Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided comprising fuel cell modules least compression plates; and at least one plurality of mechanical linkages connecting a pair of compression plates located on either side of at least one fuel cell module, which may be engaged to maintain a predetermined gap distance between the pair of compression plates. The present invention additionally provides a fuel cell stack comprising: fuel cell modules stacked alternately with compression plates; mechanical linkages connecting a first pair of compression plates directly adjacent to a first fuel cell module; mechanical linkages connecting a second pair of compression plates directly adjacent to a second fuel cell module; where a) the first and second fuel cell modules may be maintained under compression, and b) the compression on each fuel cell module may be adjusted essentially independently of the compression on the other.

Abstract: Flow field designs are provided, as well as flow field devices employing the subject flow field designs. A fluid distribution assembly is provided comprising a flow field device and a fluid transport layer disposed between the flow field device and a target area, where, for at least one finite non-zero flow rate and at least one use rate of an active component of the fluid in the fluid transport layer, lateral flux of the active component varies by no more than 35% through at least 90% of all overland portions of said fluid transport layer. In one embodiment, the flow field device comprises a flow field comprising a serpentine channel, comprising non-parallel sequential major segments. In a further embodiment, the angles between successive major segments of the serpentine channel vary progressively.

Abstract: A liquid cooled fuel cell stack is provided which comprises fuel cell modules which comprise one or more membrane electrode assemblies (MEA's); cooling plates which comprise cooling channels; a manifold box communicating with each cooling channel inlet; and a diffuser within the manifold box having a plurality of diffuser outlets distributed evenly with respect to the cooling channel inlets. Typically a two-chamber manifold box is used, to allow counter-flow of coolant in opposite directions in cooling channels on opposite sides of the stack. Typically the stack is insulated around its exterior.

Abstract: A gasketed fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and a gasket, where the gasket comprises a closed-cell foam rubber, typically a silicone foam rubber. The membrane electrode assembly (MEA) typically comprises a peripheral sealing zone, in which the MEA consists essentially of its central ion conducting membrane layer or catalyst coated membrane layer and a closed-cell foam rubber gasket optionally attached with an adhesive. Typically the gasketed fuel cell membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention comprises no hard stop layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided comprising one or more fuel cell modules, each fuel cell module comprising at least one membrane electrode assembly having no hard stop layer; two or more compression plates; and at least one plurality of mechanical linkages connecting a pair of compression plates located on either side of at least one fuel cell module, which may be engaged to maintain a predetermined gap distance between the pair of compression plates.

Abstract: Flow field designs are provided, as well as flow field devices employing the subject flow field designs. A fluid distribution assembly is provided comprising a flow field device and a fluid transport layer disposed between the flow field device and a target area, where, for at least one finite non-zero flow rate and at least one use rate of an active component of the fluid in the fluid transport layer, lateral flux of the active component varies by no more than 35% through at least 90% of all overland portions of said fluid transport layer. In one embodiment, the flow field device comprises a flow field comprising a serpentine channel, comprising non-parallel sequential major segments. In a further embodiment, the angles between successive major segments of the serpentine channel vary progressively.

Abstract: An article comprises a containment means comprising pressurized gas-filled microbubbles, the gas being controllably releasable on demand by fracturing the microbubbles.

Abstract: Hybrid membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are presented, having an anode comprising a dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on small, high-aspect ratio supports, such as nanostructured elements, and a cathode comprising a less dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on lower-aspect ratio supports, such as carbon particle supported catalyst.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising an ion conducting membrane and one or more electrode layers that comprise nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are in incomplete contact with the ion conducting membrane. This invention also provides methods to make the membrane electrode assembly of the invention. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.