Interconnect supported electrolyzer assembly, preform and method of fabrication

An electrolyzer assembly (10) comprises at least one electrolyzer cell including at least two electrodes and an electrolyte (18) interposed therebetween. The electrolyzer assembly further comprises an interconnect structure (12) in intimate contact with at least one of the two electrodes or the electrolyte (18). The interconnect structure (12) includes at least one flow channel (24) initially defined by a removable sacrificial material (110), wherein the interconnect structure (12) is configured to provide support for the electrodes and the electrolyte (18).