Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly and a method for operating a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, whereby power generation will not be terminated even when the power generation is initiated in such an environment that the temperature of the membrane/electrode assembly is at most 0° C. A membrane/electrode assembly 10 for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which comprises an anode 13 and a cathode 14 each having a catalyst layer 11 containing a proton-conductive fluoropolymer (A), and a polymer electrolyte membrane 15 containing a proton-conductive fluoropolymer (B), disposed between the anode 13 and the cathode 14, wherein each of the above proton-conductive fluoropolymer (A) and the above proton-conductive fluoropolymer (B) has an ion exchange capacity of from 1.4 to 1.8 meq/g dry resin, and each of the above proton-conductive fluoropolymer (A) and the above proton-conductive fluoropolymer (B) has a water content of at most 150 mass %.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel organic/inorganic hybrid membranes which have the following composition: a polymer acid containing —SO3H, PO3H2, —COOH or B(OH)2 groups, a polymeric ease (optional), which contains primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, pyridine groups, imidazole, benzimidazole, triazole, benzotriazole, pyrazole or benzopyrazole groups, either in the side chain or in the main chain; an additional polymeric base (optional) containing the aforementioned basic groups; an element or metal oxide or hydroxide, which has been obtained by hydrolysis and/or sol-gel reaction of an elementalorganic and/or metalorganic compound during the membrane forming process and/or by a re-treatment of the membrane in aqueous acidic, alkaline or neutral electrolytes. The invention also relates to methods for producing said membranes and to various uses for membranes of this type.

Abstract: It is to provide a membrane/electrode assembly excellent in the power generation characteristics under low or no humidity conditions and under high humidity conditions; and an electrolyte material having a low water content, suitable for a catalyst layer of a membrane/electrode assembly. It is to use an electrolyte material, which comprises a polymer (H) having ion exchange groups converted from precursor groups in a polymer (F), the polymer (F) having repeating units (A) based on a perfluoromonomer having a precursor group of an ion exchange group and a 5-membered ring to which the precursor group is bonded and repeating units (B) represented by the formula (u2), and having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 2.3 dL/g. wherein R1 to R4 are a fluorine atom, a C1-6 perfluoroalkyl group or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for making tubular-shaped membrane electrode assembly. The apparatus includes a guiding unit for guiding the direction of MEA production, a first weaving unit for weaving conductive fiber bundles into a first tubular conductive fabric around the guiding unit, a first catalyst-providing unit for forming a first catalyst film on the first tubular conductive fabric, a proton-exchange-membrane-providing unit for providing a proton-exchange-membrane on the first catalyst film, a second catalyst-providing unit for forming a second catalyst film on the proton-exchange-membrane, a second weaving unit for weaving conductive fiber bundles into a second tubular conductive fabric on the second catalyst film and a cooling and pulling unit for cooling and pulling the first tubular conductive fabric, the first catalyst film, the proton-exchange-membrane, the second catalyst film and the second tubular conductive fabric into a tubular laminate.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte membrane that exhibits stable energy generation performance for a long period of time at an operation temperature of about 100° C. to about 300° C. in an unhumidified condition or a relative humidity of about 50%. A method for manufacturing the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell that uses the solid polymer electrolyte membrane are provided. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane comprises a polymer compound that has a side chain that includes a unit represented by Formula (a) that is formed at a heterocyclic nitrogen atom of a polybenzimidazole.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition comprising a component (A) and a component (B) described below, wherein if the equivalent weight of cation exchange groups in the component (A) is termed Ic, and the equivalent number of anion exchange groups in the component (B) is termed Ia, then the equivalent weight ratio represented by Ic/Ia is from 1 to 10,000.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises an cathodic compartment including a cathode, an oxidant consisting of oxygen and at least one enzyme catalyst, an anodic compartment comprising an anode, a fuel and at least one catalyst. The anodic and cathodic compartments are arranged at either end of the membrane. The cell is characterized in that the enzyme catalyst of the anodic compartment is an oxidoreductase type enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is a direct receptor of the electrons from the cathode.

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: The present invention relates to novel polyazoles, a proton-conducting polymer membrane based on these polyazoles and its use as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane-electrode units for PEM-fuel cells, and also other shaped bodies comprising such polyazoles.

Abstract: A proton exchange polymer membrane whose surface is treated by direct fluorination using a fluorine gas, a membrane-electrode assembly, and a fuel cell comprising the same are provided. The proton exchange polymer membrane of the present invention exhibits improved proton conductivity, high dimensional stability, and decreased methanol permeability through introducing hydrophobic fluorine having high electronegativity to the surface of the polymer membrane. Therefore, the proton exchange polymer membrane with excellent electrochemical properties of the present invention can be preferably utilized as polymer electrolyte membrane for fuel cell, generating electric energy from chemical energy of fuels.

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 macrocyclic N-donor ligand as a redox catalyst catalysing the regeneration of the mediator.

Abstract: A system for cooling cooling-air in a gas turbine engine, the system having an electricity generating fuel-cell, and an arrangement for receiving water produced by the fuel cell, delivering the water to the engine, and cooling cooling-air inside the engine using the water.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack (32) includes a plurality of fuel cells in which each fuel cell is formed between a pair of conductive, porous, substantially hydrophilic plates (17) having oxidant reactant gas flow field channels (12-15) on a first surface and fuel reactant gas flow field channels (19, 19a) on a second surface opposite to the first surface, each ˜f the plates being separated from a plate adjacent thereto by a unitized electrode assembly (20) including a cathode electrode (22), having a gas diffusion layer (GDL) an anode electrode (23) having a GDL with catalyst between each GDL and a membrane (21) disposed therebetween. Above the stack is a condenser (33} having tubes (34) that receive coolant air (39, 40} to condense water vapor out of oxidant exhaust in a chamber (43). Inter-cell wicking strips (26) receive condensate and conduct it along the length of the stack to all cells.

Abstract: The polymer electrolyte membrane of the present invention includes polymers having a fluoroalkyl group and a proton conductive group. The present invention also provides a membrane-electrode assembly, a fuel cell system including the polymer electrolyte membrane, and a method of making the polymer electrolyte membrane by a chemical grafting method. The amount of the proton conductive groups in the polymer electrolyte membrane can be controlled, the membrane thickness can be easily controlled, adherence between a polymer electrolyte membrane and an electrode is improved due to the fluoroalkyl of the polymer, and long-term stability of a membrane-electrode assembly is improved.

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 in the range from 52.0 nm to 64.9 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 direction of the membrane surface is measured.

Abstract: To improve the utilization efficiency of a noble metal catalyst in a catalyst layer of an electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. A precursor material obtained by polymerizing a perfluoromonomer having a fluorosulfonyl group in the presence of noble metal catalyst fine particles supported carbon particles, a material for a catalyst layer obtained by converting the fluorosulfonyl groups of the precursor material to sulfonic acid groups, and a membrane/electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having a catalyst layer using the material for a catalyst layer.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes an ion exchange resin membrane, and an electric conductive polymer. The electric conductive polymer is present along a thickness direction of the ion exchange resin membrane from one side of the ion exchange resin membrane to the interior of the ion exchange resin membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising (a) a polybenzimidazole derived from (a1) at least one bis-(ortho-diamino) aromatic compound and (a2) at least one aromatic carboxylic acid or derivative thereof, each containing at least two acid groups and at least one hydroxyl group in ?-position of a carboxylic group; (b) orthophosphoric acid; and (c) polyphosphoric acids of the formula (I): HO[P(O)(OH)]nH, wherein n is an integer from 2 to 20, wherein the polyphosphoric acids of formula (I) are present in an amount of less than 2 mol %, based upon the sum of moles of orthophosphoric acid (b) and polyphosphoric acids (c), and wherein (b) is present in an amount of 1 to 75 moles per mol of a benzimidazole group formed from (a1) and (a2). A polymer membrane comprising the polymer composition, a preferred process for preparing the membrane, and a fuel cell comprising the membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing cathode carbon corrosion during start-up of a fuel cell stack. If a long enough period of time has gone by since the last system shutdown, then both the anode side and the cathode side of the stack will be filled with air. If the system includes split sub-stacks, then a start-up sequence uses a fast hydrogen purge through each sub-stack separately so as to minimize the time of the hydrogen/air front flowing through the anode side of the stacks. The start-up sequence then employs a slow hydrogen purge through the sub-stacks at the same time. If the time from the last shutdown is short enough where a significant amount of hydrogen still exists in the cathode side and the anode side of the sub-stacks, then the fast hydrogen purge can be eliminated, and the start-up sequence proceeds directly to the slow hydrogen purge.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell has a crystalline fusion enthalpy measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of about 67.3 J/g or more. Such crystallinity improves dimensional stability, mechanical characteristics, and ion conductivity of the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: Solid acid/surface-hydrogen-containing secondary component electrolyte composites, methods of synthesizing such materials, electrochemical device incorporating such materials, and uses of such materials in fuel cells, membrane reactors and hydrogen separations are provided. The stable electrolyte composite material comprises a solid acid component capable of undergoing rotational disorder of oxyanion groups and capable of extended operation at a wide temperature range and a secondary compound with surface hydrogen atoms, which when intimately mixed, results in a composite material with improved conductivity, mechanical and thermal properties, when compared to pure solid acid compound.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte composition comprising a component (A) defined below, and at least one kind of a component (B) selected from the group consisting of a component (B1) defined below and a component (B2) defined below: (A) a polymer electrolyte; (B1) a compound having a degree of affinity for platinum of 10% or more; and (B2) a compound having at least two kinds of atoms having an unshared electron pair, selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen atom, a phosphorus atom, and a sulfur atom in the molecule.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for use in a fuel cell and a method of producing a polymer electrolyte membrane. The method includes preparing a phosphate monomer solution by dissolving an initiator and a phosphate monomer containing at least one phosphoric acid group and at least one unsaturated bond in a solvent, impregnating a porous polymer matrix with the phosphate monomer solution, polymerizing the impregnated phosphate monomer, and impregnating the result of polymerization with a phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Embodiments may include efficient fuel cell systems including an anode, a cathode, a lead-containing cathode catalyst, at least one proton exchange connector, and perhaps even an external circuit between the anode and the cathode. Other embodiments may include enhanced degradation of contaminants in environmental media such as perhaps petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater with microbial fuel cells and the like.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an ion-conductive composition that has proton conductivity over a wide temperature range, including the intermediate and high temperature range of 100° C. and higher, and an ion-conductive composite material such as ion-conductive membrane prepared from the composition. The composite ion-conductive material comprises the ion-conductive composition of the present invention, and the ion-conductive composition includes an ion-conductive polymer and ion-conductive inorganic solid material.

Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen passivation shut down system for a fuel cell power plant (10). An anode flow path (24) is in fluid communication with an anode catalyst (14) for directing hydrogen fuel to flow adjacent to the anode catalyst (14), and a cathode flow path (38) is in fluid communication with a cathode catalyst (16) for directing an oxidant to flow adjacent to the cathode catalyst (16) of a fuel cell (12). Hydrogen fuel is permitted to transfer between the anode flow path (24) and the cathode flow path (38). A hydrogen reservoir (66) is secured in fluid communication with the anode flow path (24) for receiving and storing hydrogen during fuel cell (12) operation, and for releasing the hydrogen into the fuel cell (12) whenever the fuel cell (12) is shut down.

Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising bound anionic functional groups and polyvalent cations, such as Mn or Ru cations, which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are also provided.

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

Abstract: Process for producing aqueous formulations (A) comprising at least one polyaromatic compound bearing acid groups and/or salts of acid groups and also aqueous formulations (A) which have been produced according to the process of the invention. Also a process for producing dried formulations (B) by removing the water from the aqueous formulations (A) and also the dried formulations (B) themselves. In addition a formulation (C) comprising the dried formulation (B) of the invention and also water or an aqueous formulation (A) and a water-comprising formulation (D) comprising the aqueous formulation (A) of the invention or the formulation (C) of the invention and additionally at least 2% by weight of an organic solvent. Additionally dry formulations (E) which are obtained by removing water from the water-comprising formulations (D) of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cartridge detachably connected with a fuel cell main body, wherein the fuel cartridge is equipped with a fuel-storing vessel for storing a liquid fuel, a fuel discharge part and a follower which seals the liquid fuel and moves as the liquid fuel is consumed at the rear end of the liquid fuel; a follower auxiliary member which has no fluidity and is insoluble in the liquid fuel is inserted into the follower; and at least one protruding part is formed at an upper end part of the follower auxiliary member.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, and a method of producing an electrochemical cell are provided. The method includes a step in which a counter electrode film and a mold film are crimped. A sol-gel precursor is inserted into a pore in the mold film provided on the counter electrode film. The sol-gel precursor is cooled to form a semi-hardened gel. The mold film is peeled off from the counter electrode film. The semi-hardened gel is cooled to form a gel electrolyte film. The sealing film is provided on the counter film, with the gel electrolyte film being fitted in the pore of the sealing film. A working electrode film is crimped on the sealing film. The stacked films are thermocompression bonded, and a single electrochemical cell is produced by cutting.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane with high durability is provided. The electrolyte membrane includes a porous film containing a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring or a cyano group, and a proton conductive component existing in pores of the porous film, wherein the proton conductive component includes a polymer compound containing at least a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring, a cyano group, and an acidic group in one molecule.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane for a fuel cell, comprising a graft (co)polymer comprising a main chain and grafts comprising at least one proton acceptor group and at least one proton donor group.

Abstract: High temperature polymer electrolyte membranes bearing pyridine and tetramethyl biphenyl moieties are provided. Preferred polymers can exhibit good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability and high doping ability with strong acids. Further provided are MEA on PEMFC type single cells.

Abstract: A polymer membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode, each of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst layer and an electrode substrate; and a polymer membrane placed between the anode and cathode. In the polymer membrane-electrode assembly, the polymer membrane is a polyphenylene vinylene-based polymer having a proton conductive functional group in a side chain of the polyphenylene vinylene-based polymer.

Abstract: An alkylated bisphenol-based compound, a method of preparing the same, sulfonated polyarylene sulfone polymer prepared from the alkylated bisphenol-based compound, a method of preparing the polymer, and a fuel cell using the sulfonated polyarylene sulfone polymer.

Abstract: Polymer ion-exchange membranes having outstanding electrical conductivity, water retention and oxidation resistance are produced by the steps of uniformly mixing an organic high-molecular weight resin with functional inorganics having the abilities to promote graft polymerization of polymerizable monomers, adsorb water and conduct protons, irradiating the resulting functional inorganics/polymer membrane to initiate graft polymerization or graft copolymerization of polymerizable monomers having functional groups, and then introducing sulfonic acid groups into the graft chains.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a diaphragm for a fuel cell comprising a modified anion exchange membrane that substantially maintains durability and hydroxide ion conductivity as an electrolyte membrane and has improved resistance to methanol permeation. The process is characterized by comprising the step of impregnating at least one side of a crosslinked hydrocarbon anion exchange membrane with a polymerizable acidic compound having a weight average molecular weight of not less than 700 and less than 8000, provided that, when the acid site in the compound has been neutralized with a counter cation, the weight of the counter cation is subtracted from the molecular weight, and polymerizing the polymerizable acidic compound.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a proton conductive electrolyte suitable for a fuel cell material and a fuel cell including the proton conductive electrolyte. More particularly, aspects of the present invention provide a proton conductive electrolyte that has good proton conductivity and can be used to form a membrane having good flexibility. As a result, the proton conductive electrolyte can be used in a fuel cell, the electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell or the electrodes thereof, and can provide a solid polymer fuel cell having high current density, high power and long life-time in a dry environment (relative humidity of 50% or less) at an operating temperature of 100 to 200° C.

Abstract: The invention provides composite polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) that have reduced methanol crossover and can be used to fabricate catalyst coated membranes (CCMs), membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), and fuel cells.

Abstract: A cell of a fuel cell comprises an anode, a cathode, and between the cathode and the anode, a layer of ceramic including activated boron nitride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyte membrane comprising an aluminum-based compound for a high-temperature fuel cell, and a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell comprising the electrolyte membrane. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrolyte membrane for a high-temperature fuel cell where an aluminum-based compound is added as an anionic-binding substance in the conventional electrolyte for a fuel cell, thereby improving electrochemical stability of a fuel cell and increasing cation yield of proton by preventing the elution of anions caused by water generation on electrodes, and a high-performance polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell comprising the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A cross-linked polyazole, a method of preparing the cross-linked polyazole, an electrode and an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, which include the cross-linked polyazole, a method of manufacturing the electrolyte membrane, and a fuel cell including the cross-linked polyazole.

Abstract: A proton conductive electrolyte including a polymerized polyurethane, polyethylene(metha)acrylic acid (PEAA), and a cross-linking agent mixture; a method of preparing the same; an electrode including a support and a catalyst layer, the catalyst layer including a supported catalyst and a polymerized mixture of a polyurethane based compound and a polyethylene(metha)acrylic acid; a method of preparing the electrode; and a fuel cell including the proton conductive electrolyte and/or the electrode. The proton conductive electrolyte can be prepared at lower costs than conventionally used polybenzimidazole and NAFION and can be easily formed into a membrane with a controlled thickness by casting. The polymer electrolyte membrane has high mechanical strength, flexibility, and excellent ionic conductivity. The electrode remains stable under high temperature operation, a strong binding force is maintained between the support and the catalyst layer, and the electrode has excellent ionic conductivity.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly having superior hot water resistance has a membrane containing an aromatic polymer having a repeating unit expressed by general formula (1): in which A represents independently either —CO— or —SO2—; B represents independently an oxygen atom or sulfur atom; R1 to R8, which may be identical or different from each other, represent a hydrogen atom, fluorine atom, alkyl group, phenyl group or nitrile group; R9 to R24, which may be identical or different from each other, represent a hydrogen atom, alkyl group or phenyl group; and ‘a’ represents an integer of 0 to 4.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a proton-conducting solid electrolyte, a fuel electrode provided on one side of the solid electrolyte, and an oxidant electrode provided on the other side of the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte includes at least one internal electrode therein. The fuel cell further includes a polarizing means for electrochemically polarizing the at least one internal electrode for oxidizing, or reducing, a fuel, or an oxidant, passing through an inside of the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A system is described for storing and generating hydrogen and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H2/O2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from 63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer and an electrolyte membrane using the same, more precisely, a branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer composed of the repeating unit represented by formula 1 and a preparation method thereof, a hydrogenated branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer, a branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel cell to which the branched and sulphonated multi block copolymer electrolyte membrane is applied. The electrolyte membrane of the present invention has high proton conductivity and excellent mechanical properties as well as chemical stability, so it can be effectively used for the production of thin film without the decrease of membrane properties according to the increase of sulfonic acid group since it enables the regulation of the distribution, the location and the number of sulfonic acid group in polymer backbone.

Abstract: For operation, PEMFCs require among other things a compressor for the cathode air, and a system for removing the water which is generated on the cathode side as a result of the electrochemical reaction. According to an embodiment of the present invention the removal of water is supported in that the fuel cell is made to rotate by way of an electric motor so that the water contained in the cathodes of the fuel cell can be extracted by centrifugal force. To this effect the air channels on the cathode side are arranged so as to extend radially or in a spiral shape from the inside towards the outside. In this way the efficiency of the fuel cell can be significantly improved.