Abstract: This invention provides a method for manufacturing porous oxide electrode layer, comprising: preparing an electrode slurry containing an electrically conductive oxide material powder, a dispersant, water and a moisture agent; spin coating the electrode slurry on a surface of a thin electrolyte or a porous substrate and simultaneously controlling the thickness and uniformity of the electrode layer on the fine electrolyte or the porous substrate; and calcining the electrode layer on the fine electrolyte or the porous substrate to form a porous electrode.

Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell includes a flow field plate and a main body plate. The flow field plate has a porous plate structure and is bonded to an outer surface of a gas diffusion layer to form a reaction gas flow field. The main body plate is bonded to an outer surface of the flow field plate to seal the reaction gas flow field. The flow field plate has protrusions that protrude from both surfaces of the flow field plate in a repetitive pattern, forming an uneven structure. The flow filed plate has a land portion bonded to the gas diffusion layer at a sharp tip of a protrusion thereof protruding from one surface of the flow field plate and a bonding portion bonded to the main body plate at an opposite sharp tip of a protrusion thereof protruding from the other surface of the flow field plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a membrane electrode assembly with enhanced hydrophobicity and a method for manufacturing the same. In particular, a nano pattern with a high aspect ratio is formed in a catalyst support on the surface of a catalyst layer constituting the membrane electrode assembly using plasma etching. A hydrophobic thin film is then formed on the nano pattern formed in the catalyst support.

Abstract: A fuel cell including a unit cell having an anode, an electrolyte membrane, and a cathode in this order, a liquid fuel accommodation portion composed of a space opening on an anode side and arranged on the anode side, for accommodating or allowing flow of liquid fuel, and a first moisture retention layer arranged between the unit cell and the liquid fuel accommodation portion is provided. This fuel cell may further include a second moisture retention layer arranged on the cathode. This fuel cell can be a direct alcohol fuel cell. For example, pure methanol or a methanol aqueous solution is adopted as the liquid fuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode catalyst comprising: (a) a support with a specific surface area of at least 1200 m2/g; and (b) platinum or platinum-containing alloy particles on the support, wherein the platinum is supported on the electrode catalyst in an amount of 56-90 wt % based on the total weight of the electrode catalyst. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising the electrode catalyst and a fuel cell using the MEA are also disclosed. The electrode catalyst comprises platinum or platinum-containing alloy particles highly dispersed on a support with a large surface area in an amount of 56 wt % or more, and thus has an extended catalytically active region, resulting in improvement in the quality of a fuel cell.

Abstract: Water soluble catalysts, (M)meso-tetra(N-Methyl-4-Pyridyl)Porphinepentachloride (M=Fe, Co, Mn & Cu), have been incorporated into the polymer binder of oxygen reduction cathodes in membrane electrode assemblies used in PEM fuel cells and found to support encouragingly high current densities. The voltages achieved are low compared to commercial platinum catalysts but entirely consistent with the behavior observed in electroanalytical measurements of the homogeneous catalysts. A model of the dynamics of the electrode action has been developed and validated and this allows the MEA electrodes to be optimized for any chemistry that has been demonstrated in solution. It has been shown that improvements to the performance will come from modifications to the structure of the catalyst combined with optimization of the electrode structure and a well-founded pathway to practical non-platinum group metal catalysts exists.

Abstract: A fuel cell component includes a sub-gasket including a structural component and a thermally conductive layer. The sub-gasket defines a central opening while the structural component includes a first side and a second side. The sub-gasket also has an inner portion proximate to the central opening and an outer portion. The inner portion is positioned between the cathode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge or between the anode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge. Finally, the thermally conductive layer contacts the second side of the structural component. Advantageously, the thermally conductive layer dissipates locally generated heat caused by unintended particles falling on the sub-gasket.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a proton-exchange membrane, an anode, and a cathode. The anode and cathode are fixed on opposing sides of the proton-exchange membrane. The anode demarcates a flow conduit between a molecular-hydrogen inlet area and a molecular-hydrogen outlet area. A quantity of catalyst at the molecular-hydrogen outlet area is smaller than a quantity of catalyst at the molecular-hydrogen inlet area. The anode also has a thickness that decreases continuously between the molecular-hydrogen inlet and outlet areas.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed comprising, a first flow structure, a second flow structure, and a membrane electrode assembly disposed between the first and second flow structures. The electrochemical cell further comprises a pair of bipolar plates, wherein the first flow structure, the second flow structure, and the membrane electrode assembly are positioned between the pair of bipolar plates. The electrochemical cell also includes a spring mechanism, wherein the spring mechanism is disposed between the first flow structure and the bipolar plate adjacent to the first flow structure, and applies a pressure on the first flow structure in a direction substantially toward the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises a plurality of sub-cells, each sub-cell including a first electrode in fluid communication with a source of oxygen gas, a second electrode in fluid communication with a source of a fuel gas, and a solid electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode. The sub-cells are connected with each other with an interconnect. The interconnect includes a first layer in contact with the first electrode of each cell, and a second layer in contact with the second electrode of each cell. The first layer includes a (La,Mn)Sr-titanate based perovskite represented by the empirical formula of LaySr(1?y)Ti(1?x)MnxOb. In one embodiment, the second layer includes a (Nb,Y)Sr-titanate perovskite represented by the empirical formula of Sr(1-1.5z?0.5k±?)YzNbkTi(1?k)Od.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane is provided that is inexpensive, and is excellent in the ionic conductivity characteristics, the methanol crossover characteristics and the mechanical characteristics. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane contains a block copolymer A containing a hydrophilic segment having an ion exchange group and a hydrophobic segment, and a block copolymer B containing a hydrophilic segment having an ion exchange group and a hydrophobic segment and having a smaller ion exchange capacity than the block copolymer A, and has a structure where a region A having the block copolymer A agglomerated therein is dispersed in a matrix constituted by a region B having the block copolymer B agglomerated therein, with a microscopic phase-separated structure having a period of from 10 to 100 nm being formed in the region A and the region B.

Abstract: A nanofibrous catalyst and method of manufacture. A precursor solution of a transition metal based material is formed into a plurality of interconnected nanofibers by electro-spinning the precursor solution with the nanofibers converted to a catalytically active material by a heat treatment. Selected subsequent treatments can enhance catalytic activity.

Abstract: A fuel cell and method for manufacturing the fuel cell are described herein. Basically, the fuel cell is formed from an electrode/electrolyte structure including an array of anode electrodes and cathode electrodes disposed on opposing sides of an electrolyte sheet, the anode and cathode electrodes being electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof by electrical conductors that traverse via holes in the electrolyte sheet. Several different embodiments of electrical conductors which have a specific composition and/or a specific geometry are described herein.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell scatters MgO over a grain boundary of an LSGM which is a solid electrolyte layer. Ni components that diffuse from a fuel electrode formed on the other side of an LDC from the LSGM are trapped by the scattered MgO particles and are suppressed from diffusing towards an air electrode in the electrolyte layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an air electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and further has a calcium element (Ca) content of more than 0.2 mass % but not more than 2 mass % in terms of CaO.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a material with the general formula Sr1-xAxSi1-yGeyO3-0.5x, wherein A is K or Na, including mixtures thereof, and wherein 0?y?1 and 0?x?0.4. In a specific embodiment, 0?y?0.5. In another specific embodiment, 0?y?0.1 and 0?x?0.4. In another specific embodiment 0.9?y?1 and 0?x?0.25. The material may be a single-phase polycrystalline solid having a monoclinic crystal structure. The material may have an oxide-ion conductivity (?o) greater than or equal to 10?2 S/cm at a temperature of at least 500° C. The material may be formed into a planar or tubular membrane or a composite with another solid member. The material may be used as the electrolyte in a fuel cell or a regenerative or reverse fuel cell, as an oxygen sensor, or as an oxygen separation membrane. The material may also be used as a catalyst for oxidation of an olefin or for other purposes where oxide-ion conductivity is beneficial.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell having an electric power generating element unit that is configured by sandwiching a solid electrolyte layer between a fuel electrode layer and an oxygen electrode layer with a pore that is present in the solid electrolyte layer and is covered with a sealing material. In addition, a pore that is present in an interconnector, which is electrically connected to the fuel electrode layer or the oxygen electrode layer, is covered with the sealing material. Consequently, the solid oxide fuel cell is capable of easily preventing gas leakage.

Abstract: A supported membrane for fuel cell applications includes a first expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support and a second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support. Both the first and second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene supports independently have pores with a diameter from about 0.1 to about 1 microns and a thickness from about 4 to 12 microns. The supported membrane also includes an ion conducting polymer adhering to the first expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support and the second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support such that the membrane has a thickness from about 10 to 25 microns.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and has a Ca element content of 0.2 mass % or less in terms of CaO in a surface region at the inner electrode side.

Abstract: Electrically conductive meshes with pore sizes between about 20 and 3000 nanometers and with appropriately selected strand geometry can be used as engineered supports in electrodes to provide for improved performance in solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Suitable electrode geometries have essentially straight, parallel pores of engineered size. When used as a cathode, such electrodes can be expected to provide a substantial improvement in output voltage at a given current.

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: A membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells includes a proton conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. The proton conducting membrane in turn includes a first polymer including cyclic polyether groups and a second polymer having sulfonic acid groups. The membrane electrode assembly further includes an anode disposed over the first side of the proton conducting layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed over the second side of the proton conducting layer.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells includes a proton conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. The membrane electrode assembly further includes an anode disposed over the first side of the proton conducting layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed over the second side of the proton conducting layer. One or both of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer includes a first polymer which has cyclic polyether groups. An ink composition for forming a fuel cell catalyst layer is also provided.

Abstract: Fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assemblies may include an electrolyte membrane and a coated subgasket overlying the electrolyte membrane around a perimeter of the electrolyte membrane so as to define an active area inside the perimeter. The coated subgasket may comprise a subgasket body formed from a subgasket material. At least one side of the coated subgasket includes a subgasket coating layer containing or formed from a coating material such as metals, ceramics, polymers, polymer composites, or other hard coatings. Fuel-cell assemblies may include gas diffusion media, a bipolar plate, and a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket. Fuel-cell stacks may include clamping plates, unipolar endplates, and a plurality of individual fuel-cell assemblies, at least one of which includes a fuel-cell membrane-subgasket assembly having a coated subgasket.

Abstract: The present invention provides an MEA which improves water retention properties of an electrode catalyst layer without inhibiting diffusion of a reaction gas and drainage of water produced by an electrode reaction etc. One aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method of an MEA which includes coating and drying a catalyst ink to form a first electrode catalyst sub-layer, coating and drying a catalyst ink to form a second electrode catalyst sub-layer, and forming the first and the second electrode catalyst sub-layers on a polymer electrolyte membrane in this order, and has a specific feature that a solvent removal rate in drying to form the first electrode catalyst sub-layer is higher than that in drying to form the second electrode catalyst sub-layer.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes a fuel cell main body which includes a cathode layer, a solid electrolyte layer, and an anode layer and which has a power generation function; a connector disposed to face one electrode layer of the cathode layer and the anode layer; a current collector which is disposed between the one electrode layer and the connector and which is in contact with a surface of the one electrode layer and a surface of the connector, the surfaces facing each other, to thereby electrically connect the one electrode layer and the connector; and a groove provided in a portion of a surface of the one electrode layer, which surface is located on the side where the one electrode layer is in contact with the current collector, the portion of the surface being not in contact with the current collector.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of electrochemical cells for use in high pressure or high differential pressure operations. The electrochemical cells of the present disclosure have non-circular external pressure boundaries, i.e., the cells have non-circular profiles. In such cells, the internal fluid pressure during operation is balanced by the axial tensile forces developed in the bipolar plates, which prevent the external pressure boundaries of the cells from flexing or deforming. That is, the bipolar plates are configured to function as tension members during operation of the cells. To function as an effective tension member, the thickness of a particular bipolar plate is determined based on the yield strength of the material selected for fabricating the bipolar plate, the internal fluid pressure in the flow structure adjacent to the bipolar plate, and the thickness of the adjacent flow structure.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a reactor constructed from a ion-permeable membrane between a cathode space and an anode space. The membrane includes an extended membrane area which extends outside of the area of the cathode and anode spaces. A carrier layer is attached to and supports the membrane extended area, and the carrier layer is arranged with an integrated circuit adjacent to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of forming a catalyst material includes coating agglomerates of catalyst support particles with an ionomer material. After coating the agglomerates of catalyst support particles, a catalyst metal precursor is deposited by chemical infiltration onto peripheral surfaces of the agglomerates of catalyst support particles. The catalyst metal precursor is then chemically reduced to form catalyst metal on the peripheral surfaces of the agglomerates of catalyst support particles.

Abstract: The direct alcohol fuel cell of the present invention is a direct alcohol fuel cell comprising an anode 20 having an anode catalyst layer 2, a cathode 30 having a cathode catalyst layer 3, and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 1 arranged between the anode 20 and cathode 30, the direct alcohol fuel cell generating electricity by supplying the anode 20 with alcohol and water; wherein the cathode catalyst layer 3 contains a metal complex and/or a metal complex fired product formed by firing the metal complex as a catalyst.

Abstract: A metal electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an ion-conducting membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The ion-conducting membrane includes a first polymer and polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures dispersed within the first polymer, the first polymer including protogenic groups. A method for making the ion-conducting membrane is also provided.

Abstract: A metal electrode assembly includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an ion conducting membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The ion conducting layer includes a polyphenylene sulfide mat with a first polymer imbibed therein. The polyphenylene sulfide mat includes the polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures. A method for forming the ion conducting layer is also provided.

Abstract: A catalytic particle for a fuel cell includes a palladium nanoparticle core and a platinum shell. The palladium nanoparticle core has an increased area of {100} or {111} surfaces compared to a cubo-octahedral. The platinum shell is on an outer surface of the palladium nanoparticle core. The platinum shell is formed by deposition of an atomically thin layer of platinum atoms covering the majority of the outer surface of the palladium nanoparticle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of reacting reaction components. The method comprises electro-chemically reacting reaction components on opposite sides of at least one membrane with at least one catalyst encompassing a respective volume. In another embodiment, the method includes conducting electrolysis, such as electrolysis of water. The apparatus includes at least one membrane with first and second sides encompassing a respective volume. The apparatus further includes at least one catalyst coupled to the first and second sides to electro-chemically react reaction components on the first and second sides in gaseous communication with the at least one catalyst, and a cover coupled to the at least one membrane to separate flow paths on the first and second sides.

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

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane 22 constituting a membrane electrode assembly includes thick portions 23 having a relatively large thickness. The thick portions 23 have a strip shape and are disposed at a predetermined distance from each other along the electric conduction direction. The thick portions 23 extend from one side L1 of the electrolyte membrane 22 extending in a direction perpendicular to the electric conduction direction to the other side L2 of the electrolyte membrane 22 extending in the direction perpendicular to the electric conduction direction. The thick portions 23 have a convex shape with respect to the anode side surface and the cathode side surface of the electrolyte membrane 22.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel fuel cell, the output voltage of which is pH dependent. The fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly and a light source. In accordance with one embodiment, the membrane electrode assembly includes i) an electrolyte; ii) an anode operably coupled to the electrolyte; and iii) a cathode operably coupled to the electrolyte, wherein the cathode is made from an electrically conductive material and has an unroughened surface where an adsorbate material is applied. The adsorbate material used herein comprises a material having semiconductor properties, and the combination of the electrically conductive material and the adsorbate material is photosensitive and has catalytic properties. The invention also provides a novel electrode that can be used as a cathode in a fuel cell, a novel method for making the electrode, and a novel method of generating electricity using the fuel cell and/or electrode of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electrode for a fuel cell that includes an electrode substrate and a surface-treatment layer disposed on the electrode substrate and including a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer partially disposed on the hydrophilic layer. Also disclosed are a method of fabricating an electrode for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell system including the membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: A first layered article (14a) in which a first electrolyte membrane (12a) and an anode-side catalyst layer (13a) are laminated, and a second layered article (14b) in which a second electrolyte membrane (12b) and a cathode-side catalyst layer (13b) are laminated, are formed. Then, the first layered article (14a) and the second layered article (14b) are disposed so that the electrolyte membrane-side surfaces of the two articles face each other. A reinforcement frame (20) is then disposed between the two articles. The whole layered assembly in this state is thermocompression-bonded. Thus, a membrane-electrode assembly (15) in which the reinforcement frame (20) is embedded within an electrolyte membrane (15) that is formed by the fusion of first electrolyte membrane (12a) and the second electrolyte membrane (12b) is obtained.

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 degrees and I2 is the maximum X-ray diffraction intensity at diffraction angles 2?=2? of 25.65 to 26.0 degrees according to X-ray powder diffractometry (Cu—K? radiation).

Abstract: Disclosed is a proton conducting polymer membrane formed by laminating a plurality of solid electrolyte membranes. This proton conducting polymer membrane is one prepared by laminating at least one layer of a solid electrolyte membrane formed by using a resin having a bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl)methide group in the chemical structure. This solid electrolyte membrane has a superior proton conductivity without transmitting the fuel (methanol or hydrogen).

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell having a long product life. In a fuel cell 1, an interlayer 53 is arranged between a portion of an interconnector 14 which is formed of Ag or an Ag alloy and a first electrode 33 containing Ni. The interlayer 53 is formed of an oxide containing Ni and Ti.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a catalyst layer by an in-situ sol-gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane, and a fuel cell including the catalyst layer prepared thereby. Addition of silica mitigates specific adsorption of sulfonate groups contained in a Nafion ionomer on a Pt catalyst layer in a high-voltage region where the role of a catalyst predominates, resulting in improvement of ORR performance.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell including: a membrane electrode assembly (30) formed by joining an anode (32) to one surface of an electrolyte membrane (31) and joining a cathode (33) to another surface of the electrolyte membrane (31); a frame body (20) formed integrally with the membrane electrode assembly (30); and a pair of separators (40, 41) holding the membrane electrode assembly (30) and the frame body (20) therebetween. At least one pair of holding pieces (42, 43) holding the membrane electrode assembly (30) therebetween is formed in the pair of separators (40, 41). Positions of holding end portions (42a, 43a) of the pair of holding pieces (42, 43) are shifted from each other in a stacking direction of the fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrolyte-free, oxygen-free, high power, and energy dense single fuel cell device is provided, along with methods for making and use. The fuel cell device is based on an electron-relay function using a nanostructured membrane prepared by cross-linking polymers, and having embedded within the membrane, a reactant. Use of the fuel cell device does not produce water, or CO2, and no oxygen is needed. The rechargeability of the fuel cell device revealed it can function as a portable battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing an air electrode based on Pr2-xNiO4 with 0?x<2, comprising a step consisting in sintering a ceramic ink comprising Pr2-xNiO4 and a pore-forming agent at a temperature above 1000° C. and below or equal to 1150° C. This invention also relates to the air electrode thus obtained and its uses.

Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell having high power generation efficiency, and includes: a power generating element having a solid oxide electrolyte layer, a first electrode and a second electrode; a first separator; a second separator; and a first porous body. The first separator has a first separator body arranged on the first electrode, and a plurality of first channel forming portions. A plurality of first channel forming portions are arranged at intervals from one another so as to protrude toward the first electrode 32a side from the first separator body. A plurality of first channel forming portions dividedly form a plurality of first channels between the first separator body and the first electrode. The first porous body is arranged between the first channel forming portion and the first electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell having a long product life. In the fuel cell, an interlayer is arranged between a portion of an interconnector which contains at least one of Ag, Pd, Pt, Fe, Co, Cu, Ru, Rh, Re and Au and a first electrode containing Ni. The interlayer is formed of a conductive ceramic.

Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell capable of achieving high power generation efficiency. A first separator is arranged on an oxidant gas electrode. In the first separator, an oxidant gas channel for supplying an oxidant gas to the oxidant gas electrode is formed. A second separator body is arranged on a fuel electrode In the second separator, a fuel gas channel for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel electrode is formed. The first separator is configured such that the width of the oxidant gas channel decreases stepwise or continuously with distance from the oxidant gas electrode. The second separator is configured such that the width of the fuel gas channel decreases stepwise or continuously with distance from the fuel electrode.

Abstract: A fuel battery cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly having a resin frame in a periphery of the membrane electrode assembly; two separators holding the frame and the membrane electrode assembly between the two separators; and diffuser areas each provided between the frame and each of the separators and allowing a reaction gas to flowthrough the diffuser areas. In the diffuser area on any one of a cathode side or an anode side, at least one of mutually opposed surfaces of the frame and the separator is provided with a protruding portion in contact with the other opposed surface. In the diffuser area on the other side, a displacement in a thickness direction between the frame and the separator is capable of being absorbed.