Abstract: An integrated fuel cell and pressure swing adsorption system is disclosed for operating a solid polymer fuel cell on an enriched reactant stream. The fuel and/or oxidant streams may be enriched; for example, air and reformate streams may be oxygen and hydrogen enriched, respectively. The system may advantageously combine periodic reversal of the reactant flows through the fuel cell with use of an integrated pressure swing adsorption system.

Abstract: In a solid polymer fuel cell series, various circumstances can result in a fuel cell being driven into voltage reversal by other cells in the series stack. For instance, cell voltage reversal can occur if that cell receives an inadequate supply of fuel (for example, fuel starvation). In order to pass current during fuel starvation, reactions other than fuel oxidation may take place at the fuel cell anode, including water electrolysis and oxidation of anode components. The latter may result in significant degradation of the anode. Such fuel cells can be made more tolerant to cell reversal by promoting water electrolysis over anode component oxidation at the anode. This can be accomplished by enhancing the presence of water in the anode catalyst layer through modifications to the anode structure or anode composition near or in the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A supported catalyst composition comprising a metal catalyst nanodispersed in a support that is a hard disordered carbon or carbon glass; or a partially graphitized or disordered carbon intercalation complex; or “house-of-cards” transition metal dichalcogenide such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Also disclosed are embodiments based on the above supported catalyst compositions, wherein the metal catalyst is Pt or Pt alloy, and wherein the “pores” comprised in the support are engineered to provide selective access to H2, but not to larger molecules, such as CO or H2O. Disclosed are methods for improving catalyst utilization, resistance to poisoning, and resistance of catalyst supports to corrosion-as well as products related thereto. Also disclosed is an MEA that comprises the supported, nanodispersed Pt and Pt alloy catalyst compositions of this invention, and a fuel cell that contains such an MEA.

Abstract: Rechargeable batteries based on the ‘rocking chair’ principle and alkali or alkaline earth insertion compounds are disclosed that employ aqueous electrolytes. Batteries of the invention can have energy densities comparable to conventional aqueous batteries. Embodiments of the invention include aqueous lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: An integrated fuel cell and pressure swing adsorption system is disclosed for operating a solid polymer fuel cell on an enriched reactant stream. The fuel and/or oxidant streams may be enriched; for example, air and reformate streams may be oxygen and hydrogen enriched, respectively. The system may advantageously combine periodic reversal of the reactant flows through the fuel cell with use of an integrated pressure swing adsorption system.

Abstract: A battery cell and a method for preparing a battery cell are disclosed in which a substantially fixed volume container includes the cell components therein in voltaic relationship, with the cell components including an anode comprising lithium metal, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a cathode in a spatial relationship to the anode within the fixed volume container, wherein the cathode comprises cathode active material which upon discharge intercalates lithium and undergoes a phase transition to a distinct structural phase in which phase the cathode active material can reversibly operate and which phase provides a cathode expansion greater than the anode volume decrease upon discharge, and wherein the spatial relationship and the cathode expansion within the substantially fixed volume are sufficient to produce a compressive load on the anode which inhibits the formation of a porous deposit of exterior, irregularly oriented, amalgamated lithium grains on the anode when the cell is reversibly operated with the cath