Abstract: This invention discloses membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells containing self-supporting catalyst layers and methods of generating electricity by operating such fuel cells. Self-supporting catalyst layers are used as the anode or cathode or both catalyst layers in fuel cells, most particularly as catalyst layers in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Membrane electrode assembly configurations comprising self-supporting catalyst layers in which adjacent gas diffusion layers are absent. The invention also involves membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells containing self-supporting microporous layers and fuel cells containing such membrane electrode assemblies and methods of generating electricity by operating such fuel cells.

Abstract: Novel mixed-conducting perovskite oxides, including La0.3Ca0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3-?, useful as oxygen and fuel electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) applications. Electrode materials produce by microwave-assisted processes show improved properties as electroactive materials. SOFC and RSOFC are successfully prepared using microwave-assisted techniques.

Abstract: An example a method of manufacturing a film is provided. The method involves dissolving a backbone material in a non-aqueous solvent to form a non-aqueous solution. The method further involves adding the non-aqueous solution to an aqueous solution to form a liquid-liquid interface and injecting a particulate proximate to the liquid-liquid interface the non-aqueous solution is then evaporated to form a film containing the particulate. The film may be used in devices such as sensor devices for detecting hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Self-supporting or supported porous carbon films, including nanoporous carbon films, are provided. The porous carbon films comprise an open network of interconnected pores. Methods for making porous carbon films are also provided. One synthesis method includes formation of a synthesis mixture comprising particles of an inorganic material, a carbon precursor material and water, forming a layer of the synthesis mixture on a substrate and heat treating the film to convert the carbon precursor to carbon.

Abstract: Novel mixed-conducting perovskite oxides, including La0.3Ca0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3-?, useful as oxygen and fuel electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) applications. Electrode materials produce by microwave-assisted processes show improved properties as electroactive materials. SOFC and RSOFC are successfully prepared using microwave-assisted techniques.

Abstract: Novel mixed-conducting perovskite oxides, including La0.3Ca0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3-?, useful as oxygen and fuel electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) applications. Electrode materials produce by microwave-assisted processes show improved properties as electroactive materials. SOFC and RSOFC are successfully prepared using microwave-assisted techniques.

Abstract: This invention discloses membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells containing self-supporting catalyst layers and methods of generating electricity by operating such fuel cells. Self-supporting catalyst layers are used as the anode or cathode or both catalyst layers in fuel cells, most particularly as catalyst layers in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Membrane electrode assembly configurations comprising self-supporting catalyst layers in which adjacent gas diffusion layers are absent. The invention also involves membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cells containing self-supporting microporous layers and fuel cells containing such membrane electrode assemblies and methods of generating electricity by operating such fuel cells.

Abstract: Self-supporting or supported porous carbon films, including nanoporous carbon films, are provided. The porous carbon films comprise an open network of interconnected pores. Methods for making porous carbon films are also provided. One synthesis method includes formation of a synthesis mixture comprising particles of an inorganic material, a carbon precursor material and water, forming a layer of the synthesis mixture on a substrate and heat treating the film to convert the carbon precursor to carbon.

Abstract: Novel mixed-conducting perovskite oxides, including La0.3Ca0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3-?, useful as oxygen and fuel electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) applications. Electrode materials produce by microwave-assisted processes show improved properties as electroactive materials. SOFC and RSOFC are successfully prepared using microwave-assisted techniques.

Abstract: A oxygen reduction catalyst includes a coordination complex of a transition metal and a nitrogen-carbon ligand. The catalyst may be formed by preparing a sol-gel with a metal salt such as a cobalt salt in an alcohol and adding the ligand slowly while refluxing. The catalyst may be adsorbed onto carbon powder and heat treated.