Abstract: A solid electrochemical cell membrane composition comprises a hydrocarbon polymeric main chain and a perfluorinated superacid side group. A method of producing the membrane composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer for ion conductor applications includes a polymer segment having a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety and a polymer segment not having such a moiety. One of these polymer segments is sulfonated to improve ionic conductivity. Fuel cells incorporating the ion conducting polymers are provided.

Abstract: An ion conducting polymeric structure suitable for fuel cell applications is provided. The polymeric structure comprises a non-homogenous polymeric layer. The non-homogeneous layer is a blend of a first polymer comprising cyclobutyl moiety; and a second polymer having a non-ionic polymer segment. The weight ratio of the first polymer to the second polymer varies as a function of position within the non-homogenous layer. The blend composition may be cast into an electrolyte membrane that can be used to prepare electrochemical cells such as batteries and fuel cells.

Abstract: A polymer blend useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a first polymer that includes a non-ionic segment and a second polymer that includes a sulfonic acid group.

Abstract: A blend composition comprises a fluorine-containing polymer electrolyte and a fluoro-rubber. An electrolyte membrane may be prepared from the blend composition. The electrolyte membrane may be used in electrochemical cells such as electrolyzers, batteries and fuel cells.

Abstract: A polymer blend useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a first polymer having a cyclobutyl moiety and a second polymer include a sulfonic acid group.

Abstract: A proton conductive graft polymer comprises at least a structure unit of a sulfonated polymer side chain covalently attached to a hydrophobic perfluorocyclobutane polymer main chain. The sulfonated condensation polymer side chain has a high local ion exchange capacity while the main polymer chain is substantially free of sulfonic acid group. A membrane made from the graft polymer can provide good mechanical properties and high proton conductivity at wide range of humidity and temperatures.

Abstract: A polymer for ion conductor applications includes a polymer segment having a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety and a polymer segment not having such a moiety. One of these polymer segments is sulfonated to improve ionic conductivity. Fuel cells incorporating the ion conducting polymers are provided.

Abstract: A method for providing a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell that includes treating a hydrocarbon polymer membrane with fluorine to increase its acidity and acid content. Fluorine gas is mixed with an inert gas to dilute the fluorine so that it does not burn the hydrocarbon membrane. The mixed gas is introduced into a container in which the hydrocarbon membrane is mounted so that fluorine is deposited on the membrane. The gas is introduced into the container at a slow enough rate so that the fluorine does not burn the membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising: a first layer comprising a first ionomer and an additive, the additive comprising a metal oxide comprising an oxide at least one of of Ce, Mn, V, Pt, Ru, Zr, Ni, Cr, W, Co, Mo, or Sn, and wherein the additive is present in at least 0.1 weight percent of the ionomer is disclosed as one embodiment of the invention, and performance and durability are advantaged wherein one or all of the metal oxide consists essentially nanoparticles.

Abstract: A diffusion media and a scheme for spatially varying the parameters of the diffusion media to address issues related to water management in electrochemical cells and other devices employing the diffusion media are provided. A device is configured to convert a hydrogenous fuel source to electrical energy and comprises an electrochemical conversion assembly, first and second reactant inputs, first and second product outputs, and first and second diffusion media. The device is configured such that a mesoporous layer is carried along at least a portion of a major face of one of the first and second diffusion media substrates. The mesoporous layer comprises a hydrophilic carbonaceous component and a hydrophobic component. The mesoporous layer occupies a substantially greater portion of one of the high or low H2O regions of the device, relative to the other of the high or low H2O region of the device.

Abstract: Gas diffusion media for use in fuel cells are provided that contain a pattern of deposited hydrophobic polymer such that less than 100% of the surface of the diffusion media is covered with hydrophobic polymer. The media are made by first wetting a sheet of carbon fiber paper in an aqueous emulsion of the hydrophobic polymer. The wetted sheet is contacted with a pattern member containing one or more openings oriented to correspond to a predetermined or desired pattern of hydrophobic polymer deposition. While still in contact with the pattern member, the sheet is heated or otherwise treated to cause evaporation of the water from the sheet. Evaporation while in contact with the pattern member takes place in such a way that hydrophobic polymer is concentrated in the sheet at the openings of the pattern member by the process of evaporation.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising an ionically conductive member with a first surface and a second surface. An anode electrode is disposed on the first surface of the ionically conductive member and a cathode electrode is disposed on the second surface of the ionically conductive member. A first electrically conductive fluid distribution element is disposed on the anode and a second electrically conductive fluid distribution element is disposed on the cathode. The first and second electrically conductive fluid distribution elements each include a plurality of alternating lands and fluid passages. The anode and the cathode are comprised of a plurality of electrochemically active regions that are disposed to essentially align with the fluid passages.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising an ionically conductive member with a first surface and a second surface. An anode electrode is disposed on the first surface of the tonically conductive member and a cathode electrode is disposed on the second surface of the ionically conductive member. A first electrically conductive fluid distribution element is disposed on the anode and a second electrically conductive fluid distribution element is disposed on the cathode. The first and second electrically conductive fluid distribution elements each include a plurality of alternating lands and fluid passages. The anode and the cathode are comprised of a plurality of electrochemically active regions that are disposed to essentially align with the fluid passages.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for forming a catalytic coating on a substrate. The method comprises preparing a catalytic fluid and dispensing the catalytic fluid onto a substrate by using a direct writing instrument. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that is will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).