Abstract: A combined reformer and purifier for converting a hydrogen-rich feedstock into purified hydrogen is described. The combined reformer and purifier can include at least one compression plate as an assembly comprising at least one first cavity comprising a catalyst effective to liberate hydrogen from said hydrogen-rich feedstock and forming a hydrogen-rich mixed gas. The compression plate assembly can also include at least one second cavity enclosing a burner or oxidative catalytic reactor to oxidize said hydrogen-depleted raffinate or said hydrogen-rich feedstock to supply heat to the at least one first cavity containing said catalyst. The compression plate assembly can also include an interior surface proximal to said membrane and an exterior surface distal to said membrane. The compression plate assembly can also include a third cavity effective to preheat said hydrogen-rich feedstock prior to being delivered to said catalyst.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator (1), particularly for supplying a fuel cell, is described comprising a supply (3, 29) of a fuel, i.e. a chemical hydride, which can be hydrolyzed to be reacted in a reaction chamber (14, 33) communicating with the first supply (3, 29) to produce hydrogen gas and an at least partially liquid exhaust reaction product, the reaction chamber communicating with outlet pathways (16, 17) for the hydrogen gas and for the exhaust reaction product, the latter (17) leading to a supply of an absorbent material (21) suitable for immobilizing the exhaust reaction product.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same, in this structure, a first gas separator, a first gas diffusion layer and a first catalyst on the one side, a proton exchange membrane, a second catalyst, a second gas diffusion layer and a second gas separator on the other side, are in turn stacked, wherein an area of the second gas diffusion layer is smaller than an area of the proton exchange membrane. The area of the proton exchange membrane is not larger than an area of the first gas diffusion layer, and the area of the first gas diffusion layer is smaller than an area of the first gas separator, therefore, the shape of the front edges of these elements are step-shaped. The area obverse to the step shape is filled with cured sealing material.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly including comprising of a central electrolyte layer a catalyst film layer adjacent to each side of the electrolyte layer, wherein the catalyst film layer includes a hydrophobic porous polymer membrane containing a mix of catalyst particles and ionomers inside the porous polymer membrane and on the surface of the porous polymer membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly including: a membrane electrode assembly and current collector sub-unit including (i) a polymer electrolyte membrane having a cathode side and an anode side; (ii) catalyst layers disposed, respectively, on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane; (iii) gas diffusion layers disposed, respectively, on sides of both catalyst layers, wherein the gas diffusion layers are laminated on the catalyst layers; and (iv) porous current collectors disposed, respectively, on sides of both gas diffusion layers, wherein the porous current collectors are laminated on the gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell assembly also includes a hydrogen supplier layer disposed on the anode side of the sub-unit, sealed to the edges of the sub-unit and forming an anode chamber; and a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet connected the anode chamber.