Abstract: The present invention is drawn to chemical additives for use in extending the lifespan and efficiency of fuels cells such as proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC). In particular, additives can be added to the electrolyte solution of a fuel cell sufficient to reduce the concentration of and/or inhibit formation of precious metal ions in solution, e.g. platinum ions.

Abstract: A solid mixture of La2NiO4+? and an ionic conductive material. A solid oxide fuel cell having a cathode interlayer having a La2NiO4+? layer and a doped ceria layer, a lanthanum strontium cobaltite or lanthanum strontium manganate cathode current collector, an anode; and an ionic conductive electrolyte between and in contact with the cathode interlayer and the anode.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a composite cathode, a porous structure is made of the electrolyte material by sintering a mixed material of primary material of the electrolyte and a secondary material. The mixture is treated to sinter the primary material. The secondary material is removed. The secondary material during sintering inhibits porosity loss and grain growth in the primary material while enabling formation of good necks for interparticle contact. The porous structure is then infiltrated with a liquid that contains precursors of an electrocatalytically active material. The infiltrated structure is then heated to convert the precursors to an electrocatalytically active material.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing nanosize metallic powders can include providing a metallic precursor. The metallic precursor can include a metal alloy formed having a fugitive constituent and a target metal. The fugitive constituent and target metal are chosen such that the fugitive constituent can be selectively dissolved or removed by leaching with an appropriate solvent while leaving the target metal undissolved. The fugitive constituent can be leached from the metallic precursor to leave a metallic residue which is a mass of nanosize metallic particles made substantially of the target metal. The nanosize metallic particles can then be recovered from the metallic residue either merely by removing the solvent and/or breaking up the mass of nanosize metallic particles. The disclosed methods allow for a convenient avenue for production of nanosize particles from readily formed materials for use in a wide variety of potential industrial and commercial applications.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided, having an electrolyte membrane, a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, a diffusion barrier for controlling access of gases to the sensing electrode, and in situ means for removing molecular oxygen from the gases to which the sensing electrode is being exposed.

Abstract: High surface area, submicron ceramic powders are synthesized by reducing an oxide in the presence of another metal (i.e., Mg, Al, Ca, and the like) and a source of carbon, nitrogen or boron to form a new oxide and a carbide, nitride (or carbonitride). or boride. The oxide phase can be leached out to leave submicron carbides, nitrides or borides. Alternatively milling of reacted powders allows intimate mixtures of uniform, fine grained ceramic powders to be prepared inexpensively. These multiple-phase composite powders can be formed into a body and densified using conventional techniques to form dense, fine-grained ceramic bodies. Alternatively, containment of unreacted powders and subsequent heating results in multiple-phase dense ceramics with unique microstures. Transformation toughening of composites is possible by adding zirconia or hafnia either before or after the powder synthesis step.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide ceramic bodies may be strengthened by inclusion of zirconium oxide particles, and may be further sintered to a density approaching theoretical density by conventional sintering techniques by inclusion of sintering aids, such as manganese oxide and iron oxide.