Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a cathode, an anode and a proton-conductive membrane, wherein the cathode includes a first metal-containing catalyst and a proton-conductive ionomer, the anode includes a proton-conductive ionomer, a second metal-containing catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of hydrogen to protons, and a third metal-containing catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of CO to CO2, a total mass ratio of platinum of the second catalyst and platinum of the third catalyst to a total mass ratio of metals of the second catalyst and the third catalyst, with the exception of platinum, is greater than 3:1, and the total mass per unit area of platinum of the second catalyst and platinum of the third catalyst is less than 0.4 mg/cm2.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrolyte compositions for electrochemical devices, where the electrolyte compositions comprise a microemulsion and where the microemulsion comprises an aqueous phase and a water-immiscible phase. Also disclosed are microemulsion electrolyte compositions for electrically rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices, including ion batteries (such as lithium ion, sodium ion, magnesium ion, calcium ion, and aluminium ion batteries), redox flow batteries and supercapacitors.

Abstract: To provide a polymer electrolyte membrane which can be applied to a polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer, and is capable of producing a polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer having a low electrolytic voltage and excellent in hydrogen gas recovery efficiency, as well as a membrane electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer obtainable by using it. The polymer electrolyte membrane of the present invention contains a polymer electrolyte, of which the hydrogen gas permeation coefficient under the conditions of a temperature of 80° C. and a relative humidity of 10%, is at most 2.4×10?9 cm3·cm/(s·cm2·cmHg), wherein the membrane resistance value under the conditions of a temperature of 80° C. and a relative humidity of 50%, is from 50 to 150 m?·cm2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of coating one or more metal components of a fuel cell stack, such as a bipolar plate, an electrode, gaskets etc., the method comprising the steps of providing an uncoated metal component; etching said uncoated metal component; optionally depositing an adhesion layer on the etched uncoated metal component; and depositing a carbon coating on either the adhesion layer or on the etched uncoated metal component, with the adhesion layer and the carbon coating respectively being deposited by means of one of a physical vapor deposition process, an arc ion plating process, a sputtering process, and a Hipims process. The invention further relates to a component of a fuel cell stack and to an apparatus for coating one or more components of a fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus includes a separator having a first reaction region and a second reaction region; a first reaction layer disposed to correspond to the first reaction region; a second reaction layer disposed to correspond to the second reaction region; a first partition wall portion protruding from one surface of the separator, disposed along a boundary between the first reaction layer and the second reaction layer, and including a first connecting flow path configured to connect the first reaction region and the second reaction region so that the first reaction region and the second reaction region fluidically communicate with each other through the first connecting flow path; and a first sealing member disposed at an end portion of the first partition wall portion and configured to seal a portion between the first reaction layer and the second reaction layer, enlarging a reaction region without increasing a size of a reaction layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprises a first type of membrane disposed between first and second reservoirs containing an input solution, and a second type of membrane, different from the first type, is disposed between a first redox-active electrolyte chamber and the first reservoir and disposed between a second redox-active electrolyte chamber and the second reservoir. The first type of membrane and one of the second type of membranes form a membrane pair and the pair has an area specific resistance below y=5065.3x3?1331.1x2+90.035x+39 Ohm cm2 when the pair is equilibrated in an electrolyte and for at least part of a range where 0<x<0.4 and x is the mass fraction of salt in the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for fuel cell membranes and a process for the preparation thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to thermo-mechanically and chemically stable polymer electrolyte membranes which have been prepared without compromising proton conductivity by using multifunctional polydopamine and mechanically robust nanocellulose.

Abstract: The positive electrode active material layer is placed on a surface of the positive electrode substrate. The positive electrode active material layer includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is interposed between the positive electrode substrate and the second layer. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material, carbon black, and fibrous carbon. A mass fraction of the carbon black in the first layer is higher than a mass fraction of the carbon black in the second layer. A mass fraction of the fibrous carbon in the second layer is higher than a mass fraction of the fibrous carbon in the first layer.

Abstract: Novel PBI films which may be used in electrochemical cells, such as redox flow batteries, are disclosed. Additionally, disclosed herein are membranes which comprise the novel PBI films which may be free from an organic solvent, and have a tensile strength at break of at least 25 MPa after drying.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polybenzimidazole-based electrolyte membrane for alkaline water electrolysis, which includes a polybenzimidazole-based polymer, wherein the polybenzimidazole-based polymer is a biaxially oriented film. The polybenzimidazole-based electrolyte membrane for alkaline water electrolysis can reduce the concentration of an alkaline solution by improving the crystallinity of a polybenzimidazole-based polymer to increase the resistance against base, significantly improving the long-term stability of alkaline water electrolysis using a polybenzimidazole-based electrolyte membrane through the improved resistance against base, and by increasing the operation temperature to enhance the catalyst activity.

Abstract: A hybrid redox fuel cell system includes a hybrid redox fuel cell including an anode side through which a reductant is flowed and a cathode side through which liquid electrolyte is flowed, and a trickle bed reactor including a catalyst bed fluidly connected to the cathode side of the hybrid redox fuel cell. Furthermore, the liquid electrolyte includes a metal ion at a higher oxidation state and the metal ion at a lower oxidation state, and power is generated at the hybrid redox fuel cell by way of reducing the metal ion at the higher oxidation state to the lower oxidation state at the cathode side while oxidizing the reductant at the anode side.

Abstract: An electrode suitable for constructing an electrochemical double layer capacitor and/or supercapacitor is provided that includes an electrode material a metal organic framework (MOF), wherein the MOF includes an inorganic building unit including metal atoms selected from group 1 to group 12 elements, and functional groups of organic linkers including oxygen (O) and one or more atoms selected from the group comprising phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), silicon (Si), selenium (Se) and bismuth (Bi). The functional groups of the organic linkers can include phosphonate, arsonate, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, arsonic acids and/or arsenic acids, monoester and/or diester forms thereof. Further, the metal atoms may be selected from zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), gold (Au) and silver (Ag). The use of the MOF as a semiconductor in semiconductor applications, a semiconductive device, such as a photovoltaic cell, including the MOF are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a sulfonic acid group-containing polymer which is capable of forming a low hydrogen permeable membrane, which shows a high ion exchange capacity, and which shows a proper softening temperature. The sulfonic acid group-containing polymer has units u1 represented by the following formula u1, units u2 represented by the following formula u2, and units u3 based on tetrafluoroethylene, in the formula u1, RF1 and RF2 are each independently a C1-3 perfluoroalkylene group, and Z+ is a hydrogen ion, a metal ion, or an ammonium ion, —[CF2—CF(CF2O—Rf1)]—??Formula u2 in the formula u2, Rf1 is a perfluoroalkyl group which may contain a SO3?Z+ group and/or an etheric oxygen atom.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes an CCM layer with a sub-gasket frame around it to provide gas manifolds and sealant. A flow path is integrated on the sub-gasket in vicinity of the inlet and outlet manifolds that provides a passage for the gases to/from the active area. The flow path provides a rigid path without deforming or clogging the passage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a folding type lithium air battery and a method for manufacturing the battery. The lithium air battery is configured such that a first electrolyte membrane and a second electrolyte membrane including reinforcing layers and ionic liquids that are suitable for a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively, are formed, and a separator including a diffusion prevention membrane is provided between the first electrolyte membrane and the second electrolyte membrane, thus guaranteeing the stability of an electrode, and improving battery performance due to excellent ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte, including a sulfide electrolyte, a polymer electrolyte, and a functional additive material are provided. In some embodiments, the functional additive material is selected from polymers represented by the following structural R1—O—R2-A. In some embodiments, R1 is selected from at least one of polyvinyl group, polypropylene group, polyacrylate group, polyvinylcarbonate group, polyacrylonitrile group, and polystyrene group; R2 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl group with 3-10 carbon atoms; A is selected from at least one aromatic hydrocarbon group of benzene group, biphenyl group, triphenyl group, naphthalene group, anthracene group, phenanthrene group, and pyrene group; and X is selected from at least one of hydrogen atom, halogen atom, mercapto group, hydroxyl group, amine group, and aldehyde group.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte membrane for a membrane-electrode assembly including a block copolymer composed of a hydrophilic domain and a hydrophobic domain.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a first fluid flow plate including a first plurality of first channels for flow of an oxidant or a fuel. The plurality of first channel has first channel cross-sectional flow areas. A second fluid flow plate includes a second plurality of second channels for flow of an oxidant or a fuel. The plurality of second channels has second channel cross-sectional flow areas. A membrane electrode assembly is located between the first plate and the second plate. The first flow plate includes a passage for a flow of a fluid entirely on a seam side of the first flow plate as the first plurality of first channels. The passage has a cross-sectional area for flow of the fluid smaller than the first channel cross-sectional flow area.

Abstract: Disclosed are an antioxidant for fuel cells, a membrane electrode assembly including the same and a method for preparing the antioxidant. The antioxidant for fuel cells includes a core including at least one selected from the group consisting of a metal oxide (MxOk) and a complex metal oxide (MxNyOj, N and M being different metals), and an outer portion (e.g., a shell) located on or over a surface of the core and formed by performing reduction treatment of the surface of the core using a thiourea-based compound. The outer portion includes metal cations (M(x-n)+, n being a natural number of 1 or more) having a smaller oxidation number than a valency of the metal (M) of the core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device (1a) comprising a solar cell unit (2a) including a working electrode comprising a light-absorbing layer (3), a counter electrode including a porous conductive layer (6), and a conducting medium for transferring charges between the counter electrode and the working electrode, and a conductor (7) electrically connected to the porous conductive layer (6). The solar cell unit (2a) comprises at least one adhering layer (8) arranged between the conductor (7) and the porous conductive layer (6) for attaching the conductor to the porous conductive layer. The adhering layer (8) comprises an adhesive and conducting particles distributed in the adhesive so that a conducting network is formed in the adhesive.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery includes an organic solvent, a lithium salt, and a pentaerythritol diphosphite-based compound including at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a silyl group, a sulfonyl group, a phosphoryl group and a phosphino group. A lithium secondary including the electrolyte solution is provided.

Abstract: A continuous automated process and production line for preparing an acid doped polybenzimidazole, PBI, polymer membrane film for use in a fuel cell, the process comprising a washing stage, a drying procedure, and a doping stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material comprising a porous solid matrix having interconnected channels, said matrix comprising sulfonate groups on at least a part of the surface of said channels, wherein a sulfonate group is in ionic interaction with a quaternary ammonium of a polymerizable molecule. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a composite material and applications thereof.

Abstract: A carbon substrate for a gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell, the carbon substrate being a porous carbon substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the carbon substrate includes a plurality of carbon fibers arranged irregularly to form a non-woven type and a carbide of an organic polymer located between the carbon fibers to bind the carbon fibers to each other, the carbide has a graphite structure, and the carbon substrate has a Bragg diffraction angle 2? of less than 26.435° and a interplanar distance d(002) of less than 3.372 ?, a gas diffusion layer employing the same, an electrode for a fuel cell, a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell. When the gas diffusion layer is manufactured using the carbon substrate according to the present disclosure, cell voltage characteristics of the fuel cell may be greatly improved.

Abstract: Mesoporous carbon has a beaded structure in which primary particles with mesopores are linked. In the mesoporous carbon, an average primary particle size is 7 nm or more and 300 nm or less, a pore diameter is 2 nm or more and 10 nm or less, an average thickness of pore walls is 3 nm or more and 15 nm or less, a pore volume is 0.2 mL/g or more and 3.0 mL/g or less, and a tap density is 0.03 g/cm3 or more and 0.3 g/cm3 or less. In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the mesoporous carbon is used as a catalyst carrier for at least an air electrode catalyst layer. The mesoporous carbon can be obtained by impregnating mesoporous silica satisfying a predetermined condition with a carbon source, performing polymerization and carbonization, and removing a template.

Abstract: A hybrid redox fuel cell system includes a hybrid redox fuel cell including an anode side through which a reductant is flowed and a cathode side through which liquid electrolyte is flowed, and a catalyst bed fluidly connected to the cathode side of the hybrid redox fuel cell, the catalyst bed including a substrate layer and a catalyst layer spiral wound into a jelly roll structure. Furthermore, the liquid electrolyte includes a metal ion at a higher oxidation state and the metal ion at a lower oxidation state, and power is generated at the hybrid redox fuel cell by way of reducing the metal ion from the higher oxidation state to the lower oxidation state at the cathode side while oxidizing the reductant at the anode side.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a body having at least one through-going passage, said method has the steps of: a) providing a mixture comprising particles and at least one liquid pocket inside a curable matrix, b) subjecting said mixture to a first alternating voltage having a first frequency to form a body in which said at least one liquid pocket extends from a first surface of said body to a second surface of said body thereby forming at least one through-going passage lacking curable matrix, and c) curing said curable matrix into a cured matrix, wherein at least some of said particles are located at an interface between said at least one through-going passage comprising liquid and said cured matrix.

Abstract: A solid-state electrolyte composition for a lithium battery. The composition includes a polymeric matrix material, inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in or chemically bonded with the polymeric matrix material, and a lithium salt. The nanoparticles are formed of a compound including lithium and a different semi-metal element or metal element. Exemplary inorganic nanoparticles include a Li-rich super ionic conductor having a LixMyPzSq structural formula, wherein M refers to the different semi-metal element or a metal element.

Abstract: The present application relates to a proton exchange membrane for fuel cell, said membrane having self-regenerating properties, to cells comprising said membranes, and to the manufacturing method thereof via electrospinning.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a first fuel cell including a first anode and a first cathode, wherein the first anode is configured to output a first anode exhaust gas; a first oxidizer configured to receive the first anode exhaust gas and air from a first air supply, to react the first anode exhaust gas and the air in a preferential oxidation reaction, and to output an oxidized gas; a second fuel cell configured to act as an electrochemical hydrogen separator, the second fuel cell including: a second anode configured to receive the oxidized gas from the first oxidizer and to output a second anode exhaust gas, and a second cathode configured to output a hydrogen stream; and a condenser configured to receive the second anode exhaust gas and to separate water and CO2.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a membrane for a redox flow battery which is prevented from being curled and exhibits high power efficiency, a membrane electrode assembly for a redox flow battery, a cell for a redox flow battery, and a redox flow battery. The object can be attained by a membrane for a redox flow battery, comprising a first ion-exchange resin layer, an anion-exchange resin layer containing an anion-exchange compound, and a second ion-exchange resin layer in the presented order, wherein a value obtained by dividing a thickness of the first ion-exchange resin layer by a thickness of the second ion-exchange resin layer is 0.7 or more and 1.3 or less, and a thickness of the anion-exchange resin layer is 0.02 ?m or larger and 3 ?m or smaller.

Abstract: A proton-exchange membrane includes a polymer matrix, polymer fibers, or a combination thereof. The proton-exchange membrane also includes a proton-conducting material distributed on the polymer matrix, on the polymer fibers, in the polymer fibers, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode catalyst includes: catalyst metal particles containing at least one of platinum or a platinum alloy; and support particles supporting the catalyst metal particles. The crystallite size 2r obtained from an X-ray diffraction image of the catalyst metal particles is 3.8 nm or less, where r represents a crystallite radius of the catalyst metal particles obtained from the X-ray diffraction image. The amount of CO adsorption Y (mL/g-Pt) on the fuel cell electrode catalyst satisfies Y?40.386/r+1.7586.

Abstract: A novel process for making PBI films starting from gel PBI membranes polymerized and casted in the PPA process wherein acid-imbibed gel PBIs are neutralized in a series of water baths and undergo controlled drying in association with a substrate material, yielding a PBI film without the use of organic solvents.

Abstract: An electrochemical device may be formed by assembly by stacking preassembled modules, each of these modules being produced as a usual stack of electrochemical cells. The manufacture of preassembled modules can make it possible to produce electrochemical devices with a large number of electrochemical cells, without the bracing problems present and excessive crushing courses that are encountered in the cell stacks according to the prior art, i.e., in a single block.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for treating wastewater and generating electricity. The system includes layers of sediment containing microorganisms for treating the wastewater. The system includes layers of granular activated carbon or granular activated carbon with graphene oxide or sand with graphene oxide disposed on top of the sediment layers for enhancing electron transfer, current generation rate, and wastewater treatment. The system also includes one or more anodes and one or more cathodes located on top of the layers of granular activated carbon or granular activated carbon with graphene oxide or sand with graphene oxide. The one or more anodes and the one or more cathodes are configured to generate electrical voltage. The system also includes a battery connected to the one or more anodes and the one or more cathodes and configured to store the electrical voltage generated by the one or more anodes and the one or more cathodes.

Abstract: A composite fuel cell polymer electrolyte membrane. The composite membrane includes a polymer electrolyte membrane base material including first and second inorganic particles. The first and second inorganic particles are interspersed within the polymer electrolyte membrane base material and each other. The first and second inorganic particles have first and second surface properties and the first surface property is different than the second surface property.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid electrolyte membrane for an all-solid-state battery and a battery comprising the same. In the present disclosure, the battery may comprise lithium metal as a negative electrode active material. The solid electrolyte membrane for an all-solid-state battery according to the present disclosure comprises a guide layer comprising metal particles to guide the horizontal growth of lithium dendrites, thereby delaying an electrical short caused by dendrite growth. Additionally, the guide layer is formed by polymer self-assembly, and thus the metal particles may be uniformly distributed in a very regular pattern within the guide layer.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus of membrane electrode assemblies includes a base, a first member extending from the base in a first direction, and a plurality of second members formed on the base in a radially outward direction of the first member and having inner surfaces facing the first member, where the first member or the second members includes a heat wire member, and membrane electrode assemblies are disposed between the first member and the second members.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first layer, a second layer, and a fluid. A first surface of the first layer is configured to change hydrophobicity in response to incoming activation light. Absorbing molecules in the fluid are repelled or attracted to the first surface in response to the hydrophobicity of the first surface.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring a coating amount of a slurry according to the present disclosure includes a light emitter configured to irradiate terahertz wave onto a release paper coated with the slurry, a light receiver configured to receive the terahertz wave, which is irradiated from the light emitter and passes through the release paper coated with the slurry, to obtain a power of the terahertz wave, and a calculating part configured to calculate a thickness of an electrode, formed from the slurry applied to the release paper, based on the power of the terahertz wave received by the light receiver.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes a polymer electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrocatalyst layers arranged to have the polymer electrolyte membrane therebetween, at least one of the pair of electrocatalyst layers includes particles supporting a catalyst which is composed of a noble metal component, a polymer electrolyte, and a fibrous oxide-based catalytic material, and the fibrous oxide-based catalytic material includes at least one transition metal element selected from a group consisting of Ta, Nb, Ti, and Zr.

Abstract: A rebalancing reactor for a redox flow battery system may include a first side through which hydrogen gas is flowed, a second side through which electrolyte from the redox flow battery system is flowed, and a porous layer separating and fluidly coupled to the first side and the second side, wherein, the hydrogen gas and the electrolyte are fluidly contacted at a surface of the porous layer, and a pressure drop across the second side is less than a pressure drop across the porous layer. In this way, rebalancing of electrolyte charges in a redox flow battery system may be performed with increased efficiency and cost effectiveness as compared to conventional rebalancing reactors.

Abstract: The use of an electrocatalyst material in an anode catalyst layer, wherein the electrocatalyst material comprises a support material, the support material comprising a plurality of individual support particles or aggregates wherein each individual support particle or aggregate has dispersed thereon (i) first particles and (ii) second particles, wherein: (i) the first particles comprise Pt optionally alloyed with an alloying metal X1; wherein the optional alloying metal X1 is selected from the group consisting of Rh, Ti, Os, V, Co, Ni, Ga, Hf, Sn, Ir, Pd, Mo, Zn, W, Zr and Re; (ii) the second particles consist essentially of a second metal or a second metal compound wherein the second metal is selected from the group consisting of Ir and Ru and the second metal compound comprises IrX2 wherein X2 is selected from the group consisting of Ta, Nb, Ru, Ni and Co; and wherein if the first particles consist of Pt then the second particles do not comprise IrTa; and wherein if the first particles consist of Pt without

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which improve drainage in a high current range where a large amount of water is produced, without hindering water retention under low humidification conditions, and exhibit high power generation performance and durability even under high humidification conditions. A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a polyelectrolyte film, and two electrocatalyst layers sandwiching the polyelectrolyte film. At least one of the two electrocatalyst layers includes catalyst support particles with a hydrophobic coating, a polyelectrolyte, and a fibrous material having an average fiber diameter that is 10 nm or more and 300 nm or less. The fibrous material has a mass that is 0.2 times or more and 1.0 times or less the mass of the carrier in the catalyst support particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte membrane including an antioxidant containing elemental sulfur or a sulfur compound to improve antioxidant activity and resistance to acids. In addition, a membrane-electrode assembly including the electrolyte membrane is disclosed.

Abstract: A proton exchange solid support includes a first solid support including a polymer, a second solid support, and a tetravalent boron-based acid group that links the first solid support to the second solid support.

Abstract: A fuel cell system (200), wherein the fuel cell system (200) has: a) a fuel cell stack (10), b) an anode gas path (20) which fluidically communicates with the fuel cell stack (10) and which serves for supplying anode gas from an anode gas store (22) to the fuel cell stack (10), c) a cathode gas path (30) which fluidically communicates with the fuel cell stack (10) and which serves for supplying cathode gas from a cathode gas store (32) to the fuel cell stack (10), d) a cooling fluid path (40) which fluidically communicates with the fuel cell stack (10) and which serves for supplying cooling fluid from a cooling fluid store (42) to the fuel cell stack (10), e) a vibration generator (60) which is in data-transmitting communication with a control unit (50) and which serves for setting the fuel cell stack (10) into a vibrating state, and f) the control unit (50) for actuating the vibration generator (60) in order to set the fuel cell stack (10) into the vibrating state by means of the vibration generator (60).

Abstract: An electrode layer can have an electrically conductive material, a catalyst, an ionomer binder, and a perfluorocarbon compound. The ionomer binder forms hydrophilic regions on the electrically conductive material to support proton and water transport. The perfluorocarbon compound forms hydrophobic regions on the electrically conductive material to support oxygen solubility and transport. The electrode can be used in making a membrane electrode assembly and can be configured as a cathode thereof. Fuel cells and fuel stacks can include such membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which improve drainage in a high current range where a large amount of water is produced, without hindering water retention under low humidification conditions, and exhibit high power generation performance and durability even under high humidification conditions. A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a polyelectrolyte film, and two electrocatalyst layers sandwiching the polyelectrolyte film. At least one of the two electrocatalyst layers includes catalyst support particles with a hydrophobic coating, a polyelectrolyte, and a fibrous material having an average fiber diameter that is 10 nm or more and 300 nm or less. The fibrous material has a mass that is 0.2 times or more and 1.0 times or less the mass of the carrier in the catalyst support particles.