Abstract: A method for accurately evaluating the performance of fuel-cell electrode catalysts, a method of search for fuel-cell electrode catalysts having excellent performance, and fuel-cell electrode catalysts having new and excellent catalytic activity searched for by the above method. In a method for evaluating the performance of fuel-cell electrode catalysts composed of conductive carriers on which catalytic metal is supported, the oxygen atom adsorption energy on the catalytic metal surface obtained through a molecular simulation analysis is used as an indicator of the performance evaluation. Suitable catalysts consist of Pt—Au or Pt—Au—B, wherein B is one or more metal chosen from the group of chrome (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd) and wherein the content of Au is 6 atom % or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow field plate of a fuel cell with airflow guiding gaskets, comprising a flat plate and airflow guiding gaskets. Each side of the flat plate has a reaction area, which includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of grooves. Two airflow guiding gasket are respectively covered on the two sides of the flat plate, and a central hollowed region of each airflow guiding gasket is corresponding to the reaction area. An inlet hole of the flat plate communicates with the hollowed region and each inlet of the grooves through an inlet trough of the airflow guiding gasket. An outlet hole of the flat plate communicates with the hollowed region and each outlet of the grooves through an outlet trough of the airflow guiding gasket. Thus, the present invention is capable of significantly reducing the volume of the fuel cell and lowering the weight.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly for generating power by oxidizing fuel at an anode electrode and reducing oxygen at a cathode electrode, an anode diffusion layer for allowing fuel to pass therethrough to the outside of the anode electrode of the membrane electrode assembly and transferring electrons generated by the oxidation, a cathode diffusion layer for removing water thus generated and transferring electrons to be used for the reduction to the outside of the cathode electrode, an anode current collector and anode endplate for transferring electrons generated by the oxidation to the outside of the anode diffusion layer, and a cathode current collector and a cathode endplate for transferring electrons to be used for the reduction to the outside of the cathode diffusion layer. The anode endplate or anode current collecting layer is hydrophilic or the end plate on the anode side has a constitution promoting discharge of a gas generated by the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a titanium electrode material which is low in cost and is excellent in electric conductivity, corrosion resistance and hydrogen absorption resistance, and a surface treatment method of a titanium electrode material. A titanium electrode material includes: on the surface of a titanium material including pure titanium or a titanium alloy, a titanium oxide layer having a thickness of 3 nm or more and 75 nm or less, and having an atomic concentration ratio of oxygen and titanium (O/Ti) at a site having the maximum oxygen concentration in the layer of 0.3 or more and 1.7 or less; and an alloy layer including at least one noble metal selected from Au, Pt, and Pd, and at least one non-noble metal selected from Zr, Nb, Ta, and Hf, having a content ratio of the noble metal and the non-noble metal of 35:65 to 95:5 by atomic ratio, and having a thickness of 2 nm or more, on the titanium oxide layer.

Abstract: It is an assignment to provide a fuel cell whose battery performance is high, whose gas sealing performance of fuel gas and oxidizing-agent gas can be improved by means of an opposite-end construction of a single cell 1 for fuel cell, and which can inhibit the decline of OCV. The tube-type single cell 1 according to the present invention for fuel cell is characterized in that, in a tube-type single cell 1 for fuel cell, the tube-type single cell 1 being formed by putting an inside electricity collector 11, a first catalytic electrode layer 12, an electrolytic layer 13, a second catalytic electrode layer 14 and an outside electricity collector 15 coaxially in a lamination in this order from an axial center, at least the electrolytic layer 13 protrudes beyond the second catalytic electrode layer 14 and the outside electricity collector 15 in at least one of opposite ends of the single cell 1; and an outer peripheral surface 132 of the electrolytic layer 13 being protruded is exposed.

Abstract: An electrolyte membrane/electrode web member includes an elongated solid polymer electrolyte membrane. A plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes are provided on one surface, and on the other surface of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, respectively. First and second gas diffusion current collector members are inserted into the electrolyte membrane/electrode web member from both sides. Each of the first and second gas diffusion current collector members is formed by folding a single electrically conductive plate into a substantially U-shape. Electrical insulation is provided by interposing the insulating member between the first and second gas diffusion current collector members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst which is not corroded in an acidic electrolyte or at a high potential, is excellent in durability and has high oxygen reduction ability. The catalyst of the present invention is characterized by including a niobium oxycarbonitride. The catalyst of the invention is also characterized by including a niobium oxycarbonitride represented by the composition formula NbCxNyOz, wherein x, y and z represent a ratio of the numbers of atoms and are numbers satisfying the conditions of 0.01?x?2, 0.01?y?2, 0.01?z?3 and x+y+z?5.

Abstract: A fuel cell has a substrate with a film deposited thereon. The film has nanowires dispersed therein. Catalytic activity and conductivity is substantially enhanced throughout the film.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte fuel cell structure includes a proton exchange membrane (4). An anode catalyst layer (1,16) is located on one side of the proton exchange membrane. A cathode catalyst layer (7) is located on the opposite side of the proton exchange membrane, and a gas distribution layer (3,5) is arranged on each side of the proton exchange membrane (4). The anode side gas distribution layer (3) is a flat, porous structure having water channels (3a) formed in the surface facing the membrane (4). The anode side gas distribution layer (3) is enclosed by a coplanar, sealing plate (2) with water inlet channels coupled to the water channels (3a) in the gas distribution layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided having excellent performance and being capable of achieving a sufficient buffer ability in a high-output operation when an enzyme is immobilized on at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode and of sufficiently exhibiting the ability inherent in the enzyme. A biofuel cell includes a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are opposed to each other with an electrolyte layer containing a buffer material provided therebetween, an enzyme being immobilized on at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrolyte layer contains as the buffer material a compound including an imidazole ring. As the compound including an imidazole ring, imidazole, 1-methylimidazole, 2-methylimidazole, 4-methylimidazole, 2-ethylimidazole, or the like is used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for producing a nano-porous gas diffusion media, compositions thereof, and devices comprising the same. The nano-porous gas diffusion media of the invention is produced using photolithographic techniques to create a solid substrate comprising a plurality of nano-scale (1 nm-300 ?m) pores or holes that allow for the diffusion or exchange of molecules, gases, and/or liquids through the substrate. The nano-porous diffusion media of the invention also displays superior electro- and thermal conductivity, and increased durability and performance. In some embodiments, the nano-porous diffusion media of the invention is also coated with a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) of organic molecules to further improve its physical characteristics.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, fuel cell includes an anode, into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced as fuel, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, a cathode, into which an oxidizing agent is introduced, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the catalyst layer of the anode and the catalyst layer of the cathode. The catalyst layer of at least one of the anode and the cathode contains carbon particles having pores on the surface thereof, catalyst microparticles which are supported by these carbon particles and are finer than the carbon particles, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer and a high-molecular compound having a repeating unit of a high-molecular chain fixed to the surface of the carbon particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane which comprises polyazole blends and is obtainable by a process comprising the steps A) preparation of a mixture comprising polyphosphoric acid, at least one polyazole (polymer A) and/or one or more compounds which are suitable for forming polyazoles under the action of heat according to step B), B) heating of the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 400° C., C) application of a layer using the mixture from step A) and/or B) to a support, D) treatment of the membrane formed in step C) until it is self-supporting, wherein at least one further polymer (polymer B) which is not a polyazole is added to the composition obtainable according to step A) and/or step B) and the weight ratio of polyazole to polymer B is in the range from 0.1 to 50.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell device assembly comprising: (i) at least one solid oxide fuel cell device including one electrolyte sheet sandwiched between at least one pair of electrodes; and (ii) a non-steel frame fixedly attached to said at least one fuel cell device without a seal located therebetween.

Abstract: Catalytic layers for use in the electrodes of fuel cells including a non-noble metal substrate layer coated with one or a few monolayers of noble metal, such as Pt. These thin, highly porous structures with large catalytically active surface areas, should exhibit a significantly higher power output per mg of Pt and per cm2 of the membrane than the current Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells catalytic layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, including: a non-conductive anode membrane on which a fuel flow channel is formed; a non-conductive cathode membrane on which an air flow channel is formed; a non-conductive separation membrane that is provided between the anode membrane and the cathode membrane to separate them from each other so that the fuel and the air are not mixed; and a metal unit that provides a current moving path allowing charge to be moved from the anode membrane to the cathode membrane via the separation membrane when the anode membrane, the separation membrane and the cathode membrane are stacked sequentially. More specifically, each of the anode membrane, the cathode membrane and the separation membrane is glass, preferably, photosensitive glass.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with an anode, which contains at least two catalytically active metals which are not alloyed with one another, wherein at least one first catalytically active metal (A) oxidizes ethanol and at least one second catalytically active metal (B) oxidizes acetaldehyde.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, a proton-conductive film (6) arranged between the cathode and the anode and an oxidization catalyst layer (14) provided on an opposite side to a surface the cathode which faces the proton-conductive film (6) and containing an oxidization catalyst which oxidizes an organic substance.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a first member and a plurality of parallel plate members extending from the first member. The cathode electrode comprises a second member and a plurality of parallel plate members extending from the second member. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode and the electrolyte fills the spaces between the first and second members and the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode.

Abstract: Energy conversion devices and methods for altering transport of reaction species therein include use of a dielectrically graded structure (e.g., region, layer). For example, in photon energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells) or in chemical energy conversion devices (e.g., fuel cells) one or more non-electric structures which provide a gradient in dielectric constant are positioned within the cell to alter the direction and/or rate of transport of a photo-generated or chemical reaction-generated species.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an anode comprising an anode catalyst, a cathode comprising a gas diffusion electrode and a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, a microfluidic channel contiguous with the anode, and a liquid comprising fuel in the channel. The concentration of the fuel in the liquid is 0.05-0.5 M.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell apparatus is disclosed. The electrochemical cell apparatus includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) having a membrane with a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first electrode in contact with the first side, and a second electrode in contact with the second side. The apparatus further includes a flow field member and a protector member having a boundary partially defined by a first surface facing toward a center of the MEA. The second electrode has a boundary partially defined by a second surface facing away from the center of the MEA. A first distance from the center of the MEA to the first surface is greater than a correspondingly oriented second distance from the center of the MEA to the second surface, thereby defining a gap between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from a complex adsorbed at the surface of the electrode, the complex including the electrically conductive material combined with a second material that is substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable. The surface of the electrode can be microroughened. The invention also includes a method for making various embodiments of the electrode, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention.

Abstract: Metal-free fuel cell cathodes having a catalytic layer of vertically-aligned, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (VA-NCNTs) are provided. The fuel cell cathodes comprise a cathode body, a binder layer attached to an outer surface of the cathode body, and the catalytic layer, which is supported by the binder layer. The binder layer may comprise a composite of a conductive polymer and doped or undoped nonaligned carbon nanotubes. In a method for forming the fuel cell cathodes, the VA-NCNTs may be formed by pyrolysis of a metalorganic compound and integration of the nanotubes with nitrogen. The binder layer is applied, and the resulting supported nanotube array may be attached to the cathode body. Fuel cells comprising the fuel cell cathodes are provided. The fuel cell cathodes comprising VA-NCNTs demonstrate superior oxygen-reduction reaction performance, including for electrocatalytic activity, operational stability, tolerance to crossover effects, and resistance to CO poisoning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst having high activity and excellent stability, a process for preparation of the catalyst, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The catalyst of the present invention comprises an electronically conductive support and catalyst fine particles. The catalyst fine particles are supported on the support and are represented by the formula (1): PtuRuxGeyTz (1). In the formula, u, x, y and z mean 30 to 60 atm %, 20 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 20 atm % and 0.5 to 40 atm %, respectively. When the element represented by T is Al, Si, Ni, W, Mo, V or C, the content of the T-element's atoms connected with oxygen bonds is not more than four times as large as that of the T-element's atoms connected with metal bonds on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) analysis.

Abstract: A cathode includes a diffusion layer, and a porous catalyst layer provided on the diffusion layer. The porous catalyst layer has a thickness not greater than 60 ?m, a porosity of 30 to 70% and a pore diameter distribution including a peak in a range of 20 to 200 nm of a pore diameter. A volume of pores having a diameter of 20 to 200 nm is not less than 50% of a pore volume of the porous catalyst layer. The porous catalyst layer contains a supported catalyst comprising 10 to 30% by weight of a fibrous supported catalyst and 70 to 90% by weight of a granular supported catalyst. The fibrous supported catalyst includes a carbon nanofiber having a herringbone structure or a platelet structure. The granular supported catalyst includes a carbon black having 200 to 600 mL/100 g of a dibutyl phthalate (DBP) absorption value.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell including an electrolyte sandwiched between two catalyst layers or sheets, each catalyst layer or sheet being in contact with a porous electrode, in which one or several catalyst layers or sheets and one or several electrode layers or sheets interpenetrate.

Abstract: A novel microbial fuel cell construction for the generation of electrical energy. The microbial fuel cell comprises: (i) an anode electrode, (ii) a cathode chamber, said cathode chamber comprising an in let through which an influent enters the cathode chamber, an outlet through which an effluent depart the cathode chamber, a cathode electrode and an electrolyte permeable membrane, wherein both the anode electrode and the cathode chamber are to be submersed into an anaerobic environment to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided that includes a pair of unipolar plates having a separator plate disposed therebetween. One of the unipolar plates is produced from a porous material to minimize cathode transport resistance at high current density. A fuel cell stack including a fuel cell and the bipolar plate is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a manufacturing apparatus (100) for an electrode material assembly for a fuel cell, which apparatus bonds an electrode material to both faces of an electrolyte membrane (10) continuously transported. The manufacturing apparatus (100) includes a drive mechanism for transporting the electrolyte membrane (10) in a predetermined direction (66), and a tension relieving mechanism for relieving the tension on the transport direction of the electrolyte membrane (10). The drive mechanism can include a plurality of drive system rollers, and the tension relieving mechanism can include tension relieving devices (62), (72), (82), and (92), each interposed between each pair of the adjacent drive system rollers.

Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.

Abstract: Fuel oxidation facilitators for use in electrochemical devices are described, as well as devices incorporating facilitators and methods of their use. Exemplary facilitators separate a liquid anode of a fuel cell from fuel supplied to the fuel cell, and facilitate oxidation of the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a fuel cell cathode, fuel cell cathodes, and fuel cells comprising same.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode comprising a carbon material obtained from an azulmic acid and a current collector and/or a binder.

Abstract: A device having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an ion-conducting electrolyte in contact with both electrodes. Each electrode has a metal, a metal oxide, a hydrous metal oxide, alloy thereof, or mixture thereof, however, the electrodes are different such materials. The positive electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and reducing oxygen. The negative electrode is capable of storing and donating ions and electrons and oxidizing hydrogen. The electrolyte permits transport of oxygen and hydrogen. The device can charge using ambient hydrogen and oxygen. It can be discharged as an electrochemical capacitor or be operated in a fuel cell mode.

Abstract: In an alkaline fuel cell, an electrode catalyst includes a magnetic material, and catalyst particles supported on the magnetic material. Besides, the alkaline fuel cell includes an electrode that has the function of allowing negative ions to permeate through the electrolyte, and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode respectively disposed on the both sides of the electrode, and at least the cathode electrode of the both electrodes is the electrode catalyst.

Abstract: There are provided carbon particles supporting thereon fine particles of a perovskite type composite oxide, which can be used as a substitute for the existing platinum-supporting carbon particles or platinum metal particles commonly used in electrocatalysts for fuel cells, and which are significantly reduced in the amount of platinum to be used in comparison with the existing platinum-supporting carbon particles, and a process for manufacturing the same carbon particles. The fine particles of a perovskite type composite metal oxide which contains a noble metal element in its crystal lattice and has an average crystallite size of from 1 to 20 nm are supported on carbon particles.

Abstract: In a fuel cell that includes an electrolyte (10), and an anode (20) and a cathode (30) which constitute a pair of electrodes that are arranged sandwiching the electrolyte (10), the cathode (30) includes catalyst particles (24) and trapping particles (38). The catalyst particles (24) operate as catalysts for a reaction that creates hydroxide ions from oxygen, and the trapping particles (38) trap hydrogen peroxide ions.

Abstract: A fuel cell anode with high surface-to-volume ratio made of fibrous mat is disclosed. The fuel cell anode can be a fibrous mat produced by electrospinning method. The disclosed anode enables to fuel with saccharides fuel cells. In a preferred embodiment the fuel cell anode is provided wherein the anode is an electrospun fibrous mat, wherein the fibers are made of a polymer coated by a conductive material, preferably silver. This anode can also be made of fibrous mat, wherein the fibers are made of polymer fibers that contain metallic particles. A fuel cell that contains the disclosed anode and a fuel, such as glucose, is also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas diffusion electrode in which flooding therein is suppressed. The gas diffusion electrode includes: a membrane formed of conductive fibers; a layer formed of conductive fine particles existing while coming into contact with one of surfaces of the membrane; and a catalyst, in which the membrane formed of the conductive fibers includes a region carrying the catalyst and a region free from carrying the catalyst, the region carrying the catalyst including a surface of the membrane formed of the conductive fibers on an opposite side of a surface of the membrane formed of the conductive fibers, which is brought into contact with the layer formed of the conductive fine particles. The catalyst can be formed by a reactive sputtering method.