Abstract: Oxygen electrodes, production methods and reversible, alkaline or anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrochemical devices are provided. The oxygen electrodes are operable in the reversible devices both as cathodes of a fuel cell supporting an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and as anodes of an electrolyzer supporting an oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The oxygen electrodes comprise a substrate layer which may be a porous transport layer (PTL), possibly coated and/or hydrophobized, or a membrane; and a blend of catalysts which is deposited on the substrate layer to form a catalyst layer, and includes ORR catalyst (e.g., a platinum group metal), OER catalyst (e.g., nickel-based particles), and possibly binders such as ionomers, PTFE or other polymers that are resistant in alkaline environment, but with the catalyst layer and the substrate layer being devoid of elemental carbon.

Abstract: Methods of preparing cell element(s) that are operable in alkaline or anion exchange electrochemical devices are provided, as well as corresponding cell elements and electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and reversible dual devices. Binder material is mixed with catalyst material and optionally ionomer material, and coated on support layer(s) and/or one or both side of a membrane, and the catalyst layers are hot-pressed briefly, to improve the adhesion of the layer and its cohesivity. Membrane electrode assemblies are prepared from the cell elements in various configurations of the catalyst layers with respect to the cell elements, and the added binder and hot pressing improve the long-term performance and durability of the electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Self-refueling power-generating systems and methods of configuring them are provided, which enable operation in a self-sustained manner, using no external resource for water, oxygen or hydrogen. The systems and methods determine the operation of reversible device(s) in fuel cell or electrolyzer mode according to power requirements and power availability, supply oxygen in a closed circuit, compressing received oxygen in the electrolyzer mode, and supplying water or dilute electrolyte in a closed circuit in conjunction with the closed oxygen supply circuit by separating oxygen produced by the reversible device(s) in the electrolyzer mode from the water or dilute electrolyte received from the reversible device(s). Membrane assemblies may comprise a binder and be hot-pressed to enhance their long-term performance and durability.

Abstract: Self-refueling power-generating systems and methods of configuring them are provided, which enable operation in a self-sustained manner, using no external resource for water, oxygen or hydrogen. The systems and methods determine the operation of reversible device(s) in fuel cell or electrolyzer mode according to power requirements and power availability, supply oxygen in a closed circuit, compressing received oxygen in the electrolyzer mode, and supplying water or dilute electrolyte in a closed circuit in conjunction with the closed oxygen supply circuit by separating oxygen produced by the reversible device(s) in the electrolyzer mode from the water or dilute electrolyte received from the reversible device(s). Membrane assemblies may comprise a binder and be hot-pressed to enhance their long-term performance and durability.

Abstract: Membrane assemblies for electrochemical devices are provided, along with methods and system for fabricating them. Membrane assemblies comprise anode layer(s) and cathode layer(s), separated by membranous separation layer(s) and all embedded in continuous polymerized ionomer material. In production, during continuous deposition of ionomer material on a substrate (e.g., by electrospinning or electrospraying), consecutive deposition stages of catalyst material and optionally binder material are performed. For example, anode particles, binder material and cathode particles may be deposited (e.g., by electrospraying or electrospinning, respectively) consecutively during the continuous deposition o the ionomer material. Self-refueling power-generating system are provided, which include reversible anion exchange membrane devices with disclosed membrane assemblies.

Abstract: Membrane assemblies and separation layer(s) for electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and/or electrolyzers are provided, as well as their production methods. The separation layer(s) include surface-charged particles such as LDH particles to strengthen the membranes, enhance their ionic conductivity and prevent or reduce membrane dehydration and/or chemical degradation. In various configurations a single or few, relatively thick separation layer(s) with surface-charged particles may be used, while in other configurations alternating layers of ionomeric material and layers with surface-charged particles may be used, optimizing ionic conductivity with mechanical strength. Thin protective layers with solids content up to 100% may be set adjacent to the electrodes, and the orientation of the surface-charged particles may be set to enhance the ion conductivity of the respective layer.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) and electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers and reversible devices are provided. The MEA comprises gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) comprising respective gas diffusion layers (GDLs) coated with respective catalyst layers, and a thin membrane coated on either or both catalyst layers and having a total thickness of at most 30 microns. The GDEs are joined together to form the MEA with the thin membrane located between the catalyst layers, and the MEA is sealed and stacked to be operable in the electrochemical devices. Advantageously, using the GDEs to deposit the membrane enable forming very thin and efficient membranes.

Abstract: Methods of making alkaline exchange catalytic electrodes for electrochemical devices are provided, as well as fuel cells, electrolyzers and dual reversible devices with provided electrodes and/or membrane-electrode assemblies. Methods comprise preparing a catalyst dispersion by mixing catalyst nanoparticles and polymer precursor dispersion in a solvent. The polymer precursor(s) comprise multiple types of monomer units with multiple types of functional groups that include non-cationic functional group(s) and anion-conductive functional group(s). Consecutively, the catalyst dispersion is deposited on a functional substrate and the solvent is evaporated to form a catalyst layer, and then the non-cationic functional group(s) and/or the anion-conductive group(s) are crosslinked to stabilize the catalyst layer. Membrane-electrode assemblies may be formed by the provided methods, and used in various types of electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Self-refueling power-generating systems and methods of configuring them are provided, which enable operation in a self-sustained manner, using no external resource for water, oxygen or hydrogen. The systems and methods determine the operation of reversible device(s) in fuel cell or electrolyzer mode according to power requirements and power availability, supply oxygen in a closed circuit, compressing received oxygen in the electrolyzer mode, and supplying water or dilute electrolyte in a closed circuit in conjunction with the closed oxygen supply circuit by separating oxygen produced by the reversible device(s) in the electrolyzer mode from the water or dilute electrolyte received from the reversible device(s). Membrane assemblies may comprise a binder and be hot-pressed to enhance their long-term performance and durability.

Abstract: Self-refueling power-generating systems and methods of configuring them are provided, which enable operation in a self-sustained manner, using no external resource for water, oxygen or hydrogen. The systems and methods determine the operation of reversible device(s) in fuel cell or electrolyzer mode according to power requirements and power availability, supply oxygen in a closed circuit, compressing received oxygen in the electrolyzer mode, and supplying water or dilute electrolyte in a closed circuit in conjunction with the closed oxygen supply circuit, by separating oxygen produced by the reversible device(s) in the electrolyzer mode from the water or dilute electrolyte received from the reversible device(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (AMFC) with direct ammonia feeding. The method may include providing AMFC comprising an anode inlet for receiving ammonia and a cathode inlet for receiving oxygen containing gas; operating the AMFC at an operation temperature of above 80° C.; providing the oxygen containing gas; to a cathode of the AMFC at a pressure above the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the operation temperature; maintaining the pressure during the operation of the AMFC as to maintain water in substantially liquid phase near the cathode; and providing the ammonia to an anode of the AMFC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of operating an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (AMFC) with direct ammonia feeding. The method may include providing AMFC comprising an anode inlet for receiving ammonia and a cathode inlet for receiving oxygen containing gas; operating the AMFC at an operation temperature of above 80° C.; providing the oxygen containing gas; to a cathode of the AMFC at a pressure above the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the operation temperature; maintaining the pressure during the operation of the AMFC as to maintain water in substantially liquid phase near the cathode; and providing the ammonia to an anode of the AMFC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fabricating an n-cell supercapacitor stack, including a step of providing at least n+1 identical, or substantially identical, electrically inert conductive sheets having a defined perimeter, n identical, or substantially identical, ion-permeable insulating sheets having a defined perimeter, n identical, or substantially identical, first electrodes having a defined perimeter, n identical, or substantially identical, second electrodes having a defined perimeter, and at least n matching dielectric frames having an outer perimeter, which is larger than the perimeter of the conductive sheet and the perimeter of the insulating sheet; a step of assembling the supercapacitor stack, a step of disposing an additional conductive sheet on top of the nth second electrode; and a step of attaching adjacent units onto one another, such that at least one of the frames within each unit is attached to at least one of the frames within each respective unit adjacent thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for fabricating an n-cell supercapacitor stack, including a step of providing at least n+1 identical, or substantially identical, electrically inert conductive sheets having a defined perimeter, n identical, or substantially identical, ion-permeable insulating sheets having a defined perimeter, n identical, or substantially identical, first electrodes having a defined perimeter, n identical, or substantially identical, second electrodes having a defined perimeter, and at least n matching dielectric frames having an outer perimeter, which is larger than the perimeter of the conductive sheet and the perimeter of the insulating sheet; a step of assembling the supercapacitor stack, a step of disposing an additional conductive sheet on top of the nth second electrode; and a step of attaching adjacent units onto one another, such that at least one of the frames within each unit is attached to at least one of the frames within each respective unit adjacent thereto.

Abstract: One embodiment is an EDLC with a capacitor cell that includes two electrodes of opposite polarity aligned in parallel, and a peptide separator disposed between the electrodes. The separator may be a peptide coating on an electrode surface. Another embodiment is an electrode for an electrochemical energy storage device, such as an EDLC, the electrode including graphene and coated with peptide. The peptide may act as a separator for the EDLC. A further embodiment is an electrode for an electrochemical energy storage device, the electrode-unit including: two graphene layers, CNTs, and electrolyte. The graphene layers are arranged separated along a first axis and aligned with parallel surfaces, where at least one graphene layer is coated with peptide. The CNTs are arranged along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and disposed between the graphene layers. The electrolyte is impregnated within the volume defined between the graphene layers and CNTs.

Abstract: One embodiment is an EDLC with a capacitor cell that includes two electrodes of opposite polarity aligned in parallel, and a peptide separator disposed between the electrodes. The separator may be a peptide coating on an electrode surface. Another embodiment is an electrode for an electrochemical energy storage device, such as an EDLC, the electrode including graphene and coated with peptide. The peptide may act as a separator for the EDLC. A further embodiment is an electrode for an electrochemical energy storage device, the electrode-unit including: two graphene layers, CNTs, and electrolyte. The graphene layers are arranged separated along a first axis and aligned with parallel surfaces, where at least one graphene layer is coated with peptide. The CNTs are arranged along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and disposed between the graphene layers. The electrolyte is impregnated within the volume defined between the graphene layers and CNTs.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, and a rigid dielectric frame. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The two electrodes of an individual cell are configured asymmetrically, such as being composed of different materials, having different weights, and/or having different thicknesses. The electrode material may include: activated carbon, a transitional metal oxide, a conductive polymer, and/or graphene.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, and a rigid dielectric frame. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The two electrodes of an individual cell are configured asymmetrically, such as being composed of different materials, having different weights, and/or having different thicknesses. The electrode material may include: activated carbon, a transitional metal oxide, a conductive polymer, and/or graphene.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, a rigid dielectric frame, and at least one evacuation mechanism. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector, and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The evacuation mechanism removes superfluous fluid material from the capacitor cell interior. The evacuation mechanism may be a compartment in the frame, operative to collect residual electrolyte that seeps out from the electrodes, or a capillary formed within the frame and extending into a portion of the electrode, the capillary composed of a porous hydrophobic material and operative to evacuate discharged gases from the electrodes out of the EDLC.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, a rigid dielectric frame, and at least one evacuation mechanism. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector, and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The evacuation mechanism removes superfluous fluid material from the capacitor cell interior. The evacuation mechanism may be a compartment in the frame, operative to collect residual electrolyte that seeps out from the electrodes, or a capillary formed within the frame and extending into a portion of the electrode, the capillary composed of a porous hydrophobic material and operative to evacuate discharged gases from the electrodes out of the EDLC.