Abstract: A production process for an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which includes a step (I) of mixing a nitrogen-containing organic substance, a transition metal compound and conductive particles with a solvent and a step (II) of calcining a mixture obtained in the step (I).

Abstract: To provide an NiO-GDC composite powder or NiO-SDC composite powder having a uniform composition, which is suitable as an anode material for a solid oxide fuel cell. A process for producing an anode material for a solid oxide fuel cell, made of a composite powder comprising a composite oxide containing cerium element and gadolinium or samarium element, and oxygen element, and an oxide containing nickel element and oxygen element, which comprises a dissolving step of mixing raw material compounds containing metal elements constituting the above composite powder, at least one organic acid selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, lactic acid and malic acid, and a solvent to obtain a metal elements-containing solution, and a drying/sintering step of drying and sintering the metal elements-containing solution.

Abstract: A method of implementing a carbon nanotube thermal interface material onto a heat sink that includes growing carbon nanotubes on said heat sink by chemical vapor deposition and compressing the carbon nanotubes onto metallic surfaces to increase a contact surface area between the carbon nanotubes and the metallic surfaces. The increase in the contact surface area is the area of the carbon nanotubes that is in contact with the metallic surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is a hydrophilic polymer, which can be hydrated to form a hydrated hydrophilic polymer having a water content of at least 65%, wherein water content is defined as [(mass of the hydrated hydrophilic polymer?mass of the dry hydrophilic polymer)/mass of the hydrated hydrophilic polymer]×100. The hydrophilic polymer may be hydrated to form a hydrated hydrophilic polymer having a water content of at least 65%. The present invention also 10 provides MEAs and electrochemical cells and methods of forming same.

Abstract: The invention relates to copolymers comprising a chain of siloxane repeat units of at least two different types, a first type of siloxane repeat unit comprising at least one —OH group on the silicon atom of the siloxane repeat unit and a second type of repeat unit comprising at least one pendant chain on the silicon atom of said repeat unit, this pendant chain consisting of a polymer chain comprising a chain of repeat units carrying at least one group of formula —PO3R1R2 wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a cation.

Abstract: An electrochemical device and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device may be used as a fuel cell and/or as an electrolyzer and includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, chemically-inert, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, as well as a fluid chamber and a non-porous an electrically-conductive plate.

Abstract: A current collector component (206) for a fuel cell. The current collector component (206) comprises a first electrically conductive plate (210) configured to form a wall of a fluid confinement volume of a fuel cell; and a second electrically conductive plate (212) in electrical contact with the first electrically conductive plate (210). The second electrically conductive plate (212) comprises an external electrical connection (208). The second electrically conductive plate (212) has a higher electrical conductivity than the first electrically conductive plate (210). The first electrically conductive plate (210) has a higher resistance to corrosion than the second electrically conductive plate (212).

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprising first and second gas diffusion layers and an ion exchange membrane disposed between the diffusion layers. Each diffusion layer includes an inner surface facing the membrane, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, and a side surface defining a perimeter of the diffusion layers. An outboard region extends about the diffusion layers at the perimeter. The outboard region surrounds an inboard region. The outboard region has a low density region proximate to the side surface and a high density region between the low density region and the inboard portion. A seal is mounted at the low density region. The high density region prevents portions of the seal from entering the inboard region thereby damaging the MEA. The seal includes a first rim having a smaller radius than a second rim.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, the electrode catalyst including an active particle, the active particle including a core including platinum, a transition metal, and a first nonmetal element; and a shell on the core, the shell including an alloy including platinum and a second nonmetal element, wherein the first and second nonmetal elements included in the core and the shell are the same or different.

Abstract: A compound membrane for use in electrochemical devices is disclosed. The compound membrane has of proton-conducting polymer cast in a porous media having dispersed therein at least one active ingredients. It supplies considerably improved performance data in comparison to known membranes. The compound membrane electrode can be produced by treating proton-conducting polymers with acetone to obtain polymer pulp, then sulfonating the polymer pulp, combining one or more active ingredients with the polymer pulp and casting the polymer pulp to obtain the membrane.

Abstract: A reaction layer for a fuel cell, which is interposed between a solid electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer in the fuel cell, the reaction layer including a first layer that is in contact with the solid electrolyte membrane, a second layer that is in contact with the diffusion layer; and an intermediate layer that is interposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the first layer and the second layer have a catalyst supported by an electrically conductive support, and the intermediate layer has no catalyst.

Abstract: An improved carbon supported-noble metal sulphide electrocatalyst suitable for being incorporated in gas-diffusion electrode structures, in particular in oxygen-reducing gas-diffusion cathodes for aqueous hydrochloric acid electrolysis. The noble metal sulphide particles are monodispersed on the active carbon particles and the surface area ratio of noble metal sulphide particles to active carbon particles is at least 0.20.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cathode flow field plate, an anode flow field plate, and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) sandwiched between the cathode and anode flow field plate. The cathode flow field plate has a flat side and an opposed channel side that the MEA is sandwiched between the anode flow field plate and the flat side of the cathode flow field plate. The cathode flow field plate further has a plurality of flow channels formed at the channel side for enabling fluid flowing along the flow channels to promote electrochemical reaction through the MEA so as to generate electrical energy.

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

Abstract: A process for producing a gas diffusion electrode comprising the steps of: casting a porous electrically conductive web with a suspension of particles of an electrically conductive material in a solution of a first binder to provide a first layer which is an electrochemically active layer (AL); casting a suspension of particles of a hydrophobic material in a solution of a second binder on said first layer to provide a second layer; and subjecting said first and second layer to phase inversion thereby realizing porosity in both said first layer and said second layer, wherein said subjection of said second layer to phase inversion thereby realizes a water repellent layer; a gas diffusion electrode obtained therewith; the use of a gas diffusion electrode in an membrane electrode assembly; a membrane electrode assembly comprising the gas diffusion electrode; and a method of producing a membrane electrode assembly is realized, said membrane electrode assembly comprising a membrane sandwiched between two electrodes

Abstract: In a method for producing a molded gasket having a surface treated layer on one surface of a substrate and integrally formed with a gasket body constructed by a rubber-like elastic body on the other surface, a first step of integrally molding the gasket body on the substrate, a second step of temporarily placing the molded piece on a placement stand, and a third step of removing a burr portion from a production portion by punching the molded piece are sequentially executed. For preventing foreign material attachment, pollution and scratching, the first step integrally forms a projecting leg portion constructed by a rubber-like elastic body at a position corresponding to the burr portion in the molded piece, the second step brings the molded piece into contact with the placement stand by the leg portion, and the third step removes the leg portion as a part of the burr portion.

Abstract: A fuel cell component integrates an attachment member 5 and a gasket 1 by using an adhesive 3. Both side portions of the gasket in the width direction of the gasket are provided with adhesive application regions W1 where the adhesive 3 is interposed, and a center portion in the width direction of the gasket is provided with an adhesive non-application region W2 where the adhesive 3 is not interposed so as to ensure an attachability.

Abstract: An adhesive material is used to bond between layers of a fuel cell. The adhesive material includes an adhesive resin, conductive particles and a conductive resin.

Abstract: An object is to provide a solid electrolyte laminate that allows a large amount of gas to be supplied to a fuel electrode while having improved strength and a method for manufacturing such a solid electrolyte laminate. A solid electrolyte laminate 1 includes a solid electrolyte layer 2, a first electrode layer 3 disposed on one side of the solid electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer 4 disposed on another side of the solid electrolyte layer. At least the first electrode layer, which forms a fuel electrode, includes a bonding layer 3a bonded to the solid electrolyte layer and a porous layer 3b having continuous pores and integrally formed on the bonding layer.

Abstract: A catalyst layer for a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes a plurality of agglomerates, adjacent ones of the plurality of agglomerates contacting with each other with pores provided between said adjacent ones of the plurality of agglomerates, each of the plurality of agglomerates being formed by packing a plurality of catalysts each consisting of noble metal fine particles supported on a fiber-like support material, adjacent ones of the plurality of catalysts contacting with each other with pores provided between said adjacent ones of the plurality of catalysts, and each of the plurality of catalysts contacting with a plurality of catalysts other than said each catalyst at a plurality of contact points. This allows providing a catalyst layer, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell, each of which has compact size and excellent power generation performance, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A multilayer polyelectrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications includes a first perfluorocyclobutyl-containing layer that includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl moieties. The first layer is characteristically planar having a first major side and a second major side over which additional layers are disposed. The membrane also includes a first PFSA layer disposed over the first major side of the first layer and a second PFSA layer disposed over the second major side of the first layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a stack of at least one electrochemical cell, suitable for generating an electric current from an oxidation-reduction reaction between an oxidizing fluid and a reducing fluid, the or each cell including an anode conductive plate, delimiting a channel for circulation of the reducing fluid, a cathode conductive plate, delimiting a channel for circulation of the oxidizing fluid, and an ion exchanger membrane interposed between the conductive plates, the membrane forming a barrier for free electrons. The membrane may be positioned relatively to the conductive plates so that an outer peripheral edge of the membrane juts out towards the outside of the stack relatively to the conductive plates, so as to lengthen air leak lines between the conductive plates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the conditioning of membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells in which the output of the membrane electrode assemblies used can be increased and therefore the efficiency of the resulting polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can be improved.

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

Abstract: Diffusion media for fuel cell is made by preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising a powder resin, a binder material, and a fiber material comprising carbon fibers, of these; forming a layer of the dispersion on a support; removing water from the layer to form a fiber layer; molding the fiber layer; and carbonizing or graphitizing the molded layer.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided which includes an anode; a cathode; a membrane between the anode and the cathode; and a protective layer between the membrane and at least one electrode of the anode and the cathode, the protective layer having a layer of ionomer material containing a catalyst, the layer having a porosity of between 0 and 10%, an ionomer content of between 50 and 80% vol., a catalyst content of between 10 and 50% vol., and an electrical connectivity between catalyst particles of between 35 and 75%. A configuration using a precipitation layer to prevent migration of catalyst ions is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate.

Abstract: A method for pre-treating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell is disclosed. According to the method of the invention, the MEA is subjected to multiple wet/dry cycles prior to assembly of the MEA into the fuel cell stack. The pre-treatment wet/dry cycles of the present invention eliminate or reduce the irreversible dimensional changes which occur in the polymer electrolyte membrane in the MEA throughout the wet/dry cycles of fuel cell operation. This reduces stress applied to the MEA throughout wet/dry cycles which occur during operation of the fuel cell. Consequently, the formation and propagation of pinholes in the membrane is reduced, increasing the lifetime of the MEA.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell is provided by the present invention. In the methods and systems described herein, a source of fuel is partially oxidized to release protons and electrons, without total oxidation to carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The partially oxidized fuel can be regenerated, by reduction, when the fuel cell is reversed. Other variations of the invention provide a convenient system for hydrogen storage, including steps for both release and recapture of hydrogen.

Abstract: Embodiments of electrode assemblies and fuel cells having increased catalyst durability are provided. One embodiment of an electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprises a first catalyst layer adjacent an electrolyte membrane comprising first active catalyst particles supported on first support particles having a first support size and a second catalyst layer adjacent the first catalyst layer opposite the electrolyte membrane comprising second active catalyst particles supported on second support particles having a second support size. The first support particles are a non-carbon support.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, separators, and a second separator among the separators. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode and a second electrode, and a resin frame member. A first separator among the separators facing the first electrode includes a fuel gas channel, a fuel gas manifold, and a fuel gas buffer. The second separator among the separators facing the second electrode includes an oxidant gas channel, an oxidant gas manifold, and an oxidant gas buffer. The fuel gas buffer includes a first fuel gas buffer region and a second fuel gas buffer region. The second fuel gas buffer region is more deeply grooved than the first fuel gas buffer region in a stacking direction. The oxidant gas buffer includes a first oxidant gas buffer region and a second oxidant gas buffer region.

Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.

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: A method and device for preparing platinum catalyst are disclosed. The method comprises providing a carbon-based material; immersing the carbon-based material with a platinum precursor solution in a first container; controlling pressure and temperature within the first container to a predetermined temperature and predetermined pressure to form water vapor, and then allowing the water vapor to escape from the first container through a first opening of the first container to a second container; and maintaining the predetermined temperature and predetermined pressure within the first container for a period of time to reduce the catalyst on the carbon-based material.

Abstract: A solid oxide electrochemical cell of an embodiment includes: a cathode; an anode; and an electrolyte layer interposed between the cathode and the anode, wherein a porous region exists in a layer form in a region with a depth of 50% or less of the electrolyte layer from an anode side surface toward the cathode in the electrolyte layer or between the electrolyte layer and the anode.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell electrode catalyst with which high durability and a high maximum output density are obtained even when a fuel cell is continuously operated for long time; a method for producing the fuel cell electrode catalyst; a fuel cell in which the catalyst is used; and the like. A method for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst is provided, the method including: a step of preparing a catalyst precursor comprising each atom of a metal element, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, and comprising copper as the metal element; and a contact step of bringing the catalyst precursor and an acid solution into contact with each other to obtain a catalyst.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane having a structure wherein fine rubber particles having substantially no ion-conducting group and having an average particle size of 20 nm to 1 ?m are uniformly dispersed in a matrix including a resin component having ion-conducting group. The electrolyte membrane has high bonding ability to electrodes and does not cause cracks and ruptures because it is kept flexible even under low humid or absolutely dried condition, in addition, shows high ion conductivity even under low humid or absolutely dried condition because the matrix having ion-conducting groups are continuous.

Abstract: A flexible fuel cell stack is also described that includes an anode electrode layer, an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer, an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer, an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane, and a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane. The fuel cell stack may be incorporated into a power generator that includes a hydrogen producing fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte having high conductivity even under high-temperature low-humidification conditions (e.g. at a temperature of 100 to 120° C. and a humidity of 20 to 50% RH) and thereby makes it possible to realize a higher performance fuel cell. The present invention is a fluoropolymer electrolyte having an equivalent weight (EW) of not less than 250 but not more than 700 and a proton conductivity of not lower than 0.10 S/cm as measured at a temperature of 110° C. and a relative humidity of 50% RH and comprising a COOZ group- or SO3Z group-containing monomer unit, wherein Z represents an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, hydrogen atom or NR1R2R3R4 in which R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represents an alkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms or hydrogen atom.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly with a frame at a peripheral portion, and a separator disposed on both sides of the frame and the membrane electrode assembly. A protrusion and a counterpart groove where a tip of the protrusion is inserted are respectively formed on portions of the frame and the separator facing each other, and the tip of the protrusion is immersed in an adhesive that is injected in the groove such that the groove and the protrusion are joined to each other. A room is formed between the frame and the separator on the groove at least at a side of the protrusion closer to the membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (5) and separators (6A, 6B). A plurality of reactant gas channels are formed on a main surface of at least one of the separator (6A, 6B) and a gas diffusion layer (3A, 3B). In a case where among the plurality of reactant gas channels, a reactant gas channel overlapping the peripheral portion of the electrode (4A, 4B) twice is defined as a first reactant gas channel, and a reactant gas channel formed to overlap the peripheral portion of the electrode (4A, 4B) and formed such that the length of a portion overlapping the peripheral portion is longer than a predetermined length is defined as a second reactant gas channel, the second reactant gas channel is formed such that the flow rate of a reactant gas flowing therethrough is lower than that of the reactant gas flowing through the first reactant gas channel or the second reactant gas channel does not exist.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with a power generation unit; the power generation unit is provided with a first metal separator, a first electrolyte membrane/electrode structure, a second metal separator, a second electrolyte membrane/electrode structure, and a third metal separator. The first electrolyte membrane/electrode structure is provided with a first resin frame member at the outer periphery, and the first resin frame member is provided with an inlet buffer section positioned outside a power generation region and coupled to a first oxidant gas flow path, and a protruding section, which is one part of an inlet coupling flow path coupling together the inlet buffer section and an oxidant gas inlet communication hole.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided with a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame, both of which are sandwiched between two separators. The fuel cell is configured such that reactive gas is circulated between the frame and the separators. The frame and both separators each have manifold holes, the rims of the manifold holes of frame extend into the manifold holes in the separators, and protrusions cover the inner peripheral surfaces of the manifold holes in at least one of the separators. This structure makes possible the easy and accurate position and integration of the separators and the frame, and fuel cell miniaturization can be achieved because space to position the protrusions is not needed.

Abstract: A method for producing metal-supported carbon includes supporting metal microparticles on the surface of carbon black, by a liquid-phase reduction method, in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer electrolyte membrane, a method for manufacturing the same and a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the same, the polymer electrolyte membrane includes a hydrocarbon-containing ion conductive layer; and a fluorine-containing ion conductor discontinuously dispersed on the hydrocarbon-containing ion conductive layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided, comprising a cell unit capable of gas exhausting. The cell unit comprises an anode current collector and a cathode current collector. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is interposed between the anode current collector and the cathode current collector. A frame is formed to surround the MEA, the anode current collector, and the cathode current collector. A hydrophilic gas-blocking layer is disposed adjacent to an anode side of the MEA, underlying the MEA and the frame. A hydrophobic gas-penetrating layer is disposed under the hydrophilic gas-blocking layer. At least one gas exhaust is disposed in the frame, exposing a part of the hydrophilic gas-blocking layer and contacting the area surrounding adjacent to the cell unit for exhausting a gas produced by the MEA from the cell unit.

Abstract: Methods of making reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are described. Catalyst coated free standing microporous layers and reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also described.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for fuel cell, a method of preparing the electrode catalyst, a membrane electrode assembly including the electrode catalyst, and a fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly. The electrode catalyst includes a crystalline catalyst particle incorporating a precious metal having oxygen reduction activity and a Group 13 element, where the Group 13 element is present in a unit lattice of the crystalline catalyst particle.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte layer. The cathode has a main phase and a sub phase. The main phase is composed of a perovskite type oxide including cobalt. The sub phase is composed of tricobalt tetroxide. The solid electrolyte layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode. An area occupancy of the sub phase in a sectional surface of the cathode is equal to or less than 9.8%.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell has a stack structure in which sheet bodies and separators for separating air and fuel gas are stacked in alternating layers. Each of the sheet bodies includes an electrolyte layer, a fuel electrode layer formed on the upper surface of the electrolyte layer, and an air electrode layer formed on the lower surface of the electrolyte layer, wherein these layers are stacked and fired in such a manner that the electrolyte layer is sandwiched between the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer. The thickness of the electrolyte layer is 0.3 ?m or more and 5 ?m or less, and the electrolyte layer is composed of a single particle of YSZ in the thickness direction. Thus, the electrolyte layer is extremely thin, and further, the grain boundary in the thickness direction is small. Accordingly, the IR loss (electric resistance) of the electrolyte layer can remarkably be reduced.