Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a fuel cell, especially for operating a fuel cell in which the electrolyte responsible for the proton conduction is volatile. By means of the process according to the invention, better operation of such a fuel cell is possible, and they exhibit an improved lifetime.

Abstract: An assembling operation of a fuel cell is effectively simplified. With the simple and economical structure, the desired sealing function is achieved. The fuel cell (10) includes a membrane electrode assembly (14) and first and second metal separators (16, 18) sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly (14). Connection channels (28a, 28b) are provided on the first metal separator (16). The connection channels (28a, 28b) connect the oxygen-containing gas supply passage (20a) and the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage (20b) to the oxygen-containing gas flow field (26). The membrane electrode assembly (14) has first overlapping portions (66a, 66b) overlapped on the connection channels (28a, 28b) for sealing the connection channels (28a, 28b). The first overlapping portions (66a, 66b) comprise, in effect, a gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separator for a fuel cell that improves efficiency of the fuel cell by removing water generated in a membrane-electrode assembly and accumulated in a channel of the separator, a manufacturing method thereof, and a fuel cell stack including the same. The separator for the fuel cell of the present invention includes: a main body of a plate shape; a channel concavely formed in at least one surface of the main body and supplying a fuel or oxygen to a membrane-electrode assembly; and a metal layer provided to a surface of the channel and including an oxide layer formed by an anodic oxidation treatment and minute grooves of a nano-scale formed in the oxide layer, thereby forming the surface of the channel to be super-hydrophilic.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell is disclosed, by which curing can be performed by preventing a surface of an electrolyte layer from swelling. The present invention includes an oven body, a vacuum sucking plate entering the oven body while the electrolyte membrane having an electro-catalyst liquid sprayed thereon is attached to an upper surface of the vacuum sucking plate, a magazine provided within the oven body to sequentially load a plurality of vacuum sucking plates to enter the oven body in a horizontal state, and an air-sucking terminal provided to a rear side of the magazine to sustain a vacuum state of the vacuum sucking plate by being connected to the vacuum sucking plate loaded in the magazine.

Abstract: A cathode material for a fuel cell, the cathode material for a fuel cell including a lanthanide metal oxide having a perovskite crystal structure; and a bismuth metal oxide represented by Chemical Formula 1 below, Bi2-x-yAxByO3,??Chemical Formula 1 wherein A and B are each a metal with a valence of 3, A and B are each independently at least one element selected from a rare earth element and a transition metal element, A and B are different from each other, and 0<x?0.3 and 0<y?0.3.

Abstract: A catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for a fuel cell, including an electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer formed on at least one surface of the electrolyte membrane, a membrane and electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, including the CCM, a method of preparing the MEA, and a fuel cell including the MEA. The CCM is formed directly on the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A method of processing a ceramic electrolyte suitable for use in a fuel cell is provided. The method comprises situating a ceramic electrolyte layer over an anode layer; and subjecting the ceramic electrolyte layer to a stress prior to operation of the fuel cell, by: exposing the top surface of the electrolyte layer to an oxidizing atmosphere and the bottom surface of the electrolyte layer to a reducing atmosphere; and heating the electrolyte layer. The stress causes a substantial increase in the number of microcracks, or in the average size of the microcracks, or in both the number of the microcracks and their average size. A solid oxide fuel cell comprising a ceramic electrolyte layer processed by the disclosed method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluoropolymer electrolyte material which has improved processability and which is easily produced. The electrolyte emulsion of the present invention comprises an aqueous medium and a fluoropolymer electrolyte dispersed in the aqueous medium. The fluoropolymer electrolyte has a monomer unit having an SO3Z group (Z is an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, hydrogen, or NR1R2R3R4, and R1, R2, R3, and R4 each are individually a C1-C3 alkyl group or hydrogen). The fluoropolymer electrolyte has an equivalent weight (EW) of 250 or more and 700 or less and a proton conductivity at 110° C. and relative humidity 50% RH of 0.10 S/cm or higher. The fluoropolymer electrolyte is a spherical particulate substance having an average particle size of 10 to 500 nm. The fluoropolymer electrolyte has a ratio (the number of SO2F groups)/(the number of SO3Z groups) of 0 to 0.01.

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: According to one embodiment, an anode for a direct methanol fuel cell includes an anode catalyst layer containing a noble metal catalyst and a proton-conductive polyelectrolyte. A log differential pore volume distribution curve measured by a mercury intrusion porosimetry of the anode catalyst layer has a peak within a pore diameter range of 0.06 to 0.3 ?m and satisfies the following relationship: 0.5?(V1/V0)?0.9 wherein V0 is a cumulative pore volume of pores having a diameter of from 0.02 to 1 ?m, as measured by a mercury intrusion porosimetry, and V1 is a cumulative pore volume of pores having a diameter of from 0.02 to 0.2 ?m, as measured by a mercury intrusion porosimetry.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition of a sulfonated block copolymer (A) having a hydrophilic segment with a sulfonic acid group and a hydrophobic segment with no sulfonic acid group, each segment having an aromatic ring is its main chain, and an aromatic polymer (B) having no sulfonic acid group with a structural unit that is identical to the structural unit contained in the hydrophobic segment of the sulfonated block copolymer is provided. The ion-exchange capacity of the composition can be in a range of 0.5 mmol/g to 2.9 mmol/g. Electrolyte membranes, membrane/electrolyte assemblies, and electrolyte fuel cells utilizing the polymer electrolyte composition are also provide.

Abstract: A monolithic electrolyte assembly comprising improved as well as new associated structures and processes operative in the general field of solid oxide electrolytic devices is disclosed. The invention provides a reliable and durable interconnect for both structural and electrical components of such devices. In the present invention, thin-film-based solid oxide fuel cells and solid oxide oxygen/hydrogen generators may be fabricated using primarily solid metal alloys as underlying components of thin film and thick film structures built thereon.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell for being implanted which enables a long time operation while reducing its size so as to be implanted in a living body. The fuel cell to be adopted includes: a container which contains a fuel such as glucose and an electrolyte solution therein; a pair of electrodes which are arranged in the container and have a noble metal catalyst fixed thereon; an aeration portion which is formed on at least one part of the outer surface of the container and has air permeability and waterproofness; and septa and for injecting the fuel from the outside into the container or discharging it from the container.

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: A plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode is provided. The fuel electrode has particular application in connection with a solid oxide fuel cell used within a power generation system. The fuel cell advantageously comprises an air electrode, an electrolyte formed on at least a portion of the air electrode, a plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode formed on at least a portion of the electrolyte, and an interconnect layer to connect adjacent cells in a generator.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collector member 10 comprising a sheet-shaped base material 11 having a carbon-containing fiber 11a and catalyst particles 12 adhered to an outer periphery of the fiber 11a, containing a noble metal or an alloy thereof, and having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 2 ?m.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode being formed on one side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and containing a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte, a cathode being formed on another side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and containing a catalyst and a solid polymer electrolyte, an anode gas diffusion layer formed on one side of the anode, and a cathode gas diffusion layer formed on one side of the cathode. In addition, a formic acid oxidation electrode containing palladium and a solid polymer electrolyte is formed between the anode gas diffusion layer and the anode.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprising two electrode separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane wherein the surfaces of the membrane are in contact with the electrodes so that the first electrode partially or totally covers the front of the membrane and the second electrode partially or totally covers the back of the membrane; two gasket layers wherein the first gasket layer partially covers the front of the membrane and/or the first electrode and the second gasket layer partially covers the back of the membrane and/or the second electrode the assembly also comprises a second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer and on the back of the second gasket layer; each of the gasket layers comprises at least one recess; the second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer is in contact with the second gasket material on the back of the second gasket layer.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell capable of maintaining an interface pressure in good condition between a membrane electrode assembly and separators, and preventing an increase in contact resistance. A fuel cell is disclosed including: a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame at a periphery thereof; two separators holding both the frame and the membrane electrode assembly therebetween; and a gas seal provided between an edge portion of the frame and an edge portion of each separator to have a configuration in which a reactant gas passes through the frame and the membrane electrode assembly and the separators, wherein the frame and the separators are not in contact with and separated from each other in a region between the membrane electrode assembly and the gas seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly comprising at least two electrochemically active electrodes which are separated by at least one polymer electrolyte membrane, the aforementioned polymer electrolyte membrane having at least one reinforcement, wherein the reinforcement comprises at least one film which has holes through which the polymer electrolyte membrane is in contact with both electrochemically active electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly is suitable for applications in fuel cells, especially in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel distribution structure including a first material layer, a second material layer, a flow channel layer and a filler is provided. The first material layer has a fuel inlet, the second material layer has a plurality of fuel outlets, the flow channel layer has a patterned flow channel, wherein the fuel inlet and the fuel outlets are covered by a distribution range of the patterned flow channel, and the filler is disposed in the patterned flow channel. In addition, a fuel cell having the above-mentioned fuel distribution structure is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell (1) comprising an anode (10) capable of oxidizing a first compound M1 into first ions M(m+) with m being a non-zero integer, a first electrolyte (20) which is capable of conducting these first ions M(m+), and which is in contact with said anode (10), a cathode (50) capable of reducing a second compound N2 into second ions N(n?) with n being a non-zero integer, a second electrolyte (40) which is capable of conducting the second ions N(n?), and which is in contact with said cathode (50), a porous central membrane (30), one of the faces of which is in contact with said first electrolyte (20) and the opposite face of which is in contact with said second electrolyte (40). The first electrolyte (20), the second electrolyte (40), and the central membrane (30) consist of the same material which is capable of both conducting M(m+) ions and N(n?) ions.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.

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 invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly which comprises two gas diffusion layers, each contacted with a catalyst layer, which are separated by a polymer-electrolyte membrane. Said polymer electrolyte membrane has an inner area which is contacted with a catalyst layer, and an outer area which is not provided on the surface of a gas diffusion layer. The inventive assembly is characterized in that the thickness of all components of the outer area is 50 to 100%, based on the thickness of all components of the inner area. The thickness of the outer area decreases over a period of 5 hours by not more than 5% at a temperature of 80° C. and a pressure of 5 N/mm2. The decrease in thickness is determined after a first compression step which takes place over a period of 1 minute at a pressure of 5 N/mm2.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a fuel cell device array monolith comprises at least three planar electrolyte sheets having two sides. The electrolyte sheets are situated adjacent to one another. At least one of the electrolyte sheets is supporting a plurality of anodes situated on one side of the electrolyte sheet; and plurality of cathodes situated on the other side of the electrolyte sheet. The electrolyte sheets are arranged such that the electrolyte sheets with a plurality of cathodes and anodes is situated between the other electrolyte sheets. The at least three electrolyte sheets are joined together by sintered fit, with no metal frames or bipolar plates situated therebetween.

Abstract: The provision of a porous electrode substrate that has large sheet strength, low production costs, high handling properties, high thickness precision and surface smoothness, and sufficient gas permeability and electrical conductivity. A porous electrode substrate including a three-dimensional entangled structure including short carbon fibers (A) dispersed in a three-dimensional structure, joined together via three-dimensional mesh-like carbon fibers (B). A method for producing a porous electrode substrate, including a step (1) of producing a precursor sheet including short carbon fibers (A), and short carbon fiber precursors (b) and/or fibrillar carbon fiber precursors (b?) dispersed in a two-dimensional plane; a step (2) of subjecting the precursor sheet to entanglement treatment; and a step (3) of subjecting this sheet to carbonization treatment at 1000° C. or higher. It is preferable to include a step (4) of subjecting the sheet to hot press forming at lower than 200° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly comprising at least two electrochemically active electrodes separated by at least one polymer electrolyte membrane, the aforementioned polymer electrolyte membrane having fibrous reinforcing elements which at least partly penetrate the polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein at least some of the fibrous reinforcing elements have functional groups which have a covalent chemical bond between the fibers and the polymer of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The membrane electrode assembly is suitable for applications in fuel cells, especially in high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to PEM fuel cells comprising membrane-electrode assemblies having plural membrane layers. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a fuel cell including an anode, a cathode, and a multi-layer membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, the multi-layer membrane comprising two or more polymer membranes layers. The fuel cell further comprises an electrolyte within the multi-layer membrane.

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: The present invention relates to a cathode composed of a perovskite-type or fluorite-type mixed metal oxide containing molybdenum, to a composite comprising the mixed metal oxide and to a solid oxide fuel cell comprising the cathode. The cathode mixed metal oxide has an empirical formula unit: EaTbMocOn wherein: T is one or more transition metal elements other than Mo; E is one or more metal elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide metal elements, alkali metal elements, alkaline earth metal elements, Pb and Bi; and a, b, c, and n are non-zero numerals which may be the same or different for each element.

Abstract: A micro fuel cell system comprises at least an anode region and a cathode region being realized in a substrate as well as at least an active area for chemical reactions and an ionic exchange membrane for separating the active area. The anode and cathode regions, the active area and the ionic exchange membrane are realized on a same planar surface being made by the substrate in order to form a single multifunctional bipolar plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are solid fuel cells, including solid oxide fuel cells and PEM fuel cells that include nanocrystalline cerium oxide materials as a component of the fuel cells. A solid oxide fuel cell can include nanocrystalline cerium oxide as a cathode component and microcrystalline cerium oxide as an electrolyte component, which can prevent mechanical failure and interdiffusion common in other fuel cells. A solid oxide fuel cell can also include nanocrystalline cerium oxide in the anode. A PEM fuel cell can include cerium oxide as a catalyst support in the cathode and optionally also in the anode.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electrocatalyst for membrane electrode assembly, and its preparation method, as well as a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly. An electrocatalyst for fuel cell application, it is featured that the electrocatalyst is prepared by supporting precious metal (10-60 wt %) on a composite carrier which is prepared by depositing water-containing substance (0.3-10 wt %) on carbon material; Using the catalyst invented by this invention as anode catalyst, an fuel cell membrane electrode assembly with excellent non-humidification performance can be prepared by normal procedures. No need to construct a water retention layer, no need to add water retention material in proton exchange membrane, it avoids the possible problems caused by adding water attention material into proton exchange membrane or inserting a water retention layer. The approach suggested by this invention is a simple and effective approach to realize non-humidification membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell sealing structure has a power generating body, and first and second separators arranged in both sides in a thickness direction of the power generating body. On a surface in one side in a thickness direction of the first separator, formed integrally first and second sealing protrusions respectively brought into close contact with an outer peripheral portion of the power generating body and the second separator in an outer peripheral side of the first sealing protrusion, and a short circuit prevention rib protruding in line with the first and second sealing protrusions by an electrically insulating rubber-like elastic material. On a surface in another side thereof, formed integrally a third sealing protrusion brought into close contact with a surface in an opposite side to the power generating body in the second separator, by the electrically insulating rubber-like elastic material.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst material comprising an electrically conducting support material, a proton-conducting, polyazole-based polymer and a catalytically active material. A catalyst material prepared by the process of the invention. A catalyst ink comprising a catalyst material of the invention and a solvent. A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and also catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the present invention. A gas diffusion electrode (GDE) comprising a gas diffusion layer and a catalytically active layer comprising a catalyst material of the invention. A membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane, catalytically active layers comprising a catalyst material of the invention, and gas diffusion layers. And a fuel cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are an ion-conductive composite containing ion-conductive fine particles and a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or copolymer and having excellent ion conductivity, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including the ion-conductive composite as an electrolyte, and an electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell. An ion-conductive composite is formed of ion-conductive fine particles having an ion-dissociative group and a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or copolymer. Here, a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer or copolymer having a ?-type crystal structure is used. Since polyvinylidene fluoride having the ?-type crystal structure has a large dipole moment in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the molecular chain, permittivity in the vicinity of ion-conductive fine particles can be kept high, thus facilitating ionic conduction. As a result, the decrease in ion conductivity can be minimized when the composite is formed.

Abstract: An oxidant gas conduit communicating with both an oxidant gas inlet communication hole and an oxidant gas outlet communication hole is formed in a surface of a cathode-side metallic separator which forms a fuel cell. Continuous linear guide ridges which protrude from intermediate height sections to the oxidant gas conduit side and form continuous guide conduits are provided on the cathode-side metallic separator. The linear guide ridges are continuously connected to ends of rectilinear conduit ridges which form rectilinear conduits, are provided with bend portions, and are set to lengths which are different from each other in a step-like manner.

Abstract: The invention provides catalysts that are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. The catalyst includes a metal element M, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, wherein the catalyst shows peaks at 1340 cm?1 to 1365 cm?1 and at 1580 cm?1 to 1610 cm?1 as analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and the metal element M is one selected from titanium, iron, niobium, zirconium and tantalum. The catalysts of the invention are stable and are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential, have high oxygen reducing ability and are inexpensive compared to platinum. Fuel cells having the catalysts are therefore relatively inexpensive and have high performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the direct oxidation and/or internal reforming of ethanol and/or mixtures of ethanol and water, in a solid oxide fuel cell, with multifunctional electrocatalytic anodes having specific features, on the basis of mixed oxides and metal oxides and catalysts, preferably with a perovskite-like crystalline structure.

Abstract: A fuel cell, fuel cell array and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The fuel cell can be made by forming a first aperture defined by a first aperture surface through a first electrode layer and forming a second aperture defined by a second aperture surface through a second electrode layer. A proton exchange membrane is laminated between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least a portion of the first aperture is at least partially aligned with the second aperture.

Abstract: There is used a polymer electrolyte membrane containing a polymer segment (A) having an ion-conducting component, and a polymer segment (B) having a composition ratio of the ion-conducting component lower than that in the polymer segment (A), wherein the polymer segment (A) and the polymer segment (B) form a micro phase-separated structure, and inorganic particles 8 (a metal oxide, the metal oxide supporting a sulfuric acid ion, a metal hydroxide, the metal hydroxide supporting a sulfuric acid ion, a metal salt of phosphoric acid, and a metal fluoride or carbon) are present in a hydrophilic domain 9 composed of the polymer segment (A), in higher concentration than that in a hydrophobic domain 10 composed of the polymer segment (B).

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: Catalyst comprising graphitic carbon and methods of making thereof; said graphitic carbon comprising a metal species, a nitrogen-containing species and a sulfur containing species. A catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction for an alkaline fuel cell was prepared by heating a mixture of cyanamide, carbon black, and a salt selected from an iron sulfate salt and an iron acetate salt at a temperature of from about 700° C. to about 1100° C. under an inert atmosphere. Afterward, the mixture was treated with sulfuric acid at elevated temperature to remove acid soluble components, and the resultant mixture was heated again under an inert atmosphere at the same temperature as the first heat treatment step.

Abstract: The membrane electrode assembly 100 has an electrolyte layer 10, a catalyst layer 20, and a member 15 impregnated with electrolyte which is arranged between the electrolyte layer 10 and the catalyst layer 20. At least part of the peripheral edge portion of the member 15 extends the outside the peripheral edge portions of the electrolyte layer and the catalyst layer 20. With this kind of constitution, it is possible to easily separate the electrolyte layer 10 or the catalyst layer 20 from the member 15 from the extended portion of the member 15. Consequently, it is possible to easily replace the electrolyte layer 10 and the catalyst layer 20.

Abstract: A material for a solid oxide fuel cell, the material including a lanthanum metal oxide having a perovskite-type crystal structure; and a ceria metal oxide, wherein the ceria metal oxide includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal oxides represented by Formula 1 below and metal oxides represented by Formula 2: (1-a-b)Ce1-xAxO2-?+aB2O5+bBO3 ??Formula 1 Ce1-x-yAxByO2-???Formula 2 wherein 0?a?0.01, 0?b?0.02, 0<2a+?0.02, 0<x<0.3, 0<y?0.02, ? and ? are selected so that the metal oxides of Formulas 1 and 2, respectively, are both electrically neutral, A is a rare earth metal, and B is a 5-valent metal or a 6-valent metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an anion-exchange polymer material having an IPN or semi-IPN structure, said method consisting in: (A) preparing a homogeneous reaction solution containing, in a suitable organic solvent, (a) at least one organic polymer bearing reactive halogen groups, (b) at least one tertiary diamine, (c) at least one monomer comprising an ethylenic unsaturation polymerizable by free radical polymerization, (d) optionally at least one cross-linking agent including at least two ethylenic unsaturations polymerizable by free radical polymerization, and e) at least one free radical polymerization initiator; and (B) heating the prepared solution to a temperature and for a duration that are sufficient to allow both a nucleophilic substitution reaction between components (a) and (b) and a free radical copolymerization reaction of components (c) and optionally (d) initiated by component (e).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell having obstructed passages, which is capable of inhibiting the occurrence of flooding. The fuel cell comprises: a stacked body comprising at least a membrane electrode assembly; and a pair of separators sandwiching the stacked body. A face of the stacked body side of the separator is provided with inlet passage(s) through which reaction gas to be supplied to the stacked body passes and outlet passage(s) through which reaction gas having passed the stacked body passes. The inlet passage is obstructed at a downstream end of the reaction gas to be supplied to the stacked body and the outlet passage is obstructed at an upstream end of the reaction gas having passed through the stacked body. The inlet passage and the outlet passage is arranged separately from each other, and the inlet passage is arranged on both ends of the face of the stacked body side of the separator in the passage width direction of the inlet passage and the outlet passage.