Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell systems, reinforced membrane electrode assemblies, and methods for fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly. In an example, a disclosed method includes depositing an electrode ink onto a first substrate to form a first electrode layer, and applying a first porous reinforcement layer onto a surface of the first electrode layer to form a first catalyst coated substrate. The method also includes depositing a first ionomer solution onto the first catalyst coated substrate to form a first ionomer layer. A membrane porous reinforcement layer is applied onto a surface of the first ionomer layer to form a reinforced membrane layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell systems, reinforced membrane electrode assemblies, and methods for fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly. In an example, a disclosed method includes depositing an electrode ink onto a first substrate to form a first electrode layer, and applying a first porous reinforcement layer onto a surface of the first electrode layer to form a first catalyst coated substrate. The method also includes depositing a first ionomer solution onto the first catalyst coated substrate to form a first ionomer layer. A membrane porous reinforcement layer is applied onto a surface of the first ionomer layer to form a reinforced membrane layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell, a reinforced membrane electrode assembly and a method of fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly. The method comprises depositing an electrode ink onto a first substrate to form a first electrode layer, applying a first porous reinforcement layer on a surface of the first electrode layer to form a first catalyst coated substrate, depositing a first ionomer solution onto the first catalyst coated substrate to form a first ionomer layer, and applying a membrane porous reinforcement layer on a surface of the first ionomer layer to form a reinforced membrane layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for simultaneous application of multiple fuel cell component coatings onto a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate, and simultaneously coating two or more solutions onto the substrate under laminar flow.

Abstract: Methods of making a substantially crack-free electrode layer are described. The methods include depositing an electrode ink on a substrate; placing a layer of porous reinforcement layer on a surface of the wet electrode ink; and drying the electrode ink to form the substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate. Substantially crack-free electrode layers and fuel cells incorporating substantially crack-free electrode layers are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly having one or more freestanding external reinforcement layers. The method comprises providing a freestanding external reinforcement layer, and depositing a catalyst solution and membrane solution onto at least a portion of the freestanding external reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A substantially crack-free electrode layer is described. The substantially crack-free electrode layer includes a substrate; and a substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate, the electrode layer comprising a catalyst, an ionomer, and a layered silicate reinforcement. Methods of making the electrode layer, electrode ink compositions, and membrane electrode assemblies incorporating the electrode layer are also described.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing laminated membranes for MEAs, such methods comprising (i) providing a substrate, a catalyst ink fluid, and a first membrane fluid; (ii) providing a second membrane fluid; (iii) simultaneously coating the catalyst ink fluid onto the substrate, the first membrane fluid onto the catalyst ink fluid, and the second membrane fluid onto the first membrane fluid; and (iv) applying a reinforcement layer (such as ePTFE) and allowing for full imbibement. The second membrane fluid (i) consists of alcohol or (ii) is an alcohol-rich fluid comprising polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: Methods of making a substantially crack-free electrode layer are described. The methods include depositing an electrode ink on a substrate; placing a solid polymer film on a surface of the wet electrode ink; drying the electrode ink; and removing the solid polymer film from the surface of the dry electrode ink to form the substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for simultaneous application of multiple fuel cell component coatings onto a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate, and simultaneously coating two or more solutions onto the substrate under laminar flow.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing laminated membranes for MEAs, such methods comprising (i) providing a substrate, a catalyst ink fluid, and a first membrane fluid; (ii) providing a second membrane fluid; (iii) simultaneously coating the catalyst ink fluid onto the substrate, the first membrane fluid onto the catalyst ink fluid, and the second membrane fluid onto the first membrane fluid; and (iv) applying a reinforcement layer (such as ePTFE) and allowing for full imbibement. The second membrane fluid (i) consists of alcohol or (ii) is an alcohol-rich fluid comprising polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode, and in particular, a fuel cell cathode layer is provided. The ink composition includes a first protogenic group-containing ionomer having an equivalent weight less than 800, an optional second protogenic group-containing ionomer having an equivalent weight greater than 800, and a catalyst composition. Electrode layers formed from the ink composition are also provided.

Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode, and in particular, a fuel cell cathode layer is provided. The ink composition includes a first protogenic group-containing ionomer having an equivalent weight less than 800, an optional second protogenic group-containing ionomer having an equivalent weight greater than 800, and a catalyst composition. Electrode layers formed from the ink composition are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of making a substantially crack-free electrode layer are described. The methods include depositing an electrode ink on a substrate; placing a layer of porous reinforcement layer on a surface of the wet electrode ink; and drying the electrode ink to form the substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate. Substantially crack-free electrode layers and fuel cells incorporating substantially crack-free electrode layers are also described.

Abstract: Methods of making a substantially crack-free electrode layer are described. The methods include depositing an electrode ink on a substrate; placing a solid polymer film on a surface of the wet electrode ink; drying the electrode ink; and removing the solid polymer film from the surface of the dry electrode ink to form the substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate.

Abstract: A substantially crack-free electrode layer is described. The substantially crack-free electrode layer includes a substrate; and a substantially crack-free electrode layer on the substrate, the electrode layer comprising a catalyst, an ionomer, and a layered silicate reinforcement. Methods of making the electrode layer, electrode ink compositions, and membrane electrode assemblies incorporating the electrode layer are also described.

Abstract: A method and device for operating a fuel cell system. The method includes applying a catalyst ink or related liquid that contains an electrocatalyst and electrolyte to a diffusion media so that the portion of the media that includes the electrocatalyst can function as a fuel cell electrode, specifically an anode or cathode. In addition to the electrocatalyst and electrolyte, the ink contains a solvent and a co-solvent, where the co-solvent has a boiling point that exceeds that of the solvent. Heating or related processing removes the solvent from the diffusion layer, but leaves at least some of the co-solvent in liquid form. This residual liquid reduces the likelihood of electrode cracking that may otherwise form during subsequent electrode processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical film that comprises certain radiation cured (meth)acrylate binders and, desirably, irregular semicrystalline asymmetric particles.

Abstract: A process for the deposition of particulate material of a desired substance on a surface includes: (i) charging a particle formation vessel with a compressed fluid; (ii) introducing into the particle formation vessel a first feed stream comprising a solvent and the desired substance dissolved therein and a second feed stream comprising the compressed fluid, wherein the desired substance is less soluble in the compressed fluid relative to its solubility in the solvent and the solvent is soluble in the compressed fluid, and wherein the first feed stream is dispersed in the compressed fluid, allowing extraction of the solvent into the compressed fluid and precipitation of particles of the desired substance; (iii) exhausting compressed fluid, solvent and the desired substance from the particle formation vessel at a rate substantially equal to the rate of addition of such components to the vessel in step (ii) through a restrictive passage to a lower pressure whereby the compressed fluid is transformed to a gaseous

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical film comprising a layer containing layered clay particles in a radiation cured binder. Also disclosed is a coating dispersion and a method of forming an optical film comprising coating the dispersion on a flexible transparent polymeric support and an LCD or touch screen display incorporating the film.