Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is prepared from a liquid composition comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of trivalent cerium, tetravalent cerium, bivalent manganese and trivalent manganese; and a polymer with a cation-exchange group. The liquid composition is preferably one containing water, a carbonate of cerium or manganese, and a polymer with a cation-exchange group, and a cast film thereof is used as an electrolyte membrane to prepare a membrane-electrode assembly. The present invention successfully provides a membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells being capable of generating the electric power in high energy efficiency, having high power generation performance regardless of the dew point of the feed gas, and being capable of stably generating the electric power over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present teachings encompass proton-conductive material comprising a new polymer compound. A proton-conductive electrolyte comprising the proton-conductive material, and a fuel cell comprising the proton-conductive electrolyte are disclosed. A proton-conductive material comprising poly(phosphophenylene oxide) that comprises polyphenylene oxide as the main chain, and at least one phosphonic acid group as a side chain of the main chain, a proton-conductive electrolyte comprising the proton-conductive material, and a fuel cell employing the proton-conductive electrolyte, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes a fluorine polymer electrolyte having a sulfonic acid group, and a copolymer which includes at least an aromatic ring and a cyclic imide that is condensed or not condensed with the aromatic ring, and in which an aromatic repeating unit having a structure in which the aromatic ring and the cyclic imide are bonded together directly or by only a single atom, is linked with a siloxane repeating unit having a structure that includes a siloxane structure.

Abstract: Provided are an ion conductive resin fiber, an ion conductive hybrid membrane, a membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell. The ion conductive resin fiber comprises an inner layer including an ion conductive resin; and an outer layer including an ion conductive resin having larger EW than the ion conductive resin of the inner layer, and surrounding the inner layer. The ion conductive resin fiber and the ion conductive hybrid membrane are excellent in ion conductivity, polar solvent stability and dimensional stability under low humidity conditions. The fuel cell manufactured using the same has advantages of stable operation and management of a system at ease, removal or reduction of components related to water management, and even in case of low relative humidity, operation at high temperature of 80° C. or higher.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method that is applicable to the production of a polymer electrolyte having high ion-exchange capacity, uniform crosslinking points and improve ionic conductivity, unlike conventional methods. A method for synthesizing a polymer electrolyte comprises: 1st step of maintaining a polymer having sulfonic acid groups and sulfonyl halide groups within the molecule at 0° C. or less in the presence of a base; and 2nd step of carrying out a crosslinking reaction between the polymer prepared in the 1st step and a cross-linking agent having one or more types of functional group selected from the group consisting of a disulfonyl amide group, a diamine group, a diol group and a dithiol group in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion—Conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The second polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substitutent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided.

Abstract: A high molecular nanocomposite membrane for a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC), and a Membrane-Electrode Assembly (MEA) and a methanol fuel cell including the same membrane. The high molecular nanocomposite membrane for a DMFC includes a Nafion® high molecular membrane in which hydrophobic silica nanoparticles made of a silane compound having a water repellent functional group are dispersed. Since the high molecular nanocomposite membrane for a DMFC has lower permeability of methanol than a commercially available Nafion® high molecular membrane, the MEA fabricated using the high molecular nanocomposite membrane has little crossover of reaction fuel at the negative electrode. In addition, the methanol fuel electrode fabricated using the MEA that includes the high molecular nanocomposite membrane can decrease fuel loss and voltage loss.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an anion conducting electrolyte resin with high anion conducting ability and excellent workability, and a method for producing the same. An anion conducting electrolyte resin comprising a perfluorocarbon electrolyte polymer in which the whole or part of the polymer has a sulfonate group (—SO3?), and a modifier molecule comprising two or more positively-charged groups, wherein an ionic interaction occurs between the sulfonate group of the perfluorocarbon electrolyte polymer and one or more of the positively-charged groups of the modifier molecule to modify the perfluorocarbon electrolyte polymer by the modifier molecules, and wherein an ionic interaction occurs between the rest of the positively-charged groups of the modifier molecule and an anion.

Abstract: A polymer blend useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a first polymer that includes a non-ionic segment and a second polymer that includes a sulfonic acid group.

Abstract: A cell module for a fuel cell according to embodiments of the invention includes a hollow-core electrolyte membrane; two electrodes one of which is arranged on the inner face of the hollow-core electrolyte membrane and the other of which is arranged on the outer face of the hollow-core electrolyte membrane; and first collecting members that are connected to the respective two electrodes. At least one of the two electrodes includes nano-columnar bodies on which electrode catalysts are supported. The nano-columnar bodies are formed on at least one of the first collecting members corresponding to the at least one of the electrodes that includes the nano-columnar bodies. At least part of the nano-columnar bodies are oriented toward the hollow-core electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A composite membrane for fuel cell applications includes a support substrate with a predefined void volume. The void volume is at least partially filled with an ion conducting polymer composition that includes an additive that inhibits polymer degradation. Characteristically, the ion conducting polymer composition includes a first polymer with a cyclobutyl moiety and a second polymer that is different than the first polymer.

Abstract: Noble metal catalysts and methods for producing the catalysts are provided. The catalysts are useful in applications such as fuel cells. The catalysts exhibit reduced agglomeration of catalyst particles as compared to conventional noble metal catalysts.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane is formed of a polymer having layers of a clay-based cation exchange material. The substrate comprises an electrode formed from a solution that has an exfoliated, inorganic, sodium-based cation exchange material, an ionically conductive polymer-based material, and a solvent-dispersant.

Abstract: An ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes a combination of a polyvinyl polymer and an ion conducting polymer that is different than the polyvinyl polymer. The ion conducting membrane of this embodiment is able to operate in fuel cells at elevated temperatures with minimal external humidification. A fuel cell incorporating the ion conducting membrane between a first and second catalyst layer is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a first catalyst layer and a second catalyst layer. An ion conducting membrane is interposed between the first and second catalyst layers. The ion conducting layer includes a polyolefin support structure and an ion conducting polymer at least partially penetrating the polyolefin support structure. A set of electrically conducting flow field plates are in communication with the first and second catalyst layers.

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 curable resin composition for fuel cell electrolyte films characterized by comprising (1) 100 parts by mass of a monomer having at least one ethylenically unsaturated group per molecule and having, per molecule, either at least one, tonically conductive group or at least one precursor group capable of giving an tonically conductive group through a chemical reaction, (2) 10-400 parts by mass of an oligomer which has, per molecule, at least two reactive groups copolymerizable with the ethylenically unsaturated group of the ingredient (1) and has a number-average molecular weight of 400 or higher, (3) 10-400 parts by mass of a fluororesin, and (4) 0-2,000 parts by mass of a solvent.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane including an ionic conducting polymer and a light-irradiated product of a photoacid generator (PAG), a method of manufacturing the same, and a fuel cell using the same. The polymer electrolyte membrane has excellent proton conductivity and homogeneity by radiating light such as UV light onto the PAG, thereby producing an acid radical which generates an acid. The polymer electrolyte membrane also suppresses methanol crossover well. The polymer electrolyte membrane can be used as an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell, for example, a direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: A layer includes a main body having a plurality of first pores and at least one crosslinked binder.

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: An electrolyte composition that shows low methanol cross-over and exhibits high proton conductivity when used as a solid electrolyte for solid polymer fuel cells or the like, and a solid electrolyte membrane and a solid polymer fuel cell that use the electrolyte composition are provided. This electrolyte composition comprises a perfluorocyclobutane-containing polymer having a specific structure. High proton conductivity is provided by sulfonic acid groups connected to the benzene rings. Reduction of methanol crossover is realized by introduction of a rigid structure with aromatic rings, or a combination o a rigid structure with aromatic rings and a three-dimensional cross-linked structure.

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: [Object] To provide a proton exchange membrane for a fuel cell having excellent proton conductivity, lower property of swelling with hot water, and excellent durability, as well as a block copolymer forming the proton exchange membrane, and a composition, a molded product, a fuel cell proton exchange membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell.

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: A method is provided for obtaining crosslinked polymers having pendent sulfonic acid groups by crosslinking through the sulfonic acid groups or their precursors with aromatic crosslinkers or aromatic pendent crosslinking groups to form aromatic sulfones. Such crosslinked polymers may be used to make polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM's) that may be used in electrolytic cells such as fuel cells.

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: Problems to be Solved There is provided a dispersion composition of fluorine-containing ion exchange resin, which has an extremely low solution viscosity even in a case in which the concentration of a fluorine-containing ion exchange resin is increased by a concentration operation in a liquid composition in which the fluorine-containing ion exchange resin is dispersed. Solution A dispersion composition of fluorine-containing ion exchange resin, which comprises a fluorine-containing ion exchange resin having a repeating unit represented by the following formulae (1) and (2) and having an equivalent weight of 400 to 1000 g/eq, and a solvent containing water, wherein Z represents H, Cl, F, or a perfluoroalkyl group containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms; m represents an integer of 0 to 12; and n represents an integer of 0 to 2, and wherein an abundance ratio of a resin having a particle size of 10 ?m or more in the fluorine-containing ion exchange resin is 0.1% to 80% by volume.

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: A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a rigid, non-electrically-conducting support, the support preferably being a sheet of polyimide having a thickness of about 7.5 to 15 microns. The support has a plurality of cylindrical pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores, which preferably have a diameter of about 5 microns, are made by laser micromachining and preferably are arranged in a defined pattern, for example, with fewer pores located in areas of high membrane stress and more pores located in areas of low membrane stress. The pores are filled with a first solid polymer electrolyte, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer. A second solid polymer electrolyte, which may be the same as or different than the first solid polymer electrolyte, may be deposited over the top and/or bottom of the first solid polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: An object is to provide a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which has high durability, as well as a membrane electrode assembly and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, each containing the same. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is produced using polymer electrolyte-containing solution preparation step of dissolving a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid resin (component A) having an ion-exchange capacity of 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a polyazole-based compound (component B) and an alkali metal hydroxide in a protic solvent to prepare a polymer electrolyte-containing solution in which a weight ratio of the component A to component B, (A/B), is from 2.3 to 199 and a total weight of the component A and the component B is from 0.5 to 30% by weight. In a membrane formation step, a membrane is formed from the polymer electrolyte-containing solution.

Abstract: A catalyst ink composition for a fuel cell electrode is provided. The catalyst ink composition includes a plurality of electrically conductive support particles; a catalyst formed from a finely divided precious metal, the catalyst supported by the conductive support particles; an ionomer; at least one solvent; and a reinforcing material configured to bridge and distribute stresses across the electrically conductive support particles of the ink composition upon a drying thereof. An electrode for a fuel cell and a method of fabricating the electrode with the catalyst ink composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyte membrane including a graft polymer having a sulfonic acid group as a proton conductive group, in which, when the electrolyte membrane is divided into four equal parts in a thickness direction thereof, a content of the sulfonic acid group in each of outer regions is larger than a content of the sulfonic acid group in each of inner regions; in which A1, A2, B1 and B2 satisfy the following formula: 1.5?(A1+A2)/(B1+B2)?8, in which A1 and A2 each represent a maximum value of a distribution amount of the sulfonic acid group in each of the two outer regions, and B1 and B2 each represent an average value of a maximum value and a minimum value of a distribution amount of the sulfonic acid group in each of the two inner regions; and in which the electrolyte membrane has an ion-exchange capacity of 0.5 to 2 meq/g.

Abstract: To provide an electrolyte polymer for fuel cells, an electrolyte membrane, a membrane/electrode assembly for fuel cells excellent in the durability. An electrolyte polymer for fuel cells made of a perfluorocarbon polymer having ion exchange groups (which may contain etheric oxygen atoms), characterized in that the value calculated by dividing an absorption area SCH derived mainly from a C—H bond in the range of from 3,100 cm?1 to 2,800 cm?1 by an absorption area SCF derived mainly from a C—F bond in the range of from 2,700 cm?1 to 2,000 cm?1, as measured by means of infrared spectrophotometry, is less than 0.005, an electrolyte membrane and a membrane/electrode assembly.

Abstract: A perfluoropolyether rubber composition is useful for forming a polymer electrolyte membrane, comprising (A) an alkenyl-containing perfluoropolyether, (B) a silicon-oxygen crosslinked structure having ionic conduction, and (C) a peroxide crosslinker. The silicon-oxygen crosslinked structure is obtained by simultaneously effecting oxidation and hydrolysis on an organoxysilane having an epoxy group and an organoxysilane having a mercapto group for thereby converting the mercapto group into a sulfonic group, and neutralizing the resulting sulfonic group-containing siloxane with a nitrogen-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel production process by which unstable terminal groups can be sufficiently stabilized under mild conditions. The present invention is related to a method for producing an —SO3H group-containing fluoropolymer wherein a fluoropolymer to be treated having a —SO2X group-containing monomer unit (X representing F or Cl) is subjected to a procedure comprising at least the steps A, B and C defined below in that order: A: Step of reacting with a halogenating agent; B: Step of reacting with a decomposition treatment agent; C: Step of reacting with a fluorinating agent.

Abstract: An electrode, a membrane-electrode assembly including the electrode, a fuel cell including the membrane-electrode assembly, and a method of making the same, the electrode including a gas diffusion layer, a catalyst layer, and a water-repellent material having a concentration gradient, disposed at an interface between the gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer. The water-repellent material may be disposed in a dot pattern.

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: A fuel cell comprising a proton transporting membrane is provided. The proton transporting membrane comprises a polyelectrolyte film comprising a multilayer comprising an interpenetrating network of a net positively charged polyelectrolyte polymer comprising repeat units with at least two fluorine atoms and a net negatively charged polyelectrolyte polymer comprising repeat units with at least two fluorine atoms, and further comprising a fluorinated counterion within the multilayer.