Abstract: A cloud tower (11) receives microscopic particles (18) impelled by an inert gas (17) for deposition on a porous substrate (29) having vacuum (34) disposed on opposite side. To alter the size and/or shape of the deposition field without changing the entire tower structure, a pair of flaps (43, 44) are hinged (47, 48) on one side or on a pair of opposed sides of the cloud primary tower. Another embodiment places selectable tower inserts (36, 38) within the primary tower structure, fitting therein and sealing thereto.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of depositing a catalyst ink directly onto a membrane to form a catalyst coated membrane and hot pressing the catalyst coated membrane. The catalyst coated membrane has a catalyst layer that includes a catalyst and an ionomer.

Abstract: A cloud tower (11) receives microscopic particles (18) impelled by an inert gas (17) for deposition on a porous substrate (29) having vacuum (34) disposed on opposite side. To alter the size and/or shape of the deposition field without changing the entire tower structure, a pair of flaps (43, 44) are hinged (47, 48) on one side or on a pair of opposed sides of the cloud primary tower. Another embodiment places selectable tower inserts (36, 38) within the primary tower structure, fitting therein and sealing thereto.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a controller, a resistance sensor, and a regulator. The fuel cell has a cathode plate, an anode plate, and an ion-exchange membrane interposed between the cathode plate and the anode plate. The controller is for controlling a gas flow rate to the anode plate. The resistance sensor is coupled to the fuel cell for measuring a resistance of the fuel cell. The regulator is coupled to the controller and coupled to the anode plate for regulating the gas flow to the anode plate. The controller receives a signal from the resistance sensor and is configured to control the regulator to adjust the gas flow to the anode plate based on the signal from the resistance sensor.

Abstract: A flow field plate for use in a fuel cell includes a porous, wettable plate body including a first reactant gas channel having an inlet portion, a second reactant gas channel having an outlet portion that is adjacent the inlet portion of the first reactant gas channel, and at least one moisture reservoir fluidly connected with pores of the porous, wettable plate body. The at least one moisture reservoir can selectively collect and release moisture received from a reactant gas in the outlet portion to thereby selectively move the moisture from the outlet portion toward the adjacent inlet portion.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell includes platinum catalysts, carbon support particles and an ionomer. The carbon support particles support the platinum catalysts, and the ionomer connects the platinum catalysts. The electrode has a platinum less than about 0.2 mg/cm2 and an ionomer-to-carbon ratio between about 0.5 and about 0.9. A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, a cathode layer and an anode layer. The cathode layer includes platinum catalysts, carbon support particles for supporting the platinum catalysts and an ionomer connecting the platinum catalysts. The cathode layer has a platinum loading less than about 0.2 mg/cm2 and an ionomer-to-carbon ratio between about 0.5 and about 0.9. The anode layer includes platinum catalysts, carbon support particles for supporting the platinum catalysts and an ionomer connecting the platinum catalysts.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of depositing a catalyst ink directly onto a membrane to form a catalyst coated membrane and hot pressing the catalyst coated membrane. The catalyst coated membrane has a catalyst layer that includes a catalyst and an ionomer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a controller, a resistance sensor, and a regulator. The fuel cell has a cathode plate, an anode plate, and an ion-exchange membrane interposed between the cathode plate and the anode plate. The controller is for controlling a gas flow rate to the anode plate. The resistance sensor is coupled to the fuel cell for measuring a resistance of the fuel cell. The regulator is coupled to the controller and coupled to the anode plate for regulating the gas flow to the anode plate. The controller receives a signal from the resistance sensor and is configured to control the regulator to adjust the gas flow to the anode plate based on the signal from the resistance sensor.

Abstract: A flow field plate for use in a fuel cell includes a porous, wettable plate body including a first reactant gas channel having an inlet portion, a second reactant gas channel having an outlet portion that is adjacent the inlet portion of the first reactant gas channel, and at least one moisture reservoir fluidly connected with pores of the porous, wettable plate body. The at least one moisture reservoir can selectively collect and release moisture received from a reactant gas in the outlet portion to thereby selectively move the moisture from the outlet portion toward the adjacent inlet portion.

Abstract: A method of depositing platinum onto a support is disclosed. This method is based on a combination of two processes: electrochemical and electroless deposition, using a chemical bath containing a platinum source and agents that trigger nucleation and buffer the solution. This method is capable of producing a catalyst having a gravimetric current density of at least approximately 0.8 mA/cm2 per ?g of platinum per cm2 at cell voltage of 0.9V/RHE for oxygen reduction reaction.