Abstract: Provided are a polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell including the same. The polymer electrolyte membrane has a phosphoric acid that is substituted with an aliphatic hydrocarbon. The polymer electrolyte membrane has excellent ion conductivity, heat resistance, and liquid-holding properties. The fuel cell including the polymer electrolyte membrane exhibits excellent performance.

Abstract: A double-electrolyte fuel-cell is presented for generating electrical energy from chemical fuel. The fuel-cell includes an anode, a cathode as well as both an anion-conducting electrolyte and a cation-conducting electrolyte. A fuel-cell stack is also presented consisting of a plurality of double-electrolyte fuel-cells.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method of forming a hydrophilic particle containing electrode including providing a catalyst; providing hydrophilic particles suspended in a liquid to form a liquid suspension; contacting said catalyst with said liquid suspension; and, drying said liquid suspension contacting said catalyst to leave said hydrophilic particles attached to said catalyst.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method of forming a hydrophilic particle containing electrode including providing a catalyst; providing hydrophilic particles suspended in a liquid to form a liquid suspension; contacting said catalyst with said liquid suspension; and, drying said liquid suspension contacting said catalyst to leave said hydrophilic particles attached to said catalyst.

Abstract: Organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are provided which display high proton conductivity over a wide temperature range. Electrodes for fuel cells which include the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors are also provided. The invention also advantageously provides electrolyte membranes for fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors, and fuel cells including the organic/inorganic complex proton conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated poly(arylene ether) copolymer, a manufacturing method thereof and a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell using the same.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating an MEA. The technique includes providing a polymer electrolyte proton conducting membrane, and then spraying a catalyst ink directly on the membrane to form a catalyst layer. In one embodiment, the catalyst ink includes the proper ionomer to carbon ratio, such as 0.8/1, for the desired fuel cell performance. In another embodiment, the catalyst ink includes too little ionomer for the proper ionomer to carbon ratio for the desired fuel cell performance. An ionomer layer is sprayed on the membrane before the catalyst layer to provide the proper final ionomer to carbon ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the extrusion of thermoplastic polymers having acid ionic groups. The process consists in preparing a mixture composed of a thermoplastic polymer having acid ionic groups and a plasticizer, in extruding the mixture obtained to form a film, then in washing the film obtained in aqueous medium to remove said plasticizer(s). The plasticizer is chosen from non-volatile compounds which are stable with respect to the ionic groups of the polymer, which are soluble in water or in solvents that are miscible with water, said plasticizers being chosen from the compounds that react with the ionic group of the polymer via formation of a weak bond of the hydrogen bond-type, and the compounds that react with the ionic group of the polymer via formation of a strong bond, of the ionic bond-type.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane having good resistance to radicals is provided. A polymer electrolyte membrane is characterized of containing organic/inorganic hybrid particles in which a surface of an inorganic particle, which is a radical scavenger, is modified with organic compounds in a polymer electrolyte. As the organic/inorganic hybrid particles in which a surface of an inorganic particle is modified with organic compounds, a radical scavenger prepared by reacting inorganic particles with organic compounds in a solvent by supercritical or subcritical hydrothermal synthesis is preferred.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises: a fuel container for storing fuel liquefied with pressure; a reformer for generating hydrogen from the fuel through a catalyst reaction based on heat energy; an electric generator for generating electricity by transforming energy of an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen into electric energy; a condenser for condensing water produced in the electric generator; and a heat exchanger passing through the condenser for cooling the condenser by latent heat of the fuel. With this configuration, cooling water cooled by latent heat of a fuel container is employed to cool the condenser without using a separate cooler. Furthermore, air is mixed with butane fuel without using a separate power unit, so that it is possible to achieve a more compact and highly efficient fuel cell.

Abstract: A catalyst member can comprise nano-scale nickel particles. The catalyst member can be used for a plurality of different uses, for example, electrodes of a fuel cell or an electrolysis device. The nano-scale nickel particles can be sintered or combined in other manners to form the desired shape.

Abstract: An ion-conductive composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the membrane including phosphate platelets, a silicon compound, and a Keggin-type oxometalate and/or Keggin-type heteropoly acid, wherein the phosphate platelets are three-dimensionally connected to each other via the silicon compound. An electrolyte membrane having an ion-conductive inorganic membrane or an ion-conductive organic/inorganic composite membrane effectively prevents crossover of liquid fuel without the reduction of ion conductivity in a liquid fuel cell, thereby allowing for the production of fuel cells having excellent performance.

Abstract: Solid electrolyte comprising organic compound containing the organic polymer with hydroxyl group, inorganic compound, and water intended to provide the solid electrolyte that is less susceptible to performance deterioration even under high temperatures of 100° C. or higher and the electrochemical system using the said solid electrolyte. It is a principal object of this invention to provide the basic means for producing the solid electrolyte comprising the hybrid compound where part of or all of the hydroxyl groups of the organic polymer with hydroxyl group are combined with at least one species of phosphoric acid and boric acid by immersing the hybrid compound in the solution containing at least one species of phosphoric acid and boric acid; otherwise by coating it with the said solution.

Abstract: Electronic equipment includes a fuel cell for supplying electrical power. A power source switch controls supply of power to the electronic equipment. A voltage check unit compares a voltage of the fuel cell with a reference voltage and generates a voltage depleted signal when such voltage is below the reference voltage. A control unit measures from a time when the supply of power of the fuel cell to the electronic equipment is stopped to a time when the supply of the power of the fuel cell to the electronic equipment is started, and controls the voltage check unit to operate according to a first reference voltage if the measured time is shorter than a predetermined time. If the measured time is longer than the predetermined time, the voltage check unit is controlled to operate according to a second reference voltage.

Abstract: A composition of matter is formed from a graftable polymer, having graftable sites onto which sidechains have been grafted. The sidechains include at least one silane group, and may be formed by polymerization of a polymerizable group of a silane precursor. These compositions may further include acid groups, and may be used, for example, in improved proton conducting materials in fuel cells.

Abstract: Membranes and processes for preparing membranes having weakly acidic or weakly basic groups comprising the steps of: (i) applying a curable composition to a support; (ii) curing the composition for less than 30 seconds to form a membrane; and (iii) optionally removing the membrane from the support; wherein the curable composition comprises a crosslinking agent having at least two acrylic groups. The membranes are particularly useful for producing electricity by reverse electrodialysis.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane comprising: (a) a fluorinated polymer electrolyte having an ion exchange group, and (b) a basic polymer, wherein, optionally, at least a part of component (a) and at least a part of component (b) are chemically bonded to each other. A method for producing the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane. A membrane/electrode assembly comprising the above-mentioned polymer electrolyte membrane which is securely sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprising the membrane/electrode assembly.

Abstract: This invention provides a redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a non-volatile catholyte solution flowing in fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a redox mediator which is at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially regenerated by, optionally indirect, reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, and a transition metal complex of a multidentate N-donor ligand as a redox catalyst catalysing the regeneration of the mediator the multi-dentate N-donor ligand comprising at least one heterocyclic substituent selected from pyrrole, imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, pyrazole, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, indole, tetrazole, quinoline, i

Abstract: Provided are a fuel cell making it possible to make contact pressures high between its electrode layers and its metallic layers and others, thereby improving the power of the cell, and a method for manufacturing the cell. A fuel cell of the invention comprises a solid polymer electrolyte layer (1), first and second electrode layers (2, 3) located on each of both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte layer (1), and first and second electroconductive layers (4, 5) arranged outside the first and second electrode layers (2, 3), respectively, the individual layers (1 to 5) being integrated with each other through a resin molded body (6) which is an insert-molded body.

Abstract: A fuel cell structure with a porous metal plate includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a first porous metal plate, a metal plate, and a pair of end plates. The first porous metal plate and the metal plate are disposed on opposite outer surfaces of two gas diffusion layers (GDLs) of the MEA, respectively, and have fuel channels contacting with the GDLs. The end plates are arranged on outer surfaces of the first porous metal plate and of the metal plate, respectively, to close cooling-liquid flow channels of the first porous metal plate and of the metal plate. A pressure difference between fuel and cooling liquid within the fuel cell structure pushes the cooling liquid flowing through the cooling-liquid flow channels of the first porous metal plate to seep into the fuel channels spontaneously and hence humidify the fuel automatically, thereby maintaining the reaction efficiency of the fuel cell structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a membrane for a fuel cell, comprising: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane composed of a crosslinked ion exchange resin, and a polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 1,000,000 and having a charge group of polarity opposite to that of the ion exchange group of the ion exchange resin, which polymer is adhered onto at least one surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane in an amount of 0.0001 to 0.5 mg/cm3, preferably in a state that, when the membrane for fuel cell is immersed in a 50 mass % aqueous methanol solution of 30° C.

Abstract: By using a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly having and electrolyte membrane 100 formed by a polymer electrolyte membrane, and an anode 101 and a cathode 102 carrying a catalytic metal and sandwiching electrolyte membrane 100. The anode 101 and the cathode 102 are in electrical connection, and an activation treatment is carried out for opening an active site of catalytic metal of the cathode 102. This provides an activation method of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which is advantageous to activation and raises cell voltage.

Abstract: A high surface area support material is formed of an intimate mixture of carbon clusters and titanium oxide clusters. A catalytic metal, such as platinum, is deposited on the support particles and the catalyzed material used as an electrocatalyst in an electrochemical cell such as a PEM fuel cell. The composite material is prepared by thermal decomposition and oxidation of an intimate mixture of a precursor carbon polymer, a titanium alkoxide and a surfactant that serves as a molecular template for the mixed precursors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte, a crosslinked polymer electrolyte, a polymer electrolyte membrane and use of the same. The polymer electrolyte has a repeating unit represented by the following formula (1) in its molecule and an ion-exchange group in the molecule: wherein Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group; X represents a direct bond or a divalent group; n represents an integer of 1 to 3; and when n is 2 or more, the plurality of R1's may be the same as or different from each other.

Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell includes at least one cell. The cell includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The cell also includes: an anode-side separator being in contact with the anode and having a fuel flow channel for supplying a fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator being in contact with the cathode and having an oxidant flow channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode. The electrolyte membrane includes an ion exchange resin and has an ion exchange capacity per unit volume which is smaller upstream of the fuel flow channel than downstream thereof.

Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention provides a diffusion media and fuel cells and systems employing the diffusion media. In at least one embodiment, the diffusion media comprises a porous matrix having an outer surface and a hydrophilic polymeric coating on at least a portion of the porous matrix with the hydrophilic coating comprising the cured product of a formulation comprising a hydrophilic monomer.

Abstract: An ion-conductive polymer composite membrane is provided which has both high gas barrier properties and high protonic conductivity. The ion-conductive polymer composite membrane includes an ion-conductive polymer and ion-conductive materials. The ion-conductive materials each include i) an inorganic layered structure including a plurality of layers formed of an inorganic compound and ii) a sulfobetaine-type or hydroxysulfobetaine-type ampholytic surfactant. The ampholytic surfactant is present between the layers formed of an inorganic compound. The present invention further provides a membrane-electrode assembly and a fuel cell which use the ion-conductive polymer composite membrane, and a process for producing the ion-conductive polymer composite membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid polymer electrolyte membrane obtained by graft-polymerizing one or more kinds of radically polymerizable monomers to a resin membrane which is irradiated with radiation. This solid polymer electrolyte membrane is characterized in that at least one kind of the radically polymerizable monomers is a monofunctional monomer having one alkenyl group and a plurality of aromatic rings. By using a monofunctional monomer having one alkenyl group and a plurality of aromatic rings as at least one kind of the radically polymerizable monomers for radiation graft polymerization, there can be obtained a solid polymer electrolyte membrane having good oxidation resistance. When this solid polymer electrolyte membrane is used as an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell, the fuel cell can have a long life since a grafted polymer chain is hardly decomposed.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a polymer electrolyte membrane having power generation characteristics with a high output and long life and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same. The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane having a porous polymer film and a proton conducting component present in a hole of the porous polymer film, characterized in that the proton conducting component has a compound having a proton conducting group and a bicyclo ring structure.

Abstract: An electrode for a fuel cell includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer on the electrode substrate. The catalyst layer includes an active catalyst and a heteropoly acid additive including a heteropoly acid supported by an inorganic carrier.

Abstract: A novel method of altering extruded membrane films for PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells in such a manner that the membrane films swell substantially uniformly in both the in-plane x and y directions when immersed in water or ionomer solution is disclosed. The invention includes cutting a membrane film from an extruded membrane sheet in a diagonal orientation with respect to the membrane process direction of the membrane sheet. The membrane film exhibits reduced internal stress as compared to conventionally-prepared membrane films and allows a more even distribution of pressure in a fuel cell stack, thereby reducing the incidence of swollen membrane-induced failure mechanisms in the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A proton-conducting polymer membrane comprising at least one polyazole, at least one ionic liquid and at least one compound of the formula (P1) RI4POH??(P1) wherein RI, in each case mutually independently, is a residue which comprises C, O and/or H optionally together with further atoms differing therefrom, wherein two residues RI may optionally be joined to one another. The membrane is in particular distinguished by elevated mechanical stability and elevated conductivity and is therefore in particular suitable as a polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell applications.

Abstract: Monolayer ion-exchange membrane structured in the thickness comprising ion-exchange sites covalently bonded to a support polymer, the membrane comprising two surface zones located on either side of a mid-zone, each surface zone having a thickness of not more than 15% of the total thickness of the membrane, in which the surface zones have a mean ion-exchange site density Dsurface calculated on the thickness of the surface zones of at least Dtotal.

Abstract: A method for shutting down an electricity supply system comprising a fuel cell, the cell being supplied with pure oxygen as the combustive gas and delivering an electric voltage to an electric power line, the system comprising a fuel gas feed circuit on the anode side and an oxygen feed circuit on the cathode side, the oxygen feed circuit comprising means that enable the said oxygen feed circuit to be opened to the atmosphere and means for delivering a stop signal to a control unit of the fuel cell. The shutting down procedure is activated on reception of a stop signal and comprises an initial stage during which the supply of oxygen is interrupted, a consumption stage during which a sustained current is drawn from the fuel cell, a neutralisation phase during which the oxygen feed circuit is opened to the atmosphere, and a final stage during which the supply of hydrogen is interrupted.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided for improving the starting performance at low temperatures. The fuel cell includes a cell structure in which an anode and a cathode are provided on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell may include a first cooling liquid passage and a second cooling liquid passage independent of the first cooling liquid passage. Cooling liquid is heated by an external heating device and supplied to the second cooling liquid passage.

Abstract: Polymers having an improved ability to entrain water are characterized, in some embodiments, by unusual humidity-induced phase transitions. The described polymers (e.g., hydrophilically functionalized block copolymers) have a disordered state and one or more ordered states (e.g., a lamellar state, a gyroid state, etc.). In one aspect, the polymers are capable of under-going a disorder-to-order transition while the polymer is exposed to an increasing temperature at a constant relative humidity. In some aspects the polymer includes a plurality of portions, wherein a first portion forms proton-conductive channels within the membrane and wherein the channels have a width of less than about 6 nm. The described polymers are capable of entraining and preserving water at high temperature and low humidity. Surprisingly, in some embodiments, the polymers are capable of entraining greater amounts of water with the increase of temperature. The polymers can be used in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes in fuel cells.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane is prepared from a block copolymer comprising a hydrophobic polymer segment and a polar polymer segment. The ion exchange membrane is formed by placing a film layer in steam, water or an electric field at a temperature greater than about 40° C. for sufficient amount of time to develop a bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane is also formed from a film layer comprising a block copolymer and a solvent. The film layer is placed in an electric field at an elevated temperature and dried therein. The film layer is thereby converted into an ion exchange membrane with bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane prepared according to these processes exhibits improved mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluororesin-coated polymer film for reinforcing a polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the fluororesin-coated polymer film is fabricated by forming on at least one side of a polymer film a coating of a reaction product of (A) a fluorine-containing copolymer composed of a fluoroolefin, a cyclohexyl group-containing acrylic ester, and a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl ether, and (B) a crosslinking agent having two or more isocyanate groups. The polymer film according to the present invention not only exhibits sufficiently high initial adhesion strength, with respect to the polymer electrolyte membrane, but also retains thereafter high adhesion strength in actual operating environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell exhibiting a high performance regardless of the humidification conditions.

Abstract: A cathodic gas diffusion electrode for the electrochemical production of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions. The cathodic gas diffusion electrode comprises an electrically conductive gas diffusion substrate and a cathodic electrocatalyst layer supported on the gas diffusion substrate. A novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer comprises a cathodic electrocatalyst, a substantially water-insoluble quaternary ammonium compound, a fluorocarbon polymer hydrophobic agent and binder, and a perfluoronated sulphonic acid polymer. An electrochemical cell using the novel cathodic electrocatalyst layer has been shown to produce an aqueous solution having between 8 and 14 weight percent hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, such electrochemical cells have shown stable production of hydrogen peroxide solutions over 1000 hours of operation including numerous system shutdowns.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode half-cell and a cathode half-cell. A separator, such as a membrane, is formed between the two half-cells, and a gate electrode may be configured to influence the properties of the separator. Electricity is generated by flowing a liquid fuel through conduits, while applying an electric field to the gated membrane such that the membrane conducts protons. Complementary half cell reactions take place at an anode and a cathode.

Abstract: An electrolytic membrane comprising a porous membrane substrate containing a cross-linked polymer electrolyte having at least a structural component shown by following chemical formula 1: wherein A represents a repeating unit having an aromatic hydrocarbon group substituted by at least a sulfonic acid group, B represents a repeating unit having one of a nitrogen-containing hetero ring compound residue, and the sulfate, hydrochloride or organic sulfonate thereof, C represents a repeating unit having a cross-linked group, and X, Y and Z represent mol fractions of respective repeating units in the chemical formula 1, with 0.34?X?0.985, 0.005?Y?0.49, 0.01?Z?0.495 and Y?X and Z?X, provided that, in the repeating unit A, a ratio of the aromatic hydrocarbon group substituted by at least a sulfonic acid group is 0.3 to 1.0, and the number of the sulfonic acid group in the aromatic hydrocarbon group is 1 to 3.

Abstract: Micro fuel cell systems whose performance is enhanced by an accurate fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system improves reactant fluid provision to meet electrical output, while maintaining correct stoichiometries for chemical processing in a downstream reactor. The fluid delivery system includes a pressure source and a differential flow meter. The differential flow meter uses a flow restrictor and a sensor. The pressure source moves a fluid through the flow restrictor; the sensor detects differential pressure in the flow restrictor and outputs a signal that permits dynamic control of fluid flow, e.g., by controlling a pump.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane (1) includes a base material layer (1) containing a hydrocarbon-based electrolyte as a main component, and a surface layer (5) laminated with the base material layer (1). The surface layer (5) is a layer containing, as a main component, a polymeric material having a hydroxyl group and a proton conductive group. The polymeric material that constitutes the surface layer (5) contains, for example, a first polymer having a hydroxyl group, and a second polymer having a proton conductive group. A matrix is formed by cross-linking the first polymer, and the second polymer can be held in the matrix.

Abstract: A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes an Ru—Se alloy having an average particle size of less than or equal to 6 nm. The Ru—Se alloy is amorphous catalyst. A membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell system include the cathode catalyst. A catalyst for a fuel cell is prepared by drying a ruthenium solution including a water-soluble ruthenium precursor to obtain a first dried product; subjecting the first dried product to a first heat-treatment to obtain a heat-treated product; adding an Se solution including a water-soluble Se precursor to the heat-treated product to obtain a mixture; drying the mixture to obtain a second dried product including ruthenium and Se; and subjecting the second dried product to second heat-treatment.

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 present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole block polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode units or so-called PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition comprising a mixed solvent including a plurality of solvents with boiling points differing from one another, and a block copolymer-type polymer electrolyte comprising a block having an ion-exchange group and a block having substantially no ion-exchange groups, wherein the mixed solvent is a good solvent of the block copolymer-type polymer electrolyte, and a solvent A having the highest boiling point of the solvents included in the mixed solvent is a poor solvent of the block copolymer-type polymer electrolyte and good solvent of the block having the ion-exchange group.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the period length L in the membrane surface direction, which period length is defined by formula (1) and is measured by using a small-angle X-ray diffractometer, is less than 52.0 nm: L=?1/(2 sin(2?i/2))??(1) wherein 2?i represents a scattering angle in the membrane surface direction and ?1 represents the wavelength of X-rays used when the scattering angle in the membrane surface direction is measured.

Abstract: An ion-conductive composite membrane and a method of manufacturing the same, the membrane including phosphate platelets, a silicon compound, and a Keggin-type oxometalate and/or Keggin-type heteropoly acid, wherein the phosphate platelets are three-dimensionally connected to each other via the silicon compound. An electrolyte membrane having an ion-conductive inorganic membrane or an ion-conductive organic/inorganic composite membrane effectively prevents crossover of liquid fuel without the reduction of ion conductivity in a liquid fuel cell, thereby allowing for the production of fuel cells having excellent performance.