Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, particles comprising at least one electrocatalyst metal, and at least one copolymer dispersant comprising at least one polyalkylene oxide segment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprises (a) a solid electrolyte polymer membrane; (b) an anode electrocatalyst layer disposed at one surface of the membrane and comprising a first electrocatalyst composition comprising carbon substrate particles and nanoparticles comprising an alloy of platinum and ruthenium disposed on the surface of the substrate particles; (c) a cathode electrocatalyst layer disposed at an opposite surface of the membrane, the cathode layer comprising a second electrocatalyst composition different from the first electrocatalyst composition and comprising carbon substrate particles and nanoparticles comprising platinum disposed on the surface of the substrate particles; and (d) gas diffusion layers disposed over each of the anode and cathode electrocatalyst layers.

Abstract: A process for preparing catalyst coated membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for use in direct methanol fuel cells is provided. Cathode and anode layers are formed by spraying catalyst-containing inks onto a novel framed electrolytic membrane to form a catalyst coated membrane. The spraying process optionally employs one or more masks, which carefully control where the catalyst-containing ink is deposited. Following application of the cathode and anode layers, diffusion layers are prepared and inserted onto the catalyst coated membranes, and pressed to form membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst ink composition comprising a liquid vehicle, particles comprising at least one electrocatalyst metal, and at least one copolymer dispersant comprising at least one polyalkylene oxide segment.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrically isolated via in a multilayer ceramic package and an electrical connection formed within the via are disclosed. The method includes punching a first via in a first layer, filling the first via with a cross-linkable paste, curing the paste to form an electrical insulator precursor and forming the via in the insulator precursor. The electrical connection formed includes an insulator made from a cross-linked paste supported by a substrate of a multilayer ceramic package and a conductive connection supported by the insulator.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic micropump including a monolithic ceramic package formed of a plurality of ceramic layers defining therein an integrated first ball check valve, and a second ball check valve in microfluidic communication with the first ball check valve, and an actuator characterized as actuating a pumping motion, thereby pumping fluids through the first ball check valve and the second ball check valve.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic micropump including a monolithic ceramic package formed of a plurality of ceramic layers defining therein an integrated first ball check valve, and a second ball check valve in microfluidic communication with the first ball check valve, and an actuator characterized as actuating a pumping motion, thereby pumping fluids through the first ball check valve and the second ball check valve.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic micropump including a monolithic ceramic package formed of a plurality of ceramic layers defining therein an integrated first ball check valve, and a second ball check valve in microfluidic communication with the first ball check valve, and an actuator characterized as actuating a pumping motion, thereby pumping fluids through the first ball check valve and the second ball check valve.

Abstract: An enhanced ceramic layer is produced for use in laminated ceramic devices. A layer of unfired ceramic material is provided and a coating of dielectric material (preferably alumina) is applied on at least one surface. The dielectric material forms a reaction barrier between excess glass forced to the surface during firing and metallization positioned on the coating. The coating can be applied by screen printing, spraying a slurry of dielectric material, or spraying a slurry of dielectric material and an adhesive allowing low pressure lamination.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrically isolated via in a multilayer ceramic package and an electrical connection formed within the via are disclosed. The method includes punching a first via in a first layer, filling the first via with a cross-linkable paste, curing the paste to form an electrical insulator precursor and forming the via in the insulator precursor. The electrical connection formed includes an insulator made from a cross-linked paste supported by a substrate of a multilayer ceramic package and a conductive connection supported by the insulator.

Abstract: Solder and a method of manufacturing the solder are disclosed wherein powdered free silver is added to a solder alloy with a particle size sufficient to preserve silver metallization during use and with a concentration sufficient to maximize the effectiveness and avoid adverse effects on solder reflow characteristics. Preferably, the particle size is in a range of approximately 5 &mgr;m to 20 &mgr;m and the powdered free silver is added in a concentration of approximately 5% to 10%.

Abstract: Multiphase ceramic materials for use in multilayered device fabrication may be fabricated by providing novel glassy precursor materials of a preferred composition, with operable amounts of a non-glassy filler materials. The combined materials are fired at appropriate temperatures, so that a non-glassy anorthite type phase is formed. Material so fabricated is formed in a self-limiting process, in that reaction between the glassy precursor material and the non-glass filler material is terminated when one constituent of the glassy precursor material is fully consumed. The materials of the instant invention, fabricated according to the method disclosed herein, demonstrate excellent dielectric constant, and electrical loss characteristics.

Abstract: A method of producing a glass/metal package where a glass portion of the package is built up around a provided leadframe (10) using applications of solderable and glass pastes (20) which are subsequently fired (30). The glass paste and leadframe are chosen to have similar coefficients of expansion and the leadframe is pretreated to degasify and control oxidation of the metal to promote glass adhesion to the leadframe and prevent microcracking at a glass/metal interface. A seal ring is applied to the glass paste (40) and a lid is attached to the seal ring (50). The package is used to provide an sealed inert internal environment for sensitive electronic components such as a piezoelectric element. The package may be configured for leaded or surface mounting (60).

Abstract: Multiphase ceramic materials for use in multilayered device fabrication may be fabricated by providing novel glassy precursor materials of a preferred composition, with operable amounts of a non-glassy filler materials. The combined materials are fired at appropriate temperatures, so that a non-glassy anorthite type phase is formed. Material so fabricated is formed in a self-limiting process, in that reaction between the glassy precursor material and the non-glass filler material is terminated when one constituent of the glassy precursor material is fully consumed. The materials of the instant invention, fabricated according to the method disclosed herein, demonstrate excellent dielectric constant, and electrical loss characteristics.