Abstract: A reagent suitable for use as a catalyst comprises a first metal species substrate having a second reduced metal species coated thereon, the second reduced metal species being less electropositive than the first metal. Methods of manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing dimeric or higher polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst is in particulate form and comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate.

Abstract: The durability of a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode on one surface and an oxygen-reducing cathode on the other surface is improved by substituting electrically conductive titanium carbide or titanium nitride particles for carbon particles as oxygen-reducing and hydrogen-oxidizing catalyst supports. For example nanosize platinum particles deposited on nanosize titanium carbide or titanium nitride support particles provide good oxygen reduction capability and are corrosion resistant in an acid environment.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane containing fluorine atoms distributed along the polymer chains, and metal conductors and/or catalysts, is protected from fluoride ion degradation of the metal components by a fluoride ion sequestering agent fixed in the cell or flowing through the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the fluoride ion scavenger comprises a suitable number of azacrown moieties attached to polymer constituents in the electrolyte membrane or in electrodes.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane containing fluorine atoms distributed along the polymer chains, and metal conductors and/or catalysts. The cell is protected from metal ion degradation of cell components, especially the polymer electrolyte, by a metal ion sequestering or chelating agent fixed in the cell or flowing through the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the metal ion-sequestering agent comprises a suitable number of metal ion-binding molecular crown moieties attached to polymer constituents in the electrolyte membrane or in electrodes.

Abstract: An oxygen reducing electrode for a fuel cell comprises carbon particles as support for catalyst particles. The carbon particles are coated with smaller particles of a metal oxide and/or metal phosphate (for example, TiO2 particles) to impede destructive oxidation (corrosion) of the carbon particles while permitting suitable electrical conductivity between the carbon particles. The catalyst is carried on the smaller particle-coated carbon particles. Titanium dioxide particles can be dispersed on carbon particles suspended in a liquid medium by ultrasonic decomposition of a suitable titanium precursor compound.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) that is made up of a membrane sandwiched between first and second electrodes, a contaminant peroxide, damaging to the MEA, and at least one constituent with the contaminant peroxide that prevents, or at least inhibits, decomposition of at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, the membrane, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A double-wall tank having inner and outer walls bonded to connecting hollow annular ribs. Passageway means through the ribs enable leak-detecting liquid to fill the spaces between ribs, within ribs, and between end caps.

Abstract: A double-wall tank having inner and outer walls bonded to connecting hollow annular ribs. A passageway through the ribs enable leak-detecting liquid to fill the spaces between ribs, within ribs, and between end caps.