Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is formed by an acidic polymer and a low-volatility acid that is fluorinated, substantially free of basic groups, and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g. polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g. glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: A method of selectively and electrolessly depositing a metal onto a substrate having a metallic microstructured surface is disclosed. The method includes forming a self-assembled monolayer on the metallic microstructured surface, exposing the self-assembled monolayer to an electroless plating solution including a soluble form of a deposit metal, and depositing electrolessly the deposit metal selectively on the metallic microstructured surface. Article formed from this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a highly fluorinated polymer electrolyte and at least one cerium oxide compound dispersed therein. In addition, a method of making a fuel cell polymer electrolyte membrane is provided comprising the steps of: a) providing a highly fluorinated polymer electrolyte comprising acidic functional groups; b) dispersing therein at least one cerium oxide in an amount so as to provide between 0.01 and 5 percent of the total weight of the polymer electrolyte membrane; and c) thereafter forming a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising said polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Abstract: A method of selectively and electrolessly depositing a metal onto a substrate having a metallic patterned-nanostructure surface is disclosed. The method includes providing a tool having a patterned-nanostructure surface, the patterned-nanostructure surface having surface regions having a nanostructured surface, replicating the tool patterned-nanostructure surface onto a substrate to form a substrate patterned-nanostructure surface, disposing a metal layer on the substrate patterned-nanostructure surface to form a metallic patterned-nanostructure surface region, forming a self-assembled monolayer on the metallic patterned-nanostructure surface region, exposing the self-assembled monolayer to an electroless plating solution comprising a deposit metal, and depositing electrolessly the deposit metal selectively on the surface regions having a metallic nanostructured surface. Articles formed from this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres (i.e., beads) that comprise titania and bismuth oxide. The glass microspheres further comprise zirconia. The invention also relates to retroreflective articles, and in particular pavement markings, comprising such microspheres.

Abstract: A method of selectively and electrolessly depositing a metal onto a substrate having a metallic microstructured surface is disclosed. The method includes forming a self-assembled monolayer on the metallic microstructured surface, exposing the self-assembled monolayer to an electroless plating solution including a soluble form of a deposit metal, and depositing electrolessly the deposit metal selectively on the metallic microstructured surface. Articles formed from this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising bound anionic functional groups and polyvalent cations, such as Mn or Ru cations, which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres (i.e., beads) having a high index of refraction. The invention also relates to retroreflective articles, and in particular pavement markings, comprising such microspheres.