Abstract: A fuel cell having an air electrode provided on one surface of a solid oxide electrolyte layer; a fuel electrode on the other surface thereof; and a separator 11 on the air electrode. A middle layer is further provided between the separator and the air electrode in order to suppress the diffusion of constitutional elements of the air electrode to the separator.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte electrode assembly, an inner seal member, an outer seal member, a metal separator, and a cell voltage monitor terminal. The electrolyte electrode assembly includes an electrolyte, a pair of electrodes, and a resin frame member. The inner seal member extends around an electrode surface. The outer seal member extends around an outer periphery of the inner seal member. The inner seal member and the outer seal member are disposed on the resin frame member. The cell voltage monitor terminal is embedded in the resin frame member. The cell voltage monitor terminal includes an exposed portion provided between the inner seal member and the outer seal member. The exposed portion is in contact with the metal separator adjacent to the exposed portion.

Abstract: A power generation unit of a fuel cell stack includes a first metal separator, a first membrane electrode assembly, a second metal separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a third metal separator. A first oxygen-containing gas flow field includes a plurality of wavy flow grooves. An outlet merging area is provided at the end of the wavy flow grooves on the outlet side. The outlet merging area is connected to a plurality of straight connection flow grooves. The groove depth of the straight connection flow grooves is smaller than the groove depth of the wavy flow grooves.

Abstract: A fuel battery cell has a membrane electrode assembly, a frame, a pair of separators, and support members. The membrane electrode assembly is formed with an anode and a cathode bonded so as to face an electrolyte membrane. The frame holds the periphery of the membrane electrode assembly. The pair of separators sandwich the frame holding the membrane electrode assembly. The support members protrude along an edge part of the frame so as to pass beyond the frame and support the membrane electrode assembly.

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: An fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a fuel cell box, a ventilation device, an air intake duct, and a gas outlet pipe. The fuel cell is disposed in the fuel cell box. The ventilation device is provided to supply air to the fuel cell box. The air intake duct connects the ventilation device to the fuel cell box to supply air from the ventilation device into the fuel cell box. The gas outlet pipe is connected to the air intake duct and connects an inside space of the fuel cell box to an outside space of the fuel cell box through the air intake duct. The gas outlet pipe has an opening cross-sectional area smaller than an opening cross-sectional area of the air intake duct.

Abstract: The method for producing an anion exchange membrane according to the present invention includes the steps of irradiating a substrate composed of a hydrocarbon polymer with radiation and heat-treating the irradiated substrate so as to form a crosslinked structure between chains of the hydrocarbon polymer contained in the substrate; further irradiating the substrate, in which the crosslinked structure has been formed, with radiation and graft-polymerizing, onto the irradiated substrate, a monomer containing a site into which a functional group having anion conducting ability can be introduced and an unsaturated carbon-carbon bond so as to form a graft chain composed of the polymerized monomer; and introducing the functional group having anion conducting ability into the site of the formed graft chain.

Abstract: A proton conductor includes an electrolytic layer having first and second main surfaces; and a plurality of catalyst particles. The first main surface of the electrolytic layer includes a flat portion and a plurality of recessed portions. The plurality of catalyst particles are respectively located in the plurality of recessed portions. The flat portion of the first main surface and parts of surfaces of the plurality of catalyst particles exposed from the plurality of recessed portions form a third main surface. The electrolytic layer is formed of a single crystal of a perovskite-type oxide having a proton conductivity. The catalyst particles are formed of a single crystal of a noble metal material. The perovskite-type oxide of the electrolytic layer) has a crystal orientation that matches a crystal orientation of the noble metal material of the plurality of catalyst particles.

Abstract: A fuel cell separator pair has first and second separators having front and back surfaces, a corrugated plate portion shaped in a wave form at the central portion, and a flat plate portion formed in the peripheral portion and surrounding the corrugated plate portion, wherein the corrugated plate portion of the front surface constitutes a reaction gas channel and the corrugated plate portion of the back surface constitutes a coolant channel. The back surfaces of the first and second separators are facing each other. The flat plate portions of the first and second separators are arranged on top of each other so as to be in contact with each other. The flat plate portion of the second separator protrudes toward the outside beyond the flat plate portion of the first separator.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, and a membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell including the same. More specifically, provided is a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells including a hydrocarbon-based cation exchange resin having hydrogen ion conductivity and fibrous nanoparticles having a hydrophilic group. By using the fibrous nanoparticles having a hydrophilic group in conjunction with the hydrocarbon-based cation exchange resin having hydrogen ion conductivity, it is possible to obtain a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cells that exhibits improved gas barrier properties and long-term resistance, without causing deterioration in performance of fuel cells, and a fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: The present embodiment describes a method of forming different layers in a solid oxide fuel cell. The method begins by preparing slurries which are then delivered to a spray nozzle. The slurries are then atomized and sprayed subsequently onto a support to produce a layer which is then dried. In this embodiment different layers can comprise an anode, an electrode and a cathode. Also the support can be a metal or a metal oxide which is later removed.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprising an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. In this fuel cell at least one electrode has been modified with a promoter using liquid phase infiltration.

Abstract: Electrode materials systems for planar solid oxide fuel cells with high electrochemical performance including anode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases and cathode materials that provide exceptional long-term durability when used in oxygen-containing gases. The anode materials may comprise a cermet in which the metal component is a cobalt-nickel alloy. These anode materials provide exceptional long-term durability when used in reducing gases, e.g., in SOFCs with sulfur contaminated fuels. The cermet also may comprise a mixed-conducting ceria-based electrolyte material. The anode may have a bi-layer structure. A cerium oxide-based interfacial layer with mixed electronic and ionic conduction may be provided at the electrolyte/anode interface.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer containing Zr; an intermediate layer containing CeO2 solid solution having a rare-earth element excluding Ce; an air electrode layer containing Sr, the intermediate layer and the air electrode layer being stacked in this order on one surface of the solid electrolyte layer; and a fuel electrode layer on another surface of the solid electrolyte layer which is opposite to the one surface. A value obtained by dividing a content of the rare-earth element excluding Ce by a content of Zr is equal to or less than 0.05 at a site of the solid electrolyte layer, the site being 1 ?m away from an interface between the solid electrolyte layer and the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit of a fuel cell contains a first membrane electrode assembly having a frame portion on an outer circumference thereof, a first separator, a second membrane electrode assembly having a frame portion on an outer circumference thereof, a second separator, and a third separator. A plurality of resin pins are formed integrally on the frame portion of the first membrane electrode assembly. The resin pins are integrally inserted into holes in the first separator, holes in the second membrane electrode assembly, holes in the second separator, and holes in the third separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing a BZCYYb material to be used in a solid oxide fuel cell. In particular, the method comprises mixing particular nano-sized and micro-sized ingredients and the size selection provides greatly improved performance characteristics of the resulting material. In particular, barium carbonate powder, zirconium oxide powder having particle diameters in the nanometer range, and cerium oxide powder having particle diameter in the micrometer range are used together with ytterbium oxide powder, and yttrium oxide powder.

Abstract: A catalytic material includes (i) a support material and (ii) a thin film catalyst coating having an inner face adjacent to the support material and an outer face, the thin film catalyst coating having a mean thickness of ?8 nm, and wherein at least 40% of the support material surface area is covered by the thin film catalyst coating; and wherein the thin film catalyst coating includes a first metal and one or more second metals, and wherein the atomic percentage of first metal in the thin film catalyst coating is not uniform through the thickness of the thin film catalyst coating.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure has an electrical current-carrying structure which, at least in part, underlies an electrochemical reaction layer. The cell comprises an ion exchange membrane with a catalyst layer on each side thereof. The ion exchange membrane may comprise, for example, a proton exchange membrane. Some embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical cell layers which have a plurality of individual unit cells formed on a sheet of ion exchange membrane material.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte which is excellent in processability and proton conductivity, especially proton conductivity at low water content, and a membrane thereof. The polymer electrolyte contains, in its main chain, a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1): wherein Ar represents a benzene or naphthalene ring, or a derivative thereof in which one or more of the ring-forming carbon atoms is replaced by a hetero atom; X represents a proton or a cation; a and b are each an integer of 0 to 4, and the sum of a's and b's is 1 or greater; m represents an integer of 1 or greater; and n represents an integer of 0 or greater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell assembly and method of manufacturing same, and a bonding part manufacturing method and device. For instance, in a resin frame, a depression part is subsidence formed from a lower-end face toward an upper-end face, and a housing hole is pass-through formed from a top surface of the depression part toward the upper-end face. For instance, the depression part, a cathode-side electrode and an electrolyte film are housed, and in such a circumstance, an anode-side electrode is housed in the housing hole. A portion of the resin frame permeates a gas diffusion layer which configures the anode-side electrode and is a porous body. Via the permeated site, the resin frame and the gas diffusion layer (anode-side electrode) are integrally bonded.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nitrogen containing electrode catalyst by converting a high surface area metal-organic framework (MOF) material free of platinum group metals that includes a transition metal, an organic ligand, and an organic solvent via a high temperature thermal treatment to form catalytic active sites in the MOF. At least a portion of the contained organic solvent may be replaced with a nitrogen containing organic solvent or an organometallic compound or a transition metal salt to enhance catalytic performance. The electrode catalysts may be used in various electrochemical systems, including a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

Abstract: The description relates to fuel cells and fuel cell systems. One example includes at least one multi cell membrane electrode assembly (MCMEA). Individual MCMEAs can include multiple serially interconnected sub-cells.

Abstract: A power cell comprises a membrane with a first side and a second side. The membrane has a geometric structure encompassing a volume. The power cell also has a cover that is coupled to the membrane to separate the first flow path from the second flow path at the membrane. In the power cell, first and second catalyst is in gaseous communication with respective first flow path and second flow path and in ionic communication with respective first and second sides of the membrane. Furthermore, a first electrode is electrically coupled to the first catalyst on the first side of the membrane, and a second electrode is electrically coupled to the second catalyst on the second side of the membrane. In another embodiment, the power cell further includes a substrate on which the membrane is coupled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxide-ion conductor having the general formula La2Ge1?xCrxMgO6?0.5x, where 0<x<1 and M=Cr, Sc, Ga and In or a mixture thereof. The present disclosure further relates to composite materials containing such oxide-ion conductors and to devices containing such oxide-ion conductors or composites.

Abstract: A catalyst-layer-supporting substrate comprising a substrate supporting a catalyst layer; wherein the catalyst layer comprises two or more porous catalyst metal particle layers that are superposed alternately with (i) two or more intersticed layers comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Sn, Al, and Cu; or (ii) two or more fibrous carbon layers having interstices among fibers of the fibrous carbon. A method for forming a catalyst-layer-supporting structure that comprises porous catalyst metal particle by removing a pore-forming metal from a mixture layer containing a pore-forming metal and a catalyst metal.

Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolyte laminate comprising a solid electrolyte layer having proton conductivity and a cathode electrode layer laminated on one side of the solid electrolyte layer and made of lanthanum strontium cobalt oxide (LSC). Also provided is a method for manufacturing the solid electrolyte. This solid electrolyte laminate can further comprise an anode electrode layer made of nickel-yttrium doped barium zirconate (Ni—BZY). This solid electrolyte laminate is suitable for a fuel cell operating in an intermediate temperature range less than or equal to 600° C.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress flooding phenomenon in an electrode catalyst for fuel cells containing a metal atom, a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom. A production process of an electrode catalyst for fuel cells is provided which includes a fluorination step of bringing a catalyst body into contact with fluorine, the catalyst body having an atom of at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of zinc, titanium, niobium, zirconium, aluminum, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, strontium, yttrium, tin, tungsten, cerium, samarium and lanthanum, a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom and an oxygen atom.

Abstract: A novel approach based on the increase of the intrinsic oxidative stability of uncrosslinked membranes is addressed. The co-grafting of styrene with methacrylonitrile (MAN), which possesses a protected ?-position and strong dipolar pendant nitrile group, onto 25 ?m ETFE base film is disclosed. Styrene/MAN co-grafted membranes were compared to styrene based membrane in durability tests in single H2/O2 fuel cells. The incorporation of MAN improves the chemical stability dramatically. The membrane preparation based on the copolymerization of styrene and MAN shows encouraging results and offers the opportunity of tuning the MAN and crosslinker content to enhance the oxidative stability of the resulting fuel cell membranes.

Abstract: There is provided a membrane electrode assembly including an anode gas diffusion layer included in an anode and a cathode gas diffusion layer included in a cathode, wherein the anode gas diffusion layer includes an anode gas diffusion substrate and an anode microporous layer disposed on a first surface of the anode gas diffusion substrate, wherein the cathode gas diffusion layer includes a cathode gas diffusion substrate and a cathode microporous layer disposed on a first surface of the cathode gas diffusion substrate, and wherein at least one of a strike-through ratio on a second surface of the anode gas diffusion substrate and a strike-through ratio on a second surface of the cathode gas diffusion substrate is larger than 0.2%.

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

Abstract: In a fuel cell including an electrolyte layer allowing an anion component to migrate, and a fuel-side electrode and an oxygen-side electrode arranged to face each other while sandwiching the electrolyte layer, the oxygen-side electrode contains a first catalyst containing a first transition metal and polypyrrole, and a second catalyst containing a second transition metal and a porphyrin ring-containing compound so that the mixing ratio of the first catalyst relative to 100 parts by mass of the total amount of the first catalyst and the second catalyst is more than 10 parts by mass, and below 90 parts by mass.

Abstract: A redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a non-volatile catholyte solution flowing fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a polyoxometallate redox couple being at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially re-generated by reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, wherein the polyoxometallate is represented by the formula: Xa[ZbMcOd] Wherein X is selected from hydrogen, alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium and combinations of two or more thereof; Z is selected from B, P, S, As, Si, Ge, Ni, Rh, Sn, Al, Cu, I, Br, F, Fe, Co, Cr, Zn, H2, Te, Mn and Se and combinations of two or more thereof; M comprises W and optionally one or more of

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: The present invention relates to a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell and to a solid-oxide fuel cell using same, and, more specifically, relates to: a unit cell for a solid-oxide fuel cell, wherein a fuel charging-and-discharging part and an air charging-and-discharging part are provided perpendicularly to a cathode comprised in the solid-oxide fuel cell; and a solid-oxide fuel cell using same.

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

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a solid electrolyte layer, a barrier layer, and a cathode. The cathode includes a cathode current collecting layer and a cathode active layer. The cathode active layer includes a plurality of micro-cracks in a surface region within a predetermined distance from the interface between the barrier layer and the cathode active layer.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a solid electrolyte layer, a barrier layer, and a cathode. The cathode includes a cathode current collecting layer and a cathode active layer. The cathode active layer includes a plurality of micro-cracks in an inner region separated respectively from the interface and the interface.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a solid electrolyte layer, a barrier layer, and a cathode. The cathode includes a cathode current collecting layer and a cathode active layer. The cathode active layer includes a plurality of micro-cracks in an interface region within a predetermined distance from the interface between the cathode current collecting layer and the cathode active layer.

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

Abstract: A bonding layer, disposed between an interconnect layer and an electrode layer of a solid oxide fuel cell article, may be formed from a yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder having a monomodal particle size distribution (PSD) with a d50 that is greater than about 1 ?m and a d90 that is greater than about 2 ?m.

Abstract: A method of generating electrical power includes flowing hydrogen across an anode, splitting the hydrogen into protons and electrons using a catalyst attached to the anode, directing the electrons to a circuit to produce electrical power, flowing oxygen across a cathode, splitting the oxygen molecules into oxygen atoms using a cathode catalyst, passing the protons through an electrolyte to the cathode, and combining the protons with oxygen to form water. The cathode catalyst includes a plurality of nanoparticles having terraces formed of platinum, and corner regions and edge regions formed of a second metal.

Abstract: The innovation process describes the process and results for fabrication of a magnetron sputter deposited fully dense electrolyte layer (8YSZ/GDC/LSGM) embedded in a high performance membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) (Unit Cell) of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. A single cell with airtight electrolyte layer (8YSZ/GDC/LSGM) is prepared via thin film technique of magnetron sputter deposition, combined with SOFC-MEA processing methods (such as tape casting, lamination, vacuum hot pressing, screen printing, spin coating, and plasma spray coating) and sintering optimization conditions. The gas permeability of the electrolyte layer is below 1×10?6 L/cm2/sec and the open circuit voltage/power density of the single cell performance test exceeds 1.0 V and 500 mW/cm2.

Abstract: The invention describes an air-breathing fuel cell for the oxidation of ions with air or oxygen, having an anode half cell and a cathode half cell. A first ion-conducting membrane and a second ion-conducting membrane is introduced between the half cells, and the second ion-conducting membrane is coated at least in regions on the side orientated towards the cathode half cell with a catalyst for the reduction of oxygen. According to the invention, the air-breathing fuel cell is characterised in that an oxidation zone for the oxidation of ions with negative standard electrode potential is provided between the ion-conducting membranes.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode layer that is disposed on one surface of the solid electrolyte layer, an oxygen electrode layer that is disposed on the other surface of the solid electrolyte layer, and an intermediate layer that is disposed between the solid electrolyte layer and the oxygen electrode layer and that includes ceria-based particles containing rare earth elements other than cerium and ceramic particles consisting of oxide of a metallic element different from that of the ceria-based particles. The ceramic particles having a smaller average particle diameter than that of the ceria-based particles exist in grain boundaries of the ceria-based particles of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel electrode doubling as a support of a solid oxide fuel cell that hardly deteriorates conductivity and strength thereof through repetitive exposure to reducing atmosphere/oxidizing atmosphere. The fuel electrode doubling as the support of the solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention includes: a porous structure formed of first oxide particles having a 10% cumulative particle diameter between 5 ?m and 12 ?m and a 90% cumulative particle diameter between 84 ?m and 101 ?m; and electrode particles having an electrode catalytic activity that cover a surface in a gap of the porous structure and have a surface covered with second oxide particles by 10% to 70%.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode, a second electrode and a stress suppressing structure. The first electrode is joined to one surface of the electrolyte membrane. The second electrode is joined to an other surface of the electrolyte membrane. The first peripheral section which is at least part of periphery of the first electrode is located on an inner side along a planar direction of the first electrode than respective peripheries of the electrolyte membrane and the second electrode. The stress suppressing structure is configured to suppress concentration of stress on a location along the first peripheral section in the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A fuel-cell stack includes a proton-exchange membrane, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first current-collecting metal plate, a first gas diffusion layer, and first and second layers that contact each other. The first electrode and second electrodes are fixed on corresponding sides of the membrane. The first gas diffusion layer is interposed between the first current-collecting plate and the second electrode. The first layer is fixed on the first current-collecting plate, while the second layer is fixed to the first gas diffusion layer. Both layers include a polyurethane matrix containing conductive fillers. The second layer makes contact with the first layer.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having higher power-generating characteristics in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same. In this membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with electrode catalyst layers, which include at least a proton-exchange polymer and carbon-supported catalyst, on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane, the resistance (Ri) of the proton-exchange polymer of the electrode catalyst layers is at least about 2 ?cm2 but not more than about 5 ?cm2 under measurement conditions of 20% relative humidity and an AC impedance of 10 kHz to 100 kHz.

Abstract: Dielectric compositions that include compound of the formula [(M?)1?x(A?)x][(M?)1?y?z,(B?)y(C?)z]O3??(VO)? and protonated dielectric compositions that include a protonated dielectric compound within the formula [(M?)1?x(A?)x](M?)1?y?z(B?)y(C?)z]O3??+h(Vo)?(H•)2h are disclosed. Composite materials that employ one or more of these dielectric compounds together with an electrolyte also are disclosed. Composite material that employs one or more of these dielectric compounds together with an electrochemally active material also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating an electrode for a battery to enhance its performance is disclosed. By depositing a layer of porous carbon onto the electrode, its charging and discharging characteristics, as well as chemical stability may be improved. The method includes creating a plasma that includes carbon and attracting the plasma toward the electrode, such as by biasing a platen on which the electrode is disposed. In some embodiments, an etching process is also performed on the deposited porous carbon to increase its surface area. The electrode may also be exposed to a hydrophilic treatment to improve its interaction with the electrolyte. In addition, a battery which includes at least one electrode treated according to this process is disclosed.