SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A FUEL CELL SUBGASKET ACTIVE AREA EDGE WITH THROUGH-PLANE PHOTON CONDUCTION

A system for a fuel-cell subgasket active area edge with through-plane proton conduction is provided. The system includes a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly. The assembly includes an active area including a proton exchange membrane and a first portion of a transitional proton-conductive material attached to the proton exchange membrane. The assembly further includes a non-active subgasket boundary surrounding the active area, configured for preventing a flow of gaseous material and liquid material therethrough. The non-active subgasket boundary includes a non-conductive subgasket and a second portion of the transitional proton-conductive material attached to the subgasket.