Abstract: Inks are formulated for forming anode and cathode catalyst layers and applied to anode and cathode sides of a membrane for a direct methanol fuel cell. The inks comprise a Pt catalyst for the cathode and a Pt—Ru catalyst for the anode, purified water in an amount 4 to 20 times that of the catalyst by weight, and a perfluorosulfonic acid ionomer in an amount effective to provide an ionomer content in the anode and cathode surfaces of 20% to 80% by volume. The inks are prepared in a two-step process while cooling and agitating the solutions. The final solution is placed in a cooler and continuously agitated while spraying the solution over the anode or cathode surface of the membrane as determined by the catalyst content.

Abstract: Application of two-dimensional materials (TDMs) that are exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides in electrochemical fuel cells to remove contaminants that are harmful to the fuel cells; to effect proper transport and containment of various fluids in fuel cells to achieve proper and efficient operation; to protect various surfaces and materials commonly comprised in or used for fuel cells and critical to their operation; and to purify and lower the freezing point of cooling water used for the fuel cell stacks. Disclosed are methods whereby the TDM is used as a barrier to prevent unwanted crossover (between electrodes through a polymer electrolyte membrane or PEM) of chemical species; where the TDM is used to coat and/or encapsulate catalyst particles, carbon catalyst support, PEMs, and chemical or metal hydrides, to protect the same from unwanted exposure to chemical species; and where the TDM is used to purify and lower the freezing point of fuel cell stack cooling water.