Abstract: An electrolyte membrane for solid polymer fuel cell includes a reinforce membrane made of nonwoven fibers and an electrolyte provided in a space among the nonwoven fibers. The nonwoven fibers have a non-uniform mass distribution in a plane of the electrolyte membrane. A mass of the nonwoven fibers per unit area in a region corresponding to at least part of a peripheral portion of a fuel cell-use gasket frame is greater than a mass of the nonwoven fibers per unit area in a region corresponding to a center portion of the gasket frame. The electrolyte membrane for solid polymer fuel cell is attached to the fuel cell-use gasket frame.

Abstract: A catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for an alkaline fuel cell having OH-ion conducting catalyst layers and a membrane, wherein the ionomer throughout the entire CCM is cross-linked in one chemical step including cross-linking within the membrane and within the catalyst layers, thus enabling simultaneous chemical bonding across the interfaces between the catalyst layers and the ion conducting membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having high mechanical strength, good handling properties, high thickness precision, little undulation, and adequate gas permeability and conductivity. Also provided is a method for producing a porous electrode substrate at low costs. A porous electrode substrate is produced by joining short carbon fibers (A) via mesh-like of carbon fibers (B) having an average diameter of 4 ?m or smaller. Further provided are a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that use this porous electrode membrane. A porous electrode substrate is obtained by subjecting a precursor sheet, in which short carbon fibers (A) and short carbon fiber precursors (b) having an average diameter of 5 ?m or smaller have been dispersed, to carbonization treatment after optional hot press forming and optional oxidization treatment.

Abstract: A fuel cell according to one embodiment includes a porous electrolyte support structure defining an array of microchannels, the microchannels including fuel and oxidant microchannels; fuel electrodes formed along some of the microchannels; and oxidant electrodes formed along other of the microchannels. A method of making a fuel cell according to one embodiment includes forming an array of walls defining microchannels therebetween using at least one of molding, stamping, extrusion, injection and electrodeposition; processing the walls to make the walls porous, thereby creating a porous electrolyte support structure; forming anode electrodes along some of the microchannels; and forming cathode electrodes along other of the microchannels. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes separators sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies. Each of the separators includes a fuel gas supply passage, four first bridges extending radially outwardly from the fuel gas supply section, and sandwiching sections connected to the first bridges. A fuel gas supply passage extends through the fuel gas supply section. Each of the sandwiching sections has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel. The four electrolyte electrode assemblies are arranged concentrically around the fuel gas supply section. A fuel cell stack includes such fuel cells.

Abstract: An interconnector made of a lanthanum chromite is provided on a fuel electrode of an SOFC, and a P-type semiconductor film which is a conductive ceramics film is formed on a surface of the interconnector. When a maximum value (maximum joining width) of the “lengths of a plurality of portions at which the interconnector and the P-type semiconductor film are brought into contact with each other” on a “line (boundary line) corresponding to an interface between the interconnector and the P-type semiconductor film in a cross section including the interconnector and the P-type semiconductor film” is 40 ?m or less, peeling becomes less liable to occur in a portion corresponding to the maximum joining width at the interface.

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: A naphthoxazine benzoxazine-based monomer is represented by Formula 1 below: In Formula 1, R2 and R3 or R3 and R4 are linked to each other to form a group represented by Formula 2 below, and R5 and R6 or R6 and R7 are linked to each other to form a group represented by Formula 2 below, In Formula 2, * represents the bonding position of R2 and R3, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, or R6 and R7 of Formula 1. A polymer is formed by polymerizing the naphthoxazine benzoxazine-based monomer, an electrode for a fuel cell includes the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes the polymer, and a fuel cell uses the electrode.

Abstract: A method for forming a solid oxide fuel cell brazed to a current collector includes heating the solid oxide fuel cell, the current collector, and a primary brazing slurry above a brazing temperature and subsequently cooling the solid oxide fuel cell, the current collector and the primary brazing slurry below the brazing temperature. The method further includes heating the solid oxide fuel cell, the current collector and the secondary brazing slurry above the brazing temperature and subsequently cooling the solid oxide fuel cell primarily brazed to the current collector and the secondary brazing slurry below the brazing temperature.

Abstract: A method of making an electrode ink containing nanostructured catalyst elements is described. The method comprises providing an electrocatalyst decal comprising a carrying substrate having a nanostructured thin catalytic layer thereon, the nanostructure thin catalytic layer comprising nanostructured catalyst elements; providing a transfer substrate with an adhesive thereon; transferring the nanostructured thin catalytic layer from the carrying substrate to the transfer substrate; removing the nanostructured catalyst elements from the transfer substrate; providing an electrode ink solvent; and dispersing the nanostructured catalyst elements in the electrode ink solvent. Electrode inks, coated substrates, and membrane electrode assemblies made from the method are also described.

Abstract: A fuel cell (2) includes: a membrane electrode assembly (6) having an electrolyte membrane (3), an anode (5) disposed on one side of the electrolyte membrane, and a cathode (4) disposed on the other side thereof; a porous passage (8) that is disposed on at least one side of the membrane electrode assembly (6), and through which a fuel gas is supplied to the anode (5) or an oxidant gas is supplied to the cathode (4); and a manifold portion (20a), through which the fuel gas or the oxidant gas is supplied to the porous passage (8), and that is provided so as to pass through the fuel cell (2) in a stacking direction, in which the electrolyte membrane (3), the anode (5), the cathode (4), and the porous passage (8) are stacked, wherein a manifold portion-side end portion of the porous passage (8) has a gas inlet at at least one of stacking surfaces of the porous passage (8) that face in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, and an ion conducting membrane. The ion conducting membrane is interposed between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. The ion conducting membrane includes an ion conducting polymer having sulfonic acid groups and rubber particulates. Characteristically, the rubber particulates have an average spatial dimension less than about 600 nanometers. A fuel cell incorporating the membrane electrode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a gas decomposition component, a method for producing a gas decomposition component, and a power generation apparatus. A gas decomposition component 10 includes a cylindrical-body MEA 7 including a first electrode 2 disposed on an inner-surface side, a second electrode 5 disposed on an outer-surface side, and a solid electrolyte 1 sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a porous metal body 11s inserted on the inner-surface side of the cylindrical-body MEA and electrically connected to the first electrode, wherein the gas decomposition component further includes a porous conductive-paste-coated layer 11g formed on an inner circumferential surface of the first electrode, and a metal mesh sheet 11a disposed on an inner circumferential side of the conductive-paste-coated layer, and an electrical connection between the first electrode and the porous metal body is established through the conductive-paste-coated layer and the metal mesh sheet.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising steps of: preparing a precursor of a membrane electrode assembly wherein a catalyst mixture comprising an electrolyte resin and a catalyst-carrying conductor is applied or placed on an electrolyte membrane; and externally exposing the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly to a superheated medium under oxygen-free or low-oxygen conditions and heating the boundary of the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst mixture in the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly by condensation heat of the superheated medium to fix the catalyst mixture to the electrolyte membrane. This method enables the production of a membrane electrode assembly that is substantially free of boundary and that has a catalyst layer in which a porous and sufficient three-phase boundary is present.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid polymer electrolyte materials for use in one or more electrode of a fuel cell. The solid polymer electrolyte materials comprise one or more ionomer which comprises polymerized units of monomers A and monomers B, wherein monomers A are perfluoro dioxole or perfluoro dioxolane monomers, and the monomers B are functionalized perfluoro olefins having fluoroalkyl sulfonyl, fluoroalkyl sulfonate or fluoroalkyl sulfonic acid pendant groups, CF2?CF(O)[CF2]nSO2X. The ionomer of the solid polymer electrolyte material has a number average molecular weight, Mn, of greater than 140,000. Specifically, the ionomers of the invention may find use in the catalyst layer of an electrode because the high molecular weight ionomers mitigate the formation of cracks in the catalyst layer.

Abstract: A membrane-catalyst layer assembly with reinforcing films including a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 2, a catalyst layer 3 formed on each surface of the electrolyte membrane 2, and a reinforcing film 4 located on each surface of a membrane-catalyst layer assembly having the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layers. Each of the reinforcing films 4 has a frame shape with a central opening 41. Each of the catalyst layers 3, except for an outer edge portion 31, is exposed through the opening 41. Each reinforcing film 4 has a first bonding layer 43 bonded to a membrane-catalyst layer assembly 10, and a gas barrier layer 42 formed on the first bonding layer 43 to prevent passage of a fuel gas and an oxidant gas.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a first separator, and a second separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a resin frame member, and an electrolyte membrane. The resin frame member includes a first surface, a second surface, a first buffer portion, and a second buffer portion. The first buffer portion is provided on the first surface of the resin frame member. The second buffer portion is provided on the second surface of the resin frame member. The second buffer portion is independent from the first buffer portion.

Abstract: A solid oxide supercritical water electrochemical cell which uses carbonaceous materials, such as sewage or waste food, in a mixture with fluid as fuel, simultaneously generating two or more forms of energy by means of combustion of oxidizable carbonaceous material in whole or in part by electrochemical oxidation under hydrothermal conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell and a fuel cell system comprising the same. The membrane-electrode assembly includes an anode and a cathode facing each other and a polymer electrolyte membrane positioned therebetween. The polymer electrolyte membrane adheres to the anode through a binder disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the anode, and adheres to the cathode through a binder disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane and the cathode. The binder and the polymer electrolyte membrane can include a cation exchange resin and an inorganic additive.

Abstract: A power generation unit of a fuel cell 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 bypass limiting section is provided at an end of the coolant flow field for preventing a coolant from bypassing the coolant flow field. The bypass limiting section includes a corrugated section formed integrally with the first metal separator and a corrugated section formed integrally with the third metal separator adjacent to the first metal separator, and contacting the corrugated section.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the noble metal catalyst layer includes first noble metal layer and a second noble metal layer formed on the first noble metal layer. The first noble metal layer includes a first noble metal element and has a porosity of 65 to 95 vol. %, a volume of pores having a diameter of 5 to 80 nm accounts for 50% or more of a volume of total pores in the first noble metal layer. The second noble metal layer includes a second noble metal element, and has an average thickness of 3 to 20 nm and a porosity of 50 vol. % or less.

Abstract: A cathode material for a solid oxide fuel cell comprising a complex oxide having a perovskite structure expressed by the general formula ABO3 with a standard deviation value of no more than 10.3 for the atomic percentage of respective elements in the A site measured using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy at 10 spots in a single field.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polymer electrolyte membrane meeting power generation properties and physical durability at the same time and having high durability. A polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a microporous membrane and a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte contained in a pore of the microporous membrane, wherein pore distribution of the microporous membrane has a pore distribution with a center of distribution in a pore diameter range of 0.3 ?m to 5.0 ?m, and the fluorine-based polymer electrolyte composition contains a fluorine-based polymer electrolyte (component A) having an ion exchange capacity of 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g.

Abstract: The present invention is related to fuel cells and fuel cell cathodes, especially for fuel cells using hydrogen peroxide, oxygen or air as oxidant. A supported electrocatalyst (204) or unsupported metal black catalyst (206) of cathodes according to an embodiment of the present invention is bonded to a current collector (200) by an intrinsically electron conducting adhesive (202). The surface of the electrocatalyst layer is coated by an ion-conducting ionomer layer (210). According to an embodiment of the invention these fuel cells use cathodes that employ ruthenium alloys RuMeIMeII such as ruthenium-palladium-iridium alloys or quaternary ruthenium-rhenium alloys RuMeIMeIIRe such as ruthenium-palladium-iridium-rhenium alloys as electrocatalyst (206) for hydrogen peroxide fuel cells. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of corrugated fuel cell units from a composite laminate comprising an ion conductive membrane having first and second surface; a first electrocatalyst layer in contact with the first surface of the membrane; a second electrocatalyst layer in contact with the second surface of the membrane; a first metallic mesh in contact with said first electrocatalyst layer and a second metallic mesh in contact with said second electrocatalyst layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell is formed by sandwiching a membrane electrode assembly between a first separator and a second separator. An outlet connection channel connecting a fuel gas flow field with a fuel gas discharge passage is provided in the first separator. The outlet connection channel has a plurality of discharge holes extending through the first separator. The discharge holes are arranged in the direction of gravity. The discharge hole at the lowermost position has an opening elongated downward to have an opening area larger than opening areas of the other discharge holes above and adjacent to the discharge hole at the lowermost position.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly less susceptible to flooding or shortcircuiting caused by piercing of carbon fibers of a gas diffusion layer to a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided, containing a cathode having a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, an anode having a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer, and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the catalyst layer of the cathode and the catalyst layer of the anode, wherein each of the cathode and the anode further has a protective layer containing carbon fibers having an average fiber diameter of from 1 to 30 ?m and a fluorinated ion exchange resin, between the catalyst layer and the gas diffusion layer, and the mass ratio (F/C) of the fluorinated ion exchange resin (F) to the carbon fibers (C) contained in the protective layer is from 0.05 to 0.30.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a proton exchange membrane having a first major side and a second major side. The membrane electrode assembly includes a first anisotropic reinforced layer having a first plurality of fiber preferentially oriented along a first direction, a second anisotropic reinforced layer having a second plurality of fiber preferentially oriented along a second direction, and a polymeric layer including a plurality of sulfonic acid groups. A cathode catalyst layer is disposed over the first major side of the proton exchange membrane while an anode catalyst layer is disposed over the second major side of the proton exchange membrane. An anode flow field plate is disposed over the anode catalyst layer and a cathode flow field plate is disposed over the cathode catalyst layer.

Abstract: The degradation associated with repeated startup and shutdown of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells comprising PtCo alloy cathode catalysts can be particularly poor. However, a marked and unexpected improvement in durability is observed as a result of incorporating a selectively conducting component in electrical series with the anode components in the fuel cell.

Abstract: A direct formate fuel cell (DFFC) employs at least one formate salt as the anode fuel, either air or oxygen as the oxidant, a polymer anion exchange membrane (AEM) to separate the anode and cathode, and metal catalysts at the anode and cathode. One exemplary embodiment consists of palladium nanoparticle anode catalyst and platinum nanoparticle cathode catalyst, each applied to the alkaline AEM in the form of a thin film. Operation of the DFFC at 60° C. with 1 M KOOCH+2 M KOH as the anode fuel and electrolyte and oxygen at the cathode produces 144 mW cm?2 of peak power density, 181 mA cm?2 current density at 0.6 V, and an open circuit voltage of 0.931 V. This performance is competitive with alkaline direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs) reported in the literature and demonstrates that formate fuel is a legitimate contender with alcohol fuels for alkaline DLFCs.

Abstract: A fuel cell (10) includes an anode (11), a solid electrolyte layer (12), a barrier layer (13), and a cathode (14). The anode (11) includes a transition metal and an oxygen ion conductive material. In the interface region (R) within 3 micrometers from the interface with the solid electrolyte layer (12) of the anode (11) after reduction, the content rate of silicon is less than or equal to 200 ppm, the content rate of phosphorous is less than or equal to 50 ppm, the content rate of chrome is less than or equal to 100 ppm, the content rate of boron is less than or equal to 100 ppm, and the content rate of sulfur is less than or equal to 100 ppm.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and a separator. The separator includes a water accumulation portion including at least one of a buffer portion, a lowermost channel groove, a channel junction portion, and a bypass channel. The buffer portion is connected to a reactant gas channel through which a reactant gas is to flow along a power generation surface of the membrane electrode assembly. The channel groove is provided in the reactant gas channel and located at a lowest position in the reactant gas channel in a direction of gravity when the membrane electrode assembly and the separator are in an upright position. Channel grooves of the reactant gas channel are joined in the channel junction portion. The membrane electrode assembly includes a water impermeable layer which is disposed outside of a power generation region and which faces the water accumulation portion.

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: A fuel cell system comprising an anode compartment which comprises an anode having a copper catalyst layer, a cathode configured as an air cathode and a separator interposed between said anode and said cathode, operable by an amine-derived fuel and oxygen (or air) is disclosed. Further disclosed are fuel cell systems comprising an anode compartment which comprises an anode having a copper catalyst layer, a cathode and a separator interposed between said anode and said cathode, which are operable by a mixture of two types of amine-derived compounds (e.g., ammonia borane, hydrazine and derivatives thereof). Also disclosed are methods of producing electric energy by, and electric-consuming devices containing and operable by, the disclosed fuel cell systems.

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: Fuel cells (38) have passageways (83, 84) that provide water through one or both reactant gas flow field plates (75, 81) of each fuel cell, whereby the fuel cell is cooled evaporatively. The water passageways may be vented by a porous plug (not shown), or by a microvacuum pump (89). A condenser (59) may have a reservoir (64); the condenser (59) may be a vehicle radiator. A highly water permeable wicking layer (90) is disposed adjacent to one or both water passageways (83, 84) which exist between individual fuel cells (38). The passageways may be flow-through passageways (83) (FIG. 5) or they may be interdigitated passageways (83a, 83b) (FIG. 6) in order to increase the flow of water-purging air through the wicking layer (90) utilized to clear the stack of water during shutdown in cold environments.

Abstract: A membrane, suitable for use in a fuel cell, comprises: (a) a central region comprising an ion-conducting polymeric material; (b) a border region which creates a frame around the central region and which consists of one or more non-ion-conducting materials wherein at least one of the one or more non-ion-conducting materials forms a layer; wherein the non-ion-conducting material of the border region overlaps the ion-conducting polymeric material of the central region by 0 to 10 mm in an overlap region.

Abstract: A technology is provided that is capable of improving deterioration of a fuel cell due to non-stationary operation (startup/shutdown, fuel depletion). An anode-side catalyst composition comprising a catalyst having catalyst particles carried on electrically conductive material and an ion exchange resin, characterized in that the catalyst particle are formed of an alloy, of which oxygen reduction capability and water electrolysis are both lower than those of platinum, and which has hydrogen oxidation capability.

Abstract: Provided are: a porous electrode substrate which has excellent handling properties and surface smoothness and satisfactory gas permeability and electrical conductivity, and enables the reduction of damage to a polymer electrolyte membrane when integrated into a fuel cell; and a process for producing the porous electrode substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to proton exchange membranes such as for use in fuel cells. In one embodiment, a polyetherquinoxaline is obtained by reaction between a haloquinoxaline and at least one diol, which forms a repeating unit including an ether linkage. The polyetherquinoxaline is suitable for use in a proton exchange membrane, which can be used in a fuel cell.

Abstract: The plant (10) includes a molten metal anode (44) passing through a fuel cell (12) anode inlet (46) having a first interrupted flow generator (104), then into an anode flow field (42) of the fuel cell (12), and leaving the anode flow field (42) through an anode outlet (48) having a second interrupted flow generator (113). The molten anode (44) then flows into a reduction reactor (50) where the oxidized anode (44) is reduced by a reducing fuel (61). The molten anode (44) is then cycled back into the first interrupted flow generator (104) and anode flow field (42). Interrupting flow of the molten anode (44) prevents electrical continuity between the anode inlet (46) and the anode outlet (48) through the molten anode (44) within the anode flow field (42). This facilitates stacking the planar fuel cells in series within a fuel cell stack to build voltage.

Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical device having an alkaline electrolyte disposed between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, where the anode electrode and/or the cathode electrode is provided with a CO2 inhibitor which substantially eliminates poisoning of the device by CO2. The device may be an alkaline fuel cell or an alkaline battery. In one embodiment, the electrolyte is an anion exchange polymeric alkaline electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane laminate for an unhumidified-type fuel cell, comprising an electrolytic membrane containing a strong acid; a conductive layer formed on one surface or both surfaces of the electrolytic membrane; and a catalytic layer formed on the conductive layer; wherein the conductive layer is formed of a fluorine-containing resin and carbon powder, and the conductive layer is thinner than the electrolytic membrane. The present invention provides a catalytic layer-electrolytic membrane laminate for an unhumidified-type fuel cell that can be practically used.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, the electrode catalyst including a first catalyst that exhibits hydrophilicity, the first catalyst including pores, wherein at least 50 volume percent of the pores have an average diameter of about 100 nanometers or less; a method of preparing the electrode catalyst; and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a fuel cell that include the electrolyte catalyst. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell rapidly controls the migration of phosphoric acid at an initial stage of operation of an MEA, thereby securing a path for the migration of a conductor and a path for the diffusion of a fuel, and thus, an activation time of the MEA is shortened.

Abstract: An example fuel cell stack component includes a metallic layer applied to the component and an oxide layer applied to the metallic layer. The oxide layer includes a chemical component that is not in the metallic layer.

Abstract: A unitized electrode assembly (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for a fuel cell includes, in addition to an anode catalyst layer (54; 254) and a cathode catalyst layer (56; 256), a polymer electrolyte membrane (52) having an acid functional group normally including H+ ions and an edge seal (66; 166; 266, 366, 466) containing alkali metal ions in a form, concentration, and/or location for delivery and dispersion into the membrane. The edge seal of the unitized electrode assembly is proximate, and typically contacts, the peripheral edge region (68) of the membrane in ion-transfer relation therewith, and alkali metal ions leach into the membrane during fuel cell operation to provide a desired ion exchange in the membrane.

Abstract: An interconnecting-type solid oxide fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel cell includes a unit cell, a first current collecting member, a first insulating member, and a second current collecting member. The unit cell has a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer sequentially formed from an inside thereof, and has an interconnector configured for electrical connection to the first electrode layer and exposed to an outside thereof in a state in which the interconnector is insulated from the second electrode layer. The first current collecting member is formed on an outside of the interconnector and configured to collect current. The first insulating member is formed on an outside of the first current collecting member. The second current collecting member is wound around an outer circumferential surface of the second electrode layer and an outside of the first insulating member.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of forming an electrode for an electrochemical device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing at least a first amount of a catalyst and a second amount of an ionomer or uncharged polymer to form a solution and delivering the solution into a metallic needle having a needle tip. The method further includes the steps of applying a voltage between the needle tip and a collector substrate positioned at a distance from the needle tip, and extruding the solution from the needle tip at a flow rate such as to generate electrospun fibers and deposit the generated fibers on the collector substrate to form a mat with a porous network of fibers. Each fiber in the porous network of the mat has distributed particles of the catalyst. The method also includes the step of pressing the mat onto a membrane.

Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst PtXY, wherein X is a transition metal (other than platinum, palladium or iridium) and Y is a transition metal (other than platinum, palladium or iridium) which is less leachable than X in an acidic environment, has an atomic percentage in the alloy of platinum is from 20.5-40 at %, of X is from 40.5-78.5 at % X and of Y is from 1-19.5 at %.