Abstract: The present invention relates to fuel cell devices and fuel cell systems, methods of using fuel cell devices and systems, and methods of making fuel cell devices. According to certain embodiments, the fuel cell devices may include an elongate substrate, such as a rectangular or tubular substrate, the length of which is the greatest dimension such that the coefficient of thermal expansion has only one dominant axis that is coextensive with the length. In addition, or in accordance with other certain embodiments, a reaction zone is positioned along a first portion of the length for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone is positioned along a second portion of the length for operating at a temperature below the operating reaction temperature. There are one or more fuel passages in the elongate substrate, each having an associate anode, and one or more oxidizer passages in the elongate substrate, each having an associate cathode.

Abstract: A fuel cell including an anode conductive layer, an anode catalyst layer, an electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer, a cathode conductive layer, and a cathode diffusion layer stacked in this order, in which the cathode diffusion layer has a fabric structure in which a water-swellable fiber and a non-water-swellable fiber are arranged. Preferably, in the fabric structure, the water-swellable fiber is arranged in either one of a warp and a weft. Preferably, gas permeability of the cathode diffusion layer increases as the water absorption amount of the water-swellable fiber increases.

Abstract: An anode structure comprises an array of carbon nanotubes having a diffusion side and a membrane side, and catalyst particles interspersed on inner surfaces of the membrane side of the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have an average diameter greater than the size of the hydrogen molecule but smaller than the size of the carbon monoxide molecule. Thus, hydrogen flowing toward the catalyst particles interspersed inside the carbon nanotubes are able to go through, while the flow of trace amounts of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen is blocked, preventing the poisoning of the catalyst particles by the carbon monoxide. A fuel cell utilizing the anode structure and a method for manufacturing the anode structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The gas diffusion layer having different hydrophilic/hydrophobic structure and channel therein can be manufactured quickly and easily by using a coating mask. The gas diffusion layer is used in various fuel cells to enhance the ability of water management and to solve the problem of flooding at the cathode, the problem of water deficit at the anode, and the problem of gas transfer. The gas diffusion layer includes a gas diffusion medium having a first property and a micro porous layer having a second property. The micro porous layer is formed on one surface of the gas diffusion medium. The micro porous layer has a plurality of channel layers penetrating the gas diffusion medium. One of the first property and the second property is hydrophilic, and the other is hydrophobic.

Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), including: a fuel electrode for allowing a fuel gas to be reacted; an air electrode for allowing a gas containing oxygen to be reacted; an electrolyte film provided between the fuel electrode and the air electrode; and a reaction prevention film provided between the air electrode and the electrolyte film. The reaction prevention film includes two layers including one layer of a porous layer having an interface with the electrolyte film; and one layer of a dense layer having an interface with the air electrode. The dense layer has a porosity of 5% or less and the porous layer has a porosity of 5.1 to 60%. The porous layer includes closed pores each having a diameter of 0.1 to 3 ?m. The porous layer includes closed pores each including a component (such as Sr) for the air electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making fuel cell devices. Anode and cathode layers are applied on respective first and opposing second sides of a first portion of a first green ceramic layer, and a second green ceramic layer of thickness approximately equal to that of the anode and cathode layers is applied on a second portion of each of the first and second sides of the first green ceramic layer. A sacrificial layer is applied over each of the anode, cathode and second green ceramic layers, and a third green ceramic layer is applied over the sacrificial layers. The layered structure is heated to sinter all the layers and burn out the sacrificial layers. A pair of gas passages is thus formed with a thick sintered ceramic therebetween as a passive supporting portion and an anode, thin electrolyte and cathode therebetween as an active portion of the device.

Abstract: An electrode assembly and a method of making an electrode assembly. One embodiment of the method includes coating an ionomer solution onto a catalyst coated diffusion media to form a wet ionomer layer, and applying a porous reinforcement layer to the wet ionomer layer such that the wet ionomer layer at least partially impregnates the reinforcement layer. Drying the wet ionomer layer with the impregnated reinforcement layer and joining it to the catalyst coated diffusion media forms an assembly that includes an integrally-reinforced proton exchange membrane layer. This layer may be additionally joined to other ionomer layers and other catalyst coated diffusion media such that a membrane electrode assembly is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a precursor of a negative electrode compartment for rechargeable metal-air batteries, comprising a rigid casing (1), at least one solid electrolyte membrane (2), a protective covering (5), completely covering the inside face of the solid electrolyte membrane (2), a metallic current collector (3) applied against the inside face of the protective covering (5), preferably also a block (4) of elastic material applied against the current collector and essentially filling the entire internal space defined by the walls of the rigid casing and the solid electrolyte (2), and a flexible electronic conductor (6) passing in a sealed manner through one of the walls of the rigid casing. The present invention also relates to a negative electrode compartment having a rigid casing obtained from said precursor and to a battery containing such a negative electrode compartment.

Abstract: In the production of a membrane/electrode assembly 10, a first catalyst layer 22 (a second catalyst layer 34) is formed by a process comprising steps (a) and (b). (a) A step of applying a coating fluid comprising a catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, on a substrate to form a coating fluid layer. (b) A step of disposing a reinforcing layer 24 (34) on the coating fluid layer formed in the step (a) and then, drying the coating fluid layer to form a first catalyst layer 22 (a second catalyst layer 34) The process provides a catalyst layer whereby defects such as cracks are scarcely formed in the catalyst layer, and the bond strength is high at the interface between the catalyst layer and a reinforcing layer and at the interface between the catalyst layer and a polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A support wafer made of silicon wafer comprising, on a first surface a porous silicon layer having protrusions, porous silicon pillars extending from the porous silicon layer to the second surface of the wafer, in front of each protrusion. Layers constituting a fuel cell can be formed on the support wafer.

Abstract: Provided is a power generation cell for a solid electrolyte fuel cell using a lanthanum gallate solid electrolyte as a solid electrolyte, particularly a structure of a fuel electrode of the power generation cell for the solid electrolyte fuel cell. The fuel electrode is of a power generation cell for a solid electrolyte fuel cell in which particles (2) of a B-doped ceria (wherein, B represents one or two or more of Sm, La, Gd, Y and Ca) are attached to the surface of the framework of porous nickel having a framework structure in which a network is formed by mutual sintering of nickel particles (1). The ceria particles (2) are distributed with the highest density and attached around the framework structure portions (3) the sectional areas of which are made small by the mutual sintering of the nickel particles (1) to be bonded to each other.

Abstract: An MEA for a fuel cell that employs multiple catalyst layers to reduce the hydrogen and/or oxygen partial pressure at the membrane so as to reduce the fluoride release rate from the membrane and reduce membrane degradation. An anode side multi-layer catalyst configuration is positioned at the anode side of the MEA membrane. The anode side multi-layer catalyst configuration includes an anode side under layer positioned against the membrane and including a catalyst, an anode side middle layer positioned against the anode side under layer and not including a catalyst and an anode side catalyst layer positioned against the anode side middle layer and opposite to the anode side under layer and including a catalyst, where the amount of catalyst in the anode side catalyst layer is greater than the amount of catalyst in the anode side under layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a membrane-electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, and a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell formed thereby. In the method, a 3-layered membrane-electrode assembly is formed in which a catalyst electrode layer is disposed on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane. A sub-gasket having an opening therein and having a primer layer formed on one surface thereof is formed, and is attached on both surfaces of the 3-layered membrane-electrode assembly such that the surface of the sub-gasket having the primer layer formed thereon faces the outside (is exposed) and the catalyst electrode layer is exposed through the opening.

Abstract: A membrane-membrane reinforcing member assembly includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1); one or more membrane-like first membrane reinforcing members (10) disposed on a main surface (F10) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) so as to extend along a peripheral edge of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) as a whole; and one or more membrane-like second membrane reinforcing members (11) disposed on the first membrane reinforcing members (10) so as to extend along the peripheral edge of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) as a whole and disposed such that an inner edge of the second membrane reinforcing member (11) and an inner edge of the first membrane reinforcing member (10) do not coincide with each other.

Abstract: Self-supporting thin film membranes of ceramic materials and related electrochemical cells and cell stacks. The membrane structure is divided into a plurality of self-supporting thin membrane regions by a network of thicker integrated support ribs. The membrane structure may be prepared by laminating a thin electrolyte layer with a thicker ceramic layer that forms a network of support ribs.

Abstract: A membrane-membrane reinforcing member assembly includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) having a substantially quadrilateral shape; a membrane-like first membrane reinforcing member (10a) disposed on a first main surface (F10) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) to bend at a substantially right angle at a corner of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and extend along sides forming the corner; and a membrane-like second membrane reinforcing member (10b) disposed on a second main surface (F20) of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) to bend at a substantially right angle at a corner of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and extend along sides forming the corner, and the first membrane reinforcing member (10a) and the second membrane reinforcing member (10b) are disposed to extend along four sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) as a whole.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode unit includes two diffusion layers, each layer being in contact with a catalyst layer and the layers separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane. A polymer frame contacts at least one of the two surfaces of the membrane. The frame includes an inner region on at least one surface of the membrane and an outer region outside the diffusion layer. The thickness of the outer region is between 50 and 100% of the thickness of the inner region. The thickness of the outer region is reduced by a maximum 2% at a temperature of 80° C. and a pressure of 10 N/mm over a period of 5 hours, the reduction being determined after a first compression process, carried out at a pressure of 10 N/mm for 1 minute.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous electrode substrate that has low production cost, high mechanical strength, thickness precision, and surface smoothness, and sufficient gas permeability and electrical conductivity, and a method for producing the same. In the present invention, for example, a porous electrode substrate that includes short carbon fibers (A) joined together via three-dimensional mesh-like carbon fibers (B) is produced by a method including a step (1) of dispersing short carbon fibers (A), and short carbon fiber precursors (b) to be fibrillated by beating, to produce a precursor sheet; and a step (2) of subjecting the precursor sheet to carbonization treatment at a temperature of 1000° C. or higher.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode including a cathode catalyst, and a first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles between the anode and the cathode, such that the first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles is not in contact with the anode. The cathode may be a cathode assembly including a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and proton-conducting metal nanoparticles on the cathode catalyst.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly including an anode that incorporates a porous support and a hydrogen permeable metal thin film disposed on the porous support; a cathode; and a proton conductive solid oxide electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: Fuel cells 100 of the invention are operable at a temperature of about 500° C. The unit cell has a solid oxide electrolyte layer formed on a hydrogen separable metal layer. An anode has a catalyst supported thereon to accelerate a reforming reaction of methane. A fuel gas is produced by reforming a hydrocarbon-containing material in a reformer 20. Setting a lower reaction temperature enables production of the fuel gas containing both methane and hydrogen. In the fuel cells 100 receiving a supply of the fuel gas, the reforming reaction of methane contained in the fuel gas proceeds simultaneously with consumption of hydrogen contained in the fuel gas. This methane reforming reaction is endothermic to absorb heat produced in the process of power generation and thereby equalizes the operation temperature of the fuel cells 100.

Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell includes a solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, an anode 2 contacting one of the faces of the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, a cathode 3 contacting the other face of the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 1, and a gas-liquid separation membrane 4 enclosing a MEA 12 including the solid polymer electrolytic membrane 4, the anode 2, and the cathode 3, and which transmits gas but not liquid. An end face of the gas-liquid separation membrane 1 is sealed, and the MEA 12 is isolated from outside of the gas-liquid separation membrane 4. The anode 2 and the cathode 3 respectively include an electrode terminal extending from an end portion thereof, and the electrode terminal is exposed to outside of the gas-liquid separation membrane 4, through an end portion thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-layered electrode for fuel cell and a method for producing the same, wherein the electrode can be operated under non-humidification and normal temperature, the flooding of the electrode catalyst layer can be prevented, and the long-term operation characteristic can be increased due to the prevention of the loss of the electrode catalyst layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell. A solid oxide fuel cell 100 according to the present invention is configured to include an anode support 110, a plurality of channels including a first channel 120, a second channel 130, a third channel 140, and a fourth channel 150 penetrating through the anode support 110, an electrolyte 160 formed in inner side surfaces of specific channels, and a cathode 170 formed in an inner side surface of the electrolyte 160, whereby fuel is supplied to the outside of the anode support 110 as well as the channel in which the electrolyte 160 and the cathode 170 are not formed, thereby making it possible to increase the efficiency of the solid oxide fuel cell 100.

Abstract: A hierarchical mesoporous carbon is provided in which a total volume of mesopores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon is 80% or greater of a total volume of pores of the hierarchical mesoporous carbon; a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 20 nm and no greater than 50 nm is 3% or greater of the total volume of the pores; and a volume of mesopores with a average diameter greater than 2 nm and no greater than 10 nm is 65% or greater of the total volume of the pores. The hierarchical mesoporous carbon, which also contains macropores, has an optimized mesoporous distribution characteristic, and has an increased total volume of pores, thereby having a significantly improved catalytic activity when used as a catalyst support. When such a supported catalyst including the hierarchical mesoporous carbon as a support is used in a fuel cell, supply of fuel and transporting of byproducts are facilitated.

Abstract: A diffusion medium layer for a fuel cell, including an electrically conductive microtruss structure disposed between a pair of electrically conductive grids is provided. At least one of the microtruss structure and the grids is formed from a radiation-sensitive material. A fuel cell having the diffusion medium layer and a method for fabricating the diffusion medium layer is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated fuel cell assembly is described. The integrated fuel cell assembly includes a polymer membrane; an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on opposite sides of the polymer membrane; a pair of gas diffusion media on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, the gas diffusion media comprising a microporous layer and a gas diffusion layer, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode positioned between the polymer membrane and the pair of gas diffusion media; a subgasket positioned around a perimeter of one of the gas diffusion media, the subgasket defining an active area inside the perimeter, the subgasket having a layer of thermally activated adhesive thereon; and a bipolar plate sealed to the subgasket by the layer of thermally activated adhesive. Methods of making the integrated fuel cell assembly and assembling fuel cell stacks are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, a fuel cell, and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention forms a micro current collecting layer between a gas diffusion layer and a micro porous layer and surface-contacts a pair of laminates for an electrode so that each electrolyte layer formed by applying an electrolyte solution thereon contacts with each other, thereby shortening a moving distance of electrons to minimize the current collecting resistance and loss and reduce the interface resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell in which an anode is formed with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion may be used as a gas diffusion path, thereby improving gas diffusion performance, and the hollow portion may be also used as a reinforcement hole for reinforcing a strength or a current collecting hole for increasing a current collecting efficiency, thereby improving a cell strength and also increasing an efficiency of producing electric energy. The solid oxide fuel cell has an electrolyte layer; an anode; a cathode; and a hollow portion formed in the anode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a direct methanol fuel cell includes an anode to which an aqueous methanol solution is supplied as the fuel, a cathode to which oxidizing gas is supplied, an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode, a first separator disposed on the surface of the anode on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane side and a second separator disposed on the surface of the cathode on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane side, wherein the first and second separators are respectively made of a membrane containing a copolymer of a first vinyl monomer having a cyclic functional group bonded with a carbonyl group, a second vinyl monomer having a carboxyl group and a third vinyl monomer having an aromatic group, and a carbon powder dispersed in the copolymer.

Abstract: A microporous thin film, a method of forming the same and a fuel cell including the microporous thin film, are provided. The microporous thin film includes uniform nanoparticles and has a porosity of at least about 20%. Therefore, the microporous thin film can be efficiently used in various applications such as fuel cells, primary and secondary batteries, adsorbents, and hydrogen storage alloys. The microporous thin film is formed on a substrate, includes metal nanoparticles, and has a microporous structure with porosity of 20% or more.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) having a cathode face and an anode face. The MEA is between a cathode fluid flow field plate and an anode fluid flow field plate. A diffusion structure is between the MEA and a corresponding fluid flow field plate, which is either the cathode fluid flow field plate or the anode fluid flow field plate. The diffusion structure has a first face in contact with, or adjacent to, the MEA and a second face in contact with, or adjacent to, the corresponding fluid flow field plate. The diffusion structure includes a first layer having a first level of hydrophobicity and a second layer that is hydrophilic. The second layer is adjacent to the corresponding fluid flow field plate, and includes a hydrophilic binder material.

Abstract: An insulating mount structure for a fuel cell, which includes insulating mounts (2) for mounting the fuel cell stack (1) on a grounded structure (7), and a water barrier (3) extending in a space between the fuel cell a stack (1) and the grounded structure (7), being electrically isolated from both of the fuel cell (1) and the grounded structure (7). The water barrier (3) is formed in a container shape having an opening (3a) on upper side thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst layer 2 is formed by conductive particles 4 carrying catalyst particles 5, and a boundary layer 3 is disposed adjacent to the catalyst layer 2 and is positioned between a portion which is easily contacted with an oxygen gas and the catalyst layer 2. The boundary layer 3 is formed by the conductive particles 4 carrying the catalyst particles 5 and a catalyst-carrying amount in the boundary layer 3 is smaller than a catalyst-carrying amount in the catalyst layer 2 and a hydrophilic treatment is carried out on the conductive particles 4 of the boundary layer 3 by a hydrophilic material, such that the hydrophilic characteristics of the conductive particles of the boundary layer are higher than that of the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane, having a layer sequence comprising an ion-conducting membrane (2), a catalyst layer (3) and a gas diffusion layer (5). A substantially catalyst-free, porous condensation layer (5) is arranged between the catalyst layer (3) and the membrane (2).

Abstract: A PEM based water electrolysis stack consists of a number of cells connected in series by using interconnects. Water and electrical power (power supply) are the external inputs to the stack. Water supplied to the oxygen electrodes through flow fields in interconnects is dissociated into oxygen and protons. The protons are transported through the polymer membrane to the hydrogen electrodes, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas. If the electrolysis stack is required to be used exclusively as an oxygen generator, the hydrogen gas generated would have to be disposed off safely. The disposal of hydrogen would lead to a number of system and safety related issues, resulting in the limited application of the device as an oxygen generator. Hydrogen can be combusted to produce heat or better disposed off in a separate fuel cell unit which will supply electricity generated, to the electrolysis stack to reduce power input requirements.

Abstract: A direct liquid fuel cell is disclosed and wherein the fuel cell includes an anode fluid diffusion layer positioned adjacent to the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly, and which consists of, at least in part, a porous electrically conductive ceramic material which is substantially devoid of predetermined fluid passageways. A source of an aqueous hydrocarbon fuel solution is coupled in direct fluid flowing relation relative to the anode fluid diffusion layer, and the anode fluid diffusion layer substantially evenly distributes the aqueous hydrocarbon fuel solution across the active area surface of the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode comprises at least one gas diffusion media, at least one supported catalyst layer disposed on top of the gas diffusion media, the supported catalyst layer comprising at least one supported catalyst, and an unsupported catalyst layer disposed on top of the supported catalyst layer, the unsupported catalyst layer having a higher total catalyst loading than the supported catalyst layer.

Abstract: In an electrolyte-electrode joined assembly (MEA), a cathode is formed on an intermediate layer stacked on a solid electrolyte. The cathode is a laminate containing at least a first layer facing the intermediate layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The first layer contains a perovskite-type composite oxide represented by BaxSr1-xCoyFe1-yO3 or LaxSr1-xCoyFe1-yO3. The intermediate layer has an open pore on a surface thereof facing the first layer, and the pore is filled with the first layer.

Abstract: A MEMS-based fuel cell has a substrate, an electrolyte in contact with the substrate, a cathode in contact with the electrolyte, an anode spaced apart from the cathode and in contact with the electrolyte, and an integral manifold for supplying either a fuel or an oxidant or both together, the integral manifold extending over at least a portion of the electrolyte and over at least one of the anode and cathode. Methods for making and using arrays of the fuel cells are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel cell including an elongate substrate the length of which is the greatest dimension such that the elongate substrate exhibits thermal expansion along a dominant axis that is coextensive with the length. A reaction zone is provided along a first portion of the length for heating to an operating reaction temperature, and at least one cold zone is provided along a second portion of the length that remains at a low temperature below the operating reaction temperature when the reaction zone is heated. An electrolyte is disposed between an anode and a cathode in the reaction zone and the electrolyte is monolithic with an interior ceramic support structure of the elongate substrate. The anode and cathode each have an electrical pathway extending to an exterior surface of the at least one cold zone for electrical connection at low temperature.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane; and a first electrode and a second electrode located on opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane; each electrode comprising a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer; the catalyst layer is located between the gas diffusion layer and the proton exchange membrane; and the gas diffusion layer comprising a carbon nanotube film structure, the carbon nanotube film structure comprising at least one carbon nanotube layer, the carbon nanotube layer comprising a plurality of carbon nanotubes oriented along a same direction. A method of making the same is also related.

Abstract: To prevent the liquid electrolyte from penetrating into the porous support while at the same time preserving or increasing the power density of the fuel cell, before the liquid electrolyte is deposited, at least a part of the walls delineating the pores of said support is covered by a film formed by a material presenting a contact angle of more than 90° with a drop of said liquid electrolyte. Said film further presents a thickness enabling passage of the reactive fluid in the pores of the support.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane electrode assembly (5) having a pair of electrodes (4a, 4b) sandwiching a portion of a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) which is inward relative to a peripheral portion thereof, a first separator (6a), and a second separator (6b), the first separator (6a) is provided with a first reaction gas channel (8) on one main surface, the second separator (6b) is provided with a second reaction gas channel (9) on one main surface such that the second reaction gas channel (9) has a second rib portion (12), the first reaction gas channel (8) is formed such that a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of an upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is set larger than a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of a downstream portion (18c) to the second rib portion (12), and the ratio of the first reaction gas channel width of the upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A carbon-fiber-based gas diffusion layer (GDL) for use in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC) having structured hydrophilic properties, wherein materials with hydrophilic properties and selected from the group of metal oxides in an average domain size of 0.5 to 80 ?m are present as hydrophilic wicks in the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell (40) includes first and second catalysts (12?), (14?) secured to opposed surfaces of an electrolyte (16?); a first flow field (26?) secured in fluid communication with the first catalyst (12?) defining a plurality of flow channels (30A?, 30B?, 30C?, 30D?) between a plurality of ribs (32A?, 32B?, 32C?, 32D?, 32E?) of the first flow field (26?); and a backing layer (42) secured between the first flow field (26?) and the first catalyst (12?). The backing layer (42) includes a carbon black, a hydrophobic polymer, and randomly-dispersed carbon fibers (44). The carbon fibers (44) are at least twice as long as a width (46) of the flow channels (30A?, 30B?, 30C?, 30D?) defined in the adjacent first flow field (26?). The backing layer (42) replaces a known substrate (22) and diffusion layer (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas diffusion electrode for polymer electrolyte fuel cells having a working temperature of up to 250° C., comprising a plurality of gas-permeable electroconductive layers having at least one gas diffusion layer and one catalyst layer. The catalyst layer contains particles of an average particle diameter in the nanometer range, said particles containing ionogenic groups. The invention also relates to the production of said gas diffusion electrode and to the use of same in high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell including a fuel cell unit having a membrane electrode assembly having catalyst layers provided on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane, the membrane electrode assembly being sandwiched between an oxidizer electrode and a fuel electrode; the fuel cell unit further including a gas diffusion layer laminated on the catalyst layer on a oxidizer electrode side; a flow path forming member provided on the gas diffusion layer; and a support member surrounding a portion where the gas diffusion layer comes into contact with the membrane electrode assembly; the support member being disposed in a position between the flow path forming member and the polymer electrolyte membrane, the position being opposed, with respect to the polymer electrolyte membrane, to a sealing material disposed on a side of the fuel electrode, for sealing the fuel electrode.