Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly obtainable by the in situ polymerisation between two electrodes of one or more monomers to form a polymer, and then infusing an activating agent into the polymer, wherein the activating agent enables the membrane electrode assembly to function as a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A method of performing an electrochemical reaction in an electrochemical cell comprising electrodes separated by a hydrophilic ion-exchange membrane, comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of an aqueous solution of an electrolyte of which the concentration is controlled.

Abstract: In a method for the production of a membrane electrode assembly comprising a membrane, electrodes and a catalyst, the catalyst is pressed into the membrane material, e.g. when forming the material in situ.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a hydrophilic polymer membrane for use in a membrane electrode assembly, comprising the polymerization of a material or materials from which the membrane may be formed, wherein the polymerization is by UV curing.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a method for forming a ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) soaking the polymer membrane of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers, for a sufficient length of time to allow the solution to penetrate through the entire polymer membrane; and (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (ii) to form an essentially homogenous ionic polymer. In a second aspect, a method for forming a catalyst-coated ionic polymer membrane, comprises: (i) polymerising a mixture of one or more first monomers to form an ionic polymer membrane; (ii) dipping the polymer of (i) into a mixture of one or more second monomers; (iia) depositing a catalyst onto the monomer-coated polymer; (iii) polymerising the monomer-coated polymer of step (iia). The present invention also includes membranes formed using these methods.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly obtainable by the in situ polymerisation between two electrodes of one or more monomers to form a polymer, and then infusing an activating agent into the polymer, wherein the activating agent enables the membrane electrode assembly to function as a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of a membrane electrode assembly, i.e. a cathode/membrane/anode assembly capable of transmitting light. A first aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic cell which is a membrane electrode assembly capable of transmitting light. The membrane material is preferably a polymer comprising a strongly ionic group. The assembly preferably comprises a catalyst and/or a dye sensitiser. A second aspect of the invention is a method for generating a voltage which comprises irradiating a cell of the invention.

Abstract: A method of performing an electrochemical reaction in an electrochemical cell comprising electrodes separated by a hydrophilic ion-exchange membrane, comprises conducting the reaction in the presence of an aqueous solution of an electrolyte of which the concentration is controlled.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly includes a grid for controlling ion flow, separate layers of membrane material and/or an ionically inactive material for the transmission of a liquid or gaseous reaction component to end/or form at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: A method of electrolysing water, using a water electrolyser having cathode and anode compartments respectively on either side of a hydrophilic polymer cation-exchange membrane, the method comprising: (i) adding water to the anode compartment only, such that the cathode compartment is predominantly free of water in liquid form; (ii) electrolysing the water to form hydrogen gas in the cathode compartment and oxygen gas in the anode compartment; and (iii) re-circulating the hydrogen gas through the cathode compartment.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing hydrogen and oxygen from salt water, using an electrolyser having first and second electrode compartments respectively on each side of a hydrophilic ion-exchange membrane, the method comprising adding salt water to one or both of the electrode compartments, and electrolysing the salt water. The present invention is also a method of producing a biologically active solution using an electrolyser as defined above, the method comprising adding salt water to one or both of the electrode compartments, and electrolysing the salt water. Further, the present invention is a method for reducing the salt content of salt water using an electrolyser as defined above, the method comprising adding salt water to one or both electrode compartments, and electrolysing the salt water.

Abstract: A flexible MEA comprises an integral assembly of electrode, catalyst and ionomeric membrane material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a hydrophilic polymer membrane for use in a membrane electrode assembly, comprising the polymerisation of a material or materials from which the membrane may be formed, wherein the polymerisation is by UV curing.

Abstract: A composite membrane suitable for use in an electrochemical cell, comprises layers of a hydrophilic material and of a second material having relatively high conductivity and which is also relatively susceptible to dehydration.

Abstract: A system comprises, in addition to a combustion engine having a hydrocarbon fuel inlet line and a line for fuel exhaust, an electrolyser capable of converting water to hydrogen and oxygen, and an outlet line for the hydrogen at least, wherein the outlet line leads to the engine or to the exhaust line.

Abstract: A fuelling system comprises a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell having hydrogen and oxygen compartments, and a vessel having first and second chambers, the first chamber connected to the hydrogen compartment and the second chamber connected to the oxygen compartment, via valved ports, wherein the volume of the first chamber is approximately twice the volume of the second chamber. Such a fuelling system is suitable for use in a method of fuelling a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell having hydrogen and oxygen compartments, which comprises supplying hydrogen from a first chamber of a vessel to the hydrogen compartment, and supplying oxygen from a second chamber of the vessel to the oxygen compartment, wherein the hydrogen and oxygen are supplied in a stoichiometric ratio and at substantially equal pressures.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly in which at least one water content, conductivity, pH, mechanical strength and elasticity of the membrane is graduated across its thickness, between the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrochemical cell, comprises supplying reaction material from a first compartment of, and collecting a reaction product or unreacted material in a second compartment of, a cassette connected to the cell, and controlling the flow of the reaction material and/or of the reaction product/unreacted material. A cassette (1) suitable for use in such a method contains a moveable member (2) and a compartment (3, 4, 5, 6) on each side of the moveable member, and comprises also ports (7, 8, 9, 10) for fluid corresponding to each compartment, wherein the compartments can be respectively expanded and compressed by movement of the member. Such a cassette can be used in connection with a membrane (14) in a cell (13).

Abstract: A method of performing an electrochemical reaction in an electrochemical cell comprises electrodes separated by a membrane capable of taking up an electrolyte, the method comprises introducing into the cell a fuel or other oxidisable component and an electrolyte, and oxidising the fuel in the presence of an acid or alkali. Alternatively or in addition, usage of fuel may be monitored by including a reactant that is capable of undergoing or imparting a change in visual appearance on oxidation or reduction; and monitoring any change in visual appearance.

Abstract: A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.