Abstract: Ionomer membranes for fuel cells and related devices are described. An ionomer membrane may be configured with a plurality of anode-side protrusions and/or a plurality of cathode-side protrusions. A filler material(s) may be deposited into voids of an ionomer membrane. Example filler materials include, but are not limited to, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), silver (Ag), iridium (Ir), etc., and their alloys on carbon supports.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a patterned electrode comprising regions of catalyst and segregating regions that separate the regions of catalyst. The segregating regions may be regions of non-catalytic material. The catalyst regions may correspond to the channels of a flow field. The electrode provides improved fuel cell performance, particularly at high current densities. The electrode may be for all suitable applications, such as in a membrane electrode assembly and/or a fuel cell. Also disclosed is a method for making the patterned electrode. The method may comprise using masks to apply the catalyst and non-catalyst material to a substrate.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode includes a coaxial nanowire electrode. In some embodiments, the coaxial nanowire electrode comprises a plurality of ionomer nanowires, and a catalyst coating that coats at least part of the ionomer nanowires. Moreover, in some embodiments, a nanowire of the plurality of ionomer nanowires and a section of the catalyst coating that coats the nanowire form two coaxial cylinders.