Abstract: An apparatus for transferring thermal energy to or from a battery cell is disclosed, which includes a thermally conductive plate enclosing a conduit in communication with an inlet for receiving a heat transfer fluid stream and being configured to cause the fluid to flow through the plate to an outlet. The plate has a surface for receiving thermal energy generated by operation of the battery cell and is operable to couple thermal energy to the fluid. In one aspect the plate includes first and second opposing walls and the conduit includes a first conduit portion formed in the first wall and a second corresponding conduit portion formed in the second wall defining the conduit. In another aspect the conduit includes an aperture in a central wall and first and second cover walls on either side of the central wall. The cover walls enclose aperture and provide a seal.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are derived from copolymers of .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrene with a variety of substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrenes. These compositions are suitable for use as membranes, particularly as ion-exchange membranes, and most particularly as solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical applications, such as, for example, electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are derived from copolymers of .alpha.,.beta., .beta.-trifluorostyrene with a variety of substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrenes. These compositions are suitable for use as membranes, particularly as ion-exchange membranes, and most particularly as solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical applications, such as, for example, electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: A gasketed membrane electrode assembly for electrochemical fuel cells employs gasketing material at the periphery of the ion exchange membrane, rather than the membrane itself, as a gasket. The gasketing material may be formed from an elastomeric material suitable for cold bonding or bonding by heat and pressure. A nonhydrophilic thermoplastic elastomer is the preferred gasketing material. The gasketed membrane electrode assembly provides a seal between the electrically conductive separator plates that is more effective and economical than assemblies employing the membrane itself as the gasketing material. In an alternative embodiment, a gasketed membrane assembly for use in the humidification portion of a fuel cell employs gasketing material at the periphery of a water permeable membrane.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are derived from copolymers of .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrene with a variety of substituted .alpha.,.beta.,.beta.-trifluorostyrenes. These compositions are suitable for use as membranes, particularly as ion-exchange membranes, and most particularly as solid polymer electrolytes in electrochemical applications, such as, for example, electrochemical fuel cells.