Abstract: A method of removing contaminants from a fuel cell catalyst electrode. The method includes providing a getter electrode and a fuel cell catalyst electrode having at least one contaminant to a bath and applying a voltage sufficient to drive the contaminant from the fuel cell catalyst electrode to the getter electrode. Methods of removing contaminants from a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell and of improving performance of a fuel cell are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing toughened thermosetting structural materials, more specifically, to a process for preparing toughened thermosetting materials having a morphology spectrum by regulating the rate of cure reaction of a thermosetting resin and the rate of dissolving a thermoplastic toughening agent in the thermosetting resin to form a morphology spectrum depending on the concentration gradient of the toughening agent, and toughened thermosetting structural materials prepared by the said process. In accordance with the present invention, the thermosetting materials with enhanced toughness and mechanical properties such as chemicals-resistance and heat-resistance, can be prepared by adding a soluble thermoplastic toughening agent in the thermosetting resin in a concentration of less than 20% by weight.

Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon fiber-reinforced composite material having a high toughness against delamination, which is prepared by regulating the rate of cure reaction of a thermosetting resin used as a matrix and the rate of dissolving a toughening agent in the matrix to form a morphology gradient depending on a concentration gradient of the toughening agent between layers of the carbon composite material. A process for preparing the carbon fiber-reinforced composite material which comprises the steps of: obtaining a thermosetting resin in a melted or solution form, and adding a catalyst of the thermosetting resin to obtain a prepreg; adding a toughening agent between plies within the prepreg thus impregnated, in a form of film having a uniform thickness or in a form of powder having a uniform distribution; and, curing under a proper reaction temperature and pressure, by autoclave vacuum bag molding method or compression molding method.