Abstract: This method for producing an electrode catalyst includes: a dispersion liquid preparation step wherein a dispersion liquid is prepared by mixing (i) at least one solvent selected from the group consisting of sulfoxide compounds and amide compounds, (ii) a catalyst carrier powder composed of a metal oxide, (iii) a platinum compound, (iv) a transition metal compound and (v) an aromatic compound that contains a carboxyl group; a loading step wherein the dispersion liquid is heated so that a platinum alloy of platinum and a transition metal is loaded on the surface of the catalyst carrier powder; a solid-liquid separation step wherein a dispersoid is separated from the dispersion liquid after the loading step, thereby obtaining a catalyst powder wherein the catalyst carrier powder is loaded with the platinum alloy; and a heat treatment step wherein the catalyst powder is heated under vacuum or in a reducing gas atmosphere.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst material comprising: (i) a support material comprising a plurality of individual support particles or aggregates; (ii) first particles comprising a first metal and an alloying metal; and (iii) second particles consisting of a second metal or a second metal oxide, wherein the second metal is platinum or iridium; wherein each individual support particle or aggregate has dispersed thereon first particles and second particles, characterised in that the mean average particle size of the second particles is smaller than the mean average particle size of the first particles is disclosed. The electrocatalyst material has particular use in an electrode, such as the cathode, of an electrochemical cell, such as a fuel cell.

Abstract: The bipolar plate of the invention for electrochemical cells, especially for proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, is made with a metallic substrate and on the surface is made with an electrical contact resistance-reducing, carbon-based layer, a layer system or a boundary layer which is made of a near-surface, primarily sp2-bonded, carbon-based layer having a carbon fraction ranging from 50% to 100%, this layer being applied on a metallic substrate surface that is modified relative to the starting material. There may also be a surface region of the substrate in the form of an edge layer made with nitride and/or carbon by nitriding and/or carburizing. On the surface which is in touching contact with a gas-permeable element within the electrochemical cell, the metallic substrate may have a structuring made with elevations and/or depressions in the respective surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component (8) comprising a substrate made of chromia-former metal alloy (82), the basic element of which is iron (Fe) or nickel (Ni), wherein the substrate has two main planar faces. According to the invention: one of the main planar faces is coated with a coating comprising a thick layer of ceramic (80), grooved to delimit channels (800) suitable for the distribution and/or collection of gases, such as H2O water vapour, H2 or air, and/or one of the main planar faces is coated with a thick metal layer (81), grooved to delimit channels (810) suitable for the distribution and/or collection of gases, such as H2O water vapour, H2, O2 or draining gas. The invention also relates to the associated production processes.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the present invention is to manufacture a fuel cell stack by heating a stack of fuel cell single cells each of which includes organic substance-containing inorganic sealing members, a separator, an anode electrode, an electrolyte and a cathode electrode. The organic substance in the organic substance-containing inorganic sealing members is removed by heating the stack while supplying an oxygen-containing gas to fuel channels on the anode electrode side and externally applying an electric current so as to migrate charges from the anode electrode to the cathode electrode.

Abstract: A catalyst layer material and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having same are provided. The catalyst layer material used for a fuel cell has a catalyst support and a catalyst distributed on the catalyst support. The catalyst support has TiWMXNYOZ, wherein Ti is titanium; M is one metal element selected from a group consisting of group IB metals, group IIA metals, group IIB metals, group VB metals, group VIB metals, group VIIB metals and group VIIIB metals; N is an non-metal element selected from a group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur; O is oxygen; 0<W?1; 0<X?0.5; 0<Y?0.2; 1.5?Z?2.0. By applying a non-carbon catalyst support doped with metal cations and anions to the membrane electrode assembly, stability and performance of the fuel cell can be effectively enhanced.

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: Disclosed is a cathode catalyst layer for fuel cells including heat-treated ordered mesoporous carbon, wherein the heat-treated ordered mesoporous carbon is present in an amount of 1% by weight to 15% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the cathode catalyst layer for fuel cells, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An electrode (31c) for fuel cell comprises: a catalyst carrier (110) that is an electrically-conductive carrier (130) with a catalyst (120) supported thereon; a first electrolyte resin (141); and a second electrolyte resin (142). The first electrolyte resin has oxygen permeability of less than 2.2×10?14 mol/(m s Pa) in an environment having temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%. The second electrolyte resin has oxygen permeability of not less than 2.2×10?14 mol/(m s Pa) in the environment having temperature of 80 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 50%.

Abstract: A composite metal oxide represented by the formula Ma1?xMbxMcO4+x/2, wherein Ma is at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals, Mb is at least one element selected from lanthanoids, Mc is at least one element selected from Mo and W, and x is from about 0.1 to about 0.5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel electrode including a substrate and a nanoporous metallic catalyst layer, characterized in that the metallic catalyst layer includes open interconnected 3D nanopores, and the pore and the pore connections have a size suitable for allowing hydrocarbons having alcohol groups to pass through the interconnected pores so that they react in contact with the surface of the catalyst by confined molecular dynamics. Further, the present invention provides a compartmentless fuel cell electrode pair including the fuel electrode of the present invention; and a polymer membrane-coated oxygen electrode into which a catalyst layer is introduced onto the substrate and which blocks the hydrocarbons having alcohol groups as a fuel molecule and allows the diffusion of oxygen molecules.

Abstract: This invention is intended to improve the coverage of a platinum or platinum alloy surface with gold when producing a catalyst comprising carrier particles that support gold-modified platinum or platinum alloys. The invention provides a method for producing a catalyst comprising carrier particles that support gold-modified platinum or platinum alloys comprising a step of gold reduction comprising adding carrier particles that support platinum or platinum alloys, a reducing agent, and a gold precursor to a liquid medium and mixing the same, wherein the reducing agent is added to adjust the ORP value (i.e., an oxidation-reduction potential with reference to the silver-silver chloride electrode) of the liquid medium to ?630 to +230 mV upon completion of addition.

Abstract: Provided is a catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode that can be used without using carbon supports, a method for manufacturing the same, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode according to the present invention include a network-like metallic catalyst formed of a sintered body, the network-like metallic catalyst including nanoparticles linked with each other to have electron conductivity; and an ion conductor, at least a part of the ion conductor contacting the network-like metallic catalyst. Further, the membrane electrode assembly according to the present invention includes a polymer electrolyte membrane provided between an anode catalyst layer and cathode catalyst layer, and the catalyst layer for gas diffusion electrode stated above is used in at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer.

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 gas phase infiltration.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for producing a catalyst for fuel cells with excellent durability, and a fuel cell comprising a catalyst for fuel cells produced by the production method. Disclosed is a method for producing a catalyst for fuel cells, the catalyst comprising fine catalyst particles, each of which comprises a palladium-containing core particle and a platinum-containing outermost layer covering the core particle, and carbon supports on which the fine catalyst particles are supported, wherein the method comprises the steps of: preparing carbon supports on which palladium-containing particles are supported; fining the carbon supports; and covering the palladium-containing particles with a platinum-containing outermost layer after the fining step.

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: Ruthenium or a Ruthenium compound is applied to an anode structure according to a predetermined pattern, with only part of the anode active area containing Ru. The parts of the MEA that do not contain Ru are not expected to suffer degradation from Ru cross-over, so that overall degradation of the cell will be diminished. Having less precious metals will also translate into less cost.

Abstract: A catalytic nanoparticle includes a porous, hollow core and an atomically thin layer of platinum atoms on the core. The core is a porous palladium, palladium-M or platinum-M core, where M is selected from the group consisting of gold, iridium, osmium, palladium, rhenium, rhodium and ruthenium.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane-electrode assembly having a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode has a non-supported-catalyst containing catalyst layer that contains a metal catalyst nanoparticle of 0.3 nm to 100 nm in primary particle diameter that is not supported on a support, and an electrochemically active surface area of the metal catalyst nanoparticle is 10 m2/g to 150 m2/g, and a layer thickness of the non-supported-catalyst containing catalyst layer is less than or equal to 10 ?m.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical system, such as a fuel cell, is formed by an active layer including: pores; at least one catalyst; at least one ionomer; and electrically-conductive particles. The catalyst content per pore ranges between 30 and 500 mg/cm3 with respect to the pore volume.

Abstract: A porous metal that comprises platinum and has a specific surface area that is greater than 5 m2/g and less than 75 m2/g. A fuel cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and an electrolyte arranged between the first and the second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodes is coated with a porous metal catalyst for oxygen reduction, and the porous metal catalyst comprises platinum and has a specific surface area that is greater than 5 m2/g and less than 75 m2/g. A method of producing a porous metal according to an embodiment of the current invention includes producing an alloy consisting essentially of platinum and nickel according to the formula PtxNi1-x, where x is at least 0.01 and less than 0.3; and dealloying the alloy in a substantially pH neutral solution to reduce an amount of nickel in the alloy to produce the porous metal.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane having two surfaces, and two electrodes separately located on the two surfaces. At least one of the two electrodes comprises a carbon nanotube composite structure, the carbon nanotube composite structure includes a carbon nanotube structure and a catalyst material dispersed in the carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure is a planar structure including a plurality of carbon nanotube wires located side by side, crossed, or weaved together to form the carbon nanotube structure. Each of the plurality of carbon nanotube wires includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes aligned around an axis of the carbon nanotube twisted wire in a helix way.

Abstract: Provided are a method of preparing an electrocatalyst for fuel cells in a core-shell structure, an electrocatalyst for fuel cells having a core-shell structure, and a fuel cell including the electrocatalyst for fuel cells. The method may be useful in forming a core and a shell layer without performing a subsequent process such as chemical treatment or heat treatment and forming a core support in which core particles having a nanosize diameter are homogeneously supported, followed by selectively forming shell layers on surfaces of the core particles in the support. Also, the electrocatalyst for fuel cells has a high catalyst-supporting amount and excellent catalyst activity and electrochemical property.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell electrode, which has increased physical and chemical durability, and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) using the same. According to the present invention, the fuel cell electrode is manufactured by controlling the amount of platinum supported on a first carbon support used in an anode to be smaller than that used in a cathode to increase the mechanical strength of a catalyst layer and maintain the thickness of the catalyst layer after prolonged operation and by adding carbon nanofibers containing a radical scavenger to a catalyst slurry to decrease deterioration of chemical durability.

Abstract: A direct carbon fuel cell DCFC system (5), the system comprising an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell (10) comprising a cathode (30), a solid state first electrolyte (25) and an anode (20), wherein, the system further comprises an anode chamber containing a second electrolyte (125) and a fuel (120). The system, when using molten carbonate as second electrolyte, is preferably purged with CO2 via purge gas inlet (60).

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a layered catalyst having an active area is provided. In at least one embodiment, the layered electrode includes a first catalyst layer having a first noble metal concentration and a first ionomer concentration, and a second catalyst layer disposed next to the first catalyst layer, the second catalyst layer having a second noble metal concentration different from the first noble metal concentration and a second ionomer concentration different from the first ionomer concentration. In at least another embodiment, the metallic alloy includes a metallic alloy of platinum, nickel, and cobalt.

Abstract: A catalyst assembly having a substrate including an intermetallic compound of W and Ir. The weight ratio of W to Ir is in a range between a first ratio and a second ratio. A catalyst includes at least one noble metal is supported on and contacts the substrate. The first ratio may be in the range of 48:52 and the second ratio may be in the range of 51:49.

Abstract: A metal alloy catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells is disclosed. The catalyst contains the metals Pd, M1 and M2. M1 and M2 are different metals selected from Co, Fe, Au, Cr and W, excluding the combination PdCoAu.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catalyst for a PtxMy-based PEMFC, M being a transition metal, including the steps of: depositing PtxMy nanostructures on a support; annealing the nanostructures; depositing a PtxMy layer at the surface of the nanostructures thus formed; and chemically leaching metal M. It also aims at the catalyst obtained with this method.

Abstract: A reversible electrochemical system includes a first electrode comprising liquid silver metal and a second electrode, said first and second electrodes separated by a oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte; a conduit for directing a first reactive material across the second electrode; and a conduit for contacting second reactive material with the first liquid silver electrode, wherein the cell is capable of steam electrolysis when the polarity of the electrodes is selected such that the liquid silver is an anode and the cell is capable of electrical energy generation when the polarity of the electrodes is selected such that the liquid silver is a cathode.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with enhanced current density or power density is fabricated using high temperature (HT) proton exchange membrane (PEM). The MEA can be utilized in high temperature PEM fuel cell applications. More specifically, the MEA is modified with the addition of one or more of selected materials to its catalyst layer to enhance the rates of the fuel cell reactions and thus attain dramatic increases of the power output of the MEA in the fuel cell. The MEA has application to other electro-chemical devices, including an electrolyzer, a compressor, or a generator, purifier, and concentrator of hydrogen and oxygen using HT PEM MEAs.

Abstract: A continuous coal electrolytic cell for the production of pure hydrogen without the need of separated purification units Electrodes comprising electrocatalysts comprising noble metals electrodeposited on carbon substrates are also provided. Also provided are methods of using the electrocatalysts provided herein for the electrolysis of coal in acidic medium, as well as electrolytic cells for the production of hydrogen from coal slurries in acidic media employing the electrodes described herein. Further provided are catalytic additives for the electro-oxidation of coal. Additionally provided is an electrochemical treatment process where iron-contaminated effluents are purified in the presence of coal slurries using the developed catalyst.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, comprising a first support step of producing metallic fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.5 nm provided at regulated particle intervals on an electroconductive carbon carrier, and a second support step of growing a metal identical to or dissimilar to the metal using the metallic fine particles as a nucleus. In the first support step, the metallic fine particles are supported by an immersion method. The above constitution can provide an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has a high level of percentage support, has a high level of dispersibility, and has improved methanol oxidation activity per weight of the catalyst. Further, when treatment in an atmosphere containing hydrogen is carried out at a low temperature below 100° C., the methanol oxidation activity per active surface area can be improved without lowering the active area.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous layer for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a perfuorocyclobutyl-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then shaped to form a shaped resinous mixture. The shaped resinous mixture includes perfuorocyclobutyl-containing structures within the carrier resin. The shaped resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the perfuorocyclobutyl-containing structures from the carrier resin. Optional protogenic groups and then a catalyst are added to the perfuorocyclobutyl-containing structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for a fuel cell, a method of preparing the same, and an electrode for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell system including the same, and the catalyst includes a carrier; and an active metal supported on the carrier, wherein the carrier is crystalline carbon bonded with a functional group represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 at the surface thereof. In Chemical Formula 1, each substituent is the same as described in the detailed description.

Abstract: A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier, and an active material including M selected from the group consisting of Ru, Pt, Rh, and combinations thereof, and Ch selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof, with the proviso that the active material is not RuSe when the carrier is C.

Abstract: A solid-state fuel cell includes: an anode; an anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the anode; a hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film disposed on the anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer; a cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film; and a cathode disposed on the cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal catalyst includes a proton conductive material coating layer formed on the surface of a conductive material. Also, an electrode may be prepared using the metal catalyst. The method for preparing the metal catalyst comprises mixing the conductive catalyst material, the proton conductive material, and a first solvent, casting the mixture onto a supporting layer and drying the mixture to form a conductive catalyst containing film. The method further comprises separating the conductive catalyst containing film from the supporting layer and pulverizing the conductive catalyst containing film to obtain the metal catalyst. The method for preparing the electrode comprises mixing the metal catalyst with a hydrophobic binder and a second solvent, coating the mixture on an electrode support, and drying it.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to develop a support for PEMFC electrocatalyst with enhanced electrical conductivity and stability in acidic environment.

Abstract: A catalyst layer including: (i) a first catalytic material, wherein the first catalytic material facilitates a hydrogen oxidation reaction suitably selected from platinum group metals, gold, silver, base metals or an oxide thereof; and (ii) a second catalytic material, wherein the second catalytic material facilitates an oxygen evolution reaction, wherein the second catalytic material includes iridium or iridium oxide and one or more metals M or an oxide thereof, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of transition metals and Sn, wherein the transition metal is preferably selected from the group IVB, VB and VIB; and the first catalytic material is supported on the second catalytic material. The catalyst can be used in fuel cells, supported on electrodes or polymeric membranes for increasing tolerance to cell voltage reversal.

Abstract: There is provided a dendritic catalyst layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell including: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; electrodes; and catalyst layers each provided between the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the respective electrode, the catalyst layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a catalyst with a dendritic structure. The catalyst with a dendritic structure is formed through vacuum evaporation such as reactive sputtering, reactive electron beam evaporation, or ion plating. The catalyst layer for a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell can improve catalytic activity, catalyst utilization, and substance transport performance in the catalyst layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fuel cell elements including at least one electronically conductive layer and an ion conductive layer. The fuel cell elements can have a tubular cross-section or an enclosed cross-section of another shape. Also disclosed is an assembly of fuel cell elements to form cell tubes and stacks of such fuel cell elements or cell tubes. Fuel cell elements, or cell tubes, or stacks thereof can also be used as an electrolyser. Further disclosed are methods of making such fuel cell elements, cell tubes and stacks thereof, as well as methods of using the same.

Abstract: A membrane/electrode assembly 10 for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which comprises an anode 15 having an anode catalyst layer 11 containing an anode catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, a cathode 16 having a cathode catalyst layer 13 containing a cathode catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, and a polymer electrolyte membrane 17 disposed between the anode 15 and the cathode 16, wherein the anode catalyst is one having platinum or a platinum alloy supported on a carbon, and the amount of platinum or a platinum alloy supported in the anode catalyst is from 1 to 25 mass %; and the anode catalyst layer 11 contains fine particles made of at least one member selected from iridium oxide, iridium, ruthenium oxide and ruthenium, and the fine particles have a specific surface area of from 2 to 50 m2/g.

Abstract: Metal nanotubes are provided comprising a composition having formula (M1)NT: wherein M1=Pt, Pd, or Au; wherein the nanotubes have: a wall thickness of from 2 to 12 nm; an outer diameter of from 30 to 100 nm; and a length of from 5 to 30 ?m. Metal nanowires are also provided comprising a composition having formula (M2)NW: wherein M2=Ag or Cu; wherein when M2=Ag, the nanowires have a diameter of from 25 to 60 nm and a length of from 1 to 10 ?m; and when M2=Cu, the nanowires have a diameter of from 50 to 100 nm and a length of from 10 to 50 ?m. In other embodiments, fuel cells are also described having at least one anode; at least one cathode; an electrolyte membrane between the at least one anode and at least one cathode; and a catalyst comprising either of the above described metal nanotubes or nanowires.

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: 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: Provided are an electrode for a fuel cell and a fuel cell employing the electrode, the electrode comprising a catalyst layer including: a catalyst; a material having stronger binding force to anions than the catalyst; and a binder. According to the electrolyte for a fuel cell, electrochemical surface area of the catalyst is maximized, and thus efficiencies in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) of the catalyst are improved. Thus, a fuel cell having improved power generation efficiency may be prepared by employing the electrode.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50-70 wt % SiO2, 0-20 wt % Al2O3, 10-50 wt % CaO, 0-10 wt % MgO, 0-6 wt % (Na2O+K2O), 0-10 wt % B2O3, and 0-5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, MoO3, Fe2O3, MnO2, La. Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention pertains to heterogenous noble metal nanostructures comprising silver salts and different noble metals, and methods for synthesis and use of various nanocomposite materials having silver salts and different noble metals.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell including porous catalyst particles including a noble metal having oxygen-reduction activity and a carbonaceous support, wherein the porous catalyst particles are disposed on the carbonaceous support, and an electrochemical specific surface area of the porous catalyst particles is about 70 m2/g or more.