Abstract: A metal oxide electrode catalyst which includes a metal oxide (Y) obtained by heat treating a metal compound (X) under an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The valence of the metal in the metal compound (X) is smaller than the valence of the metal in the metal oxide (Y). Further, the metal oxide electrocatalyst has an ionization potential in the range of 4.9 to 5.5 eV.

Abstract: Provided are a proton-conductive composite electrolyte, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell in which an improvement of the proton conductivity, and suppression of crossover and insolubilization are satisfied at the same time. The proton-conductive composite electrolyte includes an electrolyte having a proton-dissociative group (—SO3H) and a compound having a Lewis acid group MXn?1, wherein the Lewis acid group and the proton-dissociative group are interacted with each other. The compound having the Lewis acid group is a Lewis acid compound MXn or a polymer having a Lewis acid group MXn?1. The electrolyte having a proton-dissociative group is a fluorine-containing electrolyte, an electrolyte composed of a hydrocarbon-based resin, an inorganic resin, a hybrid resin of an organic resin and an inorganic resin, or the like, or a fullerene compound.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assembly may include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an adhesive layer disposed on the polymer electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer formed, as part of the adhesive layer. The polymer electrolyte membrane, the adhesive layer and the catalyst layer may be positioned between a cathode substrate and an anode substrate. The cathode may include a cathode substrate and the anode may include an anode substrate. A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly and a system incorporating a membrane-electrode assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A proton conductive polymer electrolyte includes an acidic functional group-containing aromatic hydrocarbon polymer and an electron donor functional group-containing compound. When used in a fuel cell, the proton conductive polymer electrolyte provides a long-term stable power generating performance at an operating temperature from 100° C. to 200° C. in non-humidified conditions or a relative humidity of 50% or less.

Abstract: There is provided a membrane electrode assembly comprising an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode stacked on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode stacked on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a channel plate arranged on a side of the anode electrode, said side being the reverse side of the electrolyte membrane side. The membrane electrode assembly also comprises an insulating sealing layer which covers at least the lateral surfaces of the anode electrode, the electrolyte membrane and the channel plate, and contains a water-swellable particle.

Abstract: A fuel cell including an anode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium and a cathode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium that sandwich an ionically conductive membrane. A sealing material is disposed between the ionically conductive membrane and the anode-side and cathode-side catalyst coated diffusion medium, wherein the sealing material is formed of a material that has a permeability that is less than a permeability of the ionically conductive member. The sealing material may also be formed of a material that is softer than the ionically conductive membrane such that the sealing material may deform and enable an membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell to be subjected to uniform pressures throughout the assembly.

Abstract: A DMFC is provided in which the structure is simplified and the thickness is reduced without impairing diffusibility of fuel, air and generated products. An anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer sandwich an electrolyte membrane. Liquid fuel stored in a fuel chamber is directly supplied to the anode catalyst layer. Current collectors are respectively provided adjacent to the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. Each of the current collectors is formed of a flat conductive sheet in which a plurality of fine pores are provided to extend through the current collector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar direction.

Abstract: The present teachings encompass proton-conductive material comprising a new polymer compound. A proton-conductive electrolyte comprising the proton-conductive material, and a fuel cell comprising the proton-conductive electrolyte are disclosed. A proton-conductive material comprising poly(phosphophenylene oxide) that comprises polyphenylene oxide as the main chain, and at least one phosphonic acid group as a side chain of the main chain, a proton-conductive electrolyte comprising the proton-conductive material, and a fuel cell employing the proton-conductive electrolyte, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a fuel cell 200, comprising: a membrane electrode assembly 204 equipped with an electrolyte membrane 201 and an anode catalyst 202; and a supply member 240 for supplying an anode fluid to the membrane electrode assembly 204, the supply member 240 is provided with an anode fluid flow path 241 for supplying the anode fluid toward the membrane electrode assembly 204, and an opening of the anode fluid flow path 241 on a discharge side thereof for the anode fluid is provided in proximity to the membrane electrode assembly 204, with a predetermined space 250 being disposed between the supply member 240 and the membrane electrode assembly 204, the predetermined space 250 being adapted to store a gas pushed away by supply of the anode fluid.

Abstract: To effectively prevent deformation of an MEA and shift of GDLs, first GDLs, second GDLs, and separators are layered in order at both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction thereof, the gaskets which sandwich an end portion of the MEA outside the first GDLs and the second GDLs are made from rubber or a synthetic resin material having rubber-like elasticity and integrally provided on the separators respectively, the first GDLs have end portions which are formed so as to protrude beyond outer peripheries of the second GDLs, and the gaskets have support step portions which can position and support the end portions of the first GDLs at the same height as the support height by the second GDLs.

Abstract: A liquid fuel cell comprising a plurality of unit fuel cells each having a positive electrode (8) for reducing oxygen, a negative electrode (9) for oxidizing liquid fuel, and an electrolyte layer (10) interposed between the positive electrode (8) and the negative electrode (9), and a section (3) for storing liquid fuel (4), wherein power can be generated stably while reducing the size by arranging the plurality of unit fuel cells on the substantially same plane. Each electrolyte layer of the unit fuel cell preferably constitutes a continuous integrated electrolyte layer.

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: The invention provides catalysts which are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. The catalysts include a niobium-containing oxycarbonitride having I2/(I1+I2) of not less than 0.25 wherein I1 is the maximum X-ray diffraction intensity at diffraction angles 2? of 25.45° to 25.65° and I2 is the maximum X-ray diffraction intensity at diffraction angles 2?=2? of 25.65° to 26.0° according to X-ray powder diffractometry (Cu—K? radiation).

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell is described. The method includes synthesizing a composition comprising perovskite and applying the composition on an electrolyte support to form both an anode and a cathode.

Abstract: A compound having an amino group at a terminal thereof and at least one amino group in a repeating unit, a cross-linked material of the compound, a double cross-linked polymer thereof, an electrolyte membrane and an electrode for a fuel cell, which include the cross-linked material of the compound or the double cross-linked polymer thereof, and a fuel cell including at least one of the electrolyte membrane and the electrode.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane having (a) an ion exchange material and (b) dispersed in said ion exchange material, a hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst bound to a carbon particle support, wherein the hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst comprises (i) polyvinylphosphonic acid and (ii) cerium.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode. The electrolyte and/or electrode composition includes zirconia stabilized with (i) scandia, (ii) ceria, and (iii) at least one of yttria and ytterbia. The composition does not experience a degradation of ionic conductivity of greater than 15% after 4000 hrs at a temperature of 850° C.

Abstract: Separators (5A, 5B, 6) and membrane-electrode assemblies (2) of a fuel cell stack (1) are alternately stacked in a guide box (40). The separators (5A, 5B, 6) each have groove-like gas paths (10A, 10B). Powder of an adhesive agent (7) is adhered in advance to the surfaces of the separators (5A, 5B, 6), except the gas paths (10A, 10B), through photosensitive drums (31A, 31B) to which the powder is adsorbed in a given pattern. The separators (5A, 5B, 6) and the membrane-electrode assemblies (2), stacked in the guide box (40), are heated and compressed by a press (43) and heaters (40C) to obtain a unitized fuel cell stack (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly, anode-side and cathode-side electrodes, current collector structures and distribution structures for fuel and oxidant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the production of such fuel cells and also to a stack comprising a plurality of such fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell in which electricity is generated and a paraffin is converted to an olefin. Between the anode and cathode compartment of the fuel cell is a ceramic membrane of the formula BaCe0.85-eAe LfY0.05-0.25 O(3-?) wherein A is selected from the group consisting of Hf and Zr and mixtures thereof, e is from 0.1 to 0.5, L is a lanthanide and f is from 0 to 0.25 and ? is the oxygen deficiency in the ceramic.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method for an electrode-membrane-frame assembly in a fuel cell, a first frame member and an electrolyte membrane member are arranged in a first mold for injection molding such that the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is arranged on the first frame member, a second mold is arranged to form a resin flow passage for forming a second frame member which is in contact with the first frame member by interposing the electrolyte membrane member, and a part of the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is pressed and fixed to the first frame member by a presser member mounted on the second mold and a molding resin material is injected into the resin flow passage to form a second frame member.

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 device to produce electricity by a chemical reaction without the addition of liquid electrolyte comprises an anode electrode, a polymer membrane electrolyte fabricated to conduct hydroxyl (OH—) ions, the membrane being in physical contact with the anode electrode on a first side of the membrane, and a cathode electrode in physical contact with a second side of the membrane. The anode electrode and cathode electrode contain catalysts, and the catalysts are constructed substantially entirely from non-precious metal catalysts. Water may be transferred to the cathode side of the membrane from an external source of water.

Abstract: Polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEA's) are provided which have nanostructured thin film (NSTF) catalyst electrodes and additionally a sublayer of dispersed catalyst situated between the NSTF catalyst and the PEM of the MEA.

Abstract: One embodiment includes at least one of the anode and cathode of a fuel cell comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact with each other. Both the first layer and the second layer comprise a catalyst capable of catalyzing an electrochemical reaction of a reactant gas. The second layer has a higher porosity than the first layer. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on the layered electrode configuration and a process of making a fuel cell are also described.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly comprising a cathode catalyst layer for reducing an oxidant gas, a polymer electrolyte membrane and an anode catalyst layer, the polymer electrolyte membrane being sandwiched between the catalyst layers, wherein the cathode catalyst layer exhibits super-water-repellency. The disclosure is also concerned with a method of manufacturing the membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell using the membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and separators which are stacked. A fuel gas channel allows a fuel gas to flow along a surface of one of a pair of electrodes. An oxidant gas channel allows an oxidant gas to flow along a surface of another of a pair of electrodes. A channel width of the oxidant gas channel in a central portion of the oxidant gas channel in a channel width direction is larger than a channel width of the oxidant gas channel in both end portions of the oxidant gas channel in the channel width direction. A channel width of the fuel gas channel in a central portion of the fuel gas channel in a channel width direction is smaller than a channel width of the fuel gas channel in both end portions of the fuel gas channel in the channel width direction.

Abstract: For a combination of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 107, catalytic layers 111 and 113 disposed on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 107, gas diffusion layers 112 and 114 disposed outside the catalytic layers 111 and 113, and separators 103 and 104 disposed outside the gas diffusion layers 112 and 114, the catalytic layer 113 to be cathode-sided includes a carbon carrier 117 composed of carbon having a mean lattice plane spacing d002 of [002] planes calculated from an X-ray diffraction within a range of 0.343 nm to 0.358 nm, a crystallite size Lc within a range of 3 nm to 10 nm, and a specific surface area within a range of 200 m2/g to 300 m2/g, catalyst particles 115 containing platinum supported on the carbon carrier 117, and an electrolyte 116.

Abstract: In a membrane-electrode assembly comprising an anode, a cathode and a polymer electrolyte membrane and having a constitution in which the polymer electrolyte membrane is interleaved between the anode and the cathode, an agglomerate structure of carbon support formed with a plurality of carbon primary particles supporting catalyst particles is contained in the anode and the cathode, and particulate media having polymer electrolyte on the surface thereof are contained between adjacent agglomerate structures of carbon supports.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell having a blocked passage and showing capability of inhibiting desiccation and flooding of the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte having a repetitive structure represented by the following formula (1): wherein B represents a single bond or a bivalent group, A represents a bivalent aromatic group, Y represents —SO2—, —SO— or —CO—, R1 represents a substituent, n1 represents an integer of from 0 to 3, L represents a perfluoroalkylene group, and M represents an ionic group.

Abstract: To provide a membrane and electrode assembly comprising a catalyst layer that improves water holding properties and exhibits high power generation characteristics even in low humidified conditions without inhibiting the diffusibility of reaction gas, the removal of the water generated by the electrode reaction, and its manufacturing method. There is provided a membrane and electrode assembly produced by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between a pair of catalyst layers, in which the catalyst layer comprises a polymer electrolyte and particles carrying a catalyst material, and in which the volume of fine pores having a diameter of 1.0 ?m or smaller is increased toward the polymer electrolyte membrane from the surface of the catalyst 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 polymer electrolyte membrane comprising: (a) a fluorinated polymer electrolyte having an ion exchange group, and (b) a basic polymer, wherein, optionally, at least a part of component (a) and at least a part of component (b) are chemically bonded to each other. A method for producing the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane. A membrane/electrode assembly comprising the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane which is securely sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane/electrode assembly.

Abstract: In a manufacturing method for an electrode-membrane-frame assembly in a fuel cell, a first frame member and an electrolyte membrane member are arranged in a first mold for injection molding such that the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is arranged on the first frame member, a second mold is arranged to form a resin flow passage for forming a second frame member which is in contact with the first frame member by interposing the electrolyte membrane member, and a part of the edge of the electrolyte membrane member is pressed and fixed to the first frame member by a presser member mounted on the second mold and a molding resin material is injected into the resin flow passage to form a second frame member.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a membrane electrode assembly which has high and stable catalytic activity, and suppressed deterioration in catalytic activity during operation, and can prevent a deterioration in performance attributable to a structural factor of the membrane electrode assembly. The process comprises the step of, after the washing/removing step, drying the catalyst electrode in an atmosphere having a lower oxygen partial pressure than the air. The anode/cathode is a covered catalyst electrode having a structure formed by supporting/depositing a catalytically active material composed mainly of platinum/ruthenium subjected to the potential holding step, the washing/removing step, and the drying step, on a porous electroconductive carrier to cover at least a part of the porous electroconductive carrier with the ion conductive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a material for an electrochemical device, especially a fuel cell, an electrolyzer or a storage battery, comprising a matrix and activated boron nitride contained in the matrix.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a cathode and an anode, one or both of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst comprising a bundle of longitudinally aligned graphitic carbon nanotubes including a catalytically active transition metal incorporated longitudinally and atomically distributed throughout the graphitic carbon walls of said nanotubes. The nanotubes also include nitrogen atoms and/or ions chemically bonded to the graphitic carbon and to the transition metal. Preferably, the transition metal comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cr.

Abstract: A thin plate member is a thin plate member that is formed by sintering, contains a ceramic layer, and comprises a thin part having two or more types of layers laminated, each of which is made of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient, and a thick part that is made by laminating plural layers including at least all of the layers constituting the thin part, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the thin part. The thin part has a shape warping in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the thin plate member. By virtue of this configuration, the internal electrical resistance of the thin part can be reduced. Further, the thin plate member can be provided that is difficult to be deformed with respect to the internal stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between layers.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has improved performance compared with conventional platinum alloy catalysts, a method for producing the electrode catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the electrode catalyst are provided. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a noble-metal-non-precious metal alloy that has a core-shell structure supported on a conductive carrier. The composition of the catalyst components of the shell is such that the amount of the noble metal is greater than or equal to the amount of the non-precious metal.

Abstract: An ion-conductive polymer composite membrane is provided which has both high gas barrier properties and high protonic conductivity. The ion-conductive polymer composite membrane includes an ion-conductive polymer and ion-conductive materials. The ion-conductive materials each include i) an inorganic layered structure including a plurality of layers formed of an inorganic compound and ii) a sulfobetaine-type or hydroxysulfobetaine-type ampholytic surfactant. The ampholytic surfactant is present between the layers formed of an inorganic compound. The present invention further provides a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell which use the ion-conductive polymer composite membrane, and a process for producing the ion-conductive polymer composite membrane.

Abstract: A unit cell of a solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) and a fuel cell stack including the SOFC are disclosed. The SOFC may include a first electrode formed in a hollow cylinder shape, a second electrode formed on an outer surface of the first electrode, an electrolyte layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode and a cap coupled to an end portion of the first electrode. A seating groove may be formed in the cap such that a conductor may be inserted into the seating groove and be in surface contact with the cap. The cap may include a conductive material and a current collection area of the unit cell may be broad when the fuel cell is included in, a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an anode for a fuel cell including: performing an acid treatment for a carbon-based compound; washing the resultant obtained from the acid treatment with water and then performing a freeze-drying (lyophilization) process; forming a microporous diffusion layer by dispersing the lyophilized resultant in a solvent, coating the dispersed resultant on a porous carbon support, and drying; and forming a catalyst layer on top of the microporous diffusion layer, an anode for a fuel cell obtained according to the method herein, and a fuel cell using the same. An anode having improved efficiency on liquid fuel diffusion can be obtained when using the fuel diffusion layer including the microporous diffusion layer formed of the carbon-based compounds obtained after an acid treatment and a freeze-drying process according to the present invention. A fuel cell having improved performance can be manufactured by using such an anode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition for use in reforming is provided comprising a catalyst material comprising molybdenum dioxide and/or MO2 (where M=Mo, W, Ru, Re, Os, Ir) nanoparticles having an average particle size from about 2 nm to about 1,000 nm; and a substrate, wherein both the molybdenum dioxide and/or MO2 (where M=Mo, W, Ru, Re, Os, Ir) nanoparticles are substantially immobilized on the substrate. In another embodiment an anode for use in a fuel cell is provided comprising the forgoing composition. And in another embodiment a fuel cell is provided comprising the forgoing anode.

Abstract: The process described herein provides a simple and cost effective method for making crack free, high density thin ceramic film. The steps involve depositing a layer of a ceramic material on a porous or dense substrate. The deposited layer is compacted and then the resultant laminate is sintered to achieve a higher density than would have been possible without the pre-firing compaction step.

Abstract: A cathodic gas diffusion electrode for the electrochemical production of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions. The cathodic gas diffusion electrode comprises an electrically conductive gas diffusion substrate and a cathodic electrocatalyst layer supported on the gas diffusion substrate. A novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer comprises a cathodic electrocatalyst, a substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, a fluorocarbon polymer hydrophobic agent and binder, and a perfluoronated sulphonic acid polymer. An electrochemical cell using the novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer has been shown to produce an aqueous solution having between 8 and 14 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, such electrochemical cells have shown stable production of hydrogen peroxide solutions over 1000 hours of operation including numerous system shutdowns.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode having a first portion and a second portion, such that the first portion is located between the electrolyte and the second portion. The anode electrode comprises a cermet comprising a nickel containing phase and a ceramic phase. The first portion of the anode electrode contains a lower porosity and a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second portion of the anode electrode. The nickel containing phase in the second portion of the anode electrode comprises nickel and at least one other metal which has a lower electrocatalytic activity than nickel.

Abstract: A cell module includes a cell module body having a tube-shape. The cell module body includes a tube-shaped inner electrode and a tube-shaped outer electrode. The inner electrode is within the outer electrode. The inner electrode forms a hollow portion. The cell module also includes a water permeable hollow body arranged within the hollow portion.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrode catalyst substrate is provided herein, which comprises a carbon film forming step of forming a porous carbon film on a base, a hydrophilization step of hydrophilizing the porous carbon film, an immersion step of immersing the base in a solution prepared by dissolving catalytic metal ions in a polar solvent, and a reduction step of adding a reducing agent to the solution and thus reducing the catalytic metal ions. An electrode catalyst substrate obtained by the method and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell in which the electrode catalyst obtained by the method is used for anodes and/or cathodes are also provided herein. In the electrode catalyst of the present invention, fine catalyst particles are loaded in a uniform and highly dispersed manner.

Abstract: During manufacture of an SOFC assembly, an inhibitor is included to prevent migration of silver braze during subsequent use of the SOFC assembly. The inhibitor may take any of several forms, either individually or in combination. Inhibitors comprehended by the present invention include, but are not limited to: a) a mechanical barrier that can be printed or dispensed onto one or more SOFC stack elements around the braze areas to prevent mechanically-driven migration; b) an electrically insulating feature in the electrolyte or interlayer over the electrolyte layer in the seal margins to prevent electrical potential-driven migration; and 3) chemical modification of the braze itself as by addition of an alloying metal such as palladium.