Abstract: The invention relates to power packs, which comprises a plurality of fuel cells and a reactant supply element. In one embodiment, the power pack comprises a reactant supply element for a reactant comprising one of a fuel or an oxidant; and a plurality of cylindrical fuel cells. The reactant supply element is aligned with the plurality to be capable to deliver the reactant to more than one fuel cell of the plurality. In a second embodiment, the power pack comprises a reactant supply element for a reactant comprising a fuel and a plurality of fuel cells attached to the reactant supply element. At least two of the plurality are removably attached to the reactant supply element, and the power pack comprises a passive oxidant supply.

Abstract: A flexible graphite sheet exhibiting enhanced isotropy is provided. In addition, an apparatus, system and method for continuously producing a resin-impregnated flexible graphite sheet is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible graphite sheet having increased isotropic properties. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible graphite sheet formed from particles of expanded natural graphite formed from graphite flake sized no more than about 30% by weight +80 mesh prior to expansion. The resulting sheet of flexible graphite exhibits improved conductive and fluid sealing properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to tubular fuel cells and methods of making such fuel cells. The inventive fuel cells include at least one fluid permeable structure having a plurality of perforations or channels. The perforations allow fluids, e.g., hydrogen or oxygen, to flow through the structure. The inventive methods include forming at least one perforated structure and forming the perforated structure into a tubular fuel cell or at least a potential component of a tubular fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to tubular fuel cells and methods of making such fuel cells. The inventive fuel cells include at least one fluid permeable structure having a plurality of perforations or channels. The perforations allow fluids, e.g., hydrogen or oxygen, to flow through the structure. The inventive methods include forming at least one perforated structure and forming the perforated structure into a tubular fuel cell or at least a potential component of a tubular fuel cell.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a perforated flexible graphite sheet having increased electrical and thermal conductivity transverse to the surfaces of the sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing material suitable for the construction of a component of a fuel cell, such as a flow field plate or electrode. Uncured resin impregnated flexible graphite sheet is ground into particles. Without re-expanding the particles, and without adding further resin to the particles, the particles are molded into the form of the desired material. The material is then cured. Additives may be mixed with the particles to improve the properties of the material.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical fuel cell is provided. More particularly, an electrode formed of a sheet of a compressed mass of expanded graphite particles having a plurality of transverse fluid channels passing through the sheet between first and second opposed surfaces of the sheet, is provided. The electrode is treated with a water resistant additive sufficient to provide utility as a cathode in an electrochemical fuel cell.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a glassy carbon coated perforated flexible graphite sheet useful as an electrode and electrically conductive backing material in flow-through type electrical capacitors.

Abstract: A method enables preparation of a stock or starting material having improved catalytic properties. These materials will be useful in the formation of articles adapted for use in electrochemical fuel cells.

Abstract: Materials and methods of manufacturing materials useful in the forming of fuel cell components are disclosed. A mass of expanded particles of natural graphite is molded into a foraminous sheet having parallel opposed first and second surfaces and having a plurality of transverse fluid channels passing through the sheet between the first and second parallel opposed surfaces. The particles of natural graphite may be either virgin particles, recycled particles or a blend thereof.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a perforated flexible graphite sheet having increased electrical and thermal conductivity transverse to the surfaces of the sheet.

Abstract: An improved method enables preparation of articles for a variety of applications, including embossing or otherwise shaping to form a variety of articles. A plurality of thin, preferably resin-impregnated, flexible graphite sheets are arranged to form zones in a composite material having a graded density or other characteristic. Variation of properties between zones in the stock material formed is useful for achieving a desired set of properties in the formation of articles such as those useful in electrochemical fuel cells and double-layer capacitors.

Abstract: A graphite article in the form of a flexible graphite sheet having transverse fluid channels passing through the sheet and a groove formed in one of the surfaces of the sheet communicating with a plurality of the transverse fluid channels is presented.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical fuel cell is provided. More particularly, an electrode formed of a sheet of a compressed mass of expanded graphite particles having a plurality of transverse fluid channels passing through the sheet between first and second opposed surfaces of the sheet, is provided. The size, shape and/or placement of the channels, and/or the density of the sheet, is engineered so as to reduce or minimize flooding in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A catalyst support material useful in a membrane electrode assembly is presented. The support catalyst material is elongate electrically anisotropic particles of flexible graphite, and the membrane electrode assembly includes a pair of electrodes, an ion exchange membrane having opposed surfaces positioned between the electrodes and a catalyst material on the inventive support, at least a portion of an opposed surface of the ion exchange membrane being adjacent the catalyst which is supported on the elongate electrically anisotropic particles of flexible graphite sheet.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a perforated flexible graphite sheet having increased electrical and thermal conductivity transverse to the surfaces of the sheet.

Abstract: An method for producing a material useful for forming a component for an electrochemical fuel cell is provided. More particularly, the component is formed of a sheet of a compressed mass of expanded graphite particles. The component is treated with a water resistant additive sufficient to provide utility as a component in an electrochemical fuel cell. Preferably, the water resistant additive is a fluoropolymer material. More preferably, the water resistant additive is a polytetrafluoroethylene material. The treatment preferably occurs by coating and/or impregnating the water resistant material in the sheet of graphite particles.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a pair of electrodes and an ion exchange membrane positioned between the electrodes, at least one of the electrodes being formed of a sheet of a compressed mass of expanded graphite particles having a plurality of transverse fluid channels passing through the sheet between first and second opposed surfaces of the sheet, one of opposed surfaces abutting said ion exchange membrane, said transverse fluid channels being formed by mechanically impacting an opposed surface of the sheet to displace graphite within the sheet at predetermined locations.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a perforated flexible graphite sheet having increased electrical and thermal conductivity transverse to the surfaces of the sheet.