Abstract: The invention relates to a PEM fuel cell which has a new type of edge structure, in which a reservoir of water is formed in a minute gap between membrane and edge seal, which considerably improves the utilization time of a polymer electrolyte membrane, in particular with dry process gases.

Abstract: Polymer-stabilized metal colloid solutions, process for preparing them and their use as catalysts for fuel cells. Process for preparing metal colloid solutions by reacting a platinum compound and, if desired, one or more compounds of Rh, Ru, Ir or Pd with a reducing agent. At least one cation-exchange polymer is used for stabilizing the metal colloid solution.

Abstract: Polybetaine-stabilized nanosize platinum particles, a process for preparing them and their use for electrocatalysts in fuel cells Soluble nanosize particles which have a diameter of from 0.5 to 3 nm, preferably from 1 to 2 nm, comprise platinum alone or platinum and other metals of the platinum group and are embedded in a protective colloid which comprises polymeric betaines and can be degraded by hydrolysis. The betaine is preferably a carbobetaine of the formula —N+R1R2—(—CH2—)n—CO2−, a phosphobetaine of the formula —N+R1R2—(—CH2—)n—PO3— or, preferably, a sulfobetaine of the formula —N+R1R2—(—CH2—)n—SO3—, where R1 and R2 may, independently of one another, be identical or different and are alkyl radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 1, 2 or 3. Also described are a process for preparing the nanosize particles and catalysts produced therefrom and also their use for fuel cells.

Abstract: Process for using microwave irradiation to prepare solutions of polymers functionalized with acid groups The invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous, hydrous and anhydrous solutions of polymers functionalized with acid groups, which comprises using microwave radiation to supply the heat required to prepare the solution. The solutions are suitable as a starting material for producing gas diffusion electrodes, fuel cells and polymer-electrolyte-stabilized platinum nanoparticles.

Abstract: High-temperature resistant sulfonated aromatic polyether ketone cation exchangers and sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) cation exchangers are revealed as catalysts for various reactions at reaction temperatures above 150° C. The invention relates to the use of sulfonated aromatic polyether ketone cation exchangers and sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) cation exchangers as catalysts for such reactions. The preferred reaction is esterification to make octyl palmitate.

Abstract: A process for producing laminates which contain at least one centrally arranged, ion-conductive membrane which is, at least over a substantial part of its two mutually opposite flat faces, electrically conductively bonded to at least one catalytically active substance and to at least one two-dimensional, gas-permeable, electron-conductive contacting material, the bonding of at least two of the said components having been effected by lamination. The process comprises carrying out the bonding of the ion-conductive membrane, of the catalytically active substance and of the electron-conductive contacting material continuously. The ion-conductive membrane is brought together with at least the electron-conductive contacting material in the exact position by means of transport and feeding devices and the two components are laminated and bonded to one another by pressing them together. The range of variation in the a.c. resistances of the laminates produced by the process according to the invention is ±10%.

Abstract: A particularly inexpensive, homogeneous and porous gas diffusion electrode which comprises at least one electrically conductive, hydrophobic and gas-permeable gas diffusion layer, comprising a mechanically stable support material which is impregnated with at least one electrically conductive material having a bulk conductivity of ≧10 mS/cm is produced. The gas diffusion electrode can be coated with a catalytically active layer. The electrodes of the invention are particularly suitable for use in fuel cells and electrolysis cells.