Abstract: An activation apparatus of fuel cell stacks, which automatically performs activation and performance evaluation processes on the fuel cell stacks when the fuel cell stacks have entered a frame, includes i) a connector connection assembly configured to connect a plurality of connector probes to cell terminals of the fuel cell stack, ii) an output cable connection assembly configured to connect positive (+) output cables to the first side of the fuel cell stack, and iii) a fluid supply pipe connection assembly configured to connect negative (?) output cables to the second side of the fuel cell stack and to connect a fluid supply pipe to the manifold of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel cell includes a porous anode, formed of finely-dispersed nickel/stabilized-zirconia powder particles. The particles have an average diameter of less than about 300 nanometers. They are also characterized by a tri-phase length of greater than about 50 ?m/?m3. A solid oxide fuel cell stack is also described, along with a method of forming an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell. The method includes the step of using a spray-agglomerated, nickel oxide/stabilized-zirconia powder to form the anode.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a solid oxide fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method of fabricating a fuel cell membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) having an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, includes fabricating each of the anode electrode, the cathode electrode, and the membrane separately by electrospinning; and placing the membrane between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, and pressing then together to form the fuel cell MEA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack with enhanced freeze-thaw durability. In particular, the fuel cell stack includes a gas diffusion layer between a membrane-electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The gas diffusion layer has a structure that reduces contact resistance in a fuel cell and is cut at a certain angle such that the machine direction (high stiffness direction) of GDL roll is not in parallel with the major flow field direction of the bipolar plate, resulting in an increased GDL stiffness in a width direction perpendicular to a major flow field direction of a bipolar plate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochemical reactor, including: holding in position a first tube and a shaft extending in a same direction, the first tube including a bore in which a beam is housed; forming a stack which alternates bipolar plates and membrane/electrode assemblies, each bipolar plate and each membrane/electrode assembly including first and second openings through which the first tube and the shaft respectively extend; compressing the stack between two mechanical components and removing the beam from the bore of the first tube; and connecting the bore of the first tube to a fluid flow circuit of the electrochemical reactor.

Abstract: A mixed reactant fuel cell (MRFC) including a MRFC-optimized electrocatalyst utilizing a combination of selective catalysts and selective fuel distributors.

Abstract: Method for producing a substrate with Au (gold) nanoclusters affixed to the surface thereof and substrate and catalyst obtained by means of said method. The method consists in preparing a solution containing, in disperse form, Au nanoclusters and, also in disperse form, a substrate with a surface functionalized with a polyelectrolyte that confers a net electric charge thereon, and in intensely agitating said solution to affix Au nanoclusters to the substrate surface. This results in a substrate that has a surface with Au nanoclusters affixed in disperse form, significantly without clusters. The invention also relates to a catalyst that comprises said substrate with Au nanoclusters affixed to the surface thereof. Said catalyst is particularly suitable for use in oxidation reactions.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for use in generating electricity while tolerating sulfur content in a fuel input stream. The solid oxide fuel cell includes an electrolyte, a cathode, and a sulfur tolerant anode. The cathode is disposed on a first side of the electrolyte. The sulfur tolerant anode is disposed on a second side of the electrolyte opposite the cathode. The sulfur tolerant anode includes a composition of nickel, copper, and ceria to exhibit a substantially stable operating voltage at a constant current density in the presence of the sulfur content within the fuel input stream. The solid oxide fuel cell is useful within a SOFC stack to generate electricity from reformate which includes synthesis gas (syngas) and sulfur content. The solid oxide fuel cell is also useful within a SOFC stack to generate electricity from unreformed hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: Provided are a perfluorinated sulfonic acid polymer membrane having a porous surface layer, which includes a surface layer and a bottom layer present at the bottom of the surface layer, wherein the surface layer is a porous layer, and the bottom layer is non-porous dense layer, and a method for preparing the same through a solvent evaporation process.

Abstract: A transferring method for transferring a catalyst layer to a desired position on an electrolyte film includes the following processes. A multi-layer body is formed by stacking base materials and an electrolyte film on one another such that catalyst layers formed on the base materials are brought into contact with the electrolyte film. The multi-layer body is pressed from a stacking direction. The multi-layer body is heated to a first temperature. The heating is stopped after a predetermined time passes from when pressing is started. The pressing is stopped when the temperature of the catalyst layers becomes a second temperature or lower, which is a temperature lower than the first temperature, after the heating is stopped.

Abstract: A process for rejuvenating fuel cells has been demonstrated to improve the performance of polymer exchange membrane fuel cells with platinum/ionomer electrodes. The process involves dehydrating a fuel cell and exposing at least the cathode of the fuel cell to dry gas (nitrogen, for example) at a temperature higher than the operating temperature of the fuel cell. The process may be used to prolong the operating lifetime of an automotive fuel cell.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises at least one porous ionomer containing layer disposed at the interface between the cathode electrocatalyst material and the ion exchange membrane of the fuel cell. The porous ionomer containing layer comprises a catalyst migration impeding compound. The membrane electrode assembly exhibits improved stability against Pt dissolution and Pt-band formation within the ion exchange membrane, hence having improved durability and lifetime performance.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate for carbon nanotube growth in which no metal particles as a catalyst aggregates and a method for manufacturing the substrate. A substrate for carbon nanotube growth 1 includes a base plate 2, a catalyst 3, a form-defining material layer 4 which allows the catalyst 3 to be dispersed and arranged, and a covering layer 5 which has a metal oxide to cover the catalyst. A method for manufacturing a substrate for carbon nanotube growth 1 includes a step of sputtering on a base plate 2 a metal which forms a catalyst 3 and oxidizing the surface of the metal, a step of sputtering a form-defining material on the base plate 2, and a step of further sputtering on the form-defining material a metal which forms a catalyst 3 and oxidizing the surface of the metal.

Abstract: A reaction chamber arrangement is provided, the reaction chamber arrangement including a first chemical reaction chamber; a second chemical reaction chamber; an isolation member between the first chemical reaction chamber and the second chemical reaction chamber, wherein a first electrode is mounted on a first side of the isolation member, an exposed surface of the first electrode facing into the first chemical reaction chamber and wherein a second electrode is mounted on a second side of the isolation member, an exposed surface of the second electrode facing into the second chemical reaction chamber; and an electronic component configured to measure or control at least one of the first chemical reaction chamber and the second chemical reaction chamber, wherein the electronic component is arranged between and connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least partially surrounded by an isolation material of the isolation member.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer electrolyte membrane used in fuel cells, and a method for producing the same, the method including a step of filling a crosslinkable ion conductor in the pores of a porous nanoweb support; and a step of crosslinking the ion conductor filled in the pores of the porous nanoweb support. The method for producing a polymer electrolyte membrane uses a relatively smaller amount of an organic solvent, can ameliorate defects of the support caused by solvent evaporation, and can enhance the impregnability of the ion conductor to the support and the convenience of the process.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel cell comprising: an anode; a cathode; an electrolyte; a source of a hydrogen-containing fuel for the fuel cell; and a source of an oxidant for the fuel cell; wherein the anode and, optionally, the cathode includes a catalyst comprising an alloy of the formula (I): PdxBiyMz??(I) wherein: M is one or more metals; x is 0.2 to 0.4; y is 0.6 to 0.8; z is not greater than 0.1; and x+y+z=1; is described. Catalysts and electrodes for hydrogen fuel cells comprising the alloy and electrochemical methods using the alloy catalysts are also described.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte-electrode assembly, a frame member, a first separator, and a second separator. The frame member is provided to face a first surface of the second separator and includes a resin wall which forms a periphery of a first reactant gas passage. The resin wall has a thin-walled portion which overlaps with a cooling medium connecting portion in a stacking direction and which protrudes toward the first reactant gas passage in the stacking direction by a first dimension from a surface of the frame member. Another portion of the resin wall protrudes toward the second separator in the stacking direction by a second dimension from the surface of the frame member. The first dimension is smaller than the second dimension.

Abstract: A method of making an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell stack includes providing a chromium alloy interconnect and providing a nickel mesh in contact with a fuel side of the interconnect. Formation of a chromium oxide layer is reduced or avoided in locations between the nickel mesh and the fuel side of the interconnect. A Cr—Ni alloy or a Cr—Fe—Ni alloy is located at least in the fuel side of the interconnect under the nickel mesh.

Abstract: The present invention relates to highly functional composite nanoparticles including a support body formed of nanoparticles and first phase nanoparticles which are condensed on the surfaces of the support body particles after being evaporated through a physical vapor deposition process, and to a method for producing same. According to the present invention, a physical vapor deposition process is used instead of a wet process so as to produce eco-friendly composite nanoparticles that do not emit hazardous chemicals while having high economic feasibility and process reproducibility.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell is provided having a housing formed by a can and a cup, with a sealing gasket disposed therebetween. First and second electrodes and electrolyte are disposed within the housing. The cup has a peripheral wall and a cup edge portion that extends inward, away from the can wall at angle less than 180° relative to a longitudinal axis of the cell housing. The gasket likewise has a base that extends inward, and a surface of the cup edge portion is sealingly engaged with the gasket base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite separator for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a graphite foil prepared by compressing expanded graphite is stacked on a carbon fiber-reinforced composite prepreg or a mixed solution prepared by mixing graphite flake and powder with a resin solvent is applied to the cured composite prepreg such that a graphite layer is integrally molded on the outermost end of the separator.

Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising bound anionic functional groups and polyvalent cations, such as Mn or Ru cations, which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: (1) an anode; (2) a cathode; and (3) an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes an electro-catalyst dispersed on a hybrid support, the hybrid support includes a first, carbon-based support and a second support different from the first, carbon-based support, and a weight percentage of the second support is at least 10% relative to a combined weight of the first, carbon-based support and the second support.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly comprising a plurality of fuel cell plates in a stack. The stack defines an air inlet face and/or an air outlet face; and two opposing engagement faces. The fuel cell assembly also comprises a detachable cover configured to releasably engage the two engagement faces in order to define an air chamber with the air inlet or outlet face.

Abstract: A method of assembling a fuel cell plate assembly, the method comprising: placing a bipolar plate on a build point platform (1602); placing a prefabricated first fluid diffusion layer on, and in alignment with, the bipolar plate (1606); dispensing a first track of adhesive adjacent both the bipolar plate and a peripheral edge of the first fluid diffusion layer (1610); and, placing a prefabricated MEA and second fluid diffusion layer in sealing engagement with the first track of adhesive and thereby forming a seal between the bipolar plate, the peripheral edge of the first fluid diffusion layer and the MEA and second fluid diffusion layer (1612) wherein the method comprises lowering the build point platform (1604, 1608) before or after any or all of the placing or dispensing steps (1302, 1606, 1610, 1612).

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed includes a product comprising: a fuel cell component comprising a substrate and a first coating overlying the substrate, the coating comprising a compound comprising at least one Si—O group, at least one polar group and at least one group including a saturated or unsaturated carbon chain.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a gas diffusion electrode capable of a high current density operation of a fuel cell. [Solving means] A gas diffusion electrode including a hydrophilic porous layer having an electrically conductive material and an ion conductive material; and a catalyst layer adjacent to the hydrophilic porous layer, wherein a water transport resistance of the hydrophilic porous layer is smaller than a water transport resistance of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: An interconnector, or bipolar plate, for a high-temperature solid electrolyte fuel cell is composed of a sintered chromium alloy which has sintering pores and contains >90% by weight of Cr, from 3 to 8% by weight of Fe and optionally from 0.001 to 2% by weight of at least one element of the group of rare earth metals. The chromium alloy contains from 0.1 to 2% by weight of Al and the sintering pores are at least partially filled with an oxidic compound containing Al and Cr. The interconnector has a high impermeability to gas and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack (100) comprising a plurality of fuel cell assemblies (102) adjacent to one another. The fuel cell assemblies each comprise an extended portion (104, 106, 108) having an aperture (110, 112, 114) therein. The aperture (110, 112, 114) is configured to provide a fluid connection to a fluid flow channel of the fuel cell assembly (102). The fuel cell stack (100) also comprises a clip (120, 122, 124) located over and around at least part of the extended portions (104, 106, 108) of the plurality of the fuel cell assemblies (102). The clip (120, 122, 124) is configured to resist outward expansion of the extended portions (104, 106, 108).

Abstract: Diffusion media for fuel cell is made by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising a powder resin, a binder material, and a fiber material comprising carbon fibers, of these; forming a layer of the dispersion on a support; removing water from the layer to form a fiber layer; molding the fiber layer; and carbonizing or graphitizing the molded layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for production of solutions of aminophosphonic acids and polymeric sulphonic acids in aprotic solvents. Membranes for membrane methodologies are produced from said solutions. Said membranes can also be doped with phosphoric acid.

Abstract: A monolithic fuel cell device is provided by forming anode and cathode layers by dispensing paste of anode or cathode material around pluralities of spaced-apart removable physical structures to at least partially surround the structures with the anode or cathode material and then drying the paste. An electrolyte layer is provided in a multi-layer stack between the cathode layer and the anode layer thereby forming an active cell portion. The multi-layer stack is laminated, and then the physical structures are pulled out to reveal spaced-apart active passages formed through each of the anode layer and cathode layer. Finally, the laminated stack is sintered to form an active cell comprising the spaced apart active passages embedded in and supported by the sintered anode material and sintered cathode material.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a cell assembly for a fuel cell includes: producing an electrode member, a separator, and a seal member preform, which has a frame shape and which is formed from an uncrosslinked item of solid rubber having adhesiveness, in a predetermined shape in advance; arranging the electrode member, the separator, and the seal member preform in a forming die including a pressing member, and closing the forming die while the pressing member is pressing a side of the electrode member that is opposite to the separator in the thickness direction; and pressurizing and heating the forming die to crosslink the uncrosslinked item so that the seal member seals the peripheral edge portion of the electrode member and integrates the electrode member and the separator with each other.

Abstract: The high current density performance of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells using certain alloy catalyst compositions can be improved via appropriate treatment of the catalyst composition with a fluoro-phosphonic acid compound. In particular, fuel cells employing carbon supported Pt—Co cathode catalyst compositions with relatively high Co content benefit by treating the catalyst composition with 2-(perfluorohexyl) ethyl phosphonic acid.

Abstract: In a metal-air battery, a negative electrode, an electrolyte layer, and a positive electrode are concentrically disposed in the stated order, radially outward from the central axis, and the outer circumferential surface of the positive electrode is enclosed by a liquid-repellent layer (29). The liquid-repellent layer (29) includes a relatively high-strength inorganic porous material (292) having a continuous pore structure, and a fluorine-based porous part (293) formed by fusing fluorine-based particles to each other. The fluorine-based porous part (293) is fused to the inorganic porous material (292) in pores (294) of and on the outer surface (295) of the inorganic porous material (292). This makes it possible to provide the liquid-repellent layer (29) that is a functional porous material having desired mechanical strength, gas permeability, and liquid impermeability.

Abstract: A method for producing a storage structure of an electrical metal-air energy storage cell is provided, having an active storage material and an inert material, the method including the following steps: producing a porous green body, which includes the active storage material, infiltration of the porous green body with an infiltration medium, which contains the inert material, and heat treatment of the infiltrated green body to produce an inert enveloping structure, which at least partially envelops grains of the active storage material.

Abstract: [Problem] To prepare a metallic separator for PEFCs having excellent corrosion resistance, conductivity, and formability at low cost. [Solution] A thin plate is prepared by an ultraquenching transition control injector with a mixture of a metal powder having corrosion resistance to form a matrix and a powder having conductivity, as a raw material. When the matrix of the thin plate is crystal-structure metal, the plate can be formed at room temperature, and when the matrix is metallic glass, the plate can be formed in a supercooled liquid state. Therefore the plate can be finished into a separator with an intended shape.

Abstract: A method for pre-treating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell is disclosed. According to the method of the invention, the MEA is subjected to multiple wet/dry cycles prior to assembly of the MEA into the fuel cell stack. The pre-treatment wet/dry cycles of the present invention eliminate or reduce the irreversible dimensional changes which occur in the polymer electrolyte membrane in the MEA throughout the wet/dry cycles of fuel cell operation. This reduces stress applied to the MEA throughout wet/dry cycles which occur during operation of the fuel cell. Consequently, the formation and propagation of pinholes in the membrane is reduced, increasing the lifetime of the MEA.

Abstract: An example method of forming a fuel cell sheet includes flattening a screen to form a sheet that has a plurality of apertures operative to communicate a fluid within a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a galvanic cell or a battery includes: a) applying an anode layer to a current collector layer; b) applying a solid-state ionic conductor layer to the anode layer; c) applying a polymer electrolyte layer to the solid-state ionic conductor layer and/or to the anode layer with the aid of spin coating; and d) applying a cathode layer to the polymer electrolyte layer with the aid of spin coating.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a fuel cell component includes the steps of providing a mask having a plurality of radiation transparent apertures, a radiation-sensitive material having a sensitivity to the plurality of radiation beams, and a flow field layer. The radiation-sensitive material is disposed on the flow field layer. The radiation-sensitive material is then exposed to the plurality of radiation beams through the radiation transparent apertures in the mask to form a diffusion medium layer with a micro-truss structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosing providing for a fuel cell (“FC”) stack assembly utilizing bus bars that accommodate for variations in FC stack heights during assembly. In some embodiments, bus bars consistent with embodiments disclosed herein may be integrally formed with terminal plates out of a single piece of conductive material. Further embodiments of the bus bars disclosed herein may include structures configured to facilitating cooling of the bus bars during operation of the FC system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack with enhanced freeze-thaw durability. In particular, the fuel cell stack includes a gas diffusion layer between a membrane-electrode assembly and a bipolar plate. The gas diffusion layer has a structure that reduces contact resistance in a fuel cell and is cut at a certain angle such that the machine direction (high stiffness direction) of GDL roll is not in parallel with the major flow field direction of the bipolar plate, resulting in an increased GDL stiffness in a width direction perpendicular to a major flow field direction of a bipolar plate.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode that can be used without using carbon supports, a method for manufacturing the same, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode according to the present invention include a network-like metallic catalyst formed of a sintered body, the network-like metallic catalyst including nanoparticles linked with each other to have electron conductivity; and an ion conductor, at least a part of the ion conductor contacting the network-like metallic catalyst. Further, the membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention includes a polymer electrolyte membrane provided between an anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer, and the catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode stated above is used in at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer.

Abstract: A compact of a support-member divided-member, which has a shape formed by dividing a support member into two in the thickness direction so as to divide the fuel channel into two in the thickness direction, is manufactured by a gel cast method in which slurry is filled in a molding die. A compact of a fuel-side electrode and a compact of an electrolyte are successively stacked on the upper surface of the compact of the support-member divided-member, whereby a compact of a cell divided member is obtained. The two compacts of the cell divided member are bonded and sintered, whereby an SOFC cell (sintered body) in which an oxygen-side electrode is not formed is formed. A compact of the oxygen-side electrode is formed respectively on the upper and lower surfaces of the sintered body, and then, the compact of the oxygen-side electrode is sintered, whereby the SOFC cell is completed.

Abstract: A bonding layer used to join individually formed fuel cell units together to create a solid oxide fuel cell stack can include particles contained within a carrier material. The particles can have at least one material component in common with a porous electrode of a first type and a bimodal particle size distribution. In some embodiments, the particles of a first mode of the bimodal particle size distribution are small enough to fit at least partially into the porosity of the electrodes bonded together, while the particles of the second mode of the bimodal particle size distribution are larger than the porosity of the electrodes.

Abstract: A sub-assembly for an electrochemical stack, such as a PEM fuel cell stack, has a bipolar plate with sealing material extending from its upper face, around the edge of the bipolar plate, and onto its lower face. The bipolar plate is preferably a combination of an anode plate and a cathode plate defining an internal coolant flow field and bonded together by sealing material which also provides a seal around the coolant flow field. All of the sealing material in the sub-assembly may be one contiguous mass. To make the sub-assembly, anode and cathode plates are loaded into a mold. Liquid sealing material is injected into the mold and fills a gap between the edge of the plates, and portions of the outer faces of the plates, and the mold. In a stack, sub-assemblies are separated by MEAs which at least partially overlap the sealing material on their faces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head plate, fixing the end of a tube bundle with a number of, in particular, porous tubes with a membrane in sealing manner. The head plate is made from a metal or a metal alloy with a melting point lower than the lowest failure temperature for a tube material and/or the membrane.

Abstract: Embodiments of fuel cells and their membrane electrode assemblies are provided, as well as methods for preparing the membrane electrode assemblies. One embodiment of a membrane electrode assembly comprises an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer and a gas barrier layer between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the anode catalyst layer. The gas barrier layer comprises a proton conductive material and is configured to prevent crossover of gas through the polymer electrolyte membrane to the cathode catalyst layer.