Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an anode oxidizing a fuel, a cathode reducing an oxidizing agent, a polymer electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode, whereby an assembly is constituted by the anode, cathode and polymer electrolyte, a pair of gas diffusion layers disposed at both sides of the assembly of the anode, and the cathode, a bipolar plate for providing the fuel to the gas diffusion layer, and another bipolar plate for providing the oxidizing agent to the gas diffusion layer, wherein at least one of the gas diffusion layers includes a porous gas diffusion layer substrate having a hydrophilic surface layer, and wherein particles of a water-repellent material are dispersed in pores of the porous gas diffusion layer substrate. This results in a higher cell voltage and a higher power at a high current density, prevention of a flooding and a longer cell lifetime.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new type of biofuel cell, based on the microbial regeneration of the oxidant, ferric ions. The bio-fuel cell is based on the cathodic reduction of ferric to ferrous ions, coupled with the microbial regeneration of ferric ions by the oxidation of ferrous ions, with fuel (such as hydrogen) oxidation on the anode. The microbial regeneration of ferric ions is achieved by chemolithotrophic microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferroxidans. Electrical generation is coupled with the consumption of carbon dioxide from atmosphere and its transformation into microbial cells, which can be used as a single-cell protein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fuel cell including a solid electrolyte layer disposed on a separator plate. Another separator plate positioned adjacent the separator plate mounting the solid electrolyte layer are joined to a surface of the first separator plate to form an electrode separator assembly having a chamber between the joined separator plates. Working fluids may be supplied to or exhausted from the chamber through openings in fluid communication. A porous support member may be positioned within the chamber. The first separator plate and the porous support member may include a multiplicity of ribs defining channels in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for marking a battery as charged or uncharged, comprising a manually changeable label attached to a battery in a pocket region defined about a battery positive contact button, wherein the label may be changed by a user to indicate either charged or uncharged battery status.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes and a container for receiving the electrode assembly inside thereof. The secondary battery also includes a cap assembly fixed to the container to seal the container and a gasket disposed between the container and the cap assembly. The gasket has at least one concavo-convex portion on a surface contacting the container and/or the cap assembly. This improved gasket structure enhances the air tightness of the secondary battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved type of fluorinated carbon (CFx) for use in electrical storage devices such as batteries and capacitors. The CFx is coated with a conductive material such as gold or carbon using vapor deposition. The resulting material exhibits better conductivity with concomitant lower impedance, higher electrical stability, and improved potential throughout the useful life of the device, as compared to uncoated CFx. The improved conductivity reduces the amount of nonactive material (e.g., carbon black) that needs to be added, thus improving the volumetric energy density. In addition, cells made with the subject CFx exhibit more constant voltages and higher overall voltage (2.0 volts with a lithium metal anode) throughout their useful life. Chemical or physical vapor deposition techniques to deposit a variety of metals or carbon may be used to create the improved CFx. The coated CFx may be used in primary or secondary batteries, as well as capacitors and hybrid devices.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode plate including an outer jacket comprising a sheet-shaped positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on an inner surface of the outer jacket except for a peripheral portion thereof; a negative electrode plate including an outer jacket comprising a sheet-shaped negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer formed on an inner surface of the outer jacket except for a peripheral portion thereof; a separator layer comprising a polymer electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, wherein the peripheral portion of the positive electrode current collector and the peripheral portion of the negative electrode current collector are bonded together, with an insulating material interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Cathode active materials for lithium batteries are provided. In one embodiment, the cathode active material is a lithium complex material represented by the following Formula: yLi[Li1/3Me2/3]O2-(1-y)LiMe?O2. In the formula, 0<y?0.8, Me is a metal group having an oxidation number of +4 and includes a transition metal selected from Mo, W, V, Ti, Zr, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt and combinations thereof, and Me? includes a transition metal selected from Ni, Mn, Co and combinations thereof. Lithium batteries employing the cathode active materials are also provided and exhibit improved energy density and high-rate capabilities of an electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the operation of a fuel cell system to avoid the freezing of water resident in one or more fuel cells during periods of system inactivity. Each fuel cell includes at least an anode, a cathode and a membrane configured to establish electrolyte communication between reaction products formed at the anode and cathode. During fuel cell system operation, a portion of the water formed remains within the fuel cell; to avoid having the water freeze and inhibit subsequent system operation, a chemical compound introduced into the fuel cells mixes with the water still resident within the fuel cell to lower the temperature upon which the onset of water freezing occurs. The chemical compound can be introduced alone under pressure in the vapor phase, or in combination with the fuel, the incoming oxygen or an inert gas. In addition, system is configured such that the chemical compound can be introduced at numerous different locations.