Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to devices, systems, and methods for fabricating a solid polymer electrolyte electrode assembly are provided. One or more electrode for a solid polymer electrolyte electrode assembly includes a porous substrate configured as a liquid/gas diffusion layer and an ionomer-free catalyst coated on the substrate.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to devices, systems, and methods of producing an improved fluid flow assembly and liquid/gas diffusion layer in solid polymer electrolyte electrochemical cells. In one aspect, a fluid flow assembly for a polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer includes a flow field having an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of discrete lands arranged within the flow field. A liquid/gas diffusion layer is positioned in communication with the flow field between the inlet and the outlet, the liquid/gas diffusion layer having a solid substrate through which a plurality of pores is formed. The disclosed bipolar plate flow field and liquid/gas diffusion layer could work together or separately with other types of porous transport layers or bipolar plates to enhance the water/gas transport. In these configurations, the lands can be arranged and configured such that the plurality of pores are substantially unobstructed by the lands.

Abstract: A ruthenium-copper (RuCu) nano-sponge (NSP) electrocatalyst for use in the electrolytic reduction of nitrogen to provide ammonia is described. The RuCu NSP can be prepared as a porous nanoparticle comprising a RuCu alloy via facile reduction of Ru and Cu precursors under ambient conditions. Electrodes prepared with surface disposed RuCu NSPs can be used to prepare ammonia from nitrogen with good yields and Faradaic efficiency at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A liquid/gas diffusion layer (LGDL) 112 for use in a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell 100 includes a planar body 120 having first and second surfaces 128, 130 that are separated by a body thickness 126. The body defines 120 a plurality of straight-through, non-interconnected, pores 122 extending through the body thickness 126, between the first and the second surfaces 128, 130. Each pore 122 has a peripheral rim shape 124, a throat area, and is separated from one another by a land length distance. The body has a porosity c that is calculated by dividing a total throat area of the plurality of pores AP by a total surface area of the surface around the pores AH, and where the porosity ratio e is between approximately 0.20 and approximately 0.80.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for producing a nano-porous gas diffusion media, compositions thereof, and devices comprising the same. The nano-porous gas diffusion media of the invention is produced using photolithographic techniques to create a solid substrate comprising a plurality of nano-scale (1 nm-300 ?m) pores or holes that allow for the diffusion or exchange of molecules, gases, and/or liquids through the substrate. The nano-porous diffusion media of the invention also displays superior electro- and thermal conductivity, and increased durability and performance. In some embodiments, the nano-porous diffusion media of the invention is also coated with a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) of organic molecules to further improve its physical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for producing a nano-porous gas diffusion media, compositions thereof, and devices comprising the same. The nano-porous gas diffusion media of the invention is produced using photolithographic techniques to create a solid substrate comprising a plurality of nano-scale (1 nm-300 ?m) pores or holes that allow for the diffusion or exchange of molecules, gases, and/or liquids through the substrate. The nano-porous diffusion media of the invention also displays superior electro- and thermal conductivity, and increased durability and performance. In some embodiments, the nano-porous diffusion media of the invention is also coated with a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) of organic molecules to further improve its physical characteristics.