Abstract: A multifunctional mixed oxide electrocatalyst material including a metal oxide A with oxygen storage capacity and a metal oxide B with oxygen evolution reaction is prepared by two-steps hydrothermal reactions. The electrocatalyst material is a good free radical scavenger, oxygen evolution reagent and able to alleviate carbon monoxide poisoning on catalyst, when it is applied in a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells.

Abstract: An anode catalyst layer with high reversal tolerant capability includes an anode inner catalyst layer close to a proton exchange membrane and an anode outer catalyst layer close to a gas diffusion layer. At least the anode inner catalyst layer contains a reversal tolerant catalyst and a hydrophilic additive. The content of the hydrophilic additive in the anode inner catalyst layer is not less than that of the anode outer catalyst layer, or the water retention capability of the anode inner catalyst layer is not less than that of the anode outer catalyst layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of fuel cells, and in particular to a method for preparing highly stable catalyst coating slurry for fuel cells. The method for preparing highly stable catalyst coating slurry for fuel cells, includes at least two mixing and dispersing steps. The first mixing and dispersing step is carried out to mix and disperse the catalyst, perfluorosulfonic acid resin and solvent to obtain a first-stage mixed dispersion, and the other mixing and dispersing steps are carried out to mix and disperse the previous-stage mixed dispersion and the newly added perfluorosulfonic acid resin, wherein at least one mixing and dispersing step has a surfactant is added for mixing and dispersing. The catalyst in the catalyst slurry prepared by the method has good dispersion stability and less sedimentation, and good performance is achieved when the catalyst slurry is applied to membrane electrodes.

Abstract: Simplified methods are disclosed for preparing a catalyst coated membrane that is reinforced with a porous polymer sheet (e.g. an expanded polymer sheet) for use in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The methods involve forming a solid polymer electrolyte membrane by coating membrane ionomer solution onto a first catalyst layer and then applying the porous polymer sheet to the membrane ionomer solution coating, while it is still wet, such that the membrane ionomer solution only partially fills the pores of the porous polymer sheet. A second catalyst ink is then applied which fills the remaining pores of the porous polymer sheet. Not only are such methods simpler than many conventional methods, but surprisingly this can result in a marked improvement in fuel cell performance characteristics.

Abstract: Improved additives can be used to prepare polymer electrolyte for membrane electrode assemblies in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Use of these improved additives can not only improve durability and performance, but can also provide a marked performance improvement during initial conditioning of the fuel cells. The additives are chemical complexes comprising certain metal and organic ligand components.

Abstract: Simplified methods for preparing a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The CCM has two reinforcing, expanded polymer sheets and the methods involve forming the electrolyte membrane from ionomer solution during assembly of the CCM. Thus, the conventional requirement to obtain, handle, and decal transfer solid polymer sheets in CCM preparation can be omitted. Further, CCM structures with improved mechanical strength can be prepared by orienting the expanded polymer sheets such that the stronger tensile strength direction of one is orthogonal to the other. Such improved CCM structures can be fabricated using the simplified methods.

Abstract: Simplified methods are disclosed for preparing a catalyst coated membrane that is reinforced with a porous polymer sheet (e.g. an expanded polymer sheet) for use in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The methods involve forming a solid polymer electrolyte membrane by coating membrane ionomer solution onto a first catalyst layer and then applying the porous polymer sheet to the membrane ionomer solution coating, while it is still wet, such that the membrane ionomer solution only partially fills the pores of the porous polymer sheet. A second catalyst ink is then applied which fills the remaining pores of the porous polymer sheet. Not only are such methods simpler than many conventional methods, but surprisingly this can result in a marked improvement in fuel cell performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the durability of membrane electrode assemblies in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells by reducing the amount of halogen ion contaminants present. Silver carbonate is dissolved in an ionomer dispersion and incorporated into an appropriate component in the fuel cell where it reacts with halogen ion present to form silver halides. The component is then exposed to a suitable light source that decomposes the halide into halogen gas which is then removed prior to final assembly of the fuel cell.

Abstract: Devices including a flexible substrate and a grafted polymer brush coating on at least one surface of the flexible substrate and methods for making and using such devices are provided herein. The grafted polymer brush included on the devices allow for controlled bending of the device during use.

Abstract: Simplified methods for preparing a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The CCM has two reinforcing, expanded polymer sheets and the methods involve forming the electrolyte membrane from ionomer solution during assembly of the CCM. Thus, the conventional requirement to obtain, handle, and decal transfer solid polymer sheets in CCM preparation can be omitted. Further, CCM structures with improved mechanical strength can be prepared by orienting the expanded polymer sheets such that the stronger tensile strength direction of one is orthogonal to the other. Such improved CCM structures can be fabricated using the simplified methods.

Abstract: Improved additives can be used to prepare polymer electrolyte for membrane electrode assemblies in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Use of these improved additives can not only improve durability and performance, but can also provide a marked performance improvement during initial conditioning of the fuel cells. The additives are chemical complexes comprising certain metal and organic ligand components.

Abstract: A proton conducting copolymer electrolyte with competitive voltage versus current density characteristics and superior durability comprises a proton conducting hydrophilic domain comprising a sulfonated poly(phenylene) polymer, and a hydrophobic domain comprising a main chain comprising a plurality of bonded arylene groups wherein essentially all of the bonds in the main chain of the copolymer are carbon-carbon or, to a certain extent, carbon-sulfone bonds. More particularly, none of the bonds in the chains of the copolymer are ether bonds. Due to the absence of ether bonds, the copolymer electrolyte is less susceptible to degradation in solid polymer fuel cells.

Abstract: Devices including a flexible substrate and a grafted polymer brush coating on at least one surface of the flexible substrate and methods for making and using such devices are provided herein. The grafted polymer brush included on the devices allow for controlled bending of the device during use.