Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen sensor and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a hydrogen sensor having a vertical nanogap structure, in which a nanogap is formed below a sensor portion to bring the sensor portion and an electrode into contact with each other when the sensor portion reacts with hydrogen, so as to allow the sensor portion to expand and contract freely without resistance on a substrate, thereby improving hydrogen sensing accuracy, and it is possible to form a precise nanogap with uniformity and reproducibility at a low cost and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A planar type solid oxide fuel cell, and more particularly, a thin and light planar type solid oxide fuel cell omits a window frame and has a simplified a unit cell having a through hole through which fuel and air flow in/out a fuel electrode.

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle provides improved space utilization and a desired intensity of voltage. The fuel cell vehicle includes a fuel cell, a junction box disposed on the fuel cell, and a power controller disposed between the fuel cell and the passenger compartment. The power controller boosts the output voltage of the fuel cell.

Abstract: Method for forming a metallic component surface to achieve lower electrical contact resistance. The method comprises modifying a surface chemical composition and creating a micro-textured surface structure of the metallic component that includes small peaks and/or pits. The small peaks and pits have a round or irregular cross-sectional shape with a diameter between 10 nm and 10 microns, a height/depth between 10 nm and 10 microns, and a distribution density between 0.4 million/cm2 and 5 billion cm2.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack including: a metal-supported cell including a power generation cell formed of paired electrodes and an electrolyte sandwiched from both sides between the paired electrodes, and a metal supporting portion which is made of metal and which supports the power generation cell; a separator defining and forming a flow passage portion for gas flow between the separator and the power generation cell; a welded portion in which the metal-supported cell and the separator are welded to each other; a spring portion configured to apply absorption reaction force for absorbing displacement in a stacking direction in the welded portion to the metal-supported cell; and a stopper portion configured to restrict a displacement amount of the spring portion.

Abstract: An ultra-miniaturized, low-cost, and maintenance-free chemical sensor is capable of continuously monitoring the concentration of specific volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors released from crop plants and green plants under distress from pests or disease. The sensor is based on micromechanical structures and relies on the mechanical actuation induced by the chemical interaction between the VOCs and materials in the microstructure to passively generate a wake-up bit when the concentration of VOCs exceeds a predetermined value. The sensor does not consume power while in standby mode (i.e., when certain VOC vapors are not present), and wirelessly communicates the location of impending outbreaks upon detection of a predetermined concentration of certain VOC vapors.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly apparatus comprising a base and a stack alignment feature extending generally perpendicular to said base for aligning ferritic fuel cell units stacked against it into a fuel cell stack assembly, wherein each fuel cell unit comprises a respective first alignment feature complimentary in shape to said stack alignment feature. Other features include a magnetic abutment extending generally perpendicular to said base for attracting the plurality of fuel cell units towards the stack alignment feature, and an alignment slider slidable generally perpendicular to said base for aligning ferritic fuel cell units stacked against the stack alignment feature. A method of using the assembly apparatus comprises stacking fuel cell units upon each other on the base with their respective first alignment features against the stack alignment feature, and attracted towards the same by virtue of the magnetic force of the at magnetic abutment.

Abstract: A piezoelectric capacitor includes A) a composite article that has 1) a dry piezoelectric layer (dry PL); 2) a first dry electrode comprising a dry electrically-conductive layer arranged contiguously with a first opposing surface of the dry PL; and 3) a second dry electrode arranged contiguously with a second opposing surface of the dry PL. The dry electrically-conductive layer has essentially (a) an electrically-conductive material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a) electrically-conductive material by at least 10%. The capacitor also has B) electrical communication means attached to both electrodes for electrical communication of the composite article with an external electrical circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for an electrochemical cell, wherein an electrode is flatly applied onto a surface of a solid oxide electrolyte, and a cathode is flatly applied onto the solid oxide electrolyte surface opposite the electrode. The base material of the electrode is a composite whose catalytically active metal component contains a nickel phase which is made of NiO as part of the electrode starting material by reducing the NiO in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere. The ceramic component is made with a doped cerium oxide and a spinel made of at least one transition metal selected from Ni, Mn, Fe, and Cr.

Abstract: A bipolar plate arranged to face an electrode along which electrolyte is circulated, the bipolar plate includes a flow passage that is provided on at least one of front and back surfaces of the bipolar plate and along which the electrolyte is circulated. The flow passage provided on the at least one of the front and back surfaces of the bipolar plate includes an introduction path along which the electrolyte is introduced and a discharge path that does not communicate with and is independent of the introduction path and along which the electrolyte is discharged. At least one of the introduction path and the discharge path includes an inclined groove that non-orthogonally intersects a long side and a short side of an imaginary rectangle that includes an outer edge of the bipolar plate.

Abstract: A separator plate for an electrochemical system is described. The separator plate may have a first individual plate and a second individual plate which is connected to the first individual plate. The first individual plate may have two first channels for leading media, the first channels running next to one another, being shaped in the first individual plate and being separated from one another at least in sections by a web which is formed between the first channels. The second individual plate may have a second channel which is for leading media and is shaped in the second individual plate. The web which is formed between the first channels and the second channel which is shaped in the second individual plate are designed and arranged in a manner such that a projection of the second channel onto the first individual plate perpendicularly to the planar surface plane of the first individual plate crosses the web along a crossing region of the web.

Abstract: An inertial piezoelectric device has: A) piezoelectric capacitor having a substrate; 2) a dry piezoelectric layer comprising a piezoelectric material; 3) a first electrode arranged contiguously with one opposing surface of the dry PL; and 4) a second electrode arranged contiguously with a second opposing surface of the first dry PL. The first dry electrically-conductive layer consists essentially of: (a) an electrically-conductive material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a) electrically-conductive material by at least 10%. The device also has B) signal processing electronics in electrical communication with the piezoelectric capacitor; C) a means for converting all or a portion of an applied force to an inertial force that is transmitted to the first dry PL; and optionally D) a proof mass that is contiguous with at least one external surface of the piezoelectric capacitor.

Abstract: A composite article is designed for use in various devices and to exhibit improved piezoelectric effects. The composite article has 1) a dry piezoelectric layer (first dry PL) comprising a piezoelectric material, and 2) a dry electrically-conductive layer arranged contiguously with an opposing surface of the first dry PL. The dry electrically-conductive layer essentially has (a) an electrically-conductive material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a) electrically-conductive material by at least 10%, and which (b) particles have a d50 of at least 500 nm and up to and including 500 ?m and a polydispersity coefficient that is less than or equal to 3. The weight ratio of the (b) particles to the (a) electrically-conductive material is at least 0.01:1 and up to and including 10:1.

Abstract: A composite article has 1) a dry piezoelectric layer comprising a piezoelectric material, 2) a dry dielectric layer arranged contiguously with at least one of the opposing surfaces of the dry piezoelectric layer, and 3) a pair of non-electrically-connected co-planar patterned electrodes. The dry dielectric layer has essentially (a?) a dielectric material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a?) dielectric material by at least 10%.

Abstract: A composite article useful in various electronic devices has 1) a dry piezoelectric layer (first dry PL) comprising a piezoelectric material, and 2) one or more dry dielectric layers arranged contiguously with opposing surfaces of the first dry PL. The dry dielectric layer has essentially: (a?) a dielectric material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a?) dielectric material by at least 10%. The (b) particles have a d50 of at least 500 nm and up to and including 500 m and a polydispersity coefficient that is less than or equal to 3, provided that the weight ratio of the (b) particles to the (a?) dielectric material is at least 0.01:1 and up to and including 10:1.

Abstract: A composite article has 1) a dry piezoelectric layer, and 2) a pair of non-electrically-connected co-planar patterned electrodes that are arranged contiguously with an opposing surface of the dry piezoelectric layer. Each electrode essentially has (a) an electrically-conductive material; and (b) particles having a Young's modulus that is different from the Young's modulus of the (a) electrically-conductive material by at least 10%.

Abstract: Electric connector assembly for electrically contacting at least one bipolar plate of a fuel cell stack including at least a support structure and at least one contact pin, which is adapted to electrically contacting the bipolar plate and is supported by the support structure, wherein the support structure includes at least a rear face which is adapted to face the fuel cell stack, a front face being opposite to the rear face, and first and second side faces, wherein the rear face includes at least one bipolar plate housing slit which extends from the first side face to the second side face, and which is adapted to accommodate at least partly the bipolar plate, thereby defining a comb-shaped support structure with at least two teeth extend from a support basis, which are separated by the intermediately arranged bipolar plate housing slit, and wherein the support structure further includes at least one contact pin accommodation opening having a size which is adapted to accommodate the contact pin.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells stacked via separators, each one of which cells has a solid electrolyte plate interposed between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The separator is constituted of an uneven member that includes a first abutting portion, a second abutting portion, and a connecting portion, the first abutting portion abuts on one fuel cell of the two adjacent fuel cells, the second abutting portion abuts on the other fuel cell, and the connecting portion connects the first abutting portion to the second abutting portion. At least one abutting portion of the first abutting portion or the second abutting portion has a section modulus greater than a section modulus of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A method electrically separates two fluid lines across a structural boundary. Fluid is transported between a first channel through a first fluid line and a second channel through a second fluid line across the structural boundary formed by a structure. The first channel and the second channel are connected by a channel formed by a fitting. The fitting is comprised of a first component, a second component, and an isolator. The first fluid line and the second fluid line are electrically separated using the isolator in the fitting.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a MEA that includes a cathode, an anode, and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, the solid electrolyte layer containing an ion-conducting solid oxide; at least one first porous metal body adjacent to at least one of the cathode and the anode and having a three-dimensional mesh-like skeleton; a second porous metal body stacked to be adjacent to the first porous metal body and having a three-dimensional mesh-like skeleton; and an interconnector adjacent to the second porous metal body. The first porous metal body has a pore size smaller than a pore size of the second porous metal body.

Abstract: The invention provides solid oxide fuel cell devices and systems, each including an elongate substrate having an active end region for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and a non-active end region that remains at a low temperature below the operating reaction temperature when the active end region is heated. An electrolyte is disposed between anodes and cathodes in the active end region, and the anodes and cathodes each have an electrical pathway extending to an exterior surface in the non-active end region for electrical connection at low temperature. The system further includes the devices positioned with their active end regions in a hot zone chamber and their non-active end regions extending outside the chamber. A heat source is coupled to the chamber to heat the active end regions to the operating reaction temperature, and fuel and air supplies are coupled to the substrates in the non-active end regions.

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

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly structure of a fuel cell and a method of making the same are disclosed. The materials to be used include NiO, 8YSZ and 3YSZ that mixed into a slurry, formed into anodes by tape casting, sintered to form an anode substrate, and followed by forming a thin film of electrolyte layer on the surface of the anode substrate, forming a cathode layer on the outer surface of the electrolyte layer to obtain the membrane electrode assembly, which utilizes the 3YSZ having a tetragonal crystal phase to improve the toughness and mechanical strength of the material of NiO-8YSZ through calcination, thus the thickness of the anode substrate can be reduced, and the fuel gas diffusion path and resistance can be appropriately reduced to enhance the conductivity of the anode substrate.

Abstract: Fabrication method of a fuel cell comprising the following successive steps: providing a substrate comprising: at least one membrane-electrode assembly, formed by an electrolytic membrane arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode, a first current collector arranged on the first electrode, depositing a fluoropolymer solution on the first current collector, making the solvent of the solution evaporate so as to form a porous thin layer of fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a fuel cell plate. The fuel cell plate includes a substrate of electrically conductive material and a first outer layer of corrosion-resistant material bonded to a first portion of the substrate. To reduce the weight of the fuel cell plate, the electrically conductive material and the corrosion-resistant material are selected to be as light as practicable.

Abstract: A fuel cell with separator includes a fuel cell body having a cathode, an anode, and a solid electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and the anode; a plate-like metal separator having first and second main surfaces and an opening which opens at the first and second main surfaces; a joint formed of an Ag-containing brazing filler metal and adapted to join the fuel cell body and the first main surface of the metal separator; and a seal formed of a glass-containing sealing material and disposed closer to the opening than is the joint, the seal being located between the first main surface and the fuel cell body and extending along the entire perimeter of the opening.

Abstract: A fuel cell according to one mode includes a plate-like interconnector having a front surface and a back surface; a single cell having a power generation function; a gas chamber provided between the interconnector and the single cell; and one or more gas inlet ports for causing a fuel gas to flow into the gas chamber, the fuel cell further including a buffer chamber provided between the gas inlet ports and the gas chamber; a flow direction changing portion provided between the buffer chamber and the gas chamber so as to be located corresponding to the gas inlet ports, the flow direction changing portion having at least one of a front surface and a back surface, and a side surface; and a fuel gas path provided on at least one of the front surface side and the back surface side of the flow direction changing portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel configurations of Direct Carbon Fuel Cells (DCFCs), which optionally comprise a liquid anode. The liquid anode comprises a molten salt/metal, preferably Sb, and a fuel, which has significant elemental carbon content (coal, bio-mass, etc.). The supply of fuel is continuously replenished in the anode. In addition, a stack configuration is suggested where combining a large number of planar or tubular fuel elements.

Abstract: The invention provides tubular solid oxide fuel cell devices and a fuel cell system incorporating a plurality of the fuel devices, each device including an elongate tube having a reaction zone for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone that remains at a low temperature below the operating reaction temperature when the reaction zone is heated. An electrolyte is disposed between anodes and cathodes in the reaction zone, and the anode and cathode each have an electrical pathway extending to an exterior surface in a cold zone for electrical connection at low temperature. In one embodiment, the tubular device is a spiral rolled structure, and in another embodiment, the tubular device is a concentrically arranged device. The system further includes the devices positioned with their reaction zones in a hot zone chamber and their cold zones extending outside the hot zone chamber.

Abstract: To provide a conductive member and a cell stack, where a concave groove of a conductive base substrate can be covered with a cover layer, as well as an electrochemical module and an electrochemical device.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for cell voltage monitoring in a fuel cell stack. A fuel cell stack assembly comprises a plurality of fuel cells disposed in a stacked configuration, each cell substantially parallel to an x-y plane and including an electrical tab extending laterally from an edge of a plate in the cell in the x-direction to form an array of tabs extending along a side face of the fuel cell stack in a z-direction orthogonal to the x-y plane. A connector device comprises a planar member having a plurality of spaced-apart slits formed in an edge of the planar member, each slit having an electrically conductive material on an inside face of the slit. The slits are spaced along the edge of the planar member and configured to receive the tabs by sliding engagement in the y-direction.

Abstract: Novel anode materials including various compositions of vanadium-doped strontium titanate (SVT), and various compositions of vanadium- and sodium-doped strontium niobate (SNNV) for low- or intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs). These materials offer high conductivity achievable at intermediate and low temperatures and can be used as the structural support of the SOFC anode and/or as the conductive phase of an anode. A method of making a low- or intermediate-temperature SOFC having an anode layer including SVT or SNNV is also provided.

Abstract: The conductive porous layer for batteries according to the present invention comprises a laminate comprising a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes at least a conductive carbon material and a polymer. The second conductive layer includes at least a conductive carbon material and a polymer. The conductive porous layer satisfies at least one of the following two conditions: “the polymer in the first conductive layer is present with a high density at the surface of the layer in contact with the second conductive layer than at the surface not in contact with the second conductive layer” and “the polymer in the second conductive layer is present with a higher density at the surface of the layer in contact with the first conductive layer than at the surface not in contact with the first conductive layer.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, a method for manufacturing the cell, and a method of operating same. The electrolytic cell has at least two bipolar plates, at least one fluid inflow and outflow, as well as at least one laminated core arranged between the at least two bipolar plates. The laminated core is constructed from laminations which are stacked one on top of the other. At least two laminations have recesses which are designed to extend through the entire thickness of the respective lamination. The at least two laminations are arranged one on top of the other in such a way that recesses in adjacent laminations overlap partially, but not completely, as a result of which ducts, which are continuous in the direction of the plane of the lamination, are formed.

Abstract: A method of forming a fuel cell stack, wherein the stack 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 flexible.

Abstract: A barrier layer for a fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the barrier layer having a thermally insulating layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an electrically conducting layer formed on the first surface of the thermally insulating layer. The thermally insulating layer may include a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and the electrically conducting layer may be formed on a second surface of the thermally insulating layer and on the walls of the thermally insulating layer forming the apertures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel cell in which an insulating material is disposed, whereby the thermal diffusion of the inside and outside of a fuel cell can be suppressed to suppress the deterioration of the performance of the fuel cell due to a temperature drop. Moreover, the physical properties of the insulating material are specified, whereby appropriate insulating properties required in the fuel cell can be obtained, and startup properties are improved. A fuel cell has a cell stack in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked, and terminal plates disposed on both sides of the cell stack in a cell stack direction thereof. The fuel cell comprises an insulating portion having an insulating material and holding plates which hold the insulating material from both the sides of the insulating material in the cell stack direction, the insulating material is held between the holding plates, and the insulating material has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W/mK or less and a porosity of 70% or more.

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 fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.

Abstract: A gasket for a manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a first layer of fibrous ceramic material having a first compressibility, a second layer of fibrous ceramic material having a second compressibility and a third layer of fibrous ceramic material having third compressibility. The third layer of fibrous ceramic material is positioned between and engaged with the first layer of fibrous ceramic material and the second layer of fibrous ceramic material. The third compressibility is less than the first compressibility and less than the second compressibility.

Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having a plurality of adjacent electrochemical cells formed of an anode layer, a cathode layer spaced apart from the anode layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the anode layer and the cathode layer. The fuel cell system also includes at least one interconnect, the interconnect being structured to conduct free electrons between adjacent electrochemical cells. Each interconnect includes a primary conductor embedded within the electrolyte layer and structured to conduct the free electrons.

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 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 fuel cell stack includes a plurality of cell modules each formed by stacking a plurality of fuel cells, each of the plurality of fuel cells having a membrane electrode assembly having an insulating member at an outer periphery portion thereof and paired separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly, and by attaching the insulating members of adjacent fuel cells together, and a seal plate interposed between the stacked cell modules. The seal plate includes a plurality of manifold holes from which two power-generation gases flow separately through the plurality of fuel cells, and a first seal member provided along a peripheral portion of each of the plurality of manifold holes to seal a corresponding one of the two power-generation gases flowing through the manifold hole.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a fuel cell plate. The fuel cell plate includes a substrate of electrically conductive material and a first outer layer of corrosion-resistant material bonded to a first portion of the substrate. To reduce the weight of the fuel cell plate, the electrically conductive material and the corrosion-resistant material are selected to be as light as practicable.

Abstract: A single fuel cell, a plurality of which are to be stacked to form a fuel cell stack, includes a membrane electrode assembly having a structure including paired electrode layers and an electrolyte membrane held between the paired electrode layers, paired separators each forming a gas passage between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly, and a displacement absorber having a conductive property and interposed between one separator of the single fuel cell and an adjacent-side separator of another single fuel cell to be stacked adjacent to the single fuel cell. The displacement absorber is connected to at least any one of the separators.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell comprises component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: A sealing structure of a fuel cell has a first gasket made of an elastomer and provided integrally on a separator, and a second gasket made of an elastomer and provided integrally on other separator. A membrane-electrode assembly is sandwiched or pinched by the first and second gaskets. The first gasket has a main lip in which a top portion brought into close contact with the membrane-electrode assembly is formed flat. The second gasket has a flat seal portion and a sub lip protruding from this flat seal portion at a position opposing the main lip. The flat seal portion and the sub lip are brought into close contact with the membrane-electrode assembly. The width of the top portion of the main lip is narrower than the width of the flat seal portion, and larger than the width of the sub lip.

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: 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.