Abstract: To provide a bipolar membrane featuring improved adhesion between an anion-exchange membrane and a cation-exchange membrane without accompanied by an increase in the membrane voltage. [Means for Solution] A bipolar membrane comprising a cation-exchange membrane and an anion-exchange membrane joined together facing each other, wherein at least one of the ion exchange membranes contains a chlorinated polyolefin.

Abstract: An ion-permeable diaphragm comprises a membrane material containing a calcium phosphate compound or calcium fluoride as a hydrophilic inorganic material. The calcium phosphate compound is preferably fluoroapatite or hydroxyapatite. The membrane material is obtained by incorporating a stretched organic fiber fabric into a membrane-forming mixture formed by the hydrophilic inorganic material and an organic binding material selected from among polysulfone, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or the like. As a result, there can be provided an ion-permeable membrane of low electric resistance for use in alkaline water electrolysis devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A simple and low cost method for imparting excellent hydrogen resistance to various types of articles such as a rare earth metal-based permanent magnet. A method for imparting hydrogen resistance to an article of the present invention is characterized by forming a metal coating film by pulse plating on the surface of the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a proton exchange composite membrane with low resistance and preparation thereof. The present invention also provides a novel coupling agent.

Abstract: A cation-exchange membrane for electrolysis which comprises a fluoropolymer having ion-exchange groups and a porous base. It is characterized by having, on the anode-side surface of the membrane, protrusions comprising a polymer having ion-exchange groups. It is further characterized in that: when the average value of the heights of the tops of the protrusions from the anode-side surface of the membrane is expressed as h (?m), then 20?h?150; when the density of the protrusions distributed is expressed as P (protrusions per cm2), then 50?P?1,200; when the average proportion of the areas of those bottom parts of the protrusions which are on the same level as the anode-side surface of the membrane to the area of the anode-side surface of the membrane is expressed as S (cm2/cm2), then 0.001?S?0.6; and when the average proportion of the areas of the top parts of the protrusions to the area of the anode-side surface of the membrane is expressed as T (cm2/cm2), then T?0.05.

Abstract: Highly energy efficient electrodialysis membranes having low operating costs and a novel process for their manufacture are described herein. The membranes are useful in the desalination of water and purification of waste water. They are effective in desalination of seawater due to their low electrical resistance and high permselectivity. These membranes are made by a novel process which results in membranes significantly thinner than prior art commercial electrodialysis membranes. The membranes are produced by polymerizing one or more monofunctional ionogenic monomers with at least one multifunctional monomer in the pores of a porous substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel organic/inorganic hybrid membranes which have the following composition: a polymer acid containing —SO3H, PO3H2, —COOH or B(OH)2 groups, a polymeric ease (optional), which contains primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, pyridine groups, imidazole, benzimidazole, triazole, benzotriazole, pyrazole or benzopyrazole groups, either in the side chain or in the main chain; an additional polymeric base (optional) containing the aforementioned basic groups; an element or metal oxide or hydroxide, which has been obtained by hydrolysis and/or sol-gel reaction of an elementalorganic and/or metalorganic compound during the membrane forming process and/or by a re-treatment of the membrane in aqueous acidic, alkaline or neutral electrolytes. The invention also relates to methods for producing said membranes and to various uses for membranes of this type.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic/inorganic composite electrolyte membrane comprising: (a) a sulfonated fluorine-free hydrocarbon-based polymer; and (b) inorganic particles capable of collecting moisture, wherein the inorganic particles include zeolite. Also, disclosed are an electrode comprising the zeolite as a component for forming a catalyst layer, a membrane electrode assembly comprising the electrolyte membrane and/or the electrode, and a fuel cell having the membrane electrode assembly. The organic/inorganic composite electrolyte membrane using the hydrophilic zeolite in combination with the sulfonated fluorine-free hydrocarbon-based polymer shows high proton conductivity, and thus can impart excellent quality to a fuel cell even under high-temperature and low-humidity conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inert, non-asbestos separator and method of making same, the separator comprising an inorganic/polymer fibrid and agglomeration composite material containing from about 5 weight percent to about 70 weight percent of organic halocarbon polymer fibers together with from about 30 wt percent to about 95 weight percent of a finely divided non-organic particulate, which non-organic particulate is firmly bound in said composite fibrids and agglomerates; a natural gum thickening agent in an amount to provide a viscosity of about 6270 to about 590 cP at 0.22 sec?1; and an inert inorganic particulate powder whereby the inert inorganic particulate remains unbound from the inorganic/polymer fibrid and agglomeration composite, the inorganic particulate powder having a mean particle size of not greater than 1.0 ?m and being present in an amount to provide a ratio of polymer fiber composite to unbound inorganic particulate in a range from about 1 to 25.

Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole block polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode units or so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A porous sheet which has good balance between electrolytic solution permeability and dry-up resistance, is superior in high-rate property, and is suitable for a separator for an electrochemical element, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The present invention relates to a porous sheet comprising a porous substrate containing non-fibrillar fibers having an average fiber diameter of 0.01-10 ?m and a net-like structural body composed of a polymer, the net-like structural body having penetrating pores with a pore diameter of 0.01-10 ?m, wherein the net-like structural body is present at the surface and at the internal of the porous substrate and the non-fibrillar fibers having an average fiber diameter of 0.01-10 ?m and the net-like structural body are entangled; to a separator for an electrochemical element comprising the porous sheet; and to a method for manufacturing the porous sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to planar electrochemical sensors with membrane coatings used to perform chemical analyses. The object of this invention is to provide unit-use disposable sensors of very simple and inexpensive construction, preferably with only a single membrane coating on an electrode. The invented devices are potentiometric salt-bridge reference electrodes and dissolved gas sensors constructed with a heterogeneous membrane coating of a conductor. The heterogeneous membrane, which is an intimate admixture of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic compartment, concurrently supports constrained transport of non-volatile species through its hydrophilic compartment and rapid gas and water vapor transport through its hydrophobic compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic diaphragm for chlor-alkali cells with improved energy consumption and gas separation characteristics. The diaphragm comprises a network of polymer fibres bound to a hydrophilic ceramic material containing zirconium chemically bound to hydroxyl groups. The ceramic material is obtained starting from ZrO2 by a process of hydration under vacuum which can be carried out directly in the cell by means of suitable equipment.

Abstract: An object is to provide a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which has high durability, as well as a membrane electrode assembly and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, each containing the same. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is produced using polymer electrolyte-containing solution preparation step of dissolving a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid resin (component A) having an ion-exchange capacity of 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a polyazole-based compound (component B) and an alkali metal hydroxide in a protic solvent to prepare a polymer electrolyte-containing solution in which a weight ratio of the component A to component B, (A/B), is from 2.3 to 199 and a total weight of the component A and the component B is from 0.5 to 30% by weight. In a membrane formation step, a membrane is formed from the polymer electrolyte-containing solution.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of conduction including the steps of providing a quaternary ammonium compound, and causing the quaternary ammonium compound to conduct ionically.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte for an electrochemical half-cell, such as a reference half-cell, contains a polymer which can be produced by polymerization of N-acryloyl-amino-ethoxy-ethanol or by co-polymerization of N-acryloyl-amino-ethoxy-ethanol with at least one further monomer component.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer having a layer (2) comprising fibers (1), whereby the fibers (1) are partially provided with a coating material (3), whereby the fibers (1) lie against each other at contact sites (4) and whereby the layer (2) has boundary surfaces (5) facing the surroundings—in terms of achieving the envisaged objective of ensuring an optimal electric conductivity—is characterized in that the fibers are freed of coating material (3) at the contact sites and/or at the boundary surfaces. Furthermore, a method is proposed for the production of a gas diffusion layer, said method comprising the step that the coating material (3) is selectively removed from the fibers (1) in certain areas.

Abstract: An ion-permeable diaphragm comprises a membrane material containing a calcium phosphate compound or calcium fluoride as a hydrophilic inorganic material. The calcium phosphate compound is preferably fluoroapatite or hydroxyapatite. The membrane material is obtained by incorporating a stretched organic fiber fabric into a membrane-forming mixture formed by the hydrophilic inorganic material and an organic binding material selected from among polysulfone, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride or the like. As a result, there can be provided an ion-permeable membrane of low electric resistance for use in alkaline water electrolysis devices.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane characterized by comprising a porous body formed from a melt-moldable fluororesin and having interconnected pores and an ion exchange resin with which the interconnected pores are filled, is provided. Specifically, the porous body is formed, for example, from an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene/[CF2?CF—(OCF2CFY)a—Oc—(CF2)b—SO3H] copolymer (wherein Y is a fluorine atom or a trifluoromethyl group, a is an integer of 0 to 3, b is an integer of from 0 to 12, and c is 0 or 1, provided that when b=0, C=0), or the like. An electrolyte membrane reinforced by such a porous body has high mechanical strength even if it is thin, and is excellent in dimensional stability when hydrated, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell with a membrane-electrode assembly having the electrolyte membrane provides a high output and is excellent in durability.

Abstract: Polymer membranes are disclosed having increased permeability. The process of the present disclosure, for instance, can increase the ion permeability of membranes and/or the gas permeability of membranes. In one embodiment, for instance, a precursor polymer is subjected to energy in an amount sufficient to form damage tracks through the thickness of the polymer. The damage tracks are then oxidized to form free radical groups. The precursor polymer is then hydrolyzed causing ion groups to form that cluster along the damage tracks. In one embodiment, sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based copolymer ionomer membranes are formed that have increased conductivity. Other ionomer membranes that may be formed according to the present disclosure include copolymers of a vinyl hydrocarbon and a vinyl carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A polymer electrolytic material has excellent proton conductivity and excellent fuel shutting property, and accordingly provide a polymer electrolytic fuel cell with a high efficiency. This polymer electrolytic material has an unfreezable water ratio Rw1 defined by the following expression (S1) in a range of 20 to 100% by weight in hydrated state: Rw1=[Wnf/Wfc+Wnf)]×100??(S1) in which Wnf represents the unfreezable water content per 1 g of the polymer electrolytic material in dry state and Wfc represents the low freezing point water content per 1 g of the polymer electrolytic material in dry state.

Abstract: A multifunctional membrane is provided. The multifunctional membrane is suitable for use in an analyte sensor. In a particular application, the multifunctional membrane may be used in connection with an amperometric biosensor, such as a transcutaneous amperometric biosensor. Some functions of the membrane are associated with properties of membrane itself, which is comprised of crosslinked polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups. For example, the membrane, by virtue of its polymeric composition, may regulate the flux of an analyte to a sensor. Such regulation generally improves the kinetic performance of the sensor over a broad range of analyte concentration. Other functions of the membrane are associated with functional components, such as a superoxide-dismutating/catalase catalyst, either in the form of an enzyme or an enzyme mimic, that can be bound to the scaffold provided by the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane which comprises polyazoles and is coated with a catalyst layer and is obtainable by a process comprising the steps A) preparation of a mixture comprising polyphosphoric acid, at least one polyazole (polymer A) and/or one or more compounds which are suitable for forming polyazoles under the action of heat according to step B), B) heating of the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 400° C., C) application of a layer using the mixture obtained according to step A) and/or B) to a support, D) treatment of the membrane formed in step C) until it is self-supporting, E) application of at least one catalyst-containing coating to the membrane formed in step C) and/or in step D).

Abstract: An ionomer and a process for forming the ionomer such that the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight (below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between 675 and 800) and (2) high conductivity (greater than 0.13 S/cm). In another embodiment, the invention is an ionomer having (1) low equivalent weight (below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between 675 and 800) and (2) acceptably low hydration (less than about 120 weight percent). These ionomers are capable of being processed into thin film and are extremely well-suited for low humidity or high temperature fuel cell applications.

Abstract: A membrane for use with an electrochemical apparatus is provided. The electrochemical apparatus may include a fuel cell or electrolyzer, for example, an electrolyzer adapted to produce hydrogen. The membrane comprises a fabric made from a synthetic fiber such as nylon where the nylon, in an exemplary embodiment, is woven into ripstop nylon fabric. The electrochemical apparatus is constructed with frames comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which provide support and structure to the membranes as well as to internal electrodes. A method of making an electrochemical apparatus, such as an electrolyzer, containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon is also disclosed, as is a method for producing hydrogen gas with an electrolyzer containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon.

Abstract: An electrochemical device and a proton conducting medium for use in an electrochemical device having a proton conducting electrolyte comprising the formula: HaMbQ.nH2O where H is a proton, M is a cation, Q is the fluoroborate or fluoroheteroborate anion, n ranges from 0.01 to 1000, a ranges from 0.01 to 2 and b ranges from 0 to 2, a and b are chosen to render the formula electrically neutral, and when b is greater than 0, the ratio of b to a is less than 100 to 1.

Abstract: A method of making a composite membrane with ion exchange properties includes, in an exemplary embodiment, forming a porous membrane from a first material, dissolving a coating material in a fluid at supercritical conditions, and exposing the porous membrane to the coating material dissolved in the supercritical fluid. The method also includes precipitating a uniform coating of the coating material onto an exterior surface of the porous membrane by changing the supercritical conditions of the fluid to a non-supercritical condition, and applying an ion exchange material to the coated porous membrane so that the ion exchange material is in intimate contact with substantially all of the coated surfaces of the porous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, because of its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used in a variety of ways and is particularly useful as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to produce membrane electrode units for PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: An ionomer and a process for forming the ionomer such that the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight (below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between 675 and 800) and (2) high conductivity (greater than 0.13 S/cm). In another embodiment, the invention is an ionomer having (1) low equivalent weight (below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between 675 and 800) and (2) acceptably low hydration (less than about 120 weight percent). These ionomers are capable of being processed into thin film and are extremely well-suited for low humidity or high temperature fuel cell applications.

Abstract: Blends of fluorinated ionomer with at least two nonionomeric fluoropolymers provide fuel cell membranes whose tensile strength and conductivity are superior to blends using a single fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reversible electrochemical sensor for polyions. The sensor uses active extraction and ion stripping, which are controlled electrochemically. Spontaneous polyion extraction is suppressed by using membranes containing highly lipophilic electrolytes that possess no ion-exchange properties. Reversible extraction of polyions is induced by constant current pulse of fixed duration applied across the membrane. Subsequently, polyions are removed by applying a constant stripping potential. The sensors provide excellent stability and reversibility and allow for measurements of heparin concentration in whole blood samples via protamine titration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, because of its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used in a variety of ways and is particularly useful as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) to produce membrane electrode units for PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to the structures of proton exchange membranes with different molecular permeabilities, especially to the proton exchange membranes suitable for the applications in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) and with the function of recovering water from the cathode. The polymeric structures are the designs of phase separated structures of the crystalline phase and the amorphous phases, thereby limiting the swelling of the materials and the space of ionic cluster structures in nano-scale to reduce the permeability of methanol fuels On the other hand, by controlling of polymeric grafting reactions result in the reverse (from the cathode to the anode) permeability of the product water molecules on the cathode in the proton exchange materials greater than the permeability of methanol molecules in the fuels (from the anode to the cathode) due to the differences of fuel concentrations between the cathode and the anode of DMFC.

Abstract: The invention provides a unitized membrane electrode assembly having a first gas diffusion backing having sealing edges; a polymer membrane; a second gas diffusion backing having sealing edges; a first electrocatalyst coating composition present at the interface of the first gas diffusion backing and the polymer membrane; a second electrocatalyst coating composition present at the interface of the second gas diffusion backing and the polymer membrane; and a thermoplastic polymer, fluid impermeable, seal, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is impregnated into the sealing edges of the first and second gas diffusion backings, and the seal envelops a peripheral region of both the first and second gas diffusion backings and the polymer membrane.

Abstract: Describes a diaphragm for an electrolytic diaphragm cell, e.g., a chlor-alkali cell, in which the diaphragm comprises fibrous material substantially resistant to the environment within the electrolytic cell and spheroidal ceramic microspheres at least partially resistant to the environment within the electrolytic cell associated with said diaphragm. Also describes a diaphragm for an electrolytic cell in which the diaphragm comprises a base mat of fibrous material chosen from asbestos fibers, resin-modified asbestos fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of such fibers on which base mat is applied a coating comprising spheroidal ceramic microspheres. Further describes a synthetic diaphragm for an electrolytic cell, e.g., a chlor-alkali cell, on which is applied a coating comprising substantially water-insoluble inorganic particulate material, e.g., clay material, and spheroidal ceramic microspheres.

Abstract: Describes a cathode assembly for electrolytic cells, e.g., chlor-alkali electrolytic cells, comprising a foraminous cathode substrate, a deposited erodible mat comprising synthetic (man-made) fibers, e.g., polyamide (nylon) fibers, on the foraminous surface of said cathode substrate, and a synthetic diaphragm on said erodible mat. Also described is a method for preparing the cathode assembly that comprises depositing a mat of erodible synthetic fibers on the active surface of the foraminous cathode, e.g., by drawing an aqueous slurry of the erodible synthetic fibers through the foraminous cathode, and subsequently forming, e.g., by vacuum deposition, a synthetic diaphragm on the erodible mat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel indole carboxylic ester trimer which is characterized by being represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R represents a straight or branched chain alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1-4; Xa? represents at least one anion selected from a group of anions having a valency of 1-3 consisting of chloride ion, bromide ion, iodide ion, fluoride ion, nitrate ion, sulfate ion, hydrogen sulfate ion, phosphate ion, borofluoride ion, perchlorate ion, thiocyanate ion, acetic acid ion, propionic acid ion, methanesulfonic acid ion, p-toluenesulfonic acid ion, trifluoroacetic acid ion and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid ion; a represents the ionic valence number of X and is an integer of 1-3; and m is 0-0.5.

Abstract: A composite proton exchange membrane and method of manufacturing the same. The composite proton exchange membrane comprises a proton exchange membrane which has been modified by replacing membrane protons in desired areas of the membrane with a cationic polymer. The cationic polymer is preferably formed by introducing a quaternary salt monomer into the membrane and then effecting the polymerization of the monomer. The modified areas of the proton exchange membrane exhibit increased strength, reduced water and gas permeability, reduced proton conductivity and reduced acidity. Accordingly, by modifying the periphery of the membrane, one can obtain an integral sealing edge for the membrane, and by modifying certain interior regions of the membrane, one can divide the membrane into a plurality of sealed segments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permeable membrane diaphragm of different layers for electrolytic cell, especially for chloro-alkali electrolytic cell. The diaphragm is asymmetric, which comprises at least two layers: a flow-controlling permeable layer comprising micro-porous fluoropolymer, especially PTFE, and a diffusion-restricting permeable layer comprising porous film, sheet or cloth made of anticorrosive materials, preferably polypropylene. The flow-controlling layer is mounted near the anode, and the diffusion-restricting layer is mounted near the cathode. The mean pore diameter of the diffusion-restricting layer is at least 5 times more than that of the flow-controlling layer and the thickness of the diffusion-restricting layer is at least 1 times more than that of the flow-controlling layer. The pore diameter of said flow-controlling layer ranges from 0.1–2.0 ?m, and its thickness is 0.03–0.2 mm. The pore diameter of said diffusion-restricting layer ranges from 5–50 ?m, and its thickness is 0.

Abstract: A releaseable membrane structure for producing a free membrane containing a substrate, a release stratum on the substrate and a membrane stratum on the release stratum. The release stratum and the membrane stratum contain oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes that are associated. The oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes of the release stratum are selected to dissociate upon application of stimulus whereas those of the membrane stratum are selected to remain associated upon application of the stimulus. Thus, when the stimulus is applied the polyelectrolytes in release stratum dissociate and the membrane stratum is released from the substrate and is a free membrane.

Abstract: Thin films of inexpensive composite polymer electrolyte membranes containing inorganic cation exchange materials including various clay based fillers are fabricated by solution casting. The membranes exhibit higher ion exchange capacity, proton conductivity and/or lower gas crossover. In general, the composite membranes exhibit excellent physicochemical properties and superior fuel cell performance in hydrogen oxygen fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cells, comprising a state of the art ion-exchange polymeric membrane and state of the art gas diffusion electrodes, whose electrochemical properties are modified through the addition of a hydrophilic component localized in correspondence to one or both the electrodic interfaces and/or one or both the external surfaces of the membrane. The modified membrane-electrode assembly is characterized by high protonic conductivity and high efficiency even in the presence of small quantities of carbon monoxide, or of other contaminants contained in the fuel, even at temperatures as low as 100° C., being also suitable for medium temperature (100–160° C.) operation at relative humidity level lower than saturation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite membrane comprising at least one ion-conducting polymer and a network of randomly orientated individual fibers, wherein there is a continuous region of the membrane at one or both of the membrane faces wherein the density of fibers is lower than the density of fibers in the membrane as a whole. The invention further relates to processes for manufacturing membranes according to the invention, and membrane electrode assemblies comprising membranes according to the invention.

Abstract: An ionomer and a process for forming the ionomer such that the ionomer has (1) low equivalent weight (below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between 675 and 800) and (2) high conductivity (greater than 0.13 S/cm). In another embodiment, the invention is an ionomer having (1) low equivalent weight (below 950, preferably between 625 and 850, and most preferably between 675 and 800) and (2) acceptably low hydration (less than about 120 weight percent). These ionomers are capable of being processed into thin film and are extremely well-suited for low humidity or high temperature fuel cell applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to ion conductive copolymers which are useful in forming polymer electrolyte membranes used in fuel cells.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device comprising: a pair of electrodes; and at lest one organic layer provided between the pair of electrodes, at least one of the at least one organic layer being a light emitting layer, wherein the light-emitting layer comprises a compound represented by the formula (I) as defined herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite or a composite membrane consisting of an ionomer and of an inorganic optionally functionalized phyllosilicate. The isomer can be: (a) a cation exchange polymer; (b) an anion exchange polymer; (c) a polymer containing both anion exchanger groupings as well as cation exchanger groupings on the polymer chain; or (d) a blend consisting of (a) and (b), whereby the mixture ratio can range from 100% (a) to 100% (b). The blend can be ionically and even covalently cross-linked. The inorganic constituents can be selected from the group consisting of phyllosilicates or tectosilicates.