Abstract: A supported catalyst is provided comprising catalyst metal nanoparticles having an average particle size of 3.0 nm or less, or more typically 2.0 nm or less, and typically having a standard deviation of particle size of 0.5 nm or less, which are supported on support particles at a loading of 30% or more. Typical catalyst metals are selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, nickel and tin. Typical support particles are carbon. A method of making a supported catalyst is provided comprising the steps of: a) providing a solution of metal chlorides of one or more catalyst metals in solvent system containing at least one polyalcohol, typically ethylene glycol containing less than 2% water; b) forming a colloidal suspension of unprotected catalyst metal nanoparticles by raising the pH of the solution, typically to a pH of 10 or higher, and heating said solution, typically to 125 ° C.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided which comprises an annealed polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). Additionally, the MEA may include annealed catalyst layers annealed in contact with the annealed PEM. Additionally, methods of manufacture are provided. MEA's according to the present invention may be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell.

Abstract: A supported catalyst is provided comprising catalyst metal nanoparticles having an average particle size of 3.0 nm or less, or more typically 2.0 nm or less, and typically having a standard deviation of particle size of 0.5 nm or less, which are supported on support particles at a loading of 30% or more. Typical catalyst metals are selected from platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, nickel and tin. Typical support particles are carbon. A method of making a supported catalyst is provided comprising the steps of: a) providing a solution of metal chlorides of one or more catalyst metals in solvent system containing at least one polyalcohol, typically ethylene glycol containing less than 2% water; b) forming a colloidal suspension of unprotected catalyst metal nanoparticles by raising the pH of the solution, typically to a pH of 10 or higher, and heating said solution, typically to 125 ° C.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided which comprises an annealed polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). Additionally, the MEA may include annealed catalyst layers annealed in contact with the annealed PEM. Additionally, methods of manufacture are provided. MEA's according to the present invention may be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a hydrogen fuel cell.