Abstract: A method of forming diffusion barrier layer includes providing an interconnect for a fuel cell stack, forming a glass barrier precursor layer over a Mn and/or Co containing electrically conductive contact layer on the interconnect, and heating the barrier precursor layer to precipitate crystals in the barrier precursor layer to convert the barrier precursor layer to a glass ceramic barrier layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a fuel cell stack seal application method including the step of applying a seal paste to a fuel cell, placing the fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, and thermally treating the fuel cell stack to set the seal paste into a seal. Further embodiments include applying the seal paste to an interconnect using stencil printing.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas diffusion layer includes a porous member containing electrically-conductive particles and polymeric resin as major components, and a plurality of holes extending from a main surface of the fuel cell gas diffusion layer are formed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for implementing a biofuel cell device for extracting energy from a biofuel. In one aspect, a biofuel cell device includes a substrate, an anode including a catalyst to facilitate the conversion of a fuel in a biological fluid in an oxidative process that releases electrons captured at the anode, thereby extracting energy from the fuel substance, a cathode configured on the substrate adjacent to the anode and separated from the anode by a spacing region, and a load electrically coupled to the anode and cathode via electrical interconnects to obtain the extracted energy as electrical energy.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may include a method comprising: depositing a solution comprising an organometallic compound on a substrate, drying the solution to provide a film of the organometallic compound and at least partially oxidizing an organic component of the organometallic compound to provide nanoparticles including metal oxides on the substrate which would have multiuse industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preparing an integral 3-layer catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) for use in electrochemical cells, e.g. PEM (polymer-electrolyte membrane) fuel cells. The process comprising the steps of preparing a first catalyst layer on a supporting substrate, subsequently coating the first catalyst layer with an ionomer dispersion to form an ionomer layer (membrane), and applying a second catalyst layer on top of the ionomer layer. The ionomer dispersion applied in the membrane coating step has low viscosity in the range of 10 to 400 centipoises (cP) and an ionomer concentration in the range of 15 to 35 weight-%. With this method, CCMs with improved electrochemical performance and reduced cathode resistance are manufactured.

Abstract: Provided are a collector plate for a fuel cell, which has low contact resistance and excellent corrosion resistance, and can be reliably used for a long period of time, while exhibiting excellent cost performance, and a method of producing the collector plate for a fuel cell. A collector plate for a fuel cell (1), which is provided on both ends of a cell stack in which a plurality of fuel cell units are stacked and is used for collecting current, includes: an aluminum substrate (2) formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy; and an Ni plating film (4); a noble metal plating film (5) including one or more noble metals selected from the group consisting of Pd, Pt, Ag, Rh, Ir, Os, and Ru; and an Au plating film (6), the films being formed on one surface of the aluminum substrate (2).

Abstract: A multi-layer coating for protection of metals and alloys against oxidation at high temperatures is provided. The invention utilizes a multi-layer ceramic coating on metals or alloys for increased oxidation-resistance, comprising at least two layers, wherein the first layer (3) and the second layer (4) both comprise an oxide, and wherein the first layer (3) has a tracer diffusion coefficient for cations Mm+, where M is the scale forming element of the alloy, and the second layer (4) has a tracer diffusion coefficient for oxygen ions O2? satisfying the following formula: ? ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) in ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) ex ? ( D O + m 2 ? D M ) ? ? ? ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) < 5 · 10 - 13 ? ? cm 2 / s wherein p(O2)in, p(O2)ex, DM and DO are as defined herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a material based on metal element(s) oxide(s) on a substrate, comprising the following successive steps: a) depositing, by liquid means, on at least one face of this substrate, at least one layer of a sol-gel precursor solution of the constituent metal element(s) oxide(s) of said material; b) depositing, by liquid means, on said layer deposited in a), at least one layer of a dispersion comprising a powder of metal element(s) oxide(s) and a sol-gel solution identical to or different from that used in step a), said solution being a precursor of the constituent metal element(s) oxide(s) of said material and the powder consisting of constituent metal element(s) oxide(s) of said material; c) heat treating said layers deposited in a) and b) in order to transform them into said material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a metallic bipolar plate for fuel cells, which can maintain good corrosion resistance and contact resistance without any side effect not only initially but also after a predetermined period of time even in an environment of severe vibration as in vehicles while allowing a continuous process to provide high productivity.

Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an air electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support comprises forsterite and a nickel element. Ni and/or NiO fine particles are exposed on a surface of a sintered compact of the forsterite constituting the porous support.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a fuel battery in which an oxidoreductase has been fixed as a catalyst on at least one electrode of a negative electrode or a positive electrode, including conducting at least a step of preparing an electrode pattern, in which an electrode material containing at least electroconductive particles is printed on the surface of a bendable non-electroconductive sheet, and a step of preparing a negative electrode and a positive electrode, in which a negative electrode and a positive electrode are made by printing a predetermined oxidoreductase on the electrode pattern prepared in the step of preparing an electrode pattern.

Abstract: A high performance anode (fuel electrode) for use in a solid oxide electrochemical cell is obtained by a process comprising the steps of (a) providing a suitably doped, stabilized zirconium oxide electrolyte, such as YSZ, ScYSZ, with an anode side having a coating of electronically conductive perovskite oxides selected from the group consisting of niobium-doped strontium titanate, vanadium-doped strontium titanate, tantalum-doped strontium titanate and mixtures thereof, thereby obtaining a porous anode backbone, (b) sintering the coated electrolyte at a high temperature, such as 1200° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for simultaneous application of multiple fuel cell component coatings onto a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate, and simultaneously coating two or more solutions onto the substrate under laminar flow.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating a cathode composite structure to improve fuel cell performance. The methods comprise preparing a cathode composition for a cathode layer, the cathode composition having an average particle size distribution of from about 0.1 to about 30 microns, and simultaneously depositing the cathode composition and at least one other composition onto a substrate such that a cathode layer is formed on the substrate and at least one other layer is formed on the cathode layer to form a cathode composite structure.

Abstract: A method for forming a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes co-firing the anode and cathode electrode layers, which involves placing an unfired anode onto a surface during the cathode print cycle. To avoid damage to the electrolyte and cathode production cycle by the green anode ink, an abrasion resistant ink is used to print the anode electrode layer.

Abstract: A process of electroless plating a tin or tin-alloy active material onto a metal substrate for the negative electrode of a rechargeable lithium battery comprising steps of (1) immersing the metal substrate in an aqueous plating solution containing metal ions to be plated, (2) plating tin or tin-alloy active material onto the metal substrate by contacting the metal substrate with a reducing metal by swiping one on the other, and (3) removing the plated metal substrate from the plating bath and rinsing with deionized water. A rechargeable lithium battery using tin or tin-alloy as the anode active material.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly a solid electrolyte type-structure including a first electrode, an electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode and is formed on one single face of a porous metal support. The electrolyte membrane is obtained by firing a first electrolyte film formed on the first electrode and a second electrolyte film, which has a higher degree of fluidity than the degree of fluidity of the first electrolyte film.

Abstract: Diffusion media for use in PEM fuel cells are provided with silicone coatings. The media are made of a porous electroconductive substrate, a first hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer coating adhered to the substrate, and a second coating comprising a hydrophobic silicone polymer adhered to the substrate. The substrate is preferably a carbon fiber paper, the hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer is PTFE or similar polymer, and the silicone is moisture curable.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a fuel cell separator which can achieve a stable power generation over a prolonged period of time and a method of producing the fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator has a recess for gas flow path whose surface is roughened in such a manner that the arithmetic mean roughness Ra is 0.5 to 10 ?m, and the recess for gas flow path is brought into contact with a fluorine-containing gas or a gas containing both fluorine and oxygen. The thus obtained fuel cell separator can retain a uniform liquid film formed on the surface thereof for at least 10 seconds when a test piece prepared from the fuel cell separator is immersed in water for 30 seconds and pulled out therefrom to a position at not less than 1 cm from the water surface within 1 second.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a lithium air battery includes a current collector, and a positive electrode catalyst layer on the current collector. The positive electrode catalyst layer includes a first conductive material supported on a binder, a second conductive material on the first conductive material, and a catalyst supported on the second conductive material.

Abstract: Fuel-cell assemblies containing a membrane electrode assembly, methods for preparing the membrane electrode assembly, and methods for functionalizing catalytic surfaces of catalyst particles in the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell assembly have been described. The fuel-cell assemblies and their membrane electrode assemblies contain cathode catalyst materials having catalytic surfaces that are functionalized with cyano groups to improve catalyst activity. The cathode catalyst materials may include a catalytic metal such as platinum or a platinum alloy. The cyano groups may be derived from a cyanide source that is electro-oxidized onto the catalytic surfaces. Nonlimiting examples of cyanide sources include amino acids such as glycine, alanine, and serine.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a layer-structured catalysts at the electrode/electrolyte interface of a fuel cell is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, depositing an electrolyte layer on the substrate, depositing a catalyst bonding layer to the electrolyte layer, depositing a catalyst layer to the catalyst bonding layer, and depositing a microstructure stabilizing layer to the catalyst layer, where the bonding layer improves adhesion of the catalyst onto the electrolyte. The catalyst and a current collector is a porous catalyst and a fully dense current collector, or a fully dense catalyst and a fully dense current collector structure layer. A nano-island catalyst and current collector structure layer is deposited over the catalyst and current collector or over the bonding layer, which is deposited over the electrolyte layer. The fuel cell can be hydrogen-fueled solid oxide, solid oxide with hydrocarbons, solid sensor, solid acid, polymer electrolyte or direct methanol.

Abstract: A method for making a modified current collector of a lithium ion battery is provided. In the method, the modifier and a metal plate are provided. The modifier is a mixture of a phosphorus source having a phosphate radical, a trivalent aluminum source, and a metallic oxide provided in a liquid phase solvent. The modifier is coated on a surface of the metal plate to form a coating layer. The coated metal plate is heat treated to transform the coating layer into a protective film formed on the surface of the metal plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator is provided such that the corrosion resistance can be improved. A method of manufacturing a fuel cell separator that separates adjacent cells of a fuel cell includes subjecting a separator substrate composed of a metal material to gold strike plating, thereby forming a first gold plating layer with a thickness of 10 to 200 nm. Further, thick gold plating is performed on top of the first gold plating layer formed by gold strike plating, thereby forming a second gold plating layer. A fuel cell separator manufactured by the method and a fuel cell including the fuel cell separator are also provided.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may include a method comprising: depositing a solution comprising an organometallic compound on a substrate, drying the solution to provide a film of the organometallic compound and at least partially oxidizing an organic component of the organometallic compound to provide nanoparticles including metal oxides on the substrate which would have multiuse industrial applications.

Abstract: A metallic plate for a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) having, on at least one of its surfaces, a coating including: conductive material fillers; a polymer used as a binder; and a metal cation absorbing compound.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell including a porous catalyst layer, and a method of manufacturing the same in which an electrode includes a catalyst layer formed adjacent to a surface of an electrolyte membrane, and the catalyst layer has a uniform porosity as pluralities of pores are uniformly distributed on the catalyst layer.

Abstract: The present invention proposed manufacturing method of coating layers with good conductivity and corrosion resistance at high productivity comprising etching the oxide layer on the stainless steel substrate by plasma etching to activate the surface and prevent from decreasing it's conductivity, coating metal nitrides like CrN or TiN in nano size thickness on the etched surface and coating carbon layer at nano size thickness on top of it. According to the present invention, it is possible to produce manufacture fuel cell bipolar plate, electrode material and stainless steel with reinforced conductivity and corrosion resistance in mass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graded multilayer structure, comprising a support layer (1) and at least 10 layers (2, 3) forming a graded layer, wherein each of the at least 10 layers (2, 3) is at least partially in contact with the support layer (1), wherein the at least 10 layers (2, 3) differ from each other in at least one property selected from layer composition, porosity and conductivity, and wherein the at least 10 layers (2, 3) are arranged such that the layer composition, porosity and/or conductivity horizontally to the support layer (1) forms a gradient over the total layer area.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of making solar cell contacts and cells therewith are disclosed. The invention provides a photovoltaic cell comprising a front contact, a back contact, and a rear contact. The back contact comprises, prior to firing, a passivating layer onto which is applied a paste, comprising aluminum, a glass component, wherein the aluminum paste comprises, aluminum, another optional metal, a glass component, and a vehicle. The back contact comprises, prior to firing, a passivating layer onto which is applied an aluminum paste, wherein the aluminum paste comprises aluminum, a glass component, and a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating a fuel cell membrane structure that can dramatically reduce fuel crossover, thereby improving fuel cell efficiency and power output. Preferred composite membrane structures include an inorganic layer situated between the anode layer and the proton-exchange membrane. The inorganic layer can conduct protons in unhydrated form, rather than as hydronium ions, which reduces fuel crossover. Some methods of this invention include certain coating steps to effectively deposit an inorganic layer on an organic proton-exchange membrane.

Abstract: In fuel cell separator, the periphery of manifold through which fuel gas, reaction water, etc., pass and the seal line being a site of bonding with an adjacent separator are provided with a resin layer. Within the surface of the separator, the resin application site on which the resin layer is formed undergoes subbing treatment in advance to thereby increase the capability of bonding with the resin. When the resin layer consists of a resin having an NH group, as the subbing treatment, hydroxide deposition treatment is carried out on the surface of the separator.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an electrode catalyst layer includes: containing a conductive carrier on which a catalyst is supported, a substrate, an electrolyte resin and a supercritical fluid inside a closed container (S102 to S106); and cooling the substrate to form an electrode catalyst layer, having the conductive carrier on which the catalyst is supported and the electrolyte resin, on the substrate (S 108).

Abstract: A catalyst ink for improving the performance of catalyst electrodes in a fuel cell is produced by the following procedure. A catalyst dispersion is prepared by dispersing catalyst-supported particles as conductive particles with a catalyst supported thereon in a solvent. A gel material having viscoelasticity is prepared by mixing an ionomer with a volatile solvent. A catalyst ink having a desired viscosity is produced by stirring and mixing the catalyst dispersion with the gel material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte fuel cell separator made of pure titanium or a titanium alloy superior in contact resistance with carbon paper and a method of production of the same, that is, a separator having a surface layer part to which conductive compound particles are affixed, characterized in that the surface oxide has a thickness of 3 to 15 nm in range, an average carbon concentration in a range from an outermost surface, including the oxide layer, to a depth of 100 nm is 0.02 to 6 at %, and the conductive compound particles have an average particle size of 0.01 to 20 ?m. Further, the method of production of the present invention is characterized by forming, blast treating a surface of the formed article by particles comprised of conductive compound particles of an average particle size of 0.01 to 20 ?m covering a surface of superhard core particles, impregnating it by a nitric acid aqueous solution of a concentration of 15 to 71 mass % and a temperature of 40 to 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane that includes a porous polymer material made of a polyimide with interconnected macropores and impregnated with protic ionic liquid conductors (CLIP), as well as to the method for manufacturing same and to the uses thereof. The membranes of the invention fulfil the need for membranes including CLIPs, which have good proton-conducting properties as well as good physical properties, in particular high thermal and mechanical stability, in addition to a wide range of electrochemical stability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a metal steel separator for fuel cells that has corrosion resistance and contact resistance not only at an initial stage but also after being exposed to high temperature/high humidity conditions in the fuel cell for a long period of time. The method includes preparing a stainless steel sheet as a matrix of the metal separator, forming a discontinuous coating film on the surface of the stainless steel sheet, the coating film being composed of at least one selected from gold (Au), platinum (Pt), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), ruthenium oxide (RuO2), and iridium oxide (IrO2), and heat treating the stainless steel sheet having the discontinuous coating film to form an oxide film on a portion of the stainless steel sheet on which the coating film is not formed. A metal separator for fuel cells manufactured by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit cell of a honeycomb-type solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a plurality of channels. The channels include cathode channels and anode channels. The cathode channels and anode channels are set up alternately in the unit cell. A collector is installed inside each of the cathode channels and the anode channels, and a packing material is packed into the channels having the collector. Disclosed also is a stack including the unit cells and methods for manufacturing the unit cell and the stack.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a slot die coating apparatus and method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly. The apparatus is configured to discharge a mixture of a plurality of different types of catalytic slurries, to coat portions of an electrode with the different types of catalytic slurries. The apparatus includes a slot die coater head that is configured to receive different types of catalytic slurries and discharge a mixture of the catalytic slurries. In addition, the apparatus includes a catalytic slurry module that is configured to supply the different types of catalytic slurries to the slot die coater head.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing fine catalyst particles, a method for producing carbon-supported fine catalyst particles, a method for producing a catalyst mix, and a method for producing an electrode, all of which are configured to inhibit, when used in fuel cells, etc., performance deterioration during operation at especially high temperature. Disclosed is a method for producing fine catalyst particles each comprising a core particle and an outermost layer, the core particle containing palladium and the outermost layer containing platinum and covering the core particle, the method comprising the steps of: preparing palladium-containing particles; preparing an acid solution configured to dissolve palladium more preferentially than platinum; covering each palladium-containing particle with an outermost layer containing platinum; and bringing the palladium-containing particles each covered with the outermost layer into contact with the acid solution.

Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a graphene-containing layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The graphene-containing layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrode paste for a solid oxide fuel cell in an anode supported type in which an anode, an electrolyte layer, and a cathode are sequentially stacked, including a raw material powder, a dispersant, a binder, a solvent, and a liquid pore-forming material, a solid oxide fuel cell using the same, and a fabricating method thereof. The electrode paste for the solid oxide fuel cell may form uniform pores in the electrode and may provide high porosity.

Abstract: A plasma deposition method deposits a battery component material on a partially fabricated battery cell comprising a battery component layer containing charge-carrying metal species and having an exposed surface. A mesh screen is maintained at a preset distance from the exposed surface, the mesh screen having a plurality of mesh openings. A process gas is energized to form a plasma by applying an electrical power to deposit the battery component material onto the exposed surface of the battery component layer. The mesh screen reduces migration of the charge-carrying metal species in the battery component layer to the exposed surface of the partially fabricated battery cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a durable solid oxide fuel cell that is less likely to have a problem of a conventional solid oxide fuel cell that an air electrode containing a peroviskite oxide, when exposed to a reducing atmosphere, is separated at the stop of operation, especially shutdown. The solid oxide fuel cell includes an air electrode that is obtained by firing a compact containing a perovskite oxide and sulfur element. The content of the sulfur element in the air electrode as fresh after firing or before the start of power generation is in the range of 50 ppm to 3,000 ppm. The separation of the air electrode is effectively suppressed at the shutdown operation.

Abstract: A protective layer (20) is formed in a picture frame shape and a thin film shape between an electrolyte membrane (1) and a peripheral edge portion of a catalyst layer (30) by applying ink by an ink jet method. The protective layer (20) is formed directly on the electrolyte membrane (1) to a thickness in the range of about 0.1 ?m to 5.0 ?m.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the surface energy and/or surface chemistry of carbon fibers involves exposing the fibers to direct or indirect contact with atmospheric pressure plasma generated using a background gas containing at least some oxygen or other reactive species. The fiber may be exposed directly to the plasma, provided that the plasma is nonfilamentary, or the fiber may be exposed indirectly through contact with gases exhausting from a plasma discharge maintained in a separate volume. In either case, the process is carried out at or near atmospheric pressure, thereby eliminating the need for vacuum equipment. The process may be further modified by moistening the fibers with selected oxygen-containing liquids before exposure to the plasma.

Abstract: Hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte lithium-ion battery devices are disclosed. Certain devices comprise anodes and cathodes conformally coated with an electron insulating and lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte layer.

Abstract: A process comprising a duplex type impregnating apparatus providing the steps of: (i) providing an elongated porous web, said elongated porous web comprising two outermost surfaces; (ii) transporting said elongated porous web downwards between two impregnating heads comprising two slots each with substantially vertical upper and lower slot faces substantially parallel to said elongated porous web providing simultaneously to both surfaces of said elongated porous web metered substantially identical quantities of a dope, comprising at least one membrane polymer and at least one solvent therefor; (iii) thereby impregnating said elongated porous web completely with said dope and providing substantially equally thick dope layers on each surface of said outermost surfaces of said elongated porous web with a thickness independent of the gap between one of said lower slot faces and the surface of said elongated porous web nearest thereto; (iv) subjecting said dope associated with said elongated porous web to symmetri

Abstract: Provided are a solid oxide fuel cell including: an anode support; a solid electrolyte layer formed on the anode support; and a composite cathode layer formed on the solid electrolyte layer, wherein the composite cathode layer is a porous sintered phase comprising an electrode material and an electrolyte material and a method for preparing same. The solid oxide fuel cell which includes a post-heat-treated nanocomposite cathode, which exhibits high interfacial strength and superior conductivity, exhibits superior power efficiency as well as superior durability.