Abstract: A catalyst for a fuel cell anode comprises an alloy of Pd and at least two other transition metals, at least one of which which binds to hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide at least as strongly as Pd does. Suitable transition metals which bind more strongly are Co, W, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Mo, Nb, Hf, Ta, Zr and Re. PdCoW is the most preferred alloy. The catalyst is used on the anode of a hydrogen oxidising fuel cell, such as a PEMFC to catalyse the hydrogen oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A core-shell composite material may include a core consisting of Nb-doped TiO2 of formula TiNbOx; and a shell consisting of a homogeneous layer of Pt or Pt alloy of 1 to 50 ML in thickness. The core-shell composite material may in particular find application in fuel cells.

Abstract: A mixed metal oxide material of tungsten and titanium is provided for use in a fuel cell. The material may comprise less than approximately 30 at. % tungsten. The mixed metal oxide may form the core of a core-shell composite material, used as a catalyst support, in which a catalyst such as platinum forms the shell. The catalyst may be applied as a single monolayer, or up to 20 monolayers.

Abstract: A mixed metal oxide material of tantalumand titanium is provided for use in a fuel cell. The material may comprise between 1 and 20 at. % tantalum. The mixed metal oxide may form the core of a core-shell composite material, used as a catalyst support, in which a catalyst such as platinum forms the shell. The catalyst may be applied as a single monolayer, and is preferably between 6.5 and 9.3 monolayers thick.

Abstract: A mixed metal oxide material of tin and titanium is provided for use in a fuel cell. The mixed metal oxide may form the core of a core-shell composite material, used as a catalyst support, in which a catalyst such as platinum forms the shell. The catalyst may be applied as a single monolayer, or up to 20 monolayers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapour deposition process for the preparation of a phosphate compound, wherein the process comprises providing each component element of the phosphate compound as a vapour, and co-depositing the component element vapours on a common substrate, wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form the phosphate compound.

Abstract: A vapor deposition process for the preparation of a chemical compound, wherein the process comprises providing each component element of the chemical compound as a vapor, and co-depositing the component element vapors on a common substrate, wherein: the vapor of at least one component element is provided using a cracking source; the vapor of at least one other component element is provided using a plasma source; and at least one further component element vapor is provided; wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form the chemical compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapour deposition process for the preparation of a phosphate compound, wherein the process comprises providing each component element of the phosphate compound as a vapour, and co-depositing the component element vapours on a common substrate, wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form the phosphate compound.

Abstract: A metal alloy catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells is disclosed. The catalyst contains the metals Pd, M1 and M2. M1 and M2 are different metals selected from Co, Fe, Au, Cr and W, excluding the combination PdCoAu.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vapour deposition process for the preparation of a chemical compound, wherein the process comprises providing each component element of the chemical compound as a vapour, and co-depositing the component element vapours on a common substrate, wherein: the vapour of at least one component element is provided using a cracking source; the vapour of at least one other component element is provided using a plasma source; and at least one further component element vapour is provided; wherein the component elements react on the substrate to form the chemical compound.

Abstract: A metal alloy catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells is disclosed. The catalyst contains the metals Pd, M1 and M2. M1 and M2 are different metals selected from Co, Fe, Au, Cr and W, excluding the combination PdCoAu.

Abstract: For the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, a metal alloy catalyst contains the metals Pd, M1 and M2 where M1 and M2 are different metals selected from Co, Fe, Au, Cr and W (but excluding the combination PdCoAu). Preferred ternary alloys for use as catalysts may be selected from PdCoCr, PdCoW, PdFeCr, PdFeW, PdCrW, PdWAu, PdCrAu, PdCoFe and PdFeAu. Compositional ranges that are specially effective are assessed by a high throughput physical vapor deposition method. Catalysts especially suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a doped hydrogen storage material according to the general formula: MgxByMzHn wherein: (i) the ratio of x/y is in the range of from 0.15 to 1.5; (ii) z is in the range of from 0.005 to 0.35; (iii) x+y+z equals 1; (iv) M=is one or more metals selected from the group of selected Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn; (v) n is no more than 4y; and wherein x/y does not equal 0.5 and at least part of the doped hydrogen storage material is amorphous. The present invention further relates to the use of doped hydrogen storage materials according to the invention for storing hydrogen and a method for reversibly desorbing and/or absorbing hydrogen.