Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for an organic/air fuel cell is provided comprising a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode. The proton exchange membrane is made of a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer. The anode electrode is comprised of an anode electrocatalyst of platinum and ruthenium supported on particulate carbon and a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer binder, and the metal loading in the anode electrode is less than 3 mg/cm2. The cathode electrode is comprised of a cathode electrocatalyst of platinum supported on particulate carbon and a highly fluorinated ion-exchange polymer binder, and the metal loading in the cathode electrode is less than 3 mg/cm2. Organic/air fuel cells comprised of such membrane electrode assemblies are also provided. A process for operating such membrane electrode assemblies of an organic/air fuel cell is also provided.

Abstract: A process for improved performance in at least one fuel cell, having a loss in power output of at least 5% of an initial power output, wherein the fuel cell comprises a cathode, an anode, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, a fuel comprising an anolyte that flows through the cell, and a catholyte gas, wherein the fuel cell is connected to an external load, and wherein the process includes the steps of taking the load off the fuel cell; and applying an external electric field from an external power source to the fuel cell to reverse electrochemical reactions until at least 5% of the lost power output is regained. Purging the fuel cell further enhances regeneration of the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel fluid flow field plate for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The flow field plate is made of a suitable electrically conducting material and comprises a substantially planar surface, a flow field formed in said substantially planar surface, said flow field comprising a plurality of staggered lands defining a network of substantially symmetric interconnected orifices and diagonal channels in the flow field and a fluid supply manifold through which fuel and an oxidant are introduced to the flow field and a fluid exhaust manifold through which reaction by-products and excess fuel and oxidant are removed from the flow field. Streams of the fuel, oxidant and reaction by-products are continually separated and diverted into separate channels, and the separated streams are then mixed with streams from adjacent channels in the orfices.

Abstract: A process for improved performance in at least one fuel cell, having a loss in power output of at least 5% of an initial power output, wherein the fuel cell comprises a cathode, an anode, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, a fuel comprising an anolyte that flows through the cell, and a catholyte gas, wherein the fuel cell is connected to an external load, and wherein the process includes the steps of taking the load off the fuel cell; and applying an external electric field from an external power source to the fuel cell to reverse electrochemical reactions until at least 5% of the lost power output is regained. Purging the fuel cell further enhances regeneration of the cell.

Abstract: A process for improved performance in a fuel cell or stack of fuel cells wherein the fuel cell has a cathode, an anode, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, a fuel comprising an anolyte that flows through the cell, and a catholyte gas, and wherein the fuel cell is connected to an external load, and wherein the process comprises taking the load off the cell, and cycling between a minimum voltage and about 50% of the maximum voltage drawn from the fuel cell until a maximum current is reached, or a minimum load and about 50% of the maximum load until a maximum voltage is reached. Fuel cell performance is further enhanced by purging.

Abstract: A modular unitized electrochemical fuel cell cartridge (20) is formed from a mono-polar anode plate (22), a second mono-polar cathode plate (24 ) and a solid polymer membrane electrode assembly (26) operably interposed between the anode and the cathode. An electrochemical fuel cell stack is provided having at least one removable fuel cell cartridge, a pair of current collectors which are individually disposed on opposite sides of the anode and the cathode plates and a pair of end plates which are individually disposed on opposite sides of the current collectors from the anode and cathode plates. Sealing ridges (42) and mating grooves (44) as well as alignment means (46) enable the easy assembly of a modular unitized fuel cell cartridge and stacking said cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel fluid flow field plate for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The flow field plate is made of a suitable electrically conducting material and comprises a substantially planar surface, a flow field formed in said substantially planar surface, said flow field comprising a plurality of staggered lands defining a network of substantially symmetric interconnected orifices and diagonal channels in the flow field and a fluid supply manifold through which fuel and an oxidant are introduced to the flow field and a fluid exhaust manifold through which reaction by-products and excess fuel and oxidant are removed from the flow field. Streams of the fuel, oxidant and reaction by-products are continually separated and diverted into separate channels, and the separated streams are then mixed with streams from adjacent channels in the orfices.

Abstract: A method for making a shaped article or a shaped article having a volume resistivity of less than 102 ohm-cm with a desired combination of properties and processibility in an injection moldable composition. In particular the shaped articles formed include injection molded bipolar plates as current collectors in fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A culture cup for sampling and microbial-count determination, comprising a body and a tightly closing removable lid, the bottom of the body being provided with depressions for accomodation of at least one culture medium. The lid on its underside may be provided with a recess for accommodation of a condensate absorbent, and the body of the cup with a shoulder to serve as a seat for the bottom of the lid. The lid and body are threaded for engagement. By placing a culture medium in the depression, a biological specimen such as urine or blood can be added in just sufficient quantity to wet the culture so pouring and handling are reduced. Culture and analysis can then be undertaken in the usual manner using the cup body as the carrier of the culture medium.

Abstract: A solid, adhesive-free, layered composite material consisting of two clearly defined layers, one made of membrane filters and the other of porous material, the said composite material being formed by bringing a polymeric membrane filter forming substance in its gel condition into contact with the porous material, and solidifying the said gel on the porous material; the composite material is useful as a nutrient medium carrier for microbiological tests.

Abstract: A method for making a shaped article or a shaped article having a volume resistivity of less than 102 ohm-cm with a desired combination of properties and processibility in an injection moldable composition. In particular the shaped articles formed include injection molded bipolar plates as current collectors in fuel cell applications.