Abstract: An anode electrode for use in a fuel cell comprises a stacked structure including, in sequence: a catalyst layer, a hydrophobic, microporous layer (“MPL”), a porous gas diffusion layer (“GDL”), and an anode plate with at least one recessed fuel supply-fuel/gas exhaust channel formed in a surface thereof facing the GDL, wherein the stacked structure further comprises at least one hydrophobic region aligned with the at least one recessed channel. The electrode is useful in direct oxidation fuel cells and systems, such as direct methanol fuel cells operating with highly concentrated liquid fuel.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) having a liquid fuel and an anode electrode configured to generate power. The anode electrode includes a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a microporous layer, such that a decrease in the porosity of the GDL achieves an increase in the power density of the DOFC.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) system, comprises at least one fuel cell assembly including a cathode and an anode with an electrolyte positioned therebetween, adapted for performing selected electrochemical reactions; a source of concentrated liquid fuel in fluid communication with an inlet of the anode; an oxidant supply in fluid communication with an inlet of the cathode; a liquid/gas (L/G) separator in fluid communication with outputs of the anode and cathode for receiving unreacted fuel and liquid and gaseous products of the electrochemical reactions; and a converter for catalytically converting a portion of the unreacted fuel to the liquid and gaseous products.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) system comprises at least one fuel cell assembly including a cathode and an anode with an electrolyte positioned therebetween; a source of liquid fuel in fluid communication with an anode inlet; an oxidant supply in fluid communication with a cathode inlet; a liquid/gas (L/G) separator in fluid communication with anode and cathode outlets for: (1) receiving unreacted fuel and liquid and gaseous products of electrochemical reactions at the cathode and anode, and (2) supplying the unreacted fuel and liquid product to the inlet of said anode; and a control and/or regulation system for determining a fuel efficiency value of the DOFC system during operation and determining and regulating and/or controlling oxidant stoichiometry of the DOFC system at an appropriate value in response to the determined fuel efficiency value.

Abstract: A cathode for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) comprises a gas diffusion medium (GDM) including a backing layer and a microporous layer comprising a fluoropolymer and an electrically conductive material, wherein loading of the fluoropolymer in the microporous layer is in the range from about 10 to about 60 wt. %. In use, a concentrated solution of a liquid fuel is supplied to an anode and an oxidant to the cathode of the fuel cell, and the fuel cell may be operated at a low oxidant stoichiometry not greater than about 2.5.

Abstract: A cathode for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) comprises a gas diffusion medium (GDM) including a backing layer and a microporous layer comprising a fluoropolymer and an electrically conductive material, wherein loading of the fluoropolymer in the microporous layer is in the range from about 10 to about 60 wt. %. In use, a concentrated solution of a liquid fuel is supplied to an anode and an oxidant to the cathode of the fuel cell, and the fuel cell may be operated at a low oxidant stoichiometry ?c not greater than about 2.5.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly (300) for use in a flat display monitor includes a support member (10), a rotational base (20) and a pivot mechanism (30) for rotatably connecting the rotational base to the support member. The rotational base includes a fixing board (22) and a side board (24) disposed at an end of the fixing board, the side board defining an engaging hole (242) and forming an inwardly bent portion (240) at a distal end edge thereof. The support member includes an extending seat (16) defining a round pivoting hole (1601), and a retaining portion (161) extending from an exterior side of the extending seat. The retaining portion of the side board is configured for blocking the inwardly bent portion of the side board so that a range of rotation of the rotational base relative to the support member is between a first utmost position and a second utmost position.

Abstract: Electrodes for use in direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs) comprise, in sequence: an electrically conductive gas diffusion layer; a catalyst layer; and a proton-conducting layer. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) comprise cathode and anode electrodes of such type sandwiching a proton conductive polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), with the proton-conducting layer of the electrodes in contact with opposite surfaces of the PEM. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating the MEAs.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) having a concentrated liquid fuel and an anode electrode configured to generate power. The anode electrode includes a diffusion medium (DM) with or without a microporous layer, such that a decrease in the porosity of the DM reduces fuel crossover through the membrane and achieves high power density of the DOFC fed directly with concentrated fuel.

Abstract: There is provided a novel hybrid promoter region that utilizes a neural specific promoter and an enhancer element, in one embodiment from a viral promoter, located upstream or downstream of the neural-specific promoter. The novel promoter can be used to create a viral vector, including a baculovirus vector, useful for gene delivery to neural cells.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a supported catalyst layer for use in a fuel cell electrode, comprises sequential steps of: combining a fluid ink including a supported catalyst comprising at least one precious metal or alloy supported on particles of a support material, and a solution of at least one ionomeric polymer material, with at least one pore-forming material; forming a layer of the combined ink on a surface of a sheet of support material; hot pressing the layer; and treating the hot-pressed layer to remove pore-forming material to form a supported catalyst layer.

Abstract: A proton (H+)-conducting hydrocarbon (HC)-based polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) having first and second oppositely facing surfaces comprises a HC-based membrane with at least one perfluoropolymer incorporated on or within at least the first and second surfaces. A method for fabricating the PEM comprises surface treating a HC-based polymeric membrane sheet via immersion in an aqueous solution or dispersion of said at least one perfluoropolymer, followed by drying of the surface treated polymeric membrane sheet.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a direct oxidation fuel cell, comprising, in the following order, a catalyst layer; an optional microporous layer; an optional backing layer; and an electrically conductive porous transport structure, comprising, in the following order, a porous body, and an impermeable layer in contact with the porous body. Another embodiment provides a direct oxidation fuel cell, comprising an electrically conductive porous transport structure, comprising a porous body, and an impermeable layer in contact with the porous body; wherein the direct oxidation fuel cell achieves a net water transport coefficient, ?, of less than about 0.6 at an operation temperature ranging from about 60 to about 80° C.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) system, comprises at least one fuel cell assembly including a cathode and an anode with an electrolyte positioned therebetween; a source of liquid fuel in fluid communication with an inlet of the anode; an oxidant supply in fluid communication with an inlet of the cathode; a liquid/gas (L/G) separator in fluid communication with outlets of the anode and cathode for: (1) receiving unreacted fuel and liquid and gaseous products, and (2) supplying a solution of fuel and liquid product to the anode inlet; and a control system for measuring the amount of liquid product and controlling oxidant stoichiometry of the system operation in response to the measured amount of liquid product. Alternatively, the control system controls the concentration of the liquid fuel in the solution supplied to the anode inlet, based upon the system operating temperature or output power.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell system includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a high concentration fuel and an oxidant source. Embodiments include a controller for adjusting the oxidant stoichiometric ratio or air flow to maximize the liquid water phase in the cathode exhaust and minimize the water vapor in the exhaust thereby eliminating the need for a water condenser for condensing water vapor produced and exhausted from the cathode of the MEA.

Abstract: An anode electrode for use in a fuel cell comprises a stacked structure including, in sequence: a catalyst layer, a hydrophobic, microporous layer (“MPL”), a porous gas diffusion layer (“GDL”), and an anode plate with at least one recessed fuel supply-fuel/gas exhaust channel formed in a surface thereof facing the GDL, wherein the stacked structure further comprises at least one hydrophobic region aligned with the at least one recessed channel. The electrode is useful in direct oxidation fuel cells and systems, such as direct methanol fuel cells operating with highly concentrated liquid fuel.

Abstract: An anode electrode for use in a fuel cell comprises a stacked structure including, in sequence: a catalyst layer, a hydrophobic, microporous layer (“MPL”), a porous gas diffusion layer (“GDL”), and an anode plate with at least one recessed fuel supply-fuel/gas exhaust channel formed in a surface thereof facing the GDL, wherein the stacked structure further comprises at least one hydrophobic region aligned with the at least one recessed channel. The electrode is useful in direct oxidation fuel cells and systems, such as direct methanol fuel cells operating with highly concentrated liquid fuel.

Abstract: A cathode for use in a direct oxidation fuel cell (DOFC) comprises a gas diffusion medium (GDM) including a backing layer and a microporous layer comprising a fluoropolymer and an electrically conductive material, wherein loading of the fluoropolymer in the microporous layer is in the range from about 10 to about 60 wt. %. In use, a concentrated solution of a liquid fuel is supplied to an anode and an oxidant to the cathode of the fuel cell, and the fuel cell may be operated at a low oxidant stoichiometry ?c not greater than about 2.5.

Abstract: An exemplary hinge assembly (300) for use in a flat display monitor includes a support member (10), a rotational base (20) and a pivot mechanism (30) for rotatably connecting the rotational base to the support member. The rotational base includes a fixing board (22) and a side board (24) disposed at an end of the fixing board, the side board defining an engaging hole (242) and forming an inwardly bent portion (240) at a distal end edge thereof. The support member includes an extending seat (16) defining a round pivoting hole (1601), and a retaining portion (161) extending from an exterior side of the extending seat. The retaining portion of the side board is configured for blocking the inwardly bent portion of the side board so that a range of rotation of the rotational base relative to the support member is between a first utmost position and a second utmost position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (300) for use in a flat display monitor includes a support member (10), a rotational bracket (20) and a pivot mechanism (30) for rotatably connecting the rotational bracket to the support member. The support member includes an extending seat (16) defining a restricting groove (162) thereof. The pivot mechanism includes a pivotal shaft (301), a torsion spring (302), and a stop (303). The torsion spring is disposed around the pivotal shaft for providing torsion force. The pivotal shaft is fixedly connected to the rotational bracket and rotatably connected to the rotational bracket. The stop is fixed at end of the pivotal shaft and is rotatable in the restricting groove corresponding to rotation of the rotational bracket relative to the support member, with the stop being rotatable between a first utmost position and a second utmost position.