Abstract: A novel gas diffusion substrate comprising a porous structure and a filler material, characterised in that the filler material comprises a base filler material which is electrically conducting and carbonaceous and one or more modifier materials which ate hydrophilic in nature relative to the base filler material; a porous gas diffusion electrode comprising said substrate and the use of said substrate or electrode in a fuel cell is disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which is a porous gas diffusion electrode comprising a catalyst powder and an ion exchange resin, wherein a solvent-soluble fluorine-containing polymer having substantially no ion exchange groups exists at least at a part of the inner surface of pores of the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for use in a metal deposition cell during operation. The apparatus includes a perforated anode extending generally horizontally across the entire width of the metal deposition cell. Multiple perforations extend substantially vertically and are arranged to provide a substantially uniform electrolyte flow across the width of the metal deposition cell.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide employing redox catalysts in a gas diffusion electrode or membrane electrode assembly in a semi-chemical/electrochemical system for the production of high purity, stable, usually acidic, aqueous solutions of peroxide at high conversion efficiencies without requiring organic solvents.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrode substrates for electrochemical cells, particularly low-temperature fuel cells, and processes for their production. Graphitized fiber web structures are used that have a preferred non-planar fiber alignment resulting in high through-plane conductivity. These structures are further impregnated and processed to adjust the final product properties.

Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus for producing halogen gases from aqueous alkali halide solution, having a number of plate-like electrolysis cells which are arranged beside one another in a stack and are in electrical contact and which each have a housing comprising two half-shells of electrically conductive material with external contact strips on at least one housing rear wall, and in each case having two essentially flat electrodes (anode and cathode) and the anode and cathode being provided with apertures like venetian blinds for the electrolysis starting materials and the electrolysis products to flow through, being separated from one another by a dividing wall and arranged parallel to one another and being electrically conductively connected to the respective associated rear wall of the housing by means of metal reinforcements, is intended to provide a solution with which, even at current densities above 4 kA/m2 and correspondingly increased production of gas in the boundary layer, it is possible to operate wh

Abstract: A thin, flat, and porous carbon gas diffusion electrode having a side in contact with a supply of gas and a side in contact with an electrolyte, comprises a pyrolysis product of a composite of an organic aerogel or xerogel and a reinforcing skeleton consisting at least in part of organic material. The porosity of the carbon gas diffusion electrode according to the invention can be regulated at will while the surface of the electrode is smooth.

Abstract: A method of making carbon foam is described which involves pyrolizing a mixture containing at least one pyrolizable substance and at least one unpyrolizable material and then removing the unpyrolizable material to obtain the carbon foam. Carbon foam made by this process is also described. Incorporating the carbon foam in a variety of end use applications including electrodes, thermal insulation material, polymers, and the like is also described.

Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assemblage clamping device for an electrode comprising two parallel, essentially flat and rectangular electrode members, and at least one current supply rod/conductor bar, arranged between and in conductive contact with said electrode members. The device comprises a clamping means provided along at least a part of the vertical peripheral edges of said electrode elements, said clamping means comprising a resilient member and an abutment member. The latter are configured such that each electrode member is clamped between one respective part each of the abutment member and of the resilient member.

Abstract: The tube inner surface electropolishing device includes an electrolyte delivery system to cause electrolyte to flow through the tube whose inner surface must be electropolished. An electrical cable having an electrode engaged to its distal end is slowly moved through the tube while an electrical current from a power supply passes through the electrode and the tube wall and the electrolyte flowing therebetween. Several electrode embodiments are disclosed including electrodes that include a chain of elements having alternating insulator and electrode elements, an electrode including a quantity of metallic wool enclosed in a permeable insulating member, and a flexible insulating member formed from a cylindrical tubular section which is axially compressible to produce a series of projecting flexible arms, so that any one section can be compressed to enter a smaller opening than the tube to be polished. An electrolyte dam is coupled to the electrode and controls the flow rate of electrolyte through the tube.

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode comprises a cloth (12) of activated carbon fibers having a first face coated in a hydrophobic material (14) and a second face on which particles of catalyst (16) are fixed directly and are dispersed in substantially uniform manner over the fibers. The electrode can be used in an electrochemical cell of a proton exchange membrane fuel-cell battery, or in an electrochemical reactor, e.g. for making chlorine and caustic soda.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas diffusion electrode (1) comprising a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer (3b), a reaction layer (3a), and a hydrophilic layer (5) arranged in the mentioned order wherein the reaction layer (3a) is arranged to a barrier layer (4), which barrier layer (4), on its opposite side, is arranged to the hydrophilic layer (5). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a gas diffusion electrode (1), and to an electrolytic cell, and use thereof.

Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a membrane electrode that employs a composite membrane, which include both a porous membrane and an ion conducting electrolyte, by partially filling a porous membrane with an ion conducting electrolyte to form a partially filled membrane and then compressing the partially filled membrane with electrode particles so as to remove void volume from the partially filled membrane and embed the electrode particles in the partially filled membrane. The membrane electrode of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.

Abstract: A solid state ionic device includes a dense electrolyte sandwiched between two porous electrodes. In one embodiment, the device is anode supported and the cathode is formed of a porous three-dimensional solid phase structure having an electrocatalytic phase of a plurality of electrocatalytic particles and an ionic conducting phase of a plurality of ionic conductor particles. The mean or median size of the electrocatalytic particles is larger than the mean or median size of the ionic conductor particles. The device may further include a long range electronic conducting layer of lantham cobaltate or other electronically conducting material.

Abstract: The invention provides a dynamic electrolytic reactor for the reduction of Cr+6 to Cr+3 in aqueous solution. The reactor comprises at least one pair of liquid permeable anode and cathode connectable to an electric current supply. The cathode according to the invention is three-dimensional, and comprises a substrate of flexible porous material whose inner and outer surfaces are coated with an electrically conductive carbon black powder embedded in a binder.

Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved. In the present design, an adjacent anode and cathode pair are fabricated using a common conductive element, with that conductive element serving to conduct the current from one cell to the adjacent one. This produces a small and simple system suitable for operating with gas fuels or alternatively directly with liquid fuels, such as methanol, dimethoxymethane, or trimethoxymethane. The use of these liquid fuels permits the storage of more energy in less volume while at the same time eliminating the need for handling compressed gases which further simplifies the fuel cell system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to electrolytic diaphragm cells, particularly for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. The innovation resides generally in the discovery that electrolytic cell operation can be desirably enhanced by compressing the diaphragm between anode and cathode. This compression of the diaphragm reduces the diaphragm thickness from an original thickness, e.g., from an original thickness of a diaphragm freshly deposited on a cathode. The reduced thickness of the diaphragm provides for cell operation that is less than zero gap operation. By maintaining the diaphragm under compression and in a reduced thickness, the cell operates with a narrower interelectrode gap and consequently at a desirably reduced cell voltage.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film electrochemical apparatus is disclosed. A near net shape ceramic element is molded including a planar base region and a plurality of tubular regions. The planar base region is infiltrated with a non-conductive material. Each of the tubular regions is infiltrated with a porous conductive material. A porous catalytic electrode material is applied onto the infiltrated regions to form one of a cathodic and anodic surface. A ceramic electrolyte coating is deposited onto the porous catalytic electrode material. A porous catalytic electrode material is applied onto the deposited ceramic electrolyte coating. A porous conductive material is deposited onto the porous catalytic electrode to form the other of the cathodic and anodic surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film electrochemical apparatus is disclosed. A near net shape ceramic element is molded including a planar base region and a plurality of tubular regions. The planar base region is infiltrated with a non-conductive material. Each of the tubular regions is infiltrated with a porous conductive material. A porous catalytic electrode material is applied onto the infiltrated regions to form one of a cathodic and anodic surface. A ceramic electrolyte coating is deposited onto the porous catalytic electrode material. A porous catalytic electrode material is applied onto the deposited ceramic electrolyte coating. A porous conductive material is deposited onto the porous catalytic electrode to form the other of the cathodic and anodic surface.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a reactant product into reactants. The electrode comprises an elongated box made of graphite having a first side and a second side opposite the first side with a space therebetween, the second side being porous to convey one of the reactants through it into the space as the reactants are produced without conveying the reactant product. The reactant conveyed through the porous portion into the electrode internal space exits the electrode through an outlet aperture at an end of the electrode.

Abstract: This invention pertains to improved formulations of platinum-molybdenum alloys for use as anode catalysts. These electrocatalysts find utility as a constituent of gas diffusion electrodes for use in fuel cells that operate at less than 180° C. or in applications whereupon hydrogen is oxidized in the presence of carbon monoxide or other platinum inhibiting substances. The new formulations derive unexpected activity through creating highly dispersed alloy particles of up to approximately 300 Å on carbon supports. The desired activity is achieved by carefully controlling the platinum to molybdenum ratio during preparation and judiciously selecting a proper loading of alloy on the carbon support.

Abstract: An electricity leading method for a gas diffusion electrode is provided, by which a gas diffusion electrode is easily fixed to a cathode current collecting frame, the contact part has reduced electrical resistance, even an electrically insulating mesh sheet can be utilized as a gas chamber, and only the gas diffusion electrode can be replaced in renewal of the electrode. The method includes preparing a gas diffusion electrode by sandwiching a conductor made of a highly conductive metallic mesh or spongy processed material in catalyst layers or attaching a catalyst layer onto the conductor while leaving the conductor exposed in the outer periphery of the electrode, and electrically connecting the exposed part of the conductor to a cathode chamber current collecting frame.

Abstract: A sodium chloride electrolytic cell is provided, comprising a gas diffusion electrode that allows smooth supply and discharge of catholyte for electrolyzing sodium chloride and allows oxygen gas to come in good contact therewith. The sodium chloride electrolytic cell comprises an anode chamber having an anode into which an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and a cathode chamber having the foregoing gas diffusion electrode for producing an alkaline aqueous solution, the anode chamber and the cathode chamber being divided by an ion exchange membrane. The sodium chloride electrolytic cell is arranged to effect electrolysis in such a manner that there occurs no pressure differential between the catholyte chamber and the gas chamber in the gas diffusion electrode. Further, a nickel mesh substance is fitted in a concave portion having the same size as that of the gas diffusion electrode formed in the central portion of a thin nickel plate.

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode made of carbon, a process for producing an electrode and a carbonizable composite are provided. Thin, flat, porous gas diffusion electrodes made of carbon, which have a smooth surface and in which the porosity can be regulated at will, are obtained by pyrolysis of a composite of an organic polymer having a spatial globular structure (SGS polymer) and a reinforcing skeleton formed at least in part of organic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel rhodium sulfide catalyst for the reduction of oxygen in industrial electrolyzers. The catalyst is highly resistant towards corrosion and poisoning by organic species, thus resulting particularly suitable for use in aqueous hydrochloric acid electrolysis, when technical grade acid containing organic contaminants is employed.

Abstract: An anode is configured to be used within a metal film plating apparatus. The anode has a substantially planar electric field generating portion and an electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion. The planar electric field generating portion is coated with an inert material that is impervious to the electrolyte solution. In one embodiment, the anode is formed as a perforated anode. In one aspect, the electric field generating portion is formed contiguous with the electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion. In another aspects, the planar electric field generating portion is formed as a distinct member from the electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion.

Abstract: Materials and methods for making and using magnetically enhanced composite materials are provided. Surfaces coated with such composites can be used to improve fuel cells, material separators, and other applications. A variety of devices can incorporate such composites, including fuel cells, separators, batteries, and electrodes that effect electrolysis of magnetic species.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrolyzing water has an electrolytic cell, a pipe having nozzles for admitting water into the cell, at least one anode plate disposed in the cell along a vertical plane, at least one cathode plate disposed in the cell substantially in parallel to the anode plate and facing it, and a pipe for letting out electrolyzed water from the cell. The cathode plate has many through holes. The anode and cathode plates have therebetween a small distance defining a narrow passage therebetween. Water issuing from the nozzles flows into the passage through the holes of the cathode plate.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a solid electrolyte which conducts oxygen ions, and a positive electrode comprising zeolites, mordenites, silicates, phosphates or mixed-metal oxides having a pore size of less than 200 nm can be used in a process for partially oxidizing organic compounds, for example alkanes, olefins or aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A porous solid polymer electrolyte-catalyst composite electrode according to the present invention contains: a solid polymer electrolyte; a catalyst particles; an electron-conductive material which is supported on a proton-conductive area in the solid polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system is disclosed, wherein a MEA is provided within a vessel. The MEA includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The vessel is disposed around the MEA, and defines a first storage area in fluid communication with the first electrode. The MEA defines a second storage region in fluid communication the second electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising an ion conducting membrane and one or more electrode layers that comprise nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are in incomplete contact with the ion conducting membrane. This invention also provides methods to make the membrane electrode assembly of the invention. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ion exchange membrane type electrolyzer, which comprises electrodes at opposed positions via an ion exchange membrane, spacers are mounted in dot-like arrangement on openings of electrode surface to maintain spacing between the ion exchange membrane and surface of at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flowfield, a cathode/cathode flowfield, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.

Abstract: An improved method reduces fuel cell performance degradation of an electrode comprising porous components. Electrochemical solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells typically have present therein a liquid which expands upon freezing, such as, for example water. The presence of such a liquid within the pores of the electrode components may cause performance degradation of the liquid freezes. The present method comprises employing an impregnant within at least some of the pores of the electrode components. The impregnant inhibits the deterioration of porous fuel cell components caused by expansion of the liquid within the pores when the fuel cell components are subjected to a temperature below the freezing temperature of the liquid. Preferably the impregnant does not expand when changing phases from a liquid to a solid. The impregnant may comprise an organic fluid, an organic acid, an inorganic acid, a polymer or dispersion.

Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.

Abstract: Solid membranes comprising an intimate, gas-impervious, multi-phase mixture of an electronically-conductive material and an oxygen ion-conductive material and/or a mixed metal oxide of a perovskite structure are described. Electrochemical reactor components, such as reactor cells, and electrochemical reactors are also described. The reactor cells generally comprise first and second zones separated by an element having a first surface capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions, a second surface capable of reacting oxygen ions with an oxygen-consuming gas, an electron-conductive path between the first and second surfaces and an oxygen ion-conductive path between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: Gas-diffusion electrodes containing modified carbon products are described wherein the modified carbon product is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group. The modified carbon product can be used for at least one component of the electrodes such as the active layer and/or the blocking layer. Methods to extend the service life of electrodes as well as methods to reduce the amount of fluorine containing compounds are also described.

Abstract: One electrode is provided in association with the object to be coated, the other electrode. A pre-stretched ion-exchange membrane in a thin tubular form is sandwiched inbetween two nonconductive water permeable screen tubular housings. The assembly contains a supply line that provides a water way for the electrolyte to flow from the top of the device into a lower cap, then to the lower cap reservoir that allows stabilization and disbursement of electrolyte through the rifled housing Inertia developed through this defined pattern creates a swirling action that scrubs the impurities away from the anode, and to the top of the device to be carried out top. The location of the supply line is just inside the inner screen inserted through both the upper housing and lower cap. The tubular electrode is provided to the inside of membrane housing completing the inner portion of the waterway return chamber.

Abstract: An anode assembly including a perforated anode. A perforated anode holder holds the anode. The anode holder includes perforations at least in a bottom wall such that plating solution may flow through perforations in the anode holder and perforations in the anode. An anode isolator separates the anode and a cathode. The anode isolator includes at least one curvilinear surface.

Abstract: A cathode for electrolysis comprising a hydrogen-occluding material for use in an electrolytic cell partitioned by the cathode into two chambers including a reaction chamber and an electrolysis chamber. The cell is arranged so that a reactant is reduced or hydrogenated in the reaction chamber. The cathode comprises an ion exchange membrane or porous membrane. A first layer made of a hydrogen-occluding metallic palladium or a palladium alloy is formed on the reaction chamber side of the membrane. A second layer which is a porous catalyst layer made of a platinum metal black or gold is formed on the first layer. Also disclosed is an electrolytic cell using the cathode for electrolysis.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell for carrying out chemical reactions include an electrolyte chamber (2) with a fixed-bed electrode (2F), a gas chamber (1) filled with filling bodies (1F), a gas diffusion electrode with an ion-exchanging separator (3) applied on the electrolyte-chamber side. The ion-exchanging separator is applied onto the gas diffusion electrode by a method comprising a single or multiple application of a solution of an ion-exchanging material in a solvent onto the electrocatalytically active layer of the gas diffusion electrode and at least partial evaporation of the solvent after each coating. The electrolysis cell may be used for the oxidation and reduction of organic or inorganic components dissolved in the electrolyte.

Abstract: There is provided an ozonizer with an ozonizer element which has a columnar shaft body, a positive electrode of a platinum net plate which is fitted around an outer surface of the columnar shaft body, an ion exchange membrane fitted around the positive electrode, and a negative electrode of a metal net fitted around the ion exchange membrane. The positive electrode is intermittently wound around the columnar shaft body with a predetermined axial interval or otherwise an intermittent insulator is provided in an axial direction between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The ozonizer has a tubular passage for permitting water to flow therethrough and housing therein the ozonizer element such that an axis of the ozonizer lies in the flowing direction of the water. Further the ozonizer has a device for applying DC voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode so that a discharge portion and non-discharge portion are alternately located in the water flowing direction.

Abstract: A particularly inexpensive, homogeneous and porous gas diffusion electrode which comprises at least one electrically conductive, hydrophobic and gas-permeable gas diffusion layer, comprising a mechanically stable support material which is impregnated with at least one electrically conductive material having a bulk conductivity of ≧10 mS/cm is produced. The gas diffusion electrode can be coated with a catalytically active layer. The electrodes of the invention are particularly suitable for use in fuel cells and electrolysis cells.

Abstract: The current density with which the process is used is of essential importance for the economy of a method of electrolytically treating materials. Normally only low or medium current densities are used, as the speed of replacement of consumed materials in the direct vicinity of the surface of the material for treatment has a restrictive effect on the magnitude of the current density at which a usable process result can still be achieved. However, a low current density leads to long electrolysis times and to complex treatment installations.