Abstract: The present invention realizes an automated system which automatically performs all processes including an inputting process, a bonding process, and a punching process using a robot in manufacturing an integrated part of an MEA and GDLs. Accordingly, with the automated system, it is possible to improve productivity and ensure consistent product quality.

Abstract: To provide a membrane and electrode assembly comprising a catalyst layer that improves water holding properties and exhibits high power generation characteristics even in low humidified conditions without inhibiting the diffusibility of reaction gas, the removal of the water generated by the electrode reaction, and its manufacturing method. There is provided a membrane and electrode assembly produced by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between a pair of catalyst layers, in which the catalyst layer comprises a polymer electrolyte and particles carrying a catalyst material, and in which the volume of fine pores having a diameter of 1.0 ?m or smaller is increased toward the polymer electrolyte membrane from the surface of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A support for an oxygen separation membrane element to support a dense and cylindrical electrolytic membrane having oxygen ion permeability, comprises a base axially extending and having a cylindrical surface extending axially, and a plurality of ribs formed on the cylindrical surface of the base, radially projecting and axially extending, for supporting the electrolytic membrane at their ends being radially distant from the cylindrical surface of the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a direct oxidation fuel cell in which at least one fluid fuel is transported from a fuel reservoir via a fluid distribution structure to a membrane electrode assembly, the transport of the fuel being effected passively, i.e. without convection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding direct oxidation fuel cell.

Abstract: An improved structure for gas diffusion electrodes and gas diffusion layers whereby fine gradients of porosity and hydrophobicity promote efficient gas transport, water removal and overall enhanced performance of Membrane Electrode Assemblies constructed with these components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxygen gas diffusion cathode for sodium chloride electrolysis comprising: a porous conductive substrate comprising silver, a hydrophobic material and a carbon material; a catalyst comprising silver and palladium, coated on the porous conductive substrate.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer with a micro protective layer is utilized in the electrochemical cells. The cell mainly includes end plates, current collectors, flow field plates, gas diffusion layers, catalyst layers, a proton exchange membrane and a circuit unit. When the cell functions as a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity and water. Reversely, when the cell functions as a water electrolysis cell, water was decomposed electrolytically to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. In this manner, the present invention particularly has the gas diffusion layer to be coated with a micro protective layer so as to prevent the gas diffusion layer from being corroded by active oxygen species generated within the oxygen electrode under the catalysis during water electrolysis operation.

Abstract: For a combination of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 107, catalytic layers 111 and 113 disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 107, gas diffusion layers 112 and 114 disposed outside the catalytic layers 111 and 113, and separators 103 and 104 disposed outside the gas diffusion layers 112 and 114, the catalytic layer 113 to be cathode-sided includes a carbon carrier 117 composed of carbon having a mean lattice plane spacing d002 of [002] planes calculated from an X-ray diffraction within a range of 0.343 nm to 0.358 nm, a crystallite size Lc within a range of 3 nm to 10 nm, and a specific surface area within a range of 200 m2/g to 300 m2/g, catalyst particles 115 containing platinum supported on the carbon carrier 117, and an electrolyte 116.

Abstract: A cathodic gas diffusion electrode for the electrochemical production of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions. The cathodic gas diffusion electrode comprises an electrically conductive gas diffusion substrate and a cathodic electrocatalyst layer supported on the gas diffusion substrate. A novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer comprises a cathodic electrocatalyst, a substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, a fluorocarbon polymer hydrophobic agent and binder, and a perfluoronated sulphonic acid polymer. An electrochemical cell using the novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer has been shown to produce an aqueous solution having between 8 and 14 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, such electrochemical cells have shown stable production of hydrogen peroxide solutions over 1000 hours of operation including numerous system shutdowns.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a catalyst layer, a corrugated plate forming a plurality of channels that define a flow field in fluid communication with the catalyst layer, and a coating on at least one of the channels. The plate and coating are configured such that, if a gas flows through the channels, an obstruction blocking the at least one of the channels causes a pressure gradient between the channels that drives convection of the gas through the coating and around the obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxygen-reduction gas diffusion cathode having: a porous conductive substrate; diamond particle having a hydrophobic surface; and catalyst particle, the diamond particle and the catalyst particle being disposed on the porous conductive substrate, and a method of sodium chloride electrolysis using the cathode.

Abstract: An anode structure for incorporation into a fuel cell includes a first region having one or more electrocatalysts, in which the first region is adjacent to the fuel inlet when the anode structure is incorporated into a fuel cell, and a second region having one or more electrocatalysts, in which the second region is adjacent to the fuel outlet when the anode structure is incorporated into a fuel cell. The first region is better at promoting the electrochemical oxidation of carbon monoxide than the second region.

Abstract: An electrode for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer comprising at least electrocatalyst particles (3), a supporting substance therefor (4) and proton-conductive polymers (1) and (2), wherein the proton-conductive polymer (1) is present in a primary presence state in which the proton-conductive polymer (1) covers the electrocatalyst particles (3) or the supporting substance therefor (4), or both at least partly; the proton-conductive polymer (2) is present in a secondary presence state in which the proton-conductive polymer (2) binds the electrocatalyst particles (3) to one another or binds particles of the supporting substance (4) to one another or to the solid polymer electrolyte membrane; and the melt viscosity of the proton-conductive polymer (1) is lower than the melt viscosity of the proton-conductive polymer (2).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanowire structures and interconnected nanowire networks comprising such structures, as well as methods for their production. The nanowire structures comprise a nanowire core, a carbon-based layer, and in additional embodiments, carbon-based structures such as nanographitic plates consisting of graphenes formed on the nanowire cores, interconnecting the nanowire structures in the networks. The networks are porous structures that can be formed into membranes or particles. The nanowire structures and the networks formed using them are useful in catalyst and electrode applications, including fuel cells, as well as field emission devices, support substrates and chromatographic applications.

Abstract: An improved gas diffusion electrode composed of a perovskite-type oxide dispersed in a mixture of carbon black and a hydrophobic binder polymer. An improved catalyst for use in the electrochemical reduction of oxygen comprising a perovskite-type compound having alpha and beta sites, and having a greater molar ratio of cations at the beta site. A particularly good reduction catalyst is a neodymium calcium manganite. An improved method of dispersing the catalysts with carbon in a reaction layer of the electrode improves performance of the electrode and the oxygen reduction process. This is provided by adding carbon black to an aqueous solution of metal salts before it is heated to a gel and then to a char and then calcined. Optionally, a quantity of the desired oxide catalyst can be premixed with a portion the carbon before adding the carbon to an aqueous solution of the metal salts to be heated.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly that includes a cathode electrode catalyst layer and an anode electrode catalyst layer respectively disposed on one side and the other side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, gas diffusion layers disposed respectively on the sides of the electrode catalyst layers; and intermediate layers having pores and disposed respectively between the electrode catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer and between the electrode catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer. The volume per unit area and per unit mass of the pores having pore size of 0.1 to 10 ?m in the intermediate layer in the cathode side is larger than that in the intermediate layer in the anode side. The pore volume of the intermediate layer in the cathode side is 1.7 to 4.3 ?l/cm2/mg and that of the intermediate layer in the anode side is 0.5 to 1.4 ?l/cm2/mg.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for use in a fuel cell having a conductive metal substrate and a layer of conductive non-metallic porous media. The conductive non-metallic porous media has an electrically conductive material deposited along a surface in one or more metallized regions and having an average thickness equal to about the diameter of one atom of the material. The metallized regions improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the metal substrate and the fluid distribution media.

Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell structure includes a proton exchange membrane (4). An anode catalyst layer (1,16) is located on one side of the proton exchange membrane. A cathode catalyst layer (7) is located on the opposite side of the proton exchange membrane, and a gas distribution layer (3,5) is arranged on each side of the proton exchange membrane (4). The anode side gas distribution layer (3) is a flat, porous structure having water channels (3a) formed in the surface facing the membrane (4). The anode side gas distribution layer (3) is enclosed by a coplanar, sealing plate (2) with water inlet channels coupled to the water channels (3a) in the gas distribution layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode having excellent power generation capability which includes a catalyst layer, a gas diffusion layer and a water-repellent layer interposed therebetween. The water-repellent layer has a uniform thickness. One surface of the water-repellent layer is bonded to the catalyst layer. The other surface of the water-repellent layer faces the gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer and the water-repellent layer are in intimate contact with each other and have substantially no interstice therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell which is good in gas permeability of a diffusion layer, exhibits good discharge of water vapor and a carbon dioxide gas, and can improve output properties. The fuel cell includes a cell (20), which comprises an electrolyte membrane (22), a cathode layer (24) provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and an anode layer (26) provided on the other side thereof and in which a redox reaction takes place between a fed fuel, such as methane, and an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, through the electrolyte membrane (22) to generate an electromotive force, and is characterized in that a diffusion layer (24b, 26b), which is composed of a carbon fiber fabric having a protrusion part (24c, 26c) protruded outward from a side face to which a fuel or oxidizing agent will be fed, is provided on at least one of the cathode layer (24) and the anode layer (26).