(DE4314745-C1)      Fuel cell has leads, polymeric solid electrolyte in membrane form, gas distributors and current distributors. All are based on a solvent-soluble thermoplastic polymer (I). This is modified for the individual components, so that the current leads (1) comprise electroconductive (I), the membranes (4) of ion-conducting (I), the current distributors of gas-permeable and electroconductive (I) and the gas distributors of unmodified and/or electroconductive (I). The components are bonded together without seals.    (I) is a homopolymer with sulphone (IA), polyether-sulphone (IB), polyether-ketone (IC) or polyphenylene sulphide (ID) units of the given formulae or a copolymer of these units; R1, R2; R3, R4 = -C6H4 or C10H6-; R5 = -C6H4-; n, m = 1 or 2. The cell has 2 half-cells, each comprising a lead, gas distributor and current distributor, which are joined through an electrode membrane. Alternatively, it comprises a pile of 2-300 units, each with a bipolar lead a current distributor and gas distributor on both sides, joined through electrode membranes and with a half cell at each end of the pile. The half cells or units may be joined with the membrane(s) through a seal (5). Each lead is bonded or welded to a gas distributor to form a distributor unit (6), which pref. is a one-piece unit made from modified electroconductive (I), e.g. by injection moulding or pressing. The current distributor is welded or bonded to this unit and the individual pts. are held by screwing them together under pressure.    ADVANTAGE -   The use of sealant is minimised or completely avoided.    (JP8509571-W)      A fuel cell has current conductors (1), solid polymeric electrolytes in the shape of membranes (4), gas distributing rings (2) and current distributors (3). All the parts are made from a thermoplastic, solvent-soluble polymer. The polymer has been modified so that the current conductors are electrically conductive, the membranes are ionically conductive, the current distributors are gas permeable and electrically conductive, and the gas distributing rings are an unmodified and/or electrically conductive polymer. The parts are assembled without the use of seals.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows the use of extremely thin, mechanically stable membranes, prevents problems caused by the prior art use of sealants such as diffusion of sealant components including plasticisers, prevents changes of shape caused by presence of a sealant.    (US5733678-A)      A fuel cell has current conductors (1), solid polymeric electrolytes in the shape of membranes (4), gas distributing rings (2) and current distributors (3). All the parts are made from a thermoplastic, solvent-soluble polymer. The polymer has been modified so that the current conductors are electrically conductive, the membranes are ionically conductive, the current distributors are gas permeable and electrically conductive, and the gas distributing rings are an unmodified and/or electrically conductive polymer. The parts are assembled without the use of seals.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows the use of extremely thin, mechanically stable membranes, prevents problems caused by the prior art use of sealants such as diffusion of sealant components including plasticisers, prevents changes of shape caused by presence of a sealant.