Abstract: A method for coating a surface with a magnetic composite material exhibiting distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces within the composite. Surfaces coated with such a composite can be used to improve fuel cells and to effect improved transport and separation of different species of materials. A wide variety of devices can incorporate such composite-coated surfaces, including separators, fuel cells, electrochemical cells, and electrodes for channeling flux of, or for effecting electrolysis of, magnetic species.

Abstract: A porous composite electrode for use in electrochemical cells. The electrode has a first face and a second face defining a relatively thin section therebetween. The electrode is comprised of an ion conducting material, an electron conducting material, and an electrocatalyst. The volume concentration of the ion conducting material is greatest at the first face and is decreased across the section, while the volume concentration of the electron conducting material is greatest at the second face and decreases across the section of the electrode. Substantially all of the electrocatalyst is positioned within the electrode section in a relatively narrow zone where the rate of electron transport of the electrode is approximately equal to the rate of ion transport of the electrode.