Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell in which a membrane electrode assembly less undergoes increase in ion conduction resistance, and a polymer electrolyte membrane less undergoes deterioration. Specifically, the polymer electrolyte membrane includes a first membrane and a second membrane being two different membranes composed of polymer electrolytes having different ion-exchange capacities, in which the first membrane has an area of one surface thereof equal to or larger than an area of one surface of an anode or a cathode, and the second membrane has an area of one surface thereof smaller than that of the first membrane and is arranged in a gas inflow region on a side being in contact with the cathode. The second membrane has an ion-exchange capacity smaller than that of the first membrane or has a number-average molecular weight larger than that of the first membrane.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell including a carbon-based carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, for example, an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, wherein the electrode catalyst has an X value of 95 to 100% in Equation 1. X(%)=(XPS measurement value)/(TGA measurement value)×100??[Equation 1] wherein, the XPS measurement value represents a quantitative amount of the active metal present on a surface of the electrode catalyst, the TGA measurement value represents the XPS measurement value using a monochromated Al K?-ray, which is the quantitative amount of total active metal supported in the catalyst.

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs), methods and use thereof in fuel cells and methods of preparing thereof are disclosed. A PEM may include at least one porous support film and a polysiloxane polymer bonded to the at least one porous support film, wherein the polysiloxane polymer includes at least one polysiloxane grafted to a heterocycle.

Abstract: A fuel cell with multiple independent reaction regions comprises multiple fuel cell units. Each fuel cell unit comprises bipolar plates and a membrane electrode assembly located between the bipolar plates. The membrane electrode assembly comprises a proton exchange membrane and catalyst layers located at both sides of the proton exchange membrane, and the catalyst layers at least at one side of the proton exchange membrane are formed with multiple mutually independent catalyst sublayers. Different from the prior design concepts of striving to distribute reactants as uniformly as possible in the whole reaction area, the whole cell in this invention is divided into multiple independent reaction regions, and relevance of the reaction regions is eliminated. Therefore, by partitioning and reducing the amplitude of possible voltage difference, this invention is able to reduce electrochemical corrosion and maximize performance of each independent region and the whole fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of forming a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) includes first bonding a first electrode layer to a first side of an ion-exchange membrane. The method may further include protecting a second side of the membrane with a release sheet. The method may further include removing the release sheet and bonding the second side of the membrane to a first side of a second electrode layer. The method may further include positioning venting members on a second side of the second electrode layer to remove at least one of a liquid and a vapor that may be generated during the bonding process. In another embodiment an electrocatalyst can first bond to at least one side of the membrane, and subsequently, to a gas diffusion layer. An opposing side of the membrane can bond to an electrode layer in aqueous state.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.

Abstract: A combined subgasket and membrane support for a fuel cell is provided. The combined subgasket and membrane support includes a substantially fluid impermeable feed region circumscribing a porous membrane support region. The membrane support region is integrally formed with the feed region. At least one of the membrane support region and the feed region is at least partially formed by a radiation-cured structure. A method for fabricating the subgasket and membrane support for the fuel cell is also provided.

Abstract: The provided is a mixed reactant fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell body including a membrane-electrode assembly, a fuel tank, and a fuel pump. The fuel tank stores a mixed fuel including a hydrocarbon-based fuel and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) acts as an oxidant. The fuel pump supplies the mixed fuel into the fuel cell body to generate electricity. An anode included in the membrane-electrode assembly includes a catalyst that selectively activates the oxidation reaction of the hydrocarbon-based fuel. A cathode included in the membrane-electrode assembly includes a catalyst that selectively activates the reduction reaction of the oxidant in the cathode. Therefore, when the mixed fuel is injected into both of the anode and the cathode, only an oxidation reaction of the fuel is carried out in the anode, and only a reduction reaction of the oxidant is carried out in the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system comprising the same. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an anode and a cathode facing each other and a polymer electrolyte membrane positioned therebetween. The polymer electrolyte membrane adheres to the anode through a binder disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the anode, and adheres to the cathode through a binder disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the cathode. The binder and the polymer electrolyte membrane can include a cation exchange resin and an inorganic additive.

Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel polyimide containing a diamine component that has a fluorene skeleton having a sulfonic acid group or a derivative thereof, and a novel polyimide-based polymer electrolyte membrane containing this polyimide as a main component and having properties based on this polyimide (for example, a good balance between the resistance to methanol crossover and the proton conductivity). The polyimide of the present invention contains a structural unit (P) represented by the following formula (1). The polymer electrolyte membrane of the present invention contains this polyimide as a main component.

Abstract: Disclosed are a support for an electrode catalyst that includes a carbon support and a crystalline carbon layer disposed on a surface of the carbon support, the crystalline carbon layer including one or more heteroatoms chemically-bound to carbon of the carbon support. A method of manufacturing the support for electrode catalyst, an electrode support, and a fuel cell including the support for an electrode catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly, passageways provided on both sides of the membrane-electrode assembly, and fluid-permeable members provided between the membrane-electrode assembly and the passageways. Thermal resistance of the fluid-permeable member on an anode side is lower than that of the fluid-permeable member on a cathode side. In this case, heat flux at the anode side fluid-permeable member is increased, and heat flux at the cathode side fluid-permeable member is decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing proton-conducting clay particles, successively comprising the following steps: a) a step of activating a clay powder, comprising a step in which the said powder is subjected to a gas plasma; b) a grafting step comprising a step of placing the activated powder obtained from step a) in contact with a solution comprising at least one compound comprising at least one group chosen from —PO3H2, —CO2H and —SO3H and salts thereof and comprising at least one group capable of grafting onto the surface of the said powder. Use of these particles for the manufacture of fuel cell membranes.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a capability of making uniform a water distribution in an in-plane direction of a polymer electrolyte membrane and supplying a reactive gas to an air electrode catalyst layer efficiently is provided. The fuel cell of the present invention has a polymer electrolyte membrane, a pair of catalyst electrodes, and a pair of metal separators. An air electrode separator has an oxidizing gas flow channel used to supply an oxidizing gas to the catalyst electrodes. The oxidizing gas flow channel is formed in such a manner that a flow channel near an oxidizing gas supply manifold and a flow channel near an oxidizing gas exhaust manifold are adjacent to each other in the same plane, and is formed in an S-shaped or spiral pattern.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a fuel cell system using the same are disclosed. The fuel cell stack may include an electricity generation unit generating electrical energy by an electrochemical reaction of fuel and oxidizer. The fuel cell stack may include a regulation member made of porous materials to disperse coolant flowed in through a cooling channel formed in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply passage, four first bridges extending radially outwardly from the fuel gas supply section, and sandwiching sections connected to the first bridges. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply section. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel. The four electrolyte electrode assemblies are arranged concentrically around the fuel gas supply section. A fuel cell stack includes such fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a first discharge mechanism that connects an inlet of a discharge flow path directly to a porous body so as to cause liquid in the porous body and liquid in the discharge flow path to be continuous, thereby discharging the liquid in preference to the offgas; and a second discharge mechanism that connects an inlet of a discharge flow path to the porous body via a hollow portion of a predetermined size to prevent liquid in the porous body and liquid in the discharge flow path from becoming continuous, thereby discharging the offgas in preference to the liquid. The fuel cell is easy-to-manufacture with long-lasting effectiveness, and is capable of separating and discharging offgas and liquid in a porous body.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell including at least one cell, the cell being a stacked body including: a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; an anode-side separator having a fuel flow channel for supplying a liquid fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator having an oxidant flow channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode, in which the anode-side separator includes a first region including an upstream half of the fuel flow channel and a second region including a downstream half of the fuel flow channel, the anode includes an anode catalyst layer in contact with the electrolyte membrane and an anode diffusion layer in contact with the anode-side separator, the anode catalyst layer includes an anode catalyst and a polymer electrolyte, the anode catalyst layer includes an upstream-side region facing the first region and a downstream-side region facing the second region, and the content of the polymer electrolyte

Abstract: A hydrogen system (10) comprising a reformer (12), in which a vaporized hydrocarbon fuel (50) is reformed to yield a reformate gas (62) comprising hydrogen, and a hydrogen consumer (40), the reformer and the hydrogen consumer being arranged in fluid communication such that the reformate gas can be fed to the hydrogen consumer, the hydrogen consumer, when in use, consuming at least a part of the hydrogen produced by the reformer wherein the hydrogen system further comprises:—an off gas burner (35) which is arranged such that it is in fluid communication with the hydrogen consumer and a first heat exchanger (21), in which offgas burner, when in use, remaining reformate gas in offgas from the hydrogen consumer is combusted, producing exhaust gas (53) which is passed through the first heat exchanger;—at least one air pump (30) which is arranged such that it is in fluid communication with the reformer and the offgas burner, the at least one air pump, when in use, supplying air to said reformer and offgas burner,—a

Abstract: An electrochemical device and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device may be used as a fuel cell and/or as an electrolyzer and includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, chemically-inert, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, as well as a fluid chamber and a non-porous an electrically-conductive plate.

Abstract: A sealed and/or reinforced membrane electrode assembly is disclosed. Encapsulation films, each comprising a backing layer and an adhesive layer, are positioned on the edges of at least one face of each gas diffusion substrate such that the adhesive layers impregnate into each gas diffusion substrate. Methods of forming sealed and/or reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unit cell of a fuel cell is formed by stacking a membrane electrode assembly between a first metal separator and a second metal separator in a stacking direction. A frame is provided in an outer end of the membrane electrode assembly. A seal member is formed on the frame. The seal member includes a first seal as a fuel gas seal, a second seal as a coolant seal, and a third seal as an oxygen-containing gas seal. The first seal, the second seal, and the third seal are offset from each other in the stacking direction.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising steps of: preparing a precursor of a membrane electrode assembly wherein a catalyst mixture comprising an electrolyte resin and a catalyst-carrying conductor is applied or placed on an electrolyte membrane; and externally exposing the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly to a superheated medium under oxygen-free or low-oxygen conditions and heating the boundary of the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst mixture in the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly by condensation heat of the superheated medium to fix the catalyst mixture to the electrolyte membrane. This method enables the production of a membrane electrode assembly that is substantially free of boundary and that has a catalyst layer in which a porous and sufficient three-phase boundary is present.

Abstract: In a membrane electrode assembly of the present invention, at least one of a catalyst layer of an oxygen electrode and a catalyst layer of a fuel electrode includes a supported catalyst supporting a metal catalyst containing a platinum group element, a proton conductive polymer electrolyte, and at least one selected from (a) a complex-forming agent having a ligand that forms coordinate bonds with ions of the platinum group element and forms a complex, the ligand containing oxygen as a coordinating atom, (b) a complex of the platinum group element, a ligand of the complex containing oxygen as a coordinating atom, and (c) carbon that has a BET specific surface area of 100 m2/g or greater, satisfies at least one of (i) an R value of Raman spectrum of 0.5 or less and (ii) a lattice spacing d002 between (002) planes of 0.35 nm or less, and does not support the metal catalyst.

Abstract: An electrochemical device subassembly is provided that includes a membrane electrode assembly and a gasket. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane having a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and a peripheral edge. The gasket is disposed adjacent the first major surface of the electrolyte membrane at the peripheral edge, and has a plurality of replicated structures that extend greater than about 250 micrometers from a surface of the gasket.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly less susceptible to flooding or shortcircuiting caused by piercing of carbon fibers of a gas diffusion layer to a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided, containing a cathode having a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, an anode having a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the catalyst layer of the cathode and the catalyst layer of the anode, wherein each of the cathode and the anode further has a protective layer containing carbon fibers having an average fiber diameter of from 1 to 30 ?m and a fluorinated ion exchange resin, between the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer, and the mass ratio (F/C) of the fluorinated ion exchange resin (F) to the carbon fibers (C) contained in the protective layer is from 0.05 to 0.30.

Abstract: Solid anion exchange polymer electrolytes include chemical compounds comprising a polymer backbone with side chains that include guanidinium cations.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a power generation part as an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly formed of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a fuel electrode arranged in contact with one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and an oxygen electrode arranged in contact with the other side of the membrane, and a fuel supply part for storing and supplying an alcohol fuel to the fuel electrode. The fuel supply part is composed of a high-concentration fuel tank for storing and supplying a highly-concentrated fuel and a water fuel tank for storing and supplying a water fuel. The fuel is gasified and supplied to the power generation part through a fuel gasification/supply layer provided between at least the high-concentration fuel tank and the fuel electrode.

Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for making membrane electrode assembly includes providing a proton exchange membrane and two electrodes. An array of carbon nanotubes is formed on a substrate. The array of carbon nanotubes is pressed by a pressing device to form a carbon nanotube film. A catalyst layer is formed on the carbon nanotube film to obtain an electrode. Two electrodes are disposed on two opposite surfaces of a proton exchange membrane, to obtain the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane laminate for an unhumidified-type fuel cell, comprising an electrolytic membrane containing a strong acid; a conductive layer formed on one surface or both surfaces of the electrolytic membrane; and a catalytic layer formed on the conductive layer; wherein the conductive layer is formed of a fluorine-containing resin and carbon powder, and the conductive layer is thinner than the electrolytic membrane. The present invention provides a catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane laminate for an unhumidified-type fuel cell that can be practically used.

Abstract: A membrane-catalyst layer assembly with reinforcing films including a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, a catalyst layer 3 formed on each surface of the electrolyte membrane 2, and a reinforcing film 4 located on each surface of a membrane-catalyst layer assembly having the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layers. Each of the reinforcing films 4 has a frame shape with a central opening 41. Each of the catalyst layers 3, except for an outer edge portion 31, is exposed through the opening 41. Each reinforcing film 4 has a first bonding layer 43 bonded to a membrane-catalyst layer assembly 10, and a gas barrier layer 42 formed on the first bonding layer 43 to prevent passage of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas.

Abstract: A laminated electrolyte membrane, a membrane electrode assembly including the laminated electrolyte membrane, and a method of preparing the laminated electrolyte membrane, the laminate electrolyte membrane comprising at least two polymer membranes that are laminated together, and an electrolytic polymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer having a polymerizable functional group and a proton dissociable functional group.

Abstract: A method of transferring nanostructured thin catalytic layers to a gas diffusion layer and thus making a catalyst coated diffusion media is described. The method includes treating the gas diffusion layer with a temporary adhesive to temporarily increase the adhesion strength within the microporous layer and to carbon fiber paper substrate, transferring the nanostructured thin catalytic layer to the microporous side of a gas diffusion media layer. The nanostructured thin catalytic layer can then be further processed, including adding additional components or layers to the nanostructured thin catalytic layer on the gas diffusion media layer. Preparation of catalyst coated diffusion media and a catalyst coated diffusion media based membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which comprises a hydrocarbon cation exchange resin membrane wherein a cation exchange group is covalently bonded to a hydrocarbon resin, and an adhesive layer formed on at least one side of the hydrocarbon cation exchange resin membrane, wherein the adhesive layer is made of a hydrocarbon cation exchange resin having a Young's modulus of 1 to 300 MPa and a solubility of less than 1% by mass in water of 20° C.; and a membrane-electrode assembly which is obtained by forming a catalyst electrode layer on at least one side of the above-mentioned membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cell.

Abstract: A membrane electrode structure suitable for use in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that comprises membrane-affixed metal nanoparticles whose formation is controlled by a photochemical process that controls deposition of the metal nanoparticles using a photocatalyst integrated with a polymer electrolyte membrane, such as an ionomer membrane. Impregnation of the polymer membrane with the photocatalyst prior to metal deposition greatly reduces the required amount of metal precursor in the deposition reaction solution by restricting metal reduction substantially to the formation of metal nanoparticles affixed on or near the surface of the polymer membrane with minimal formation of metallic particles not directly associated with the membrane.

Abstract: Solid anion exchange polymer electrolytes and compositions comprising chemical compounds comprising a polymeric core, a spacer A, and a guanidine base, wherein said chemical compound is uniformly dispersed in a suitable solvent and has the structure: wherein: i) A is a spacer having the structure O, S, SO2, —NH—, —N(CH2)n, wherein n=1-10, —(CH2)n—CH3—, wherein n=1-10, SO2-Ph, CO-Ph, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 each are independently —H, —NH2, F, Cl, Br, CN, or a C1-C6 alkyl group, or any combination of thereof; ii) R9, R10, R11, R12, or R13 each independently are —H, —CH3, —NH2, —NO, —CHnCH3 where n=1-6, HC?O—, NH2C?O—, —CHnCOOH where n=1-6, —(CH2)n—C(NH2)—COOH where n=1-6, —CH—(COOH)—CH2—COOH, —CH2—CH(O—CH2CH3)2, —(C?S)—NH2, —(C?NH)—N—(CH2)nCH3, where n=0-6, —NH—(C?S)—SH, —CH2—(C?O)—O—C(CH3)3, —O—(CH2)n—CH—(NH2)—COOH, where n=1-6, —(CH2)n—CH?CH wherein n=1-6, —(CH2)n—CH—CN wherein n=1-6, an aromatic group such as a phenyl, benzyl, phenoxy, methylbenzyl, nitrogen-substituted benzyl or phenyl g

Abstract: A redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a catholyte solution comprising a modified ferrocene species being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer blend proton exchange membrane comprising a soluble polymer and a sulfonated polymer, wherein the soluble polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysulfone, polyethersulfone and polyvinylidene fluoride, the sulfonated polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone), sulfonated poly(ether-ketone-ether-ketone-ketone), sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone), sulfonated phenolphthalein poly (ether sulfone), sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyphosphazene and sulfonated polybenzimidazole, and wherein the degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated polymer is in the range of 96% to 118%. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the polymer blend proton exchange membrane.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane/electrode structure constituting a fuel cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode sandwiching the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The anode side electrode is provided with an electrode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer abutting on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and exposing the outer circumference thereof in the shape of a frame, and the cathode side electrode is provided with an electrode catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer abutting on the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A reinforcing sheet member is arranged on the frame-shaped surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane projecting from the outer circumference of the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a nanostructured surface (NSS) on a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, in which a nanostructured surface is suitably formed on a polymer electrolyte membrane by plasma treatment during plasma assisted etching in a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) chamber, where catalyst particles or a catalyst layer are directly deposited on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane having the nanostructured surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane electrode assemblies comprising (i) at least two electrochemically active electrodes, (ii) said electrodes being separated by at least one polymer electrolyte membrane or electrolyte matrices, (iii) said electrodes having a catalyst layer being in contact with the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane or matrices, (iv) said catalyst layer at the cathode comprising a polymer comprising the recurring units of the general formula (I) as ionomeric material and fuel cells with increased performance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which has a high level of power generation performance under a low humidified condition and a high level of production efficiency, and further, a manufacturing method of such an MEA and a fuel cell having such an MEA. The present invention includes forming first electrode catalyst layer 2, forming polymer electrolyte layer 1 on the first electrode catalyst layer 2 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the first electrode catalyst layer 2 is also covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1, and forming second electrode catalyst layer 3 on the polymer electrolyte layer 1 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the second electrode catalyst layer 3 is covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1.

Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, capable of achieving high power generation performance under low or no humidity operation conditions, and a process for producing a cathode for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. A membrane/electrode assembly 10, comprising: an anode 20 having a catalyst layer 22 and a gas diffusion layer 28, a cathode 30 having a catalyst layer 32 and a gas diffusion layer 38, and a polymer electrolyte membrane 40 interposed between the catalyst layer 22 of the anode 20 and the catalyst layer 32 of the cathode, wherein the cathode 30 has, between the catalyst layer 32 and the gas diffusion layer 38, a first interlayer 36 comprising carbon fibers (C1) and a fluorinated ion exchange resin (F1), and a second interlayer 34 comprising carbon fibers (C2) and a fluorinated ion exchange resin (F2), in this order from the gas diffusion layer 38 side.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, anode catalyst layers, and cathode catalyst layers provided counter to the anode catalyst layers, respectively. An insulating layer is provided on the electrolyte membrane between adjacent anode catalyst layers. An insulating layer is provided on the electrolyte membrane between adjacent cathode catalyst layers. The resistivity of the insulating layer is preferably identical to or higher than that of the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: High power density generators are formed with a flexible multi-layered structure. The structure includes a fuel layer with a separate fuel cell stack adjacent to each side of the fuel layer. The structure can be flexible and formed into a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including a first substrate and a second substrate and a catalyst layer between the first substrate and the second substrate is provided, where the first substrate is a polymer electrolyte membrane and the second substrate is a electrode substrate, or the first substrate is the electrode substrate and the second substrate is the polymer electrolyte membrane. The catalyst layer has a h1/t1 ratio of about 0.5 or more, where s1 represents a point on the first substrate at one end of the catalyst layer, h1 represents a distance between the first substrate and the second substrate, s2 represents a point on the first substrate closest to s1 at which a height (h) of the catalyst layer becomes h1, and t1 represents the distance between the s1 and the s2. The membrane-electrode assembly can include a greater amount of catalyst by decreasing a shadow effect, and thereby increasing its energy density.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode catalyst comprising: (a) a support; (b) metal catalyst particles supported on the support and formed of a catalytically active metal or metal-containing alloy; and (c) an anti-coarsening compound, which is dispersed in at least one region selected from the group consisting of interstitial spaces among the catalyst particles and contact sites between the support and the catalyst particles, and has a coarsening temperature higher than that of the catalyst. A method for preparing the electrode catalyst is also disclosed.