Abstract: A sub-assembly for an electrochemical stack, such as a PEM fuel cell stack, has a bipolar plate with sealing material extending from its upper face, around the edge of the bipolar plate, and onto its lower face. The bipolar plate is preferably a combination of an anode plate and a cathode plate defining an internal coolant flow field and bonded together by sealing material which also provides a seal around the coolant flow field. All of the sealing material in the sub-assembly may be one contiguous mass. To make the sub-assembly, anode and cathode plates are loaded into a mold. Liquid sealing material is injected into the mold and fills a gap between the edge of the plates, and portions of the outer faces of the plates, and the mold. In a stack, sub-assemblies are separated by MEAs which at least partially overlap the sealing material on their faces.

Abstract: There may be provided a fuel cell stack unit comprising: a first gas separating plate; a first sealing gasket; a metal support, an end cell, and an air inlet being formed in the outer peripheral side of the center portion; a second sealing gasket; and a second gas separating plate stacked on the lower side of the second sealing gasket, wherein air introduced from the air inlet of the first gas separating plate successively passes through the air inlets formed in the first sealing gasket, the metal support, and the second sealing gasket, respectively, and flows from one side of the end cell to the other side thereof along a stacking boundary between the lower side of the end cell and the upper side of the second gas separating plate; and the second sealing gasket is recessed inward from an edge of the second sealing gasket.

Abstract: A cell includes a support substrate that is of a flat plate shape that includes a first principal surface and a second principal surface on an opposite side of the first principal surface and a columnar shape that includes a longitudinal direction and includes a gas flow path in an inside thereof, and a plurality of element parts that are arranged away from one another on the first principal surface and the second principal surface where at least a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte film, and an air electrode are laminated thereon. The cell includes a first portion that is located on a side of the first principal surface with respect to the gas flow path and a second portion that is located on a side of the second principal surface with respect to the gas flow path. Structures of the first portion and the second portion are asymmetric.

Abstract: An outer surface of an upper wall of a stack case of a fuel cell system provided in a fuel cell vehicle includes a first outer surface, a second outer surface which is positioned closer than the first outer surface to a cell stack body, and an outer surface coupling part. Space is formed between a first upper wall of the upper wall and the cell stack body. Tabs and bus bars are disposed in the space.

Abstract: A reaction cell for a flow battery having flow channels positioned within a recess of a non-porous and non-brittle housing that is also a dielectric. Positioning the flow channels within the recess eliminates the need for end plates, gaskets, and insulators of conventional designs. A current collector and an electrode within the recess have areas approximately equal to the area of the recess such that they fit within the recess and maximize the contact area between them.

Abstract: There is provided a frame for a fuel cell. The frame include a frame body having a channel opening defined therein and a feed opening and a discharge opening defined therein, wherein the feed opening and discharge opening are spaced apart from each other with the channel opening being disposed therebetween; and a plurality of anti-deformation support structures protruding from a top face of the frame body, in a first region between the channel opening and the feed opening and in a second region between the channel opening and the discharge opening, wherein each of the plurality of anti-deformation support structures has an elliptical cross-sectional shape having a major axis and a minor axis.

Abstract: A manufacturing device of a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The manufacturing device includes an electrolyte membrane feeding unit forming a first and second ionomer bases impregnated at both surfaces of a reinforcing layer and unwinding an electrolyte membrane wound in a roll type supplied in a predetermined transporting path. A first patterning unit is disposed at a rear side of the electrolyte membrane feeding unit and patterns a first ionomer protrusion pattern layer on the first ionomer base and a second patterning unit is disposed at the rear side of the first patterning unit and patterns a second ionomer protrusion pattern layer on the second ionomer base. A transfer unit is disposed at the rear side of the second patterning unit and couples a catalyst electrode layer on the first and second ionomer protrusion pattern layers by a roll laminating method.

Abstract: An end plate unit for use in a fuel cell stack in an electric vehicle is provided wherein the end plate includes an outer surface, an inner surface disposed opposite the outer surface and a current collector. The inner surface defines at least a first region and a second region which is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first region. The current collector may be affixed to the inner surface.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack seal structure of a fuel cell stack, the fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cell single cells that are stacked, each of the fuel cell single cells including a membrane electrode assembly and a pair of separators holding the membrane electrode assembly between the pair of separators, includes inner peripheral sealing members and an outer peripheral sealing member at peripheral edges of a pair of separators, in which the inner peripheral sealing members close a gap between inner peripheral ribs that protrude at least towards a mutually facing sides of the pair of separators, and the outer peripheral sealing member that closes a gap between outer peripheral ribs that protrude at least towards the mutually facing sides of the pair of separators. The inner peripheral sealing members and the outer peripheral sealing member form a first closed space between the inner peripheral sealing members and the outer peripheral sealing member.

Abstract: A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells held in a case; and a collector plate disposed on one side or the other side of the plurality of battery cells. The collector plate includes connection terminals connected to a collector plate main body so that the plurality of connection terminals are disposed to face an electrode provided in each of the battery cells. In at least one of the electrodes, the plurality of the connection terminals facing the at least one electrode include a first connection terminal welded to the electrode and a second connection terminal not welded to the electrode.

Abstract: An improved SOFC repeating fuel cell unit comprising three flat plates and a cell retainer. The three flat plates are metallurgically joined (brazed or laser welded) into a subassembly to which is added the fuel cell and cell retainer (which may also be joined as a second subassembly). Each flat plate performs a specific set of functions and can be optimized for those functions. Since the plates are flat and designed to overlap in loaded areas, the fuel cell unit is not prone to dimensional collapse which eliminates the internal reinforcements of the prior art design. The cell retainer is formed to provide a self-locating and locking feature for the fuel cell and decouples thermal stresses from the thin ceramic fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode and a cathode compartment separated by a membrane, housing corresponding electrodes. The anode and the cathode compartments having external walls with frame-type flanged areas in the contact area of both compartments. The flanged areas having mounting bores marking an inner area and an outer area of the electrochemical cell a, gas-diffusion electrode resting on a support system, a porous material resting on the gas-diffusion electrode, and devices for the inlet and outlet of gas and electrolyte. At least one circumferential gasket frame is in the contact area of both compartments, between the frame-type flanged areas of the external walls of both compartments, said gasket resting on the membrane, with the porous material and the gas-diffusion electrode resting on the frame-type cathodic flanged area and the circumferential gasket frame overlapping in this area with the porous material and the gas-diffusion electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a coolant pump for pumping a coolant, the coolant pump being provided in a coolant pipe that conveys the coolant to a fuel cell; a coolant heating device for heating the coolant when the fuel cell has stopped operation, the coolant heating device being provided in the coolant pipe; and a secondary battery for supplying power to the coolant pump and the coolant heating device, the secondary battery being connected to the coolant pump and the coolant heating device, wherein when the fuel cell has stopped operation, the heated coolant is conveyed to the fuel cell to dry the fuel cell. The fuel cell system further includes an external power source plug for supplying power from an external power source to the coolant pump and the coolant heating device, the external power source plug being connected to the coolant pump and the coolant heating device.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes bonding members for joining projecting sections of adjacent frames in cell modules, an inter-cell module seal member forming a seal between the cell modules, and supporting members disposed between adjacent frames in the cell modules. As viewed from above in the direction in which the cell modules are layered, the supporting members overlap at least a part of a section of the inter-cell module seal member that contacts the cell modules.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible circuit board capable of preventing corrosion and elution of a conductor layer constituting a current collector even under high-temperature and high-voltage working conditions while achieving sufficient electric connection with an MEA. A flexible circuit board having a current collector of a fuel cell provided thereon includes an insulating flexible base material 1, a plurality of openings 5 that supply fuel or air, the openings 5 being provided in a specified region so as to penetrate through the flexible base material 1 in a thickness direction, a plating film 6 that constitutes the current collector, the plating film 6 being formed on front and back surfaces of the flexible base material 1 in the specified region and on inner walls of the openings 5, a surface treatment film 9 formed on the plating film 6 and having corrosion resistance higher than that of the plating film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell provided with a membrane electrode structure having a frame, two separators that sandwich the membrane electrode structure therebetween, and gas seals between the end portion of the frame and the end portions of respective separators, and diffuser sections for distributing a reacting gas to between the frame and respective separators. In the diffuser section on the cathode side, the frame is provided with a protruding section in contact with the separator, and in the diffuser section on the anode side, the frame and the separator are disposed by being spaced apart from each other, thereby excellently maintaining contact surface pressure between the membrane electrode structure and the separators, and preventing contact resistance from being increased.

Abstract: A flexible fuel cell stack is also described that includes an anode electrode layer, an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer, an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer, an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane, and a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane. The fuel cell stack may be incorporated into a power generator that includes a hydrogen producing fuel.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit of a fuel cell contains a first membrane electrode assembly having a frame portion on an outer circumference thereof, a first separator, a second membrane electrode assembly having a frame portion on an outer circumference thereof, a second separator, and a third separator. A plurality of resin pins are formed integrally on the frame portion of the first membrane electrode assembly. The resin pins are integrally inserted into holes in the first separator, holes in the second membrane electrode assembly, holes in the second separator, and holes in the third separator.

Abstract: A fuel cell cassette for forming a fuel cell stack along a fuel cell axis includes a cell retainer, a plate positioned axially to the cell retainer and defining a space axially with the cell retainer, and a fuel cell having an anode layer and a cathode layer separated by an electrolyte layer. The outer perimeter of the fuel cell is positioned in the space between the plate and the cell retainer, thereby retaining the fuel cell and defining a cavity between the cell retainer, the fuel cell, and the plate. The fuel cell cassette also includes a seal disposed within the cavity for sealing the edge of the fuel cell. The seal is compliant at operational temperatures of the fuel cell, thereby allowing lateral expansion and contraction of the fuel cell within the cavity while maintaining sealing at the edge of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly with a frame at a peripheral portion, and a separator disposed on both sides of the frame and the membrane electrode assembly. A protrusion and a counterpart groove where a tip of the protrusion is inserted are respectively formed on portions of the frame and the separator facing each other, and the tip of the protrusion is immersed in an adhesive that is injected in the groove such that the groove and the protrusion are joined to each other. A room is formed between the frame and the separator on the groove at least at a side of the protrusion closer to the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, a pair of frames having a frame shape and holding an outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane, a pair of gas diffusion layers arranged inside the pair of frames and on both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction, and a gasket covering at least a part of the pair of frames. The fuel cell further includes a first cross-linking adhesive member formed of rubber which includes a membrane accommodating portion having an indented shape for accommodating the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and a first intermediate portion interposed between the pair of frames and which is subjected to cross-linking adhesion with the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and the pair of frames.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit configuring a fuel cell is provided with a first separator, a first electrolyte film/electrode body, a second separator, a second electrolyte film/electrode body, and a third separator. Resin guide members are provided on the outer periphery of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. The resin guide members have outer peripheral ends which protrude outwards, and in the aforementioned resin guide members are formed concave reliefs which are spaced inwards from the aforementioned outer peripheral ends.

Abstract: A reduction process is performed to each fuel electrode layer by supplying a reduction gas into each fuel channel 22 in the state in which a perimetric portion of a sheet body 11 is held to be sealed by perimetric portions of an upper support member 122 and a lower support member 121. In the case of a small-sized fuel cell in which the thickness of the sheet body 11 is 20˜500 ?m, the fuel electrode layer is greater in thickness than the solid electrolyte layer and the air electrode layer, and the area of the orthogonal projection of the plane portion 12a of each support member 12 is 1˜100 cm2, a ratio of a warpage of not more than 0.05 cm?1 on the sheet body with respect to the area of the orthogonal projection can be achieved at room temperature after the reduction process.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a pair of bipolar plates and a membrane electrode assembly between the bipolar plates. The membrane electrode assembly comprises an anode compartment, a cathode compartment, and a proton exchange membrane disposed therebetween. The cell further includes a sealing surface formed in one of the pair of bipolar plates and a gasket located between the sealing surface and the proton exchange membrane. The gasket is configured to plastically deform to create a seal about one of the cathode compartment or the anode compartment. The sealing surface can include one or more protrusions.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell that secures a flow path of a separator while preventing generation of a pin-hole. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a microporous layer that is disposed at both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane, a backing layer that is disposed on the microporous layer, and a circumferential edge protective layer that is disposed at an circumferential edge of the electrolyte membrane. An end portion of the microporous layer is positioned further inside of the membrane electrode assembly than an end portion of the backing layer. The circumferential edge protective layer is inserted between the backing layer and the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, and a second separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a resin frame member. The membrane electrode assembly includes a power generation section and a stepped section. The power generation section is located in an interior space of the resin frame member. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode in the power generation section. The stepped section is located on an outer side of the first electrode. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided between the second electrode and the resin frame member in the stepped section. A magnitude of an interference in the stepped section is set to be smaller than a magnitude of an interference in the power generation section.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is provided that includes a membrane, electrodes on both sides of the membrane, respectively, and sub-gaskets bonded to the edges of the electrodes, respectively. In particular, the sub-gasket may be bonded to the membrane at a predetermined distance from the edge of the electrode.

Abstract: In solid polymer fuel cells employing framed membrane electrode assemblies, a conventional anode compliant seal is employed in combination with a cathode non-compliant seal to provide for a thinner fuel cell design, particularly in the context of a fuel cell stack. This approach is particularly suitable for fuel cells operating at low pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell separator with a gasket manufactured by integrally forming a gasket on one side of a separator; independently injection molding a frame gasket on a frame such that a first airtight portion covers the entire surface of the frame to maintain the shape of the frame gasket and a second airtight portion projects upward and downward from both ends of the first airtight portion; and bringing the first airtight portion of the frame gasket into contact with the other side of the separator with the gasket formed on one side thereof. To create a fuel cell stack in certain embodiments, the invention stacks the second airtight portion of the frame gasket on another second airtight portion of an adjacent unit cell with a membrane-electrode assembly interposed therebetween.

Abstract: Deterioration of an electrolyte and a sealing member is suppressed taking account of the durable temperature characteristics thereof, while enhancing the starting performance of a fuel cell. For this realization, in a system comprising a gas piping system for supplying a reactant gas to a fuel cell, and a gas supply controller for altering the supply state of the reactant gas in response to a power generation request, a gas supply quantity is altered in accordance with the temperature of the fuel cell. Preferably, the gas supply quantity is altered in accordance with the durable temperature characteristics of a passage member forming a gas passage of the reactant gas. Furthermore, the differential pressure of the gas supply state between the anode side and the cathode side of the fuel cell is preferably taken into account and the differential pressure between both poles is suppressed by altering the gas supply quantity on the cathode side as the case may be.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a power generation unit. A first resin frame member is provided in an outer portion of a first membrane electrode assembly of the power generation unit. The first metal separator has a heating portion subjected to spot heating from a surface of the first metal separator for allowing the first resin frame member to be melted partially. The first metal separator and the first membrane electrode assembly are welded together by a plurality of welding portions to form a first structural body.

Abstract: MEAs are formed in regions corresponding to openings provided in a substrate. Each MEA includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer. The substrate has a first gas-impermeable region and a second gas-impermeable region between adjacent MEAs. A third gas-impermeable region is provided between the first gas-impermeable region and the second gas-impermeable region. The third gas-impermeable region having conductive property constitutes a part of interconnector.

Abstract: A fuel cell element including an assembly of a membrane, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and a mechanism holding the assembly together, which forms a peripheral support thereof and that includes an electrical connection and a mechanism for circulation of fluid and for supply of the fluid into the assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided which includes a gasket assembly interposed between the membrane-electrode assembly and an edge portion of the metal separator. In particular, the metal separator is formed of a first metal plate and a second metal plate welded to each other, and one or more curved portions, which are symmetrical to each other, formed around a welded portion of the first and second metal plates. The gasket assembly is then installed between a membrane-electrode assembly and the edge portion of the metal separator with the curved portion therebetween.

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: On each of upper and lower surfaces of a flat-plate-like support substrate having a longitudinal direction and having fuel gas flow channels formed therein, a plurality of power-generating elements A connected electrically in series are disposed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. On each of the upper and lower surfaces of the support substrate, a plurality of recesses are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. Each of the recesses is a rectangular-parallelepiped-like depression defined by four side walls arranged in a circumferentially closed manner and a bottom wall. That is, in the support substrate, frames are formed to surround the respective recesses. Fuel electrodes of the power-generating elements A are embedded in the respective recesses, and inter connectors are embedded in respective recesses formed on the outer surfaces of the fuel electrodes.

Abstract: Fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assemblies may include an electrolyte membrane and a coated subgasket overlying the electrolyte membrane around a perimeter of the electrolyte membrane so as to define an active area inside the perimeter. The coated subgasket may comprise a subgasket body formed from a subgasket material. At least one side of the coated subgasket includes a subgasket coating layer containing or formed from a coating material such as metals, ceramics, polymers, polymer composites, or other hard coatings. Fuel-cell assemblies may include gas diffusion media, a bipolar plate, and a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket. Fuel-cell stacks may include clamping plates, unipolar endplates, and a plurality of individual fuel-cell assemblies, at least one of which includes a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket.

Abstract: Provided is a visualization apparatus for a PEMFC using a transparent window. More particularly, provided is a visualization apparatus for a large are PEMFC including: a plurality of visualization apparatuses for region cells including current collector plates each provided on both sides of a membrane electrode assembly of a PEMFC and formed with channels through which reaction gas and products flow and a transparent provided on the outer surface of the current collector plate. Further, provided is a visualization apparatus for a large area PEMFC electrically connecting the current collector plates of the visualization apparatus for region cells to each other in parallel.

Abstract: In a solid polymer electrolyte membrane [film] type fuel cell of the invention, where a pair of electrodes are provided on opposite sides of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane [film], and the outside thereof is clamped by a pair of separators, and nonconductive picture frame-shaped members 61 are arranged at the outer edge portions of the separators, for allowing increase and decrease of a space between separators, while sealing a gap between the separators.

Abstract: To effectively prevent deformation of an MEA and shift of GDLs, first GDLs, second GDLs, and separators are layered in order at both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction thereof, the gaskets which sandwich an end portion of the MEA outside the first GDLs and the second GDLs are made from rubber or a synthetic resin material having rubber-like elasticity and integrally provided on the separators respectively, the first GDLs have end portions which are formed so as to protrude beyond outer peripheries of the second GDLs, and the gaskets have support step portions which can position and support the end portions of the first GDLs at the same height as the support height by the second GDLs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane electrochemical generator (100) characterized by improved electrical insulation and reduced volume. The membrane electrochemical generator (100) is fed with gaseous reactants and comprises a multiplicity of reaction cells (101) assembled in a filter-press configuration. Each of said reaction cells (101) is delimited by a pair of bipolar sheets (102), formed by a metallic central body (110) integrated in a frame (111) made of polymeric material. The polymeric material may be of the thermoplastic or thermosetting type and the frame (111) is laid on the metallic central body (110) by molding.

Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell that utilizes liquid fuel such as methanol should prevent generated water from residing in a ventilation port close to an anode, to thereby suppress degradation of a MEA. The fuel cell includes an anode, an anode-side collecting electrode, a sealing material located along a perimeter of a solid polymer electrolytic membrane and interleaved between the electrolytic membrane and the anode-side collecting electrode, and a discharging device that discharges a product generated through electric reaction on the anode. The sealing material is provided in a frame-shape around the anode. The discharging device is a ventilation port formed on the sealing material, and a water repellent material is provided at least one of inside the ventilation port and between the ventilation port and the anode.

Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized.

Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized.

Abstract: A method of making a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes forming a first sublayer of a first electrode on a first side of a planar solid oxide electrolyte and drying the first sublayer of the first electrode. The method also includes forming a second sublayer of the first electrode on the dried first sublayer of the first electrode prior to firing the first sublayer of the first electrode, firing the first and second sublayers of the first electrode during the same first firing step, and forming a second electrode on a second side of the solid oxide electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an MEA in which a catalyst layer is coated on both sides of an ion exchange membrane. An ion exchange membrane support film is attached on both sides of an edge portion of the ion exchange membrane, and a PCB is mounted on one surface of the ion exchange membrane support film along an outer line of the catalyst layer of the MEA. Furthermore, a PCB terminal is formed on one end of the PCB, and a connector is connected to the PCB terminal to communicate with an external controller. The PCB includes a heating element, a first temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the heating element, a second temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the MEA, a first contact measuring the resistance of unit cells, and a second contact measuring the voltage of the unit cells, formed in a predetermined arrangement to communicate with the PCB terminal.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell that is resistant to seal delamination is disclosed. The solid oxide fuel cell comprises, either individually or in combination, a solid electrically non -conductive frame, a seal structure comprising a material capable of preventing a transfer of charge across the seal during fuel cell operation, and a seal comprising a glass frit that is substantially free of oxides of lithium, sodium, or both lithium and sodium. Methods for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seal is provided for use in a solid oxide fuel cell, wherein the seal is formed of alternating adjacent layers of a fiber tow material and a foil material. A solid oxide fuel cell stack is also disclosed and is formed of repeating cell units, each cell unit having a plurality of fuel cell stack components defining opposed component surfaces, and the seal as described above positioned between the opposed component surfaces. A process is also provided for manufacturing a composite seal for a solid oxide fuel cell, and the process including the steps of: (a) feeding a quantity of spooled fiber tow material through an inert bonding agent to form a coated fiber tow material; (b) winding the coated fiber tow material about a mandrel to form a wound layer of fiber tow material; (c) feeding a quantity of spooled foil material about the wound layer of fiber tow material to form a wound layer of foil material; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) until forming a composite seal having desired thickness and width.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing a transition metal oxide having a spinel structure is provided. A mixture of powdery metals of metal elements constituting the transition metal oxide is heated in an oxidizing atmosphere to generate the transition metal oxide.

Abstract: Electro membrane assemblies are formed respectively in openings provided in a substrate. Each membrane electrode assembly is provided with an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer. A protective layer is provided on the substrate disposed between the adjacent anode catalyst layers. The other protective layer is provided on the substrate disposed between the adjacent cathode catalyst layers. The protective layer and the other protective layer preferably contain a resin whose number of C—F bonds is greater than that of the substrate.