(JP10326622-A)      The polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a number of assemblies, each including a polymer electrolyte film (1) with hydrogen ion conductivity and a pair of electrode layers (7) sandwiching the electrolyte film. The fuel cell has a number of electrically conductive separators (5), each being piled alternatively with the assembly and including a gas supply channel to supply a gas to the electrode layer and a gas outlet channel for discharging a gas from the electrode layer. The electrode layer comprises a porous base area with water repellency and a penetration area higher in water permeability than in the base area.    USE -   For portable power supplies, electric vehicles and home power source systems.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell is provided which can facilitate removal of water around catalytic layer of cell, so as to prevent cell performance from dropping due to excessive wetting of the electrode layer as in long-hour operation or high current density output operation.    (US6117579-A)      The polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a number of assemblies, each including a polymer electrolyte film (1) with hydrogen ion conductivity and a pair of electrode layers (7) sandwiching the electrolyte film. The fuel cell has a number of electrically conductive separators (5), each being piled alternatively with the assembly and including a gas supply channel to supply a gas to the electrode layer and a gas outlet channel for discharging a gas from the electrode layer. The electrode layer comprises a porous base area with water repellency and a penetration area higher in water permeability than in the base area.    USE -   For portable power supplies, electric vehicles and home power source systems.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell is provided which can facilitate removal of water around catalytic layer of cell, so as to prevent cell performance from dropping due to excessive wetting of the electrode layer as in long-hour operation or high current density output operation.