Abstract: A centrifugal spinning system and method for forming a fibrous web containing nanofibers, microfibers, or a combination thereof from a molten polymer composition or an aqueous spinning solution is provided. Through careful control over the arrangement of the system, a fibrous web can be formed that is relatively defect free. To help accomplish this feature, at least two centrifugal spinning chambers, each containing a charged forming plate, are utilized. To minimize the present of defects in the fibrous web, the charge applied to the first spinning chamber has a polarity that is opposite the polarity of the charge applied to the second spinning chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell membrane-electrode-assembly (MEA) has an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode, the cathode electrode and the membrane is formed of electrospun nanofibers.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes at least one fuel cell element, which includes an anode, a cathode, a proton exchange membrane sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, a first flow guide plate, and a second flow guide plate. Each of the anode and the cathode includes a catalyst layer including a number of tube carriers having electron conductibility, a number of catalyst particles uniformly adsorbed on an inner wall of each of the tube carriers, and a proton conductor filled in each of the plurality of tube carriers. A first end of each of the tube carriers connects with the proton exchange membrane. The first flow guide plate is disposed on a surface of the anode away from the proton exchange membrane. The second flow guide plate is disposed on a surface of the cathode away from the proton exchange membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack of at least two fuel cells, each fuel cell having a unitized electrode assembly (UEA) including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a sub-gasket and gas diffusion media (DM), and positioned between modified stamped field-flow plates. The sub-gasket frames the MEA resulting in an overlap area between the MEA and the inner perimeter of the sub-gasket. The UEA is disposed between a pair of stamped flow-field plates which align in adjacent fuel cells to form a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has an active region, an overlap region and a seal region. The active region is configured with channel and land features which provide reactant flow channels and coolant passages for the fuel cell. The configuration of features in the overlap region, however, is modified from the configuration in the active region so that the overlap region may sustain sufficient mechanical sealing pressure, and to prevent coolant and reactant bypass without impeding coolant and reactant flow in the active area.

Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is capable of providing high power generation performance even under a low humidity condition and has sufficient mechanical strength and dimensional stability, and which has an excellent durability even in an environment where moistening and drying are repeated, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which is capable of providing high power generation performance even under a low humidity condition. A membrane/electrode assembly 10 is used, which comprises a cathode 20 having a catalyst layer 22, an anode 30 having a catalyst layer 32, and a polymer electrolyte membrane 40 interposed between the catalyst layer 22 of the cathode 20 and the catalyst layer 32 of the anode 30, wherein at least one of the cathode 20 and the anode 30 further has a reinforcing layer 26 comprising a porous sheet-form reinforcing material made of a polymer, and an electrically conductive fiber.

Abstract: Provided is an SOFC, including a fuel electrode (20), a thin-plate-like interconnector (30) provided on the fuel electrode and formed of a conductive ceramics material, and a conductive film (70) formed on a surface of the interconnector (30) opposite to the fuel electrode (20). The conductive film (70) is formed of an N-type semiconductor (e.g., LaNiO3). The N-type semiconductor generally has the property of exhibiting a smaller conductivity (a current hardly flows) at higher temperature. Therefore, a portion with a higher current density (thus, a portion with higher temperature) in the conductive film (70) in the vicinity of the interconnector (30) has a smaller conductivity (a current hardly flows). By virtue of this action, even though a “fluctuation in current density of a current flowing through the interconnector (30) and an area in the vicinity thereof” occurs for some reasons, the fluctuation can be suppressed.

Abstract: The cross-linked polyaminodiphosphonate for the removal of metal ions from wastewater is a cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte synthesized via cyclocopolymerization of diallylaminomethyldiphosphonic acid and 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride (10 mol %), a cross-linker, in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide in aqueous solution at 85° C., followed by treatment with NaOH. The cross-linked polyaminodiphosphonate may be used to remove copper and cadmium ions from wastewater. The adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic in nature, with negative and positive values for ?G and ?H, respectively. The efficiency of Cu2+ and Cd2+ removal by the cross-linked polyaminodiphosphonate was found to be 96.8% and 93.8%, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel electrode including a substrate and a nanoporous metallic catalyst layer, characterized in that the metallic catalyst layer includes open interconnected 3D nanopores, and the pore and the pore connections have a size suitable for allowing hydrocarbons having alcohol groups to pass through the interconnected pores so that they react in contact with the surface of the catalyst by confined molecular dynamics. Further, the present invention provides a compartmentless fuel cell electrode pair including the fuel electrode of the present invention; and a polymer membrane-coated oxygen electrode into which a catalyst layer is introduced onto the substrate and which blocks the hydrocarbons having alcohol groups as a fuel molecule and allows the diffusion of oxygen molecules.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a conductive porous layer for batteries in which adhesion between a conductive porous substrate and the conductive porous layer is excellent, and pores in the conductive porous layer are maintained without being deformed. The conductive porous layer for batteries of the present invention contains a laminate containing a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, the first conductive layer including a conductive carbon material and a polymer, and the second conductive layer including a conductive carbon material and a polymer, and the polymer contained in the first conductive layer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) 30° C. or more higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer contained in the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a gas diffusion electrode comprising a diffusion layer, and a reaction layer arranged to each other, wherein the diffusion layer is prepared by i) admixing a) sacrificial material, b) polymer and c) a metal-based material and d) optional further components, wherein the sacrificial material has a release temperature below about 275° C. and is added in an amount from about 1 to about 25 wt % based on the total weight of components a)-d) admixed; ii) forming a diffusion layer from the admixture of step i); iii) heating the forming diffusion layer to a temperature lower than about 275° C. so as to release at least a part of said sacrificial material from the diffusion layer. A gas diffusion electrode comprising a diffusion layer and a reaction layer arranged to one another, wherein the diffusion layer has a porosity ranging from about 60 to about 95%, and an electrolytic cell comprising the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved membrane electrode assemblies, having two electrochemically active electrodes separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assemblies according to the instant invention contains at least one phosphoric acid-containing polymer electrolyte membrane and two gas diffusion electrodes one of each located at both sides of said membrane, each of the gas diffusion electrodes having at least one catalyst layer facing towards the membrane. At least one of the gas diffusion electrodes contains a gas diffusion medium comprising an electrically conductive macroporous layer in which the pores have a mean pore diameter in the range from 10 ?m to 30 ?m and at least one micro porous layer arranged between said gas diffusion medium and said catalyst layer facing towards the membrane having a defined pore void volume and pore hydrophobicity measured by the Cobb Titration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell with enhanced mass transfer characteristics in which a highly hydrophobic porous medium, which is prepared by forming a micro-nano dual structure in which nanometer-scale protrusions with a high aspect ratio are formed on the surface of a porous medium with a micrometer-scale roughness by plasma etching and then by depositing a hydrophobic thin film thereon, is used as a gas diffusion layer, thereby increasing hydrophobicity due to the micro-nano dual structure and the hydrophobic thin film. When this highly hydrophobic porous medium is used as a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell, it is possible to reduce water flooding by efficiently discharging water produced by an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell and to improve the performance of the fuel cell by facilitating the supply of reactant gases such as hydrogen and air (oxygen) to a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA).

Abstract: A catalyst slurry including a catalyst material, a polymer binder, a plurality of inorganic particles, wherein each particle includes an ionic group, a hydrophilic oligomer, and a solvent.

Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.

Abstract: In a carbon black (CB)/PTFE composite porous sheet that can be used as a gas diffusion layer in an electrochemical device in applications involving electro chemical reaction such as a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, electrolysis, gas sensor and the like, wrinkle or breakage may be produced due to its flexibility. A method is provided which makes it possible to easily handle this sheet that is difficult to handle, without giving rise to wrinkle or breakage. The present invention relates to a method for laminating the composite sheet on MEA, comprising the steps of: providing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA); providing a composite sheet comprising functional powder and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); providing a release film; superimposing the composite sheet on the release film and pressing them at normal temperature; superimposing the composite sheet having the release film pressed at normal temperature thereto on MEA and hot-pressing them; and separating the release film from the composite sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode that can be used without using carbon supports, a method for manufacturing the same, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode according to the present invention include a network-like metallic catalyst formed of a sintered body, the network-like metallic catalyst including nanoparticles linked with each other to have electron conductivity; and an ion conductor, at least a part of the ion conductor contacting the network-like metallic catalyst. Further, the membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention includes a polymer electrolyte membrane provided between an anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer, and the catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode stated above is used in at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer.

Abstract: A separator of a fuel cell may comprise: a first groove portion formed between a first hole and a second hole on a first surface of the separator; a second groove portion formed between a third hole and a fourth hole on a second surface of the separator; a first protrusion portion formed on the first surface and surrounding the first groove portion and the first, second, third and fourth holes; a second protrusion portion formed on the second surface and surrounding the second groove portion and the first, second, third and fourth holes; and third protrusion portions formed between fifth holes and an edge of the separator on the first and second surfaces, the fifth holes being formed between the edge of the separator and an area corresponding to a region surrounded by the first protrusion portion and a region surrounded by the second protrusion portion.

Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having high mechanical strength, good handling properties, high thickness precision, little undulation, and adequate gas permeability and conductivity. Also provided is a method for producing a porous electrode substrate at low costs. A porous electrode substrate is produced by joining short carbon fibers (A) via mesh-like of carbon fibers (B) having an average diameter of 4 ?m or smaller. Further provided are a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that use this porous electrode membrane. A porous electrode substrate is obtained by subjecting a precursor sheet, in which short carbon fibers (A) and short carbon fiber precursors (b) having an average diameter of 5 ?m or smaller have been dispersed, to carbonization treatment after optional hot press forming and optional oxidization treatment.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and catalyst layers joined on both sides of the electrolyte membrane and a pair of separators disposed at both sides of the membrane electrode assembly to respectively form gas flow spaces where two types of power generation gases flow. An electrically conductive porous substrate folded in a corrugated shape is disposed in at least one of the gas flow spaces defined on both sides of the membrane electrode assembly, and a gas flow space in which the electrically conductive porous substrate is disposed is divided into a plurality of gas flow paths substantially parallel to a flow direction of the power generation gases.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (5) and separators (6A, 6B). A plurality of reactant gas channels are formed on a main surface of at least one of the separator (6A, 6B) and a gas diffusion layer (3A, 3B). In a case where among the plurality of reactant gas channels, a reactant gas channel overlapping the peripheral portion of the electrode (4A, 4B) twice is defined as a first reactant gas channel, and a reactant gas channel formed to overlap the peripheral portion of the electrode (4A, 4B) and formed such that the length of a portion overlapping the peripheral portion is longer than a predetermined length is defined as a second reactant gas channel, the second reactant gas channel is formed such that the flow rate of a reactant gas flowing therethrough is lower than that of the reactant gas flowing through the first reactant gas channel or the second reactant gas channel does not exist.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane, catalyst layers stacked on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, and two or more porous bodies having different moduli of elasticity and provided on a surface of one of the catalyst layers; a separator defining a gas flow passage between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly; and a frame body surrounding an outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane. A porous body adjacent to the separator out of the two or more porous bodies includes an outer edge portion including an outer extending portion extending to overlap with the frame body. An elastic body is provided between the outer extending portion and the frame body.

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 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 module is configured or operated, or both, such that after a shut down procedure a fuel cell stack is discharged and has its cathode electrodes at least partially blanketed with nitrogen during at least some periods of time. If the fuel cell module is restarted in this condition, electrochemical reactions are limited and do not quickly re-charge the fuel cell stack. To decrease start up time, air is moved into the cathode electrodes before the stack is re-charged. The air may be provided by a pump, fan or blower driven by a battery or by the flow or pressure of stored hydrogen. For example, an additional fan or an operating blower may be driven by a battery until the fuel cell stack is able to supply sufficient current to drive the operating blower for normal operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to membrane electrode units (MEU) for high temperature fuel cells having an improved stability and a process for their manufacture.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided, comprising a cell unit capable of gas exhausting. The cell unit comprises an anode current collector and a cathode current collector. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is interposed between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector. A frame is formed to surround the MEA, the anode current collector, and the cathode current collector. A hydrophilic gas-blocking layer is disposed adjacent to an anode side of the MEA, underlying the MEA and the frame. A hydrophobic gas-penetrating layer is disposed under the hydrophilic gas-blocking layer. At least one gas exhaust is disposed in the frame, exposing a part of the hydrophilic gas-blocking layer and contacting the area surrounding adjacent to the cell unit for exhausting a gas produced by the MEA from the cell unit.

Abstract: In a method for fabrication of an electrochemical energy converter, cermet composition layers (2A), (2B) are applied on both sides of a central ceramic plate (1), channels (3A), (3B) are made in the cermet composition layers (2A), (2B), then the channels (3A), (3B) on both sides of the plate are covered with cermet composition layers (4A), (4B). Afterwards, both sides of the ceramic structure are overlaid with conductive structures (5A), (5B) and then with subsequent layers of the cermet composition (6A), (6B) containing nickel, then both sides of the ceramic structure are overlaid with: layers constituting the solid electrolyte (7A), (7B), layers constituting electrodes (8A), (8B) and contact layers (9A), (9B).

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, a first electrode and a second electrode. The proton exchange membrane has two opposite surfaces, a first surface and a second surface. The first electrode is located adjacent to the first surface of the proton exchange membrane, and the first electrode includes a first diffusion layer and a first catalyst layer. The second electrode is located adjacent to the second surface of the proton exchange membrane, and the second electrode includes a second diffusion layer and a second catalyst layer. At least one of the first diffusion layer and the second diffusion layer includes a carbon nanotube structure. A fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a microporous layer configured to be disposed between a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell electrode assembly is provided. The microporous layer may have defined therein a plurality of hydrophilic pores, a plurality of hydrophobic pores with a diameter of 0.02 to 0.5 ?m, and a plurality of bores with a diameter of 0.5 to 100 ?m. The microporous layer structures and gas diffusion layer assemblies disclosed herein may be defined by a number of various designs and arrangements for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) including a porous fuel electrode which allows reaction of a fuel gas to proceed and which is formed of Ni and YSZ, a porous air electrode which allows reaction of an oxygen-containing gas to proceed, and a dense solid electrolyte membrane which is provided between the fuel electrode and the air electrode and which has an interface with the fuel electrode. In the fuel electrode, Ni grains present in a region located within 3 ?m from the interface (i.e., a “near-interface region”) have a mean size of 0.28 to 0.80 ?m, YSZ grains present in the near-interface region have a mean size of 0.28 to 0.80 ?m, and pores present in the near-interface region have a mean size of 0.10 to 0.87 ?m. Thus, the fuel electrode of the SOFC exhibits low reaction resistance.

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 cell structure of a fuel cell, including: a membrane electrode assembly M in which an electrolyte membrane 1 is sandwiched between a pair of electrode layers 2 and 3; a frame 4 disposed around an outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane 1; a separator 5 to define a gas channel G between the separator 5 and the membrane electrode assembly M; a seal member 6 disposed at an outer side of the gas channel G; and a gas-permeable metal porous body 23 disposed on a surface of the electrode layers 2 and 3, wherein the metal porous body 23 includes an extension 23A at an outer rim that extends outward beyond the electrode layers 2, the frame 4 includes an embedding portion 40 where the extension 23A of the metal porous body 23 is embedded, and the cell structure further comprises a holding means to hold the extension 23A of the metal porous body 23 between the separator 5 and the embedding portion 40.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a frame arranged on an outer periphery portion of the membrane electrode assembly, and a separator defining a gas flow channel between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly and between the separator and the frame. A diffuser portion which is a part of the gas flow channel, is formed between the separator and the frame. An electrode layer includes a metal porous body which is an electrode surface layer and has gas permeability. The metal porous body has at an end portion thereof, an extension part covering a region corresponding to the diffuser portion of the frame.

Abstract: A fuel cell including an electrolyte film, a catalyst layer, two diffusion layers, a fuel supply layer, an oxygen supply layer, a water-absorbing layer, and a collector. The fuel cell has an opening at least in a part of a side surface parallel to a proton conduction direction of the electrolyte film among side surfaces of the fuel cell. The water-absorbing layer is present between the oxygen supply layer and the collector. An end portion of the water-absorbing layer is present on one of a plane including the opening and an opposite side of the fuel cell with the plane including the opening being a reference. A fuel cell system having a fuel cell stack including the fuel cells. The fuel cell has a high water discharging ability and is capable of maintaining stable high generation efficiency and providing a high output even while being small-sized and light-weight.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer having a first major surface and a second major surface which is positioned opposite to said first major surface and an interior between said first and second major surfaces is formed. The gas diffusion layer comprises a porous carbon substrate which is directly fluorinated in the interior and is substantially free of fluorination on at least one of the first major surfaces or the second major surfaces, and preferably both surfaces. The gas diffusion layer may be formed using protective sandwich process during direct fluorination or by physically or chemically removing the C—F atomic layer at the major surfaces, for example by physical plasma etching or chemical reactive ion etching.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane; a cathode catalyst layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer including a cathode micro porous layer and a cathode gas diffusion layer substrate, arranged in order on one side of the polymer electrolyte membrane, and an anode catalyst layer and an anode gas diffusion layer including an anode micro porous layer and an anode gas diffusion layer substrate, arranged in order on the other side of the polymer electrolyte membrane. A relative gas diffusion coefficient of the anode micro porous layer is smaller than a relative gas diffusion coefficient of the cathode micro porous layer by an amount equal to or greater than 0.05[?].

Abstract: A catalyst electrode layer includes an anion conductive elastomer in which a quaternary base type anion exchange group is introduced into at least a part of an aromatic ring of a copolymer of an aromatic vinyl compound, and a conjugated diene compound or a copolymer where a double bond of a main chain is partially or completely saturated by hydrogenating a conjugated diene part of the copolymer, and in which at least a part of the quaternary base type anion exchange group forms a cross-linked structure; and an electrode catalyst.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to electrocatalysts. The electrocatalyst may include at least one gas-diffusion layer having a first side and a second side, and particle cores adhered to at least one of the first and second sides of the at least one gas-diffusion layer. The particle cores includes surfaces adhered to the at least one of the first and second sides of the at least one gas-diffusion layer and surfaces not in contact with the at least one gas-diffusion layer. Furthermore, a thin layer of catalytically atoms may be adhered to the surfaces of the particle cores not in contact with the at least one gas-diffusion layer.

Abstract: An example fuel cell assembly may include a proton exchange membrane (or membrane electrode assembly) that has a first major surface and a second major surface. An anode electrode, which may include a patterned metal layer with a plurality of apertures extending through the patterned metal layer, may also be provided. An anode gas diffusion layer secured to an anode adhesive frame may be situated between the anode electrode and the first major surface of the proton exchange membrane. A cathode electrode may, in some instances, include a patterned metal layer with a plurality of apertures extending through the patterned metal layer. A cathode gas diffusion layer secured to a cathode adhesive frame may be situated between the cathode electrode and the second major surface of the proton exchange membrane. In some instances a fuel cell assembly may be flexible so that the fuel cell assembly can be rolled into a rolled configuration that defines an inner cavity with open ends.

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: A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell has a laminate having a polymer electrolyte membrane with catalyst layers on both sides, gas diffusion layers that hold the polymer electrolyte membrane between the gas diffusion layers, and a first plastic film that covers a rim portion of the polymer electrolyte membrane, the catalyst layers and the gas diffusion layers, metal porous bodies disposed on both entire faces of the laminate, and a second plastic film that further covers a rim portion of the laminate and the metal porous bodies that are laminated together. Rim portions of the metal porous bodies are held between the first plastic film and the second plastic film.

Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having high mechanical strength, good handling properties, high thickness precision, little undulation, and adequate gas permeability and conductivity. Also provided is a method for producing a porous electrode substrate at low costs. A porous electrode substrate is produced by joining short carbon fibers (A) via mesh-like of carbon fibers (B) having an average diameter of 4 ?m or smaller. Further provided are a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that use this porous electrode membrane. A porous electrode substrate is obtained by subjecting a precursor sheet, in which short carbon fibers (A) and short carbon fiber precursors (b) having an average diameter of 5 ?m or smaller have been dispersed, to carbonization treatment after optional hot press forming and optional oxidization treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modified planar cell with a solid-oxide solid electrolyte, a gas-diffuse anode, a cathode, a metal or oxide current path and a current-gas supply. The supporting solid electrolyte of the cell is in the form of a corrugated plate consisting of corrugations. In cross-section, the corrugations of the plate constitute an isosceles, identical-height trapezium, without a larger lower base with holes. The holes are formed on one side in the upper part of each corrugation, for supplying one of the reagents, e.g. fuel in case of a fuel cell. The corrugations are connected to one another at their base in order to form gas space channels of the cell. The gas space channels are in the form of inverted isosceles trapezia without a larger upper base and the angle ? at their smaller base is 0.1 to 89.9°. The corrugated plate is connected to two opposing walls, a front wall and a rear wall.

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: An anode separator of a fuel cell forms: a plurality of gas flow channels arranged in parallel to let a fuel gas flow to an MEA; a supply passage configured to supply the plurality of gas flow channels with the fuel gas; and a recovery passage configured to recover the fuel gas from the plurality of gas flow channels. The plurality of gas flow channels include: a gas flow channel connects the supply passage and the recovery passage; and a gas flow channel having the supply passage side blocked.

Abstract: In a proton exchange membrane fuel cell power plant (9) in which each of the fuel cells (11) employ reactant gas flow field channels (51) extending inwardly from a first surface of a conductive, water permeable reactant gas flow field plate (50), for at least one of the reactants of the fuel cell, a region (63) of the reactant gas flow field channels is substantially shallower than the remaining portion (60) of the flow field channels (51) thereby decreasing resistance to gas phase mass transfer from the wetted walls of the flow field plate to the gas in the region (63), the resulting increase in thickness of the web (58) adjacent the region (63) reduces the resistance to liquid water transport from the first coolant channel (52) to the inlet edge (55) of the plate (50) so that the plate supports a higher evaporation rate into the reactant gas in the shallow region (63).

Abstract: The present invention provides a local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer configured to enhance the water removal performance of a fuel cell For this purpose, the present invention provides a gas diffusion layer in which a region under each of a pair of lands, which receives a clamping pressure of the fuel cell stack, is subjected to local hydrophilic treatment by a simple process, thereby enhancing the water removal performance of the fuel cell stack. In particular, the local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer has a first region under each land of the separator which receives the clamping pressure; and a second region under the gas channel of the separator, wherein the first region is subjected to hydrophilic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal catalyst composition modified by a nitrogen-containing compound, which effectively reduces cathode catalyst poisoning. The catalyst composition applied on the anode also lowers the over-potential. The catalyst coupled with the nitrogen-containing compound has increased three-dimensional hindrance, which improves the distribution of the catalyst particles and improves the reaction activity.

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: An example of a stable electrode structure is to use a gradient electrode that employs large platinum particle catalyst in the close proximity to the membrane supported on conventional carbon and small platinum particles in the section of the electrode closer to a GDL supported on a stabilized carbon. Some electrode parameters that contribute to electrode performance stability and reduced change in ECA are platinum-to-carbon ratio, size of platinum particles in various parts of the electrode, use of other stable catalysts instead of large particle size platinum (alloy, etc), depth of each gradient sublayer. Another example of a stable electrode structure is to use a mixture of platinum particle sizes on a carbon support, such as using platinum particles that may be 6 nanometers and 3 nanometers. A conductive support is typically one or more of the carbon blacks.