Abstract: Provided are a catalyst, an electrode, a fuel cell, a gas detoxification apparatus, and the like that can promote a general electrochemical reaction causing gas decomposition or the like. A catalyst according to the present invention is used for promoting an electrochemical reaction and is chain particles 3 formed of an alloy particles containing nickel (Ni) and at least one selected from the group consisting of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu).

Abstract: A method of preparing an electrolyte membrane comprising a crosslinked object of a polybenzoxazine-based compound formed of a polymerized resultant product of a first monofunctional benzoxazine-based monomer or a second benzoxazine-based monomer multifunctional benzoxazine-based monomer with a crosslinkable compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separator plate for a fuel cell and to a method for producing the same, and relates to an invention wherein a surface-modification layer is formed through the use of low temperature plasma processing such that it is possible to prevent the hydrophobic characteristics which occur during gasket forming and to have outstanding hydrophilic characteristics, and such that it is possible to obtain the advantageous effect of highly outstanding corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity not only initially but also even after long-term use in a fuel-cell operating environment, and also such that it is possible to maintain outstanding durability even when using a normal low-price stainless-steel sheet base material, and it is possible to reduce the unit cost of production of the separator plate for the fuel cell since surface processing can be carried out at low cost.

Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a combination of non-stoichiometric and a conductive material that makes the bipolar plate conductive, hydrophilic and stable in the fuel cell environment. The non-stoichiometric and the conductive material can be deposited on the plate as separate layers or can be combined as a single layer. Either the non-stoichiometric layer or the conductive layer can be deposited first. In one embodiment, the conductive material is gold.

Abstract: A method for preparing a surface modification coating of metal bipolar plates is disclosed, which comprises the following steps: providing a substrate; pre-treating the substrate by processing the substrate, depositing a Ni-layer on the substrate, or a combination thereof, to form an activated layer on the surface of the substrate; packing the substrate in a powder mixture containing a permeated master metal, an activator, and filler powder; and heat-treating the packing to allow the permeated master metal to diffuse into the activated layer and then to form a surface modification coating. The permeation rate of the permeated master metal can be increased due to the activated layer having a high defect concentration. Hence, it is possible to prepare a surface modification coating at a low temperature. The surface modification coating of the present invention can also decrease the interface contact resistance between the bipolar plates and gas diffusion layers.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The catalyst layer can have 1% or less binder prior to attachment to the membrane electrode assembly. The catalyst layer can include (a) single-wall nanotubes, small diameter multi-wall nanotubes, or both, and (b) large diameter multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both. The ratio of (a) to (b) can range from 1:2 to 1:20. The catalyst layer can produce a surface area utilization efficiency of at least 60% and the platinum utilization efficiency can be 0.50 gPt/kW or less.

Abstract: Metal oxide nanowires and carbon-coated metal nanowires are effective as supports for particles of an expensive catalyst material, such as platinum metal group catalyst. Such supported catalysts are useful when included in an electrode on, for example, a proton exchange membrane in a hydrogen/oxygen fuel cell. For example, tin oxide nanowires are formed on carbon fibers of carbon paper and platinum nanoparticles are deposited on the tin oxide nanowires. The nanowires provide good surfaces for effective utilization of the platinum material.

Abstract: In an electrolyte membrane (10) for a solid polymer fuel cell, sealing ribs (12) of a predetermined height made of an electrolyte resin is formed integrally with the electrolyte membrane (10). Using the electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly (20) is formed, which is further processed into a fuel cell (30). Thus, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly which are capable of improving the sealing characteristic when incorporated into a fuel cell are obtained. Besides, a fuel cell improved in the sealing characteristic is obtained.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical system, such as a fuel cell, is formed by an active layer including: pores; at least one catalyst; at least one ionomer; and electrically-conductive particles. The catalyst content per pore ranges between 30 and 500 mg/cm3 with respect to the pore volume.

Abstract: Provided is a method of patterning a catalyst using nano imprint lithography. The method includes slurrying a catalyst, preparing a stamp for forming a catalyst pattern, forming the catalyst pattern by coating a substrate with the catalyst slurry, imprinting the stamp on the catalyst slurry and performing patterning simultaneously with calcination through nano imprint lithography, and drying the patterned catalyst. As the catalyst pattern is formed through the nano imprint lithography, a surface area of the catalyst increases and it is easy to pattern the catalyst according to the shape of the stamp.

Abstract: In a method for the production of a membrane electrode assembly comprising a membrane, electrodes and a catalyst, the catalyst is pressed into the membrane material, e.g. when forming the material in situ.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly constructed with an anode and a cathode facing each other, and a polymer electrolyte membrane disposed therebetween. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes an electrode substrate that includes a carbon fiber based sheet coated with micro-carbons and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate with the micro-carbons contacting the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a conductive coating having formed nanopores that make the coating hydrophilic. Any suitable process can be used to form the nanopores in the coating. One process includes co-depositing a conductive material and a relatively unstable element on the plate, and then subsequently dissolving the element to remove it from the coating and create the nanopores. Another process includes using low energy ion beams for ion beam lithography to make the nanopores.

Abstract: A method for depositing a hydrophilic coating on flow field plates or bipolar plates and manifolds in a fuel cell stack after the stack is assembled. The method includes preparing a solution that contains hydrophilic nano-particles suspended in a suitable solvent. The cathode and anode inlet and outlet manifolds and the cathode and anode flow channels are filled with the solution. The solution is then pumped out of the stack using, for example, a stream of nitrogen. The stack is allowed to dry, using heat if desirable, to provide a film of the nano-particles formed on the anode and cathode flow channels and manifolds within the stack.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprising modified hyper-branched polymer is disclosed. The proton exchange membrane includes 85-90 wt % of sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer and 15-10 wt % of modified hyper-branched polymer. The modified hyper-branched polymer comprises the bismaleimide (BMI)-based hyper-branched polymer, and parts of the chain ends of the hyper-branched polymer are sulfonated by the sulfonic compound. Also, the modified hyper-branched polymer and sulfonated tetrafluorethylene copolymer are interpenetrated to form an interpenetrating polymer. Furthermore, the modification step could be performed before or after forming the interpenetrating polymer. For example, the sulfonation is proceeded after forming the interpenetrating polymer. Alternatively, the sulfonation of the hyper-branched polymer could be proceeded before the formation of the interpenetrating polymer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel cell includes applying a sacrificial material periodically to a surface of an anode substrate, wherein at least some areas of the anode substrate have no sacrificial material. A first gas diffusion layer is applied to the sacrificial material, and a first catalyst material is applied to the first gas diffusion layer. An electrolyte material is applied to the anode substrate and the first gas diffusion layer, with the catalyst material, wherein a first surface of the electrolyte material is in operative association with the anode substrate, and the first gas diffusion layer. A second catalyst material is applied to the second surface of the electrolyte material. A second gas diffusion layer is applied to the electrolyte material on a second surface of the electrolyte material, with the catalyst material, wherein a first surface of the second gas diffusion layer is in contact with the second surface of the electrolyte material with the catalyst material.

Abstract: A porous membrane with pores that includes a polymerization product of a polyazole-based material, an electrolyte membrane including the porous membrane with a proton-conductive polymer provided in pores of the porous membrane, methods of manufacturing the porous membrane and the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell employing at least one of the porous membrane and the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a composite anode for a hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cell, the anode comprising a layered perovskite ceramic and a bi-metallic alloy.

Abstract: A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a combination of TiO2 and a conductive material that makes the bipolar plate conductive, hydrophilic and stable in the fuel cell environment. The TiO2 and the conductive material can be deposited on the plate as separate layers or can be combined as a single layer. Either the TiO2 layer or the conductive layer can be deposited first. In one embodiment, the conductive material is gold.

Abstract: A catalyst layer composition for a fuel cell includes an ionomer cluster, a catalyst, and a solvent including water and polyhydric alcohol; and an electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer comprising an ionomer cluster having a three-dimensional reticular structure, and a catalyst, a method of preparing a electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer comprising an ionomer cluster having a three-dimensional reticular structure, and a catalyst, and a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the electrode and a fuel cell system including the membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for preparing a cross-linked ceramic-coated separator containing an ionic polymer, a ceramic-coated separator prepared by the method, and a lithium secondary battery using the same. According to preferred methods for preparing a cross-linked ceramic-coated separator, a coating material containing ceramic particles for improving thermal and mechanical characteristics, a functional inorganic compound for improving cycle characteristics and high rate characteristics of a battery, and an ionic polymer for bonding the ceramic particles and the functional inorganic compound on a porous membrane substrate is coated on the porous membrane substrate and subjected to chemical cross-linking.

Abstract: A process comprising: providing a substrate with a catalyst layer thereon; depositing a first ionomer overcoat layer over the catalyst layer, the first ionomer overcoat layer comprising an ionomer and a first solvent; drying the first ionomer overcoat layer to provide a first electrode ionomer overcoat layer; depositing a second ionomer overcoat layer over the first electrode ionomer overcoat layer, and wherein the second ionomer overcoat layer comprises an ionomer and a second solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of production of a separator for a solid polymer type fuel cell characterized by shaping a substrate comprised of stainless steel, titanium, or a titanium alloy and then spraying the substrate surface with superhard core particles comprised of conductive compound particles of an average particle size of 0.01 to 20 ?m mixed with a coating material and coated on their surfaces under conditions of a spray pressure of 0.4 MPa or less and a spray amount per cm2 of the substrate of 10 to 100 g in blast treatment. The ratio of the conductive compound to the mass of the core particles is 0.5 to 15 mass %.

Abstract: Use of noble metal alloy catalysts, such as PtCo, as the cathode catalyst in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells can provide enhanced performance at low current densities over that obtained from the noble metal itself. Unfortunately, the performance at high current densities has been relatively poor. However, using a specific bilayer cathode construction, in which a noble metal/non-noble metal alloy layer is located adjacent the cathode gas diffusion layer and a noble metal layer is located adjacent the membrane electrolyte, can provide superior performance at all current densities.

Abstract: In solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells, an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst may be incorporated at the anode along with the primary hydrogen oxidation catalyst for purposes of tolerance to voltage reversal. Incorporating this OER catalyst in a layer at the interface between the anode's primary hydrogen oxidation anode catalyst and its gas diffusion layer can provide greatly improved tolerance to voltage reversal for a given amount of OER catalyst. Further, this improvement can be gained without sacrificing cell performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a fuel cell cathode, fuel cell cathodes, and fuel cells comprising same.

Abstract: Core-shell type metal nanoparticles including a core portion and a shell portion covering the core portion, wherein the core portion includes a core metal material selected from metals and alloys, and wherein the shell portion includes an alloy of a first shell metal material and a second shell metal material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode catalyst layer for a fuel cell which includes a polymer electrolyte, a catalyst material and carbon particles, wherein the electrode catalyst layer employs a non-precious metal catalyst and has a high level of power generation performance. The electrode catalyst layer is used as a pair of electrode catalyst layers in a fuel cell in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the pair of the electrode catalyst layers which are further interposed between a pair of gas diffusion layers. The method of the present invention has such a feature that the catalyst material or the carbon particles are preliminarily embedded in the polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate is disclosed herein, and involves forming a sol gel mixture by mixing a weak acid and a composition including at least two metal oxide precursors. One of the metal oxide precursors is configured to be hydrolyzed by the weak acid to form a mixed metal oxide framework with an other of the metal oxide precursors having at least one organic functional group that is not hydrolyzed by the weak acid. The mixture is applied to the surface, and is condensed by exposure to air at least one predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time. The sol gel mixture is immersed in water at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time to form a porous, hydrophilic, and conductive film on the surface.

Abstract: A process includes patterning a surface of a platinum group metal-based electrode by contacting the electrode with an adsorbate to form a patterned platinum group metal-based electrode including platinum group metal sites blocked with adsorbate molecules and platinum group metal sites which are not blocked.

Abstract: Provided are a solid electrolyte membrane useful in achieving strong electromotive force in a fuel battery, and a fuel battery cell produced with this membrane. The solid electrolyte membrane includes a substrate made of a sheet material and having a plurality of openings penetrating the substrate in its thickness direction, and a solid electrolyte layer provided on at least one of the faces of the substrate. The fuel battery cell includes a solid electrolyte membrane having the solid electrolyte layer on one of the faces of the substrate, and a catalyst layer containing a precious metal and provided on the other of the faces of the substrate, with the solid electrolyte layer and the catalyst layer being in contact with each other in the openings of the substrate.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing fuel comprises a chemical hydride and metal hydride. In one embodiment the chemical hydride evolves hydrogen spontaneously upon exposure to water vapor, and the metal hydride reversibly absorbs/desorbs hydrogen based on temperature and pressure. The hydrogen producing substance may be formed in the shape of a pellet and may be contained within a hydrogen and water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane. The hydrogen producing substance may further be soaked in a hydrophobic material.

Abstract: A method of processing a ceramic layer is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a ceramic layer comprising a plurality of microcracks; infiltrating at least some of the plurality of microcracks with a liquid precursor comprising at least one oxidizable metal ion; and exposing the ceramic layer to a base having a pH value of at least about 9, so as to chemically convert the oxidizable metal ion into an oxide, thereby decreasing the porosity of the ceramic layer. A solid oxide fuel cell is provided. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises an anode; a cathode; and a ceramic electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: A composite seal having a multilayer elastomeric construction and method for constructing the same is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a composite seal comprised of a low-durometer elastomer compliant layer coated with, or alternatively encapsulated by, a thin protective layer for securely sealing a bipolar plate and a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell. The elastomer compliant layer is preferably a silicone constituent and the thin coat protective layer is preferably a fluoroelastomer or fluoropolymer constituent suitable for bonding to the elastomer compliant layer. The foregoing layers constructing the composite seal are preferably deposited directly onto the aforementioned fuel cell components along a predetermined periphery. The resulting composite seal is thin in construction, resistive to undesired chemical and thermal reactions and provides the necessary compressive compliance without undue stress on the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A microfluidic system through which a solution of at least an oxidable compound is fed to a feed manifold of an energy converting electrochemical device includes a flow connector. The flow connector includes a silicon platform having a bottom side and an opposing top side, and through holes extending therethough. The silicon platform includes first and second channels defined on the bottom side for communicating with the through holes. The second channel forms an inlet for the feed manifold of the energy converting electrochemical device when the bottom side of the silicon platform is coupled to a flat coupling area of the device. A micropump module is coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first and second channels. First and second supply cartridges are coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first channel.

Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, capable of achieving high-power generation performance under low or no humidity operation conditions, and a process for producing a cathode for polymer electrolyte fuel cells. A membrane/electrode assembly 10, comprising: an anode 20 having a catalyst layer 22 and a gas diffusion layer 28, a cathode 30 having a catalyst layer 32 and a gas diffusion layer 38, and a polymer electrolyte membrane 40 interposed between the catalyst layer 22 of the anode 20 and the catalyst layer 32 of the cathode, wherein the cathode 30 has, between the catalyst layer 32 and the gas diffusion layer 38, a first interlayer 36 comprising carbon fibers (C1) and a fluorinated ion exchange resin (F1), and a second interlayer 34 comprising carbon fibers (C2) and a fluorinated ion exchange resin (F2), in this order from the gas diffusion layer 38 side.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell with a controlled phosphoric acid-based material retention ratio. The composite electrolyte membrane includes an electrolyte membrane containing a compound having a phosphoric acid-based material-containing functional group. Also disclosed are a method for manufacturing the composite electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the composite electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A catalyst for a fuel cell is disclosed that includes a conductive carrier, and a catalyst layer formed to cover the conductive carrier and formed of one of Pt, Ru, and a Pt-based alloy.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell of the present invention includes a polymer electrolyte membrane with a layer of inorganic fine particles on either side. Catalyst layers are positioned on the layers of inorganic fine particles with gas diffusion layers positioned on the catalyst layers. The resulting polymer electrolyte membrane provides improved cell efficiency.

Abstract: Nanoparticles which contain noble metals alone or noble metals in combination with base metals. The nanoparticles are embedded in an aqueous solution of a temporary stabilizer based on a polysaccharide.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an electrode for a fuel cell, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) providing an electrode substrate; (b) contacting at least a part of the electrode substrate with an electroless plating solution comprising a reducing agent, a metal precursor and a suspension of particulate material; and (c) electrolessly plating the metal from the metal precursor onto the contacted part of the electrode substrate, thereby co-depositing the particulate material on the contacted part of the electrode substrate to provide the electrode.

Abstract: A cathode for an electrochemical reactor including a diffusion layer and a catalyst layer. The cathode has bimetallic or multimetallic nanoparticles, dispersed in direct contact with the diffusion layer, at least one of the metals being chromium (Cr) wholly or partly in oxidized form. The cathode is fabricated by depositing the bimetallic or multimetallic nanoparticles on the diffusion layer by DLI-MOCVD in the presence of O2.

Abstract: A method for preparing a membrane to be assembled in a membrane, electrode assembly includes the step of swelling an ion-conducting membrane in a liquid containing at least one solvent or to an atmosphere containing the vapor phase of at least one solvent by controlling the content of the solvent in the ion-conducting membrane. A method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly using an ion conducting membrane includes the steps of: providing an ion-conducting membrane in a pre-swollen state; coating the ion-conducting membrane on both sides with an electrode layer to form a sandwich; and hot-pressing the sandwich to form an ion-conducting bonding of the layers of the sandwich. Furthermore, a membrane electrode assembly is disclosed including a hot pressed sandwich having an electrode layer, a ion-conducting membrane and again an electrode layer, thereby using the ion-conducting membrane in its pre-swollen status prior to the hot-pressing.

Abstract: An integrated method for preparing a fuel cell membrane-catalyst coated membrane electrode, comprising preparation a proto exchange membrane and preparing catalyst coated membrane electrode, characterized in that: the proton exchange membrane is prepared by casting, dipping or spraying proton exchange resin solution (401) to obtain a precursor without post-treatment; the catalyst coated membrane electrode (CCM), is produced by directly coating electrode slurry on both sides of precursor of proton exchange membrane using a method chosen from screen-printing, spraying or brushing, and drying to obtain a CCM precursor with stable morphology; and treating the CCM precursor with ion transformation, heat and activation.

Abstract: Provided is a composite ceramic material for a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same. The composite ceramic material for the fuel cell forms a cored structure where perovskite ceramic particles having a small particle diameter surround lanthanum cobaltite particles having a large particle diameter, and lanthanum cobaltite is added as a starting material in a process of synthesizing the perovskite ceramic particles to be synthesized. The composite ceramic material for the fuel cell described herein improves an electric connection characteristic between a separation plate and a polar plate of the fuel cell, and is chemically and mechanically stable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method a membrane electrode assembly which has a low proton conduction resistance at a boundary of an electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer. Catalyst ink including solvent, electrolyte 23 having proton permeability, and a carbon 26 supporting platinum is applied on both sides of an electrolyte membrane 4 having proton permeability. The solvent is evaporated for forming catalyst layers 10, 14. Voltage is applied between the catalyst layers 10, 14 under hydrogen atmosphere for forming proton conduction paths at boundaries between the catalyst layers 10, 14 and the electrolyte membrane 4.

Abstract: A reversible solid oxide fuel cell obtainable by a method comprising the steps of: providing a metallic support layer; forming a cathode precursor layer on the metallic support layer; forming an electrolyte layer on the cathode precursor layer; sintering the obtained multilayer structure; in any order conducting the steps of: forming a cathode layer by impregnating the cathode precursor layer, and forming an anode layer on the electrolyte layer; characterised in that the method further comprises prior to forming said cathode layer, impregnating a precursor solution or suspension of a barrier material into the metallic support layer and the cathode precursor layer and subsequently conducting a heat treatment.

Abstract: A method for generating a catalyst-containing electrode layer on a substrate, particularly a catalyst layer for fuel cells or other chemical or electrochemical reactors, comprising the following steps: (A) generating an electrode layer on the substrate, wherein the electrode layer contains carrier particles for the catalyst to be deposited thereon; and simultaneously or subsequently: (B) depositing the catalyst on at least a portion of the carrier particles present in the electrode layer generated according to step (A) with decomposition of a catalyst precursor present not only superficially in the electrode layer, without external application of an electric current, an electric voltage, or an electric field, wherein no washing step takes place that could cause a discharge of the catalyst from the layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode that contains a support layer and a catalyst layer, wherein the catalyst layer does not contain a noble metal catalyst and is formed of carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes have pores in sidewalls thereof, and have a pore size distribution of 0.1 nm to 30 nm and a BET specific surface area of 100 to 4,000 m2/g, wherein the pores penetrate or do not penetrate the sidewalls.

Abstract: An electrochemical device having one or more solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), each of the SOFCs including a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer positioned between the cathode and anode; and at least one additional component comprising a metallic substrate having an electronically conductive, chromium-free perovskite coating deposited directly thereon. The perovskite coating has the formula ABO3, wherein A is a lanthanide element or Y, and B is a mixture of two or more transition elements, with the A site undoped by any alkaline earth element, and the perovskite coating exhibits limited or no ionic transport of oxygen.