concerns improvements in fuel
cell fabrication. It concerns an improved, integrated and modular BSP / MEA / Manifolds, which facilitates single
cell (module) leak and performance testing prior to
assembly in a fuel
cell stack as well as facilitating manufacturing and cost reduction. In particular, the present invention relates to a fuel cell, which includes: a) A single flexible or ridged separator plate; b) a flexible
membrane electrode assembly; c) a flexible bond interposed between said single flexible or ridged separator plate and said flexible
membrane electrode assembly, wherein said flexible bond between said flexible or ridged separator plate and said flexible
membrane electrode assembly comprises the fuel cell, and wherein said flexible bond is an
adhesive bond which encapsulates edge portions of said flexible or ridged separator plate and said flexible membrane
electrode assembly and wherein said flexible bond seals the edge portions of said flexible membrane
assembly to prevent the release of reactants from the fuel cell. In some embodiments the
adhesive bond comprises a flexible
gasket; d) manifold for the delivery and removal of reactants and reactant products to and from the fuel cell reactive areas where said manifolds may be either a single or multiple manifolds; and e) a bond interposed between said manifold and said single flexible or ridged separator plate, wherein said bond affixes said manifold to said flexible or ridged separator plate and wherein said bond provides a seal between said manifold and said flexible or ridged separator plate to prevent the release of reactants from the fuel cell. It also eliminates some gaskets and simplifies assembly.