Abstract: A fuel cell system includes one or more fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stack(s) include a first group of membrane electrode assemblies and a second group of membrane electrode assemblies, wherein the first and second groups of membrane electrode assemblies are connected in series such that a feed stream supplied to the first group is subsequently supplied to the second group. The anodes of the membrane electrode assemblies of the first group include an electrocatalyst for the electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide and can reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide in a feed stream comprising carbon monoxide before it is supplied to the membrane electrode assemblies of the second group.

Abstract: An anode structure for incorporation into a fuel cell includes a first region having one or more electrocatalysts, in which the first region is adjacent to the fuel inlet when the anode structure is incorporated into a fuel cell, and a second region having one or more electrocatalysts, in which the second region is adjacent to the fuel outlet when the anode structure is incorporated into a fuel cell. The first region is better at promoting the electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide than the second region.

Abstract: A compound of formula (Na0.33A0.66)2B2O7-? wherein A is one or more metals chosen from the lanthanide metals; B is one or more metals chosen from Ti, Sn, Ge, Ru, Mn, Ir, Os and Pb; and ? is a number in the range 0-1 is disclosed. Water gas shift catalysts comprising precious metals such as gold dispersed on the (Na0.33A0.66)2B2O7-? compound are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making an ozone decomposition catalyst comprising an amorphous metal oxide consisting of manganese and, optionally, one or more of zirconium, silicon, titanium and aluminium, on a particulate support material, comprises the steps of preparing a mixture comprising an aqueous manganese salt and the support material and co-precipitating the metal oxide onto the support material.

Abstract: In a solid polymer fuel cell series, various circumstances can result in a fuel cell being driven into voltage reversal. For instance, cell voltage reversal can occur if that cell receives an inadequate supply of fuel. In order to pass current, reactions other than fuel oxidation can take place at the fuel cell anode, including water electrolysis and oxidation of anode components. The latter can result in significant degradation of the anode, particularly if the anode employs a carbon black supported catalyst. Such fuel cells can be made substantially more tolerant to cell reversal by using certain anodes employing both a higher catalyst loading or coverage on a corrosion-resistant support and by incorporating, in addition to the typical electrocatalyst for promoting fuel oxidation, certain unsupported catalyst compositions to promote the water electrolysis reaction.

Abstract: An anode structure comprising a ruthenium catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst consists essentially of ruthenium deposited on a conducting support wherein the ruthenium is in metallic form or in a form that is readily reducible to the metallic form at temperatures of 25° C. to 150° C. The anode structure is particularly of use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell to prevent poisoning of the electrocatalyst by impurities in the fuel stream to the anode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize reforming catalysts in order to produce hydrogen gas. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may an oxidic support having a ceria zirconia promoter. The support material may be an oxidic support and a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also be an oxidic support material and at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones. Upstream reforming catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the first reforming reaction zone. Downstream reforming catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the second reforming reaction zone.

Abstract: A three-way catalyst (TWC) composition comprises a manganese-containing oxygen storage component (OSC) and at least one optionally doped alumina wherein where the at least one alumina is gamma-alumina it is doped with at least one of a rare earth metal, silicon, germanium, phosphorus, arsenic, calcium, strontium or barium.

Abstract: An anode structure comprising a ruthenium catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst consists essentially of ruthenium deposited on a conducting support wherein the ruthenium is in metallic form or in a form that is readily reducible to the metallic form at temperatures of 25° C. to 150° C. The anode structure is particularly of use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell to prevent poisoning of the electrocatalyst by impurities in the fuel stream to the anode.

Abstract: In a solid polymer fuel cell series, various circumstances can result in a fuel cell being driven into voltage reversal. For instance, cell voltage reversal can occur if that cell receives an inadequate supply of fuel. In order to pass current, reactions other than fuel oxidation can take place at the fuel cell anode, including water electrolysis and oxidation of anode components. The latter can result in significant degradation of the anode, particularly if the anode employs a carbon black supported catalyst. Such fuel cells can be made substantially more tolerant to cell reversal by using certain anodes employing both a higher catalyst loading or coverage on a corrosion-resistant support and by incorporating, in addition to the typical electrocatalyst for promoting fuel oxidation, certain unsupported catalyst compositions to promote the water electrolysis reaction.

Abstract: New three-way catalysts for vehicles contain, as an oxygen storage component, mixed oxide MnZr. These components are less expensive than state-of-the-art ceria/zirconia, and generally offer improved capacity even after exposure to high temperatures.

Abstract: A novel catalyst comprising a Pt--M alloy wherein M is one or more metals selected from the transition metal elements or from Groups IIIA or IVA of the Periodic Table in "Handbook of Chemistry and Physics" 64th Edition, CRC Press, and Y wherein Y is a bronze forming element or an oxide thereof, characterised in that the Pt--M alloy is in intimate contact with Y, and provided that M is not Ru if Y is WO.sub.3 is disclosed and which may be used as a poison tolerant catalyst for use in fuel cells, specifically as the anode of a PEM fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrode comprises a first catalytic component active at gas-phase reaction sites and a second catalytic component active at electrochemical reaction sites wherein each catalytic component is present either as a separate layer, or a single mixed layer or a combination of a separate layer and a single mixed layer. The electrode has an improved tolerance to poisons such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An improved ink material, particularly for use in printing processes and its use in improved manufacturing processes for higher performance electrodes for application in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved catalyst material is derived from a precious metal-containing macrocyclic compound precursor, which contains precious metal in zero oxidation state. The material may be produced by activating the compound, for example by a voltage sweep. The material offers useful improvements in activity and resistance to de-activation, when used as a fuel cell catalyst.