Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the conditioning of membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells in which the output of the membrane electrode assemblies used can be increased and therefore the efficiency of the resulting polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can be improved.

Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell includes a sandwiching section, first and second bridges connected to the sandwiching section, a fuel gas supply section connected to the first bridge and an oxygen-containing gas supply section connected to the second bridge. The sandwiching section sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly, and has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel separately. In the sandwiching section, a plurality of first projections are arranged in a zigzag pattern in a direction in which the first bridge extends, and the first projections at least protrude toward the fuel gas channel to contact an anode.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided which includes an anode; a cathode; a membrane between the anode and the cathode; and a protective layer between the membrane and at least one electrode of the anode and the cathode, the protective layer having a layer of ionomer material containing a catalyst, the layer having a porosity of between 0 and 10%, an ionomer content of between 50 and 80% vol., a catalyst content of between 10 and 50% vol., and an electrical connectivity between catalyst particles of between 35 and 75%. A configuration using a precipitation layer to prevent migration of catalyst ions is also provided.

Abstract: Diffusion media for fuel cell is made by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising a powder resin, a binder material, and a fiber material comprising carbon fibers, of these; forming a layer of the dispersion on a support; removing water from the layer to form a fiber layer; molding the fiber layer; and carbonizing or graphitizing the molded layer.

Abstract: A monolithic fuel cell device is provided by forming anode and cathode layers by dispensing paste of anode or cathode material around pluralities of spaced-apart removable physical structures to at least partially surround the structures with the anode or cathode material and then drying the paste. An electrolyte layer is provided in a multi-layer stack between the cathode layer and the anode layer thereby forming an active cell portion. The multi-layer stack is laminated, and then the physical structures are pulled out to reveal spaced-apart active passages formed through each of the anode layer and cathode layer. Finally, the laminated stack is sintered to form an active cell comprising the spaced apart active passages embedded in and supported by the sintered anode material and sintered cathode material.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes: a cell stack structure formed by stacking a plurality of cells; a pair of current collectors; a pair of end members; and a fastener band wrapped around a cell stack formed by stacking the cell stack structure, the pair of current collectors, and the pair of end members. Each of the pair of end members includes a plurality of plate members. The plate members have a same arched shape in which a height from a surface to contacting a corresponding one of the pair of current collectors gradually increases toward a center portion from both ends, and are disposed in parallel while being apart from each other in a width direction of the fastener band. Adjacent plate members are coupled to each other through a bendable coupling member at part of facing surfaces.

Abstract: Alignment features and methods for their use are disclosed for purposes of aligning adjacent bipolar plates, and also optionally the membrane electrode assemblies as well as the plates making up the bipolar plates, during assembly of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks. The alignment features are located within common datum openings and advantageously can be in-plane with the bipolar plates. This provides for improved alignment and manufacturability.

Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell stack including: a porous insulating support having a gas permeability and provided with a gas flow path therein; and a plurality of power generating elements which are provided on the insulating support and each of which includes an inner electrode, an electrolyte.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer containing Zr; an intermediate layer containing CeO2 solid solution having a rare-earth element excluding Ce; an air electrode layer containing Sr, the intermediate layer and the air electrode layer being stacked in this order on one surface of the solid electrolyte layer; and a fuel electrode layer on another surface of the solid electrolyte layer which is opposite to the one surface. A value obtained by dividing a content of the rare-earth element excluding Ce by a content of Zr is equal to or less than 0.05 at a site of the solid electrolyte layer, the site being 1 ?m away from an interface between the solid electrolyte layer and the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a unit cell, a cell fixing member and a welding portion. The unit cell includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer while exposing an end portion of the electrolyte layer, and a coating layer formed by coating a mixture of ceramic and metal on the exposed end portion of the electrolyte layer. The cell fixing member includes a flow tube inserted into the unit cell, a fixing tube provided to an outside of the flow tube, and a connecting portion connecting the fixing tube and the flow tube to each other and to restrict an insertion depth of the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer. The welding portion fixes and seals the coating layer and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing tube to each other.

Abstract: A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 ?m and a d90 that is greater than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure has an electrical current-carrying structure which, at least in part, underlies an electrochemical reaction layer. The cell comprises an ion exchange membrane with a catalyst layer on each side thereof. The ion exchange membrane may comprise, for example, a proton exchange membrane. Some embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical cell layers which have a plurality of individual unit cells formed on a sheet of ion exchange membrane material.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is a membrane electrode assembly in which a first porous body is stacked on a surface of a catalyst layer and a second porous body is stacked on the first porous body. The first porous body has a low porosity at portions in contact with solid-phase portions of the second porous body, and has a relatively high porosity at portions facing gas-phase portions of the second porous body.

Abstract: A process for forming a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell, the process comprising the steps of: a) applying a green anode layer including nickel oxide, copper oxide and a rare earth-doped ceria to a metal substrate; b) firing the green anode layer to form a composite including oxides of nickel, copper, and a rare earth-doped ceria; c) providing an electrolyte; and d) providing a cathode. Metal supported solid oxide fuel cells comprising an anode a cathode and an electrolyte, wherein the anode includes nickel, copper and a rare earth-doped ceria, fuel cell stacks and uses of these fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for forming a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell is provided. The process can include the steps of: a) applying a green anode layer including nickel oxide and a rare earth-doped ceria to a metal substrate; b) prefiring the anode layer under non-reducing conditions to form a composite; c) firing the composite in a reducing atmosphere to form a sintered cermet; d) providing an electrolyte; and e) providing a cathode; wherein the reducing atmosphere comprises an oxygen source, a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell formed during this process, fuel cell stacks and the use of these fuel cells.

Abstract: A repeat unit for a fuel cell stack, the repeat unit having: a conductive interconnect plate; an electrolyte-supported fuel cell, wherein a dense sealing perimeter extends around the entire perimeter of the fuel cell; a cathode gasket adjacent the cathode side of the fuel cell; and an anode gasket adjacent the anode side of the fuel cell. First and second air manifolding ports, and first and second fuel manifolding ports are provided in each of the interconnect plate, dense sealing perimeter of the fuel cell, cathode gasket and anode gasket. An SOFC stack having an aligned stack of a plurality of repeat units is also provided, as well as an SOFC stack configured for cascade fuel flow.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell stacks, and one or more devices which in operation of the system provide an azimuthal direction to one or more anode or cathode feed or exhaust fluid flows in the system.

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: The description relates to fuel cells and fuel cell systems. One example includes at least one multi cell membrane electrode assembly (MCMEA). Individual MCMEAs can include multiple serially interconnected sub-cells.

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: A device and method of forming a power generator includes a container, a fuel cell stack within the container, a metal hydride hydrogen producing fuel within the container, wherein the fuel cell stack is sandwiched between the container and an anode support surrounding the fuel and in close thermal contact with the fuel. The fuel cell stack has a cathode electrode for exposure to oxygen and an anode electrode for exposure to hydrogen. A cathode is electrically coupled to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on an outside of the container. An anode is electrically coupled to the anode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outside of the container spaced apart from the exposed cathode.

Abstract: The multi-section cathode air heat exchanger (102) includes at least a first heat exchanger section (104), and a fixed contact oxidation catalyzed section (126) secured adjacent each other in a stack association. Cool cathode inlet air flows through cool air channels (110) of the at least first (104) and oxidation catalyzed sections (126). Hot anode exhaust flows through hot air channels (124) of the oxidation catalyzed section (126) and is combusted therein. The combusted anode exhaust then flows through hot air channels (112) of the first section (104) of the cathode air heat exchanger (102). The cool and hot air channels (110, 112) are secured in direct heat exchange relationship with each other so that temperatures of the heat exchanger (102) do not exceed 800° C. to minimize requirements for using expensive, high-temperature alloys.

Abstract: In a fuel cell stack, voltage detecting terminals are disposed on a second separator and a third separator of a power generation unit, whereas a voltage detecting terminal is not disposed on a first separator of the power generation unit. Among terminal plates of the fuel cell stack, another voltage detecting terminal is disposed only on the terminal plate that is in contact with the first separator.

Abstract: A fuel cell pack is disclosed. The fuel cell pack has N membrane electrode assemblies, N?1 connected conductive planes, an independent first electrode conductive layer, and an independent second electrode conductive layer, wherein N is an integer and 2?N?3000. Each connected conductive plane has a first electrode conductive layer and a second electrode conductive layer, wherein the first electrode conductive layer connects to the second electrode conductive layer. The independent first electrode conductive layer is corresponding to the second electrode conductive layer of the N?1th connected conductive plane; the independent second electrode conductive layer is corresponding to the first electrode conductive layer of the 1st connected conductive plane. Each membrane electrode assembly is situated between each first electrode conductive layer and the second electrode conductive layer to form a fuel cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell including a support which is made of a metal porous base material and disposed between a membrane electrode assembly and at least either of first ribs and second ribs. Contact surfaces of the first ribs and contact surfaces of the second ribs with the membrane electrode assembly or the support are offset from each other in a cross sectional view in the direction orthogonal to a gas passage direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes cell units stacked on one another and each including a membrane electrode assembly and two separators defining gas passages on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly, a cooling fluid passage for flowing a cooling fluid provided between the separators of each adjacent two of the cell units, and a displacement absorber provided in the cooling fluid passage. The displacement absorber includes elastic protrusions provided in an array and configured to elastically absorb a displacement of the cell units in a stack direction, and flow-spread preventing protrusions provided in an array and configured to prevent the cooling fluid from flowing out of an active area.

Abstract: Provided is an interconnector material which is chemically stable in both oxidation atmospheres and reduction atmospheres, has a high electron conductivity (electric conductivity), a low ionic conductivity, does not contain Cr, and enables a reduction in sintering temperature. The interconnector material is arranged between a plurality of cells each composed of an anode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and a cathode layer stacked sequentially, and electrically connects the plurality of cells to each other in series in a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The interconnector is formed of a ceramic composition represented by the composition formula La(Fe1-xAlx)O3 in which 0<x<0.5.

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: A device for a solid oxide fuel cell or a solid oxide electrolysis cell includes an integral one-piece construction of a current collector and a manifold. The device eliminates the need for a brazing or thermal bonding process for joining the manifold with the current collector, and thus makes it possible to prevent breakdown of the junction formed between the manifold and the current collector, which can lead to gas leakage through the junction, and thus can be used for a long period of time.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell that includes a polymer electrolyte membrane is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell further includes an anode disposed on one side of the polymer electrolyte membrane and including an anode gas diffusion layer and a cathode disposed on the other side of the polymer electrolyte membrane and including a cathode gas diffusion layer. At least one of the anode gas diffusion layer and the cathode gas diffusion layer includes a water reservoir. The water reservoir includes a pore and a hydrophilic polymer inside the pore. A fuel cell stack including the membrane-electrode assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a flat-tubular solid oxide cell stack. The cell stack includes a plurality of unit cells which are stacked one on top of another. Each unit cell includes a flat-tubular electrode support made of a porous conductive material. A first-gas flow channel is formed in the electrode support in a longitudinal direction thereof. First gas flows along the first-gas flow channel. A second-gas flow channel is formed on the outer surface of the electrode support. Second-gas flows along the second-gas flow channel. A connection hole is formed on each of opposite ends of the first-gas flow channel of each of the unit cells and communicates with the first-gas flow channel of the adjacent unit cell so that the first gas flows along the unit cells in a zigzag manner in the longitudinal directions of the unit cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a manufacturing method for a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus in which multiple fuel cells are adhered and affixed to a first affixing member attached within a fuel cell module, the method includes steps of: inserting one end portion of each fuel cell into respective insertion holes provided in a first affixing member; respectively positioning one end portion of each fuel cell inserted into each insertion hole relative to a fuel cell module; respectively positioning the other end portion of each fuel cell at a predetermined position relative to the fuel cell module; applying ceramic adhesive onto the first affixing member into which each of the fuel cells is inserted; and hardening the applied ceramic adhesive and affixing each of the fuel cells to the first affixing member.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell with a dense barrier layer formed at or near the outer surface of the top and/or bottom electrode layers in a fuel cell stack. The dense barrier layer (DBL) acts as a seal to prevent gas in the electrode layer (either air in a cathode layer or fuel gas in an anode layer) from leaking out of the stack though the outer surface of the outermost electrode layers. The use of a DBL with porous outer electrode layers reduces the amount of gas escaping the stack and minimizes the chances for leak-induced problems ranging from decreases in performance to catastrophic stack failure.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell stack, a fuel inlet conduit, and a fuel heat exchanger containing a fuel reformation catalyst. The fuel heat exchanger is connected to the fuel inlet conduit and to at least one fuel cell system exhaust conduit which in operation provides a high temperature exhaust stream to the fuel heat exchanger.

Abstract: A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 ?m and a d90 that is greater than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: The invention describes an air-breathing fuel cell for the oxidation of ions with air or oxygen, having an anode half cell and a cathode half cell. A first ion-conducting membrane and a second ion-conducting membrane is introduced between the half cells, and the second ion-conducting membrane is coated at least in regions on the side orientated towards the cathode half cell with a catalyst for the reduction of oxygen. According to the invention, the air-breathing fuel cell is characterised in that an oxidation zone for the oxidation of ions with negative standard electrode potential is provided between the ion-conducting membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrocarbon composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, which is formed of an inexpensive hydrocarbon electrolyte membrane to ensure mechanical and thermochemical stability. The present invention provides a hydrocarbon composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, the hydrocarbon composite electrolyte membrane including at least one composite electrolyte membrane layer having a structure in which graphene nanostructures are impregnated into a hydrocarbon electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer electrolyte composition, an electrolyte membrane, a membrane electrolyte assembly, and a fuel cell. The polymer electrolyte composition according to an exemplary embodiment of this application includes a first solvent, a second solvent which is different from the first solvent, and a polymer which is reacted with the first solvent and the second solvent, in which the polymer includes a functional group which reacts with the first solvent by a first reaction energy and with the second solvent by a second reaction energy, and the second reaction energy is smaller than the first reaction energy.

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: A device includes a ceramic thin plate member including a fired ceramic sheet; and a metal thin plate member having an outer shape larger than that of the ceramic thin plate member. An outer circumferential portion of the ceramic thin plate member is joined to the metal thin plate member. The ceramic thin plate member has through holes and a plurality of crease portions. Each crease portion has a ridge portion whose crest continuously extends from a joint portion between the ceramic thin plate member and the metal thin plate member toward an outer circumferential portion of the metal thin plate member. Since thermal stress due to a difference in thermal expansion between the metal thin plate member and the ceramic thin plate member can be relaxed through expansion of the crease portions, the ceramic thin plate member does not deform.

Abstract: Provided is a connected body connecting electrically between power generation parts of SOFCs, which has high connection strength and high reliability of electric connection. Adjacent two segmented-in-series type SOFCs (100), (100) are connected to each other with a metallic connecting member (300). A “left side end portion of the connecting member (300)” and an “interconnector (30) electrically connected to an air electrode (60) provided on the SOFC (100) on the left side” are electrically connected to each other with a connecting material (80), and a “right side end portion of the connecting member (300)” and the “interconnector (30) electrically connected to a fuel electrode (20) provided on the SOFC (100) on the right side” are electrically connected to each other with the connecting material (80). Both of the interconnectors (30), (30) to be respectively connected to both ends of the metallic connecting member (300) with the connecting material (80) are formed of dense conductive materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, owing to its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used for a variety of purposes and is particularly suitable as a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) for the production of membrane electrode units for so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell module. The fuel cell module according to preferred embodiments of the present invention includes: a first support part including a first body part surrounding one side of an outer peripheral surface of a fuel cell and a first connection part formed on one side of the first body part in a longitudinal direction; a second support part including a second body part surrounding the other side of the outer peripheral surface of the fuel cell and the second connection part formed on one side of the second body part in a longitudinal direction; and a fixing part passing through the first connection part and the second connection part to connect and fix the first connection part and the second connection part to each other.

Abstract: System and methods relating to a configuration for a fuel cell system having lower coolant path isolation resistances are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell system may include a first fuel cell substack comprising a first plurality of cells. The fuel cell system may further include a second fuel cell substack comprising a second plurality of cells. The first and second fuel cell substacks may share at least one terminal and/or share a common wet end. A coolant system may be coupled to the first fuel cell substack and the second fuel cell substack and be configured to remove heat generated by the first fuel cell substack and the second fuel cell stack during operation of the fuel cell system using a coolant.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic seal for ionic transport devices such as solid oxide fuel cell stacks or oxygen transport membrane applications. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise glass-ceramic sealant material based on a Barium-Aluminum-Silica system, which exhibits a high enough coefficient of thermal expansion to closely match the overall CTE of a SOFC cell/stack (preferably from about 11 to 12.8 ppm/° C.), good sintering behavior, and a very low residual glass phase (which contributes to the stability of the seal).

Abstract: A titanium material for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell separator consists of, by mass %, a platinum group metal: 0.005% to 0.15% and a rare earth metal: 0.002% to 0.10%, with the balance being Ti and impurities. The titanium material of the present invention is provided with a film formed of a titanium oxide and a platinum group metal on the surface thereof. It is preferred that the film has a thickness of 50 nm or less, and that the concentration of the platinum group metal on the surface of the film is 1.5% by mass or more. With the thus formed film, the titanium material of the present invention is capable of achieving a reduction in initial contact resistance and ensuring good corrosion resistance. In the titanium material of the present invention, the rare earth metal is preferably Y, and the platinum group metal is preferably Pd.

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: A sealed assembly is made using sealant including a deformable spacer to control thickness without adversely impacting elasticity and sealing force. Deformable spacers (e.g., elastomer, polyolefin, etc.) are mixed with an elastomeric precursor material and dispensed onto an assembly component, such as a fuel cell bipolar plate, and the remaining component(s) are assembled by pressing against the deformable spacer to ensure a defined seal thickness. The precursor is cured to form a seal that is further compressed to provide an effective sealing force. The deformable spacers control the thickness of a sealed area and allow use of form-in-place sealing processes.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body which includes separators and a membrane electrode assembly. A first terminal plate, a first insulator, and a first end plate are disposed at a first end of the stacked body. A second terminal plate, a second insulator, and a second end plate are disposed at a second end of the stacked body. Each of the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate is provided in a first recessed portion formed in each of the first insulator and the second insulator. Each of the first and second insulators includes an outer peripheral part and a protrusion and recess portion in the outer peripheral part which is in contact with each of the separators that is disposed at the first and second ends. The protrusion and recess portion has a shape corresponding to a protrusion and recess shape of the separator.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel or solid oxide electrolysis cell Stack assembly (203) has an improved, simple, cost reducing and robust compression System, housing and Single sided System interface with a flexible-interface-fixture (204) which is rigid enough to fix the at least one cell Stack in the housing when not in Operation, but flexible enough to allow for transfer of the compression force from the flexible compression mat (211) in the top closed end of the housing (201), through the at least one cell Stack and further towards the interface counterpart of the System when in Operation.