Abstract: A method is provided for producing an energy supply unit for a vehicle having a housing and a stack, realized as a fuel-cell stack, battery stack or capacitor stack, arranged in the housing. The method includes providing the housing, including first and second tie-rod plates and first and second pressure-plate arrangements, wherein each pressure-plate arrangement is fastened to each tie-rod plate, arranging the stack between the two tie-rod plates and between the two pressure-plate arrangements, applying a bracing force to the two pressure-plate arrangements for the purpose of bracing the stack, and fastening at least the first pressure-plate arrangement to both tie-rod plates while the bracing force is being maintained upon the two pressure-plate arrangements. At least one pressure-plate arrangement includes a tolerance compensation system including an end plate securely connected to the tie-rod plates, a contact-pressure plate arranged between the end plate and the stack, and a positioning arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for a solid polymer fuel cell, having excellent initial activity and good durability and a production method thereof. The present invention is a catalyst for a solid polymer fuel cell, including catalyst particles composed of platinum or a platinum alloy supported on a carbon powder carrier, the catalyst having sulfo groups (—SO3H) at least on the catalyst particles, and the catalyst further having a fluorine compound having a C—F bond supported at least on the catalyst particles. It is preferred in the catalyst of the present invention that sulfur content is 800 ppm or more and 5000 ppm or less based on the mass of the whole catalyst and the amount of the fluorine compound is 3 mass % or more and 24 mass % or less based on the mass of the whole catalyst.

Abstract: Simplified methods are disclosed for preparing a catalyst coated membrane that is reinforced with a porous polymer sheet (e.g. an expanded polymer sheet) for use in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The methods involve forming a solid polymer electrolyte membrane by coating membrane ionomer solution onto a first catalyst layer and then applying the porous polymer sheet to the membrane ionomer solution coating, while it is still wet, such that the membrane ionomer solution only partially fills the pores of the porous polymer sheet. A second catalyst ink is then applied which fills the remaining pores of the porous polymer sheet. Not only are such methods simpler than many conventional methods, but surprisingly this can result in a marked improvement in fuel cell performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a nanocomposite membrane, and a synthesized nanocomposite membrane made thereby. The method may include steps of preparing Fe3O4-tolylene di-isocyanate (TDI) nanoparticles by reacting Fe3O4 nanoparticles and TDI powder, preparing Fe3O4-TDI-TiO2 nanoparticles, sulfonating the Fe3O4-TDI-TiO2 nanoparticles, preparing a first polymer solution, dispersing the Fe3O4-TDI-TiO2—SO3H nanoparticles into the first polymer solution to obtain a second homogenous solution, and casting and drying the second homogenous solution to obtain the nanocomposite membrane.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon-based cross-linked membrane used for the proton exchange membrane of a fuel cell, containing a cross-linked composite mediated by the sulfonate groups of SPPSU and SPOSS. Where SPPSU is represented by formula (I), where a, b, c, and d are each independently an integer of 0-4, and the total of a, b, c, and d is a rational number greater than 1 in terms of the average per repeating unit, and SPOSS is represented by formula (II), where each R is independently a hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, a straight or branched C1-20 alkyl or alkoxyl group optionally containing a substituent, or any of the above-mentioned structures, each e is independently an integer of 0-2 for R, x is an integer of 1-20, and the total number of sulfonate groups is a rational number greater than 2 in terms of the average per molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer electrolyte membrane, a method for manufacturing the same and a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the same, the polymer electrolyte membrane includes a hydrocarbon-containing ion conductive layer; and a fluorine-containing ion conductor discontinuously dispersed on the hydrocarbon-containing ion conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a movement tendency of ions in an electrolyte membrane includes counting inter-movement ions, counting intra-movement ions and calculating the ratio of the intra-movement ions and inter-movement of ions. The movement tendency of ions is predicted based on the ratio. In the case of evaluating a movement tendency of ions using the method, since the structure of the electrolyte membrane in which the ratios of intra-movement and inter-movement are maximized is predicted through measurement of the ratios of the intra-movement and inter-movement of ions, ohmic resistance that may occur in a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) may be reduced. The electrolyte membrane having the optimal structure predicted by the method can be applied to a fuel cell to increase its performance.

Abstract: A proton exchange composite membrane (PECM) and a method of synthesizing the membrane are disclosed. The PECM may include a PBI membrane doped with an acid, an imidazolium-based dicationic ionic liquid, and a mesoporous material. This PECM can be used as an improved high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell. The disclosed fuel cell can provide improved proton conductivity, acid uptake, and thermal stability.

Abstract: A proton conducting membrane (16) for a fuel cell comprises light-transmissive proton conducting material (102, 104) and light scattering material (106) for scattering light within the membrane, the membrane further comprising a light guide (108) through which light can enter the membrane. Also disclosed is a fuel cell comprising the membrane.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame includes, in a membrane electrode assembly sheet that is used for acquiring the membrane electrode assembly, and in which a porous layer including at least a catalytic electrode layer is disposed on at least one surface of an electrolyte membrane, applying a sealing agent onto the porous layer in a region including a part forming an outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly to seal a pore of the porous layer; acquiring a stack member including the membrane electrode assembly by cutting the membrane electrode assembly sheet in the region; and bonding the resin frame to a part of the porous layer in the stack member where the sealing agent is applied, using an adhesive.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrochemical fuel cell device with one or more electrodes containing one or more electrocatalysts. The method involves the steps of, first, affixing a semi-permeable membrane with inhomogeneous conduction pathways to a conducting surface of a first electrode in a predetermined configuration to form a first electrode assembly. This assembly is then immersed in an electrolyte containing at least one electrochemical precursor with for forming an active electrocatalyst on the conducting surface of the first electrode when a potential is applied to the first electrode. The same process can occur with a second electrode assembly which can be joined to the first electrode assembly before or after the electrocatalyst deposition.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for generating hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, including an anodic compartment and a cathodic compartment separated by a solid polymeric electrolyte alkaline membrane. The anodic compartment includes a positive electrode or anode at least partially submerged in a layer of water, and the cathodic compartment includes a negative electrode or cathode. The cell is arranged between a first closing plate and a second closing plate. A tie-rod, provided in the central portion of the first closing plate, passes through the first closing plate, the cell and the second closing plate. A central collector for conveying the hydrogen generated in the cathodic compartment is arranged coaxially to the tie-rod and is in communication with the cathodic compartment through an opening formed in the tie-rod.

Abstract: The invention provides a nitrogen-functionalized platinum-transition metal catalyst having the formula Pt-M-NX/C (where M is a transition element such as Fe, Co, Ni, Nb, Ta, Ir, Rh, or Ru) for use at the hydrogen electrode of a hydrogen/bromine redox flow battery. The new catalyst possesses excellent activity and durability in the HBr/Br2 environment, showing superior resistance to halide poisoning than conventional Pt/C or Pt-M/C catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst of an embodiment includes a porous structure including aggregates of particles containing Ru and metal atoms M different from Ru. The particles are a metal oxide. A metal atom ratio of the metal atom M in a surface region of the porous structure is higher than that of the metal atom M in the porous structure as a whole.

Abstract: A multi-stack joined body includes a first transparent member, a second transparent member disposed on the first transparent member, and an intermediate layer interposed between the first transparent member and the second transparent member, where a joining region in which a physical boundary is not provided between the first transparent member and the intermediate layer and between the second transparent member and the intermediate layer is provided across the first transparent member, the intermediate layer, and the second transparent member.

Abstract: A fuel battery includes unit cells, each of which includes a membrane electrode assembly having two gas diffusion layers. Gas passage forming bodies are stacked on an outer surface of each of the gas diffusion layers of each of the unit cells so that each of the unit cells includes a fuel gas passage and an oxidant gas passage. Each of the gas passage forming bodies includes water guide passages, each of which is located between adjacent ones of the gas passages. A communication passage is arranged between each of the gas passages and an adjacent one of the water guide passages to guide water from the gas passage to the water guide passage. The communication passage has a higher pressure loss than that of the gas passage.

Abstract: A power generation cell includes a frame member. The frame member includes a first frame shaped sheet and a second frame shaped sheet that are joined together. The second frame shaped sheet is provided outside a cathode through a gap. A method of operating a fuel cell includes supplying a first reactant gas to a channel formed between the frame member and a first separator, a pressure of the first reactant gas being higher than a pressure of a second reactant gas, and supplying the second reactant gas to a channel formed between the frame member and a second separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gel polymer electrolyte, which includes a matrix polymer and an electrolyte solution impregnated in the matrix polymer, wherein the matrix polymer is formed in a three-dimensional network structure by polymerizing a first oligomer which includes unit A represented by Formula 1 and unit B having a crosslinkable functional group derived from a compound including at least one copolymerizable acrylate group, and a lithium secondary battery including the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a channel plate, and according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a channel plate, which is a manufacturing apparatus for forming a channel for transferring a substance to a plate, comprising a slitting unit provided to have a predetermined pattern for forming a plurality of openings on the plate in a transport process of the plate and a pressing unit provided to form a channel on the plate by pressurizing the opening region of the plate passing through the punching unit to bend it in a predetermined angle and direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an integrated MEA, the method includes the following steps: (1) providing a substrate having an AA region and a WVT region; (2) simultaneously coating a microporous layer, a catalyst layer, and a first membrane ionomer layer onto the substrate; (3) applying an optional membrane support layer to the first membrane ionomer layer in the AA region and the WVT region; (4) applying an optional second membrane ionomer layer; (5) heating treating a coated substrate; and (6) assembling the coated substrate to a companion coated substrate.

Abstract: A conductive auxiliary agent for an electrode slurry for a battery. The electrode slurry contains an electrode active material and a conductive auxiliary agent, and is applied to a sheet-shaped current collector. The conductive auxiliary agent is a carbon paste produced by dispersing a carbon powder in a solvent. The carbon paste has a viscosity of at least 20 Pa·s and not more than 40 Pa·s. The carbon material can be acetylene black.

Abstract: A frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly and a frame member. The frame member includes a first frame shaped sheet and a second frame shaped sheet. An inner peripheral portion of the first frame shaped sheet is joined to an outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode assembly. The inner peripheral portion of the first frame shaped sheet is positioned between an outer peripheral portion of an anode and an outer peripheral portion of a cathode. An inner end of the second frame shaped sheet is positioned outside an outer end of the anode over the entire periphery. The outer end of the cathode is positioned outside the inner end of the second frame shaped sheet over the entire periphery.

Abstract: Various embodiments may provide a method of forming an energy conversion device. The method may include forming an electrolyte layer on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate. The method may also include forming a cavity on the second surface of the semiconductor substrate using a deep reactive ion etch. The method may further include enlarging said cavity by carrying out one or more wet etches so that the enlarged cavity is at least partially defined by a vertical arrangement comprising a first lateral cavity surface of the semiconductor substrate extending substantially along a first direction, and a second lateral cavity surface of the semiconductor substrate adjoining the first lateral cavity surface. The method may include forming a first electrode on a first surface of the electrolyte layer, and forming a second electrode on a second surface of the electrolyte layer.

Abstract: An assembly, including: an electrolyte membrane; and a frame that holds the electrolyte membrane, wherein the frame includes a first frame that holds one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a second frame that holds the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, the frame further has a joint part that joins the first frame and the second frame, and the joint part has a projection.

Abstract: An electrochemical energy-storage cell comprises a flexible positive electrode and a flexible negative electrode including a gallium-based liquid metal dispersed on a flexible wire mesh. The electrochemical energy-storage cell also comprises a membrane having one face in contact with the flexible positive electrode and an opposing face in contact with the flexible negative electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a unit fuel cell includes a step of forming an adhesive layer having ultraviolet curability and heat curability on an outer peripheral edge portion of a side surface of a membrane electrode assembly, a step of disposing a support frame so that an inner peripheral edge portion of the support frame which supports the membrane electrode assembly at an outer periphery of the membrane electrode assembly is disposed on an outer portion of the adhesive layer, and a step of disposing a second gas diffusion layer on the side surface of the membrane electrode assembly so that an outer peripheral edge portion of the second gas diffusion layer is disposed on an inner portion of the adhesive layer, and a step of integrating the membrane electrode assembly, the second gas diffusion layer and the support frame by curing the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A porous body for a fuel cell is interposed between a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and a bipolar plate to form a gas channel through which a reactant gas flows in a predetermined direction, the porous body including: a main body disposed to contact the bipolar plate; and a plurality of ribs each including a land portion disposed to contact the MEA and a connecting portion connecting the land portion to the main body, in which an area of the land portion is gradually narrowed from an upstream part to a downstream part of the gas channel.

Abstract: A joint line includes a passage joint line, a first outer joint line provided in outer peripheral portions of a first metal separator and a second metal separator, and a second outer joint line provided in the outer peripheral portions of the first metal separator and the second metal separator around the first outer joint line.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a catalyst that makes it possible to reduce an amount of solid electrolyte mixed and improve initial performance of a fuel cell, and also a method for producing the catalyst. The present invention relates to a catalyst for a solid polymer fuel cell, which has sulfo groups (—SO3H) on catalyst particles. In TEM-EDX analysis, a ratio (IS/IPt) of a sulfur peak intensity (IS) to a platinum peak intensity (IPt) on the catalyst particles is within a range of 0.0044 or more and 0.0090 or less. The catalyst makes it possible to reduce the amount of solid electrolyte added and also a fuel cell with excellent initial performance, and thus contributes to a practical use of a fuel cell.

Abstract: Provided is a separator-equipped air electrode for a metal-air battery, the separator-equipped air electrode including a separator composed of a hydroxide-ion-conductive inorganic solid electrolyte being a dense ceramic material; an air electrode layer containing an air electrode catalyst and an electron-conductive material, or containing an air electrode catalyst also serving as an electron-conductive material; and an intermediate layer disposed between the separator and the air electrode layer, improving the adhesion between the separator and the air electrode layer, and exhibiting hydroxide ion conductivity. The present invention enables an air electrode provided with a dense ceramic separator to ensure the desired characteristics of the dense ceramic separator and reduces the resistance of a metal-air battery (in particular, the interfacial resistance between the air electrode layer and the separator).

Abstract: A method is for producing seals on faces of electrochemical reactor components intended to be stacked in order to form an electrochemical reactor Each component is in the form of a plate and having a first face and an opposing second face. The first face is designed to receive a first seal and the second face is designed to receive a second seal. The method includes shaping the first seals on the first faces of the components, the first seals being at least partially polymerized; depositing the second seals on the second face of the components; and shaping the second seals by compressing a stack formed from the components alternating with molding plates.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an anode, a cathode, a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, a catalyzed layer in at least one position selected from the group consisting of between the cathode and the membrane and between the anode and the membrane, and an edge seal positioned along an edge of the membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane and the catalyzed layer extends into the edge seal.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack, comprising a first bipolar plate, a second bipolar plate, an electrochemical package comprising a cathode, an anode, and a polymer membrane interposed between the cathode and the anode, an anode compartment disposed between the first bipolar plate and the anode, the anode compartment comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a cathode compartment disposed between the second bipolar plate and the cathode, the cathode compartment comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and wherein the geometric area of the anode compartment is larger than the geometric area of the anode.

Abstract: In order to provide a membrane (100) for a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) of a fuel cell, comprising two partial membranes (200, 300), which allows for a simpler water circuit compared to the prior art, it is proposed that the partial membranes (200, 300) have different ion exchange capacities (IECs) and/or one partial membrane (200) consists of a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer (PFSA) and the other partial membrane (300) consists of a sulfonated hydrocarbon polymer (HC). Optionally, the membrane can contain a porous carrier film (600). Moreover disclosed are a method for producing the membrane (100) as well as a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst is provided. The electrocatalyst includes Pd-containing metal nitride, wherein the metal is Co, Fe, Y, Lu, Sc, Ti, V, Cu, Ni, or a combination thereof. The molar ratio between the metal and Pd is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.8. A fuel cell utilizing the above electrocatalyst is further provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting or comparing mechanical strength of macro-molecular polymer materials. The detecting method has the steps of measuring the mechanical strength and the maximum value of the fluorescence absorption spectrum of each of the plurality of samples to form a curve relationship or function relationship between the maximum value of the fluorescence absorption spectrum and the mechanical strength; measuring the maximum value of the fluorescence absorption spectrum of the target material, and using the curve relationship or the function relationship to obtain the mechanical strength of the target material. The plurality of samples and the target material are both prepared from a macro-molecular polymer, and the macro-molecular polymer may be composed of disulfonate-difluorobenzophenone, hydroxyindole and difluorobenzophenone as monomers, and the sulfonate groups of the disulfonate-difluorobenzophenone have metal cations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium-ion battery including: a positive electrode including an active positive electrode material, and advantageously a lithium salt; an electrolyte including a lithium salt; and a negative electrode including an active negative electrode material, and advantageously a lithium salt. In this battery, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the electrolyte all three appear in the form of gels, and all three include a polymer and a dinitrile compound of formula N?C—R—C?N; R being a hydrocarbon group CnH2n, n being an integer between 1 and 2; the weight ratio of the dinitrile compound to the polymer being in the range from 60/40 to 90/10.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catalyst support includes: heat-treating a crystalline carbon support in a temperature range from 700° C. to 1100° C. under a vapor atmosphere to increase a specific surface area of the carbon support; and applying a magnetic field to the increased specific surface area of the carbon support to remove an impurity.

Abstract: A composite polymer electrolyte membrane includes a composite layer of an aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte and a fluorine-containing polymer porous membrane, wherein a ratio (O/F ratio) of an atomic composition percentage of oxygen O (at %) to an atomic composition percentage of fluorine F (at %) on an outermost surface of the fluorine-containing polymer porous membrane as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is 0.20 or more to 2.0 or less, and the aromatic hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte in the composite layer forms a phase separation structure.

Abstract: A method for operating a power generation system including a fuel-cell is presented. The method includes detecting a water deficient condition of the fuel-cell. The method further includes operating, in response to detecting the water deficient condition of the fuel-cell, at least one auxiliary load of the power generation system via use of an electrical current generated by the fuel-cell to maintain a steam-carbon ratio in the fuel-cell above a threshold steam-carbon ratio value. A control sub-system for operating the power generation system is also presented. Moreover, a power generation system including the fuel-cell, the least one auxiliary load, and the control sub-system is presented.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a reinforced membrane including a porous polymer support; platinum nanoparticles that are dispersed on both surfaces of the porous polymer support and the surface in the pores; and an ion conductive polymer provided in the pores of the porous polymer support, in which the average diameter of the platinum nanoparticles is 1 nm or more and 50 nm or less.

Abstract: The gas distribution element for a fuel cell or an electrolyzing device including a first layer and a second layer, the first and second layers are disposed with a gas distribution structure forming a pattern for a fluid flow of a first reactant fluid. The second layer is a homogenizing element, which has first apertures, wherein at least some of the first apertures have a length and a width, with the length being greater than the width and the length extending in a transverse direction to the main direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes a cross-linking polymer in which a polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) is cross-linked with a hydrocarbon-based polymer and a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of forming solid-state ionically conductive composite materials that include particles of an inorganic phase in a matrix of an organic phase. The methods involve forming the composite materials from a precursor that is polymerized in-situ after being mixed with the particles. The polymerization occurs under applied pressure that causes particle-to-particle contact. In some embodiments, once polymerized, the applied pressure may be removed with the particles immobilized by the polymer matrix. In some implementations, the organic phase includes a cross-linked polymer network. Also provided are solid-state ionically conductive composite materials and batteries and other devices that incorporate them. In some embodiments, solid-state electrolytes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided. In some embodiments, electrodes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided.

Abstract: An electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer adjacent to a gas diffusion layer and a proton exchange membrane, and ionomer-free active metal-loaded carbon nanostructures and active metal-free ionomer-coated carbon nanostructures arranged to define pores therebetween to facilitate transport of reactant gases and product water in the fuel cell.

Abstract: The fuel cell single cell of the present invention includes: a membrane electrode assembly; a low-rigidity frame that supports the membrane electrode assembly; a pair of separators that holds the low-rigidity frame and the membrane electrode assembly therebetween; a gas channel for supplying gas to the membrane electrode assembly between the pair of separators; manifold parts that are formed in the low-rigidity frame and the pair of separators to supply the gas to the gas channel; restraining ribs that restrain the low-rigidity frame near the manifold parts; a projected part of the low-rigidity frame that projects toward the manifold parts beyond the restraining ribs; and a gas flow part that is formed in the projected part to supply the gas from the manifold part to the gas channel.

Abstract: A separator supporting structure includes a metal lug provided on a separator, a set of protrusions that protrude from an inner surface of a metal casing toward the separator to form a recess into which the lug is inserted, a first insulating portion covering the lug at least in the recess, and a second insulating portion extending from the first insulating portion and between the separator and each of the protrusions.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an improved method of preparing concentrated MnO2 ink with increased efficiency and cost effectiveness. The method involves mixing KMnO4 solution with highly crystalline carbon particles (HCCPs) with average diameters less than 800 nm at 30-60° C. for at least 8 hours. The present disclosure further relates to a symmetric supercapacitor device comprising MnO2 coated electrodes and a solid state ionic liquid as electrolyte, as well as an interdigital transparent SC (IT-SC) device comprising aqueous MnO2 ink.

Abstract: There is provided a method of forming a boron film on a substrate on which a semiconductor device is formed, by plasmarizing a reaction gas containing a boron-containing gas under a process atmosphere regulated to a pressure which falls within a range of 0.67 to 33.3 Pa (5 to 250 mTorr). The boron film is formed on a substrate on which a semiconductor device is formed, by plasmarizing a reaction gas containing a boron-containing gas under a process atmosphere regulated to a pressure which falls within a range of 0.67 to 33.3 Pa (5 to 250 mTorr).

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly including a catalyst layer that includes a catalyst-supporting carrier in which a catalyst is supported on a carrier made of an inorganic oxide, and a highly hydrophobic substance having a higher degree of hydrophobicity than the inorganic oxide, the catalyst layer being formed on at least one surface of a polymer electrolyte membrane. It is preferable that, in the membrane-electrode assembly, the degree of hydrophobicity of the highly hydrophobic substance is from 0.5 vol % to 45 vol % at 25° C., the degree of hydrophobicity being defined as a concentration of methanol (vol %) when a light transmittance of a dispersion obtained by dispersing the highly hydrophobic substance in a mixed solution of water and methanol reaches 80%.