Abstract: The present invention provides a cation exchange membrane which has excellent durability, a high limiting current density, a low direct current membrane resistance and excellent selectivity to monovalent cations. In the present invention, a cation exchange membrane excellent in selective permeability to monovalent cations is produced by bringing high molecular cations into contact with a surface of a cation exchange membrane in the presence of anions of an oxyacid or anions of an organic sulfonic acid.

Abstract: A multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane having a polymer electrolyte layer and a porous polymer electrolyte layer with three dimensional network pores on the former polymer electrolyte layer is provided. The polymer electrolyte layer can be provided on both sides of the porous polymer electrolyte layer. An electrochemical apparatus and a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell made of the multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane can be provided. Further, a solid polymer electrolyte type fuel cell having the multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane can be provided. Further, a process for the preparation of the multi-layer polymer electrolyte membrane can be provided.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating suitable for use in anode or cathode service. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes are formed by slitting a sheet of metal and pulling its sides in a direction perpendicular to the slits. The fabricated mesh may be flattened after stretching. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The mesh size typically has a long-wise dimension and a short-wise dimension. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus prevents anode-mediated degradation of electrolyte additives by creating a mechanism for maintaining separate anolyte and catholyte and preventing mixing thereof within a plating chamber. The separation is accomplished by interposing a porous chemical transport barrier between the anode and cathode. The transport barrier limits the chemical transport (via diffusion and/or convection) of all species but allows migration of ionic species (and hence passage of current) during application of sufficiently large electric fields within electrolyte.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane comprised of a hydrophobic hydrocarbon region, a hydrophilic region containing covalently bound acid functional groups and protic functional groups. The hydrophobic hydrocarbon region and the hydrophilic region are covalently bound to form a single polymer molecule.

Abstract: A porous thermoplastic resin film capable of functioning well as a separator of a cell is provided.

Abstract: Porous hydrophilic membranes comprising a porous inert support on which an ionomer is deposited, said membranes being characterized in that they have an ionic conductivity and a water permeability higher than 1 l/(h.m2.Atm).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separator which is excellent in sticking and adhesion capability with the solid electrolyte, physically strong and highly heat-resistive and to provide a solid electrolyte condenser which is excellent in the impedance characteristic and leak current characteristic. In a solid electrolyte condenser comprising an anode foil, a cathode foil, a separator, the separator is made of a nonwoven fabric containing polyester resin or its derivative manufactured by the wet method. The condenser element is formed by rolling the anode foil and the cathode foil together with the separator between them. The solid electrolyte is provided between the anode foil and the cathode foil of the condenser element.

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: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion conductive film containing a composite body between an ion conductive polymer and a nitrogen-containing compound. The nitrogen-containing compound has an immobilized portion to the ion conductive polymer and exhibits an enantiomeric isomer structure when protonated. Alternatively, the nitrogen-containing compound is capable of assuming a chemical structure in which the multiple bond represented by the double bound is moved, with the atoms constituting the molecule not changing their positions.

Abstract: A linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode in which the membrane is either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid has within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, a hydrophilic region intermediate the hydrophobic region and the attachment group, and a polar head group region attached to the hydrophobic region at a site remote from the hydrophilic region. The attachment group has a cross sectional area greater than the cross sectional area of the hydrophilic region, and has the structure recited in the specification.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain sulfonated polyphenylether sulfones. The membrane can contain a first sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and a second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone, wherein the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone have equivalent weights greater than about 560, and the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone also have different equivalent weights. Also, a membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain a sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and an unsulfonated polyphenylether sulfone. Methods for manufacturing a membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells can include roughening a membrane surface. Electrodes and methods for fabricating such electrodes for use in a chemical fuel cell can include sintering an electrode. Such membranes and electrodes can be assembled into chemical fuel cells.

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: The invention relates to novel inorganic-organic composite membranes especially useful as ionically conducting in electrochemical devices. The composites consist of a polymeric matrix, which may or may not be an ionic conductor in its unfilled form, filled with an inorganic material having a high affinity for water, capable of exchanging cations such as protons, and preferably with a high cation mobility, either on its surface or through its bulk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cation exchange membrane which has excellent durability, a high limiting current density, a low direct current membrane resistance and excellent selectivity to monovalent cations. In the present invention, a cation exchange membrane excellent in selective permeability to monovalent cations is produced by bringing high molecular cations into contact with a surface of a cation exchange membrane in the presence of anions of an oxyacid or anions of an organic sulfonic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite solid polymer electrolyte membranes (SPEMs) which include a porous polymer substrate interpenetrated with an ion-conducting material. SPEMs of the present invention are useful in electrochemical applications, including fuel cells and electrodialysis.

Abstract: Membranes for use in polymer electrolyte fuel cells or electrolyzers comprise a sulfonated aromatic polyether ether ketone of the formula (I) wherein the ion exchange equivalent (I.E.C.) of the sulfonated polyether ether ketone is in the range from 1.35 to 1.95 mmol (—SO3H)/g (polymer) and the membrane has a long-term stability of at least 1000 hours at an operating voltage of from 0.4 to 1.1 V.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different species of materials, for example, transition metal species such as lanthanides and actinides. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites can be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance and reduced weight to be produced.

Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell can include, as a manifold, a spiral manifold assembly. This spiral manifold assembly will comprise a first outer assembly member, a second outer assembly member and a center assembly member. The overall structure can provide reduced loss of metal or gas and minimal loss of electrical current during an electrolytic process.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and effect transport and separation of different species of materials. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, a cell, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities. Some composites can be used to make a dual sensor for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a redox species and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution.

Abstract: A multi-phase solid electrolyte ion transport membrane comprising at least two phases wherein one of the phases comprises an oxygen ion single conductive material. The other phase comprises an electronically-conductive metal or metal oxide conducting phase is present in a low volume percentage. One method for achieving this result incorporates the minority phase into the powder from which the membrane is made by deposition of the metal or metal oxide from a polymer made by polymerizing a chelated metal dispersion in a polymerizable organic monomer or prepolymer. The multi-phase composition advantageously comprises a first phase of a ceramic material and a second phase of a metal or metal oxide bound to a surface of the ceramic material. A second method fabricates the membrane from a mixture of two powders one of which contains a mixture of the two phases.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and effect transport and separation of different species of materials. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, a cell, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities. Some composites can be used to make a dual sensor for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a redox species and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution.

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: An apparatus and process produces salts by an electrodialysis operation. The basic electrodialysis apparatus is a cell having a number of compartments separated by membranes. A DC source is connected to drive a current through a feed stream passing through the cell which splits the salt stream into an acid and a base. The incoming feed may be nanofiltered to remove divalent metal. The base loop may be in communication with an ion exchange column packed with a material that removes multivalent cations. Depending upon the material being processed and the desired end result either or both the nanofiltration and the ion exchanged column may be used in the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and system of operation of an electrodialysis membrane and gasket stack for separation of components in liquid mixtures is disclosed. The system of operation for purification and deionizing liquids includes an operation of pretreatment by filtration for removal of inorganic contaminants, includes an operation of adsorption for removing organic contaminants by activated carbon adsorption, and includes an operation of deionizing for removing ions from the effluent liquids. The deionizing operation includes an apparatus having an electrodialysis stack of a plurality of ion exchange membranes and separating gaskets for selectively removing contaminant ions. The electrodialysis stack of ion exchange membranes and separating gaskets provides continuous operations for purifying ethylene glycol and glycol/water mixtures, for continuous desalinating of water, and/or for continuous deionizing of water to generate ultra-pure water or other purified liquid mixtures.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for separating a first gas from a mixture of gas is provided, particularly for separating oxygen from air. The cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a hydroxide-conducting membrane between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method of forming a liquid-permeable asbestos-free diaphragm for use in an electrolytic cell (e.g., a chlor-alkali cell) is described. The method comprises, (a) forming a liquid-permeable diaphragm base mat of asbestos-free material on a foraminous structure (e.g., a foraminous cathode structure); (b) drawing through the base mat a topcoat slurry comprising an aqueous medium (e.g., deionized water), water-insoluble inorganic particulate material (e.g., attapulgite clay) and alkali metal polyphosphate (e.g., tetrasodium pyrophosphate decahydrate); and (c) drying the formed diaphragm. The inorganic material of the topcoat slurry is deposited on and within the diaphragm base mat.

Abstract: A process for electrolytically producing an amalgam from metal salt, using an anion exchanger membrane. The chlorine-free process provides amalgam produced from metal salt and having a high degree of purity, and ensures advantageous parameters, such as a low cell voltage and high current efficiencies.

Abstract: A laminate structure or precursor paste thereof characterized by being formed from a composition comprising a polymeric material and a plasticizer.

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: Proton conductors comprising from 1 to 99% by weight of an acid and from 99 to 1% by weight of a nonaqueous amphoteric material which are thermally stable from −50° C. to 400° C. and have a proton conductivity of ≧10−5 S/cm. The invention further relates to membranes comprising the proton conductors of the invention, processes for preparing the membranes and their use in electrochromic cells, secondary batteries and electrochromic displays.

Abstract: A method for pickling products in a metal alloy containing iron, and products in titanium and alloys thereof, in the absence of nitric acid as an oxidizing agent, and for the recovery of the exhausted solutions, characterized in that the recovery of the exhausted solutions deriving from pickling comprises the following steps: sending of the pickling solution, both as catholyte and as anolyte, in an electro-chemical cell optionally of the membrane type to separate the Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions to be disposed of, from the Fe3+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+) ions to be recovered, obtained by reduction at the cathode of the Fe3+ ions which are in the catholyte to Fe2+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+ ions to Ti2+) and of oxidation at the anode Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions which are in the anolyte to Fe3+ (to Ti3+ and Ti4+); treating the catholytic solution coming out of the cell and enriched in Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions as to allow the separation in two phases, a

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique for enhancing an ionic conductivity of a polymer electrolyte composition composed of a matrix polymer containing at its backbone or side chain a Lewis base functional group; and a metal salt containing a metal ion and a counter ion; and optionally a plasticizer by mixing a promoter polymer therein. The promoter polymer contains a hydrogen-bond-forming functional group. The hydrogen-bond-forming functional group forms a hydrogen bond with said Lewis base functional group, creating an enhanced basicity of said Lewis base functional group and/or a reduced crystallinity of said matrix polymer, so that said ionic conductivity is improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and a process for converting anhydrous hydrogen halide to halogen gas using a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) or a separate membrane and electrode arrangement, such as gas diffusion electrodes with a membrane.

Abstract: A multi-phase solid electrolyte ion transport membrane comprising at least two phases wherein one of the phases comprises an oxygen ion single conductive material, or a mixed conductor. The other phase comprises an electronically-conductive metal or metal oxide that is incorporated into the membrane by deposition of the metal or metal oxide from a polymer made by polymerizing a chelated metal dispersion in a polymerizable organic monomer or prepolymer. The multi-phase composition advantageously comprises a first phase of a ceramic material and a second phase of a metal or metal oxide bound to a surface of the ceramic material. The multi-phase composition is advantageously prepared in an in-situ fashion before fabricating the membrane matrix. As another alternative, a preformed ceramic matrix is surface-coated with a metal or metal oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for electrochemically converting anhydrous hydrogen halide, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide, to essentially dry halogen gas, such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine gas, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for electrochemically converting anhydrous hydrogen chloride to essentially dry chlorine gas. This process allows the production of high-purity chlorine gas. In this process, molecules of essentially anhydrous hydrogen chloride are transported through an inlet of an electrochemical cell. The molecules of the essentially anhydrous hydrogen chloride are oxidized at the anode of the cell to produce essentially dry chlorine gas and protons, which are transported through the membrane of the cell. The transported protons are reduced at the cathode to form either hydrogen gas, water or hydrogen peroxide.

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: High temperature polybenzazole and polyether polymer electrolytes are provided. High temperature polybenzazole polymer electrolytes may comprise a benzobisoxazole, a benzobisthiazole, a benzobisimidazole, a difluorodisulfonated phenyl ring or a sulfonated bisphenylether. High temperature polyether polymers comprise a persulfonated phenyl ring, and a substituted phenyl ring or a substituted bisphenylsulfonyl ring system.

Abstract: A method for preparing a membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of providing an electrolyte membrane, and sputter-depositing a catalyst onto the electrolyte membrane. The sputter-deposited catalyst may be applied to multiple sides of the electrolyte membrane. A method for forming an electrode for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of obtaining a catalyst, obtaining a backing, and sputter-depositing the catalyst onto the backing. The membranes and electrodes are useful for assembling fuel cells that include an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a fuel supply, and an electrolyte membrane, wherein the electrolyte membrane includes a sputter-deposited catalyst, and the sputter-deposited catalyst is effective for sustaining a voltage across a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprising a perfluorosulfonic acid having silica particles embedded therein at a concentration of 0.01 to 5% by weight, said particles having a dimension of 0.001 to 10 micrometers, the membrane having a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase in a ratio adjusted by controlled thermal treatment at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature, an electrochemical cell containing said membrane and a process for oxidizing a fuel in said electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface comprising permanent tubes preferably placed at the ends of the fluid passages. The invention also provides an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain sulfonated polyphenylether sulfones. The membrane can contain a first sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and a second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone, wherein the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone have equivalent weights greater than about 560, and the first sulfonated polyphenylether and the second sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone also have different equivalent weights. Also, a membrane for use in a fuel cell can contain a sulfonated polyphenylether sulfone and an unsulfonated polyphenylether sulfone. Methods for manufacturing a membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells can include roughening a membrane surface. Electrodes and methods for fabricating such electrodes for use in a chemical fuel cell can include sintering an electrode. Such membranes and electrodes can be assembled into chemical fuel cells.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a solid polymer electrolyte and a catalyst layer disposed adjacent to the solid polymer electrolyte, where the gas diffusion layer includes a carbon fiber woven cloth having a surface and a coating of a fluororesin (such as polytetrafluoroethylene) containing carbon black on the surface, wherein the carbon fiber woven cloth is adapted to be disposed in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell such that the coating is adjacent to the catalyst layer in the solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell. Preferably, the coating penetrates no more than one-half the thickness of the carbon fiber woven cloth. Most preferably, the coating penetrates no more than one-third the thickness of the carbon fiber woven cloth. The carbon fiber woven cloth may be pre-treated with a water-repellent fluororesin (such as polytetrafluoroethylene), or with a mixture of a fluororesin and carbon black, to enhance water repellency.

Abstract: An ultra-thin composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material is a membrane which is defined by a thickness of less than 1 mil (0.025 mm) 0.8 mils and a microstructure characterized by node interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.

Abstract: A composite membrane is provided which includes a base material and an ion exchange resin. The base material has a microstructure characterized by nodes interconnected by fibrils, or a microstructure characterized by fibrils with no nodes present. The ion exchange resin substantially impregnates the membrane such that the membrane is essentially air impermeable.