Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.

Abstract: A diffusion medium for use in a PEM fuel cell contains hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas for improved water management. A hydrophobic polymer such as a fluororesin is deposited on the paper to define the hydrophobic areas, and an electroconductive polymer such as polyaniline or polypyrrole is deposited on the papers defining the hydrophilic areas. In various embodiments, a matrix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas on the carbon fiber based diffusion media is created by electropolymerization of a hydrophilic polymer onto a diffusion medium which has been previously coated with a hydrophobic polymer such as a fluorocarbon polymer. When an aqueous solution containing monomers for electropolymerization is contacted with a fluorocarbon coated diffusion medium, the hydrophilic polymer will be preferentially deposited on areas of the carbon fiber based diffusion medium that are not covered by the fluorocarbons.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has improved performance compared with conventional platinum alloy catalysts, a method for producing the electrode catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the electrode catalyst are provided. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a noble-metal-non-precious metal alloy that has a core-shell structure supported on a conductive carrier. The composition of the catalyst components of the shell is such that the amount of the noble metal is greater than or equal to the amount of the non-precious metal.

Abstract: Compositions, and methods of making thereof, comprising from about 1% to about 5% of a perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomer or a hydrocarbon-based ionomer; and from about 95% to about 99% of a solvent, said solvent consisting essentially of a polyol; wherein said composition is substantially free of water and wherein said ionomer is uniformly dispersed in said solvent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte membrane-electrode membrane assembly for a solid polymer fuel cell having superior characteristics, wherein a gas diffusion electrode membrane and a solid electrolyte membrane are well bonded, and electrode catalysts are uniformly-dispersed to obtain high electrode activity, a production method thereof and a fuel cell equipped therewith.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cathode catalyst for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the cathode catalyst, and a fuel cell system. The cathode catalyst includes a core including RuO2, and Se and Pt. The Se and Pt are disposed to enclose the core. The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell of the present invention can have excellent catalyst efficiency, even if less platinum is included therein.

Abstract: A fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly composed of a ionically conductive member sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes including a catalyst loading characterized by catalytic activity that varies in proportion to the catalyst loading. Moreover, the fuel cell includes a flow path for supplying gaseous reactants to the electrodes and the catalyst loading is varied according to the flow path geometry.

Abstract: Electrodes and electrocatalyst layers incorporating modified carbon products. The modified carbon products may advantageously enhance the properties of an electrode or electrode layer, leading to more efficiency within the a fuel cell or similar device.

Abstract: Disclosed are self-hydrating membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs), including MEAs that have been magnetically modified, which comprises (i) a cathode comprising an electrically conducting material having a catalytic material on at least a portion of a first surface thereof, the catalytic material comprising an effective amount of at least one catalyst component and at least one ion conducting material; (ii) a separator adjacent to and in substantial contact with the first surface of the cathode and comprising an ion conducting material; and (iii) an anode adjacent to and in substantial contact with the surface of the separator opposite the cathode and comprising an electrically conducting material having a catalytic material on at least a portion of a surface thereof adjacent to the separator, the catalytic material comprising an effective amount of at least one catalyst component and at least one ion conducting material; wherein the separator permits water to pass from the first surface of the cathode to the

Abstract: The invention is directed to core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell=outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is in the range of 20 to 100 nm, 5 preferably in the range of 20 to 50 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) is about 5 to 20% of the diameter of the inner particle core of said catalyst particle, preferably comprising at least 3 atomic layers. The inner particle core (Mcore) of the particles comprises metal or ceramic materials, whereas the material of the outer shell (Mshell) comprises precious metals and/or alloys thereof. The core/shell type catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and can be used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells and for other catalytic applications.

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: In the production of a membrane/electrode assembly 10, a first catalyst layer 22 (a second catalyst layer 34) is formed by a process comprising steps (a) and (b). (a) A step of applying a coating fluid comprising a catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, on a substrate to form a coating fluid layer. (b) A step of disposing a reinforcing layer 24 (34) on the coating fluid layer formed in the step (a) and then, drying the coating fluid layer to form a first catalyst layer 22 (a second catalyst layer 34) The process provides a catalyst layer whereby defects such as cracks are scarcely formed in the catalyst layer, and the bond strength is high at the interface between the catalyst layer and a reinforcing layer and at the interface between the catalyst layer and a polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an ion conducting membrane; an anode catalyst layer arranged on one side of the ion conducting membrane; a cathode catalyst layer arranged on the other side of the ion conducting membrane; an anode diffusion layer arranged on an outer side of the anode catalyst layer; and a cathode diffusion layer arranged on an outer side of the cathode catalyst layer. Only in the anode catalyst layer, the density of a first catalyst layer portion located close to the anode diffusion layer is smaller than the density of a second catalyst layer portion located close to the ion conducting membrane.

Abstract: A precursor electro-catalyst composition for producing a fuel cell electrode. The precursor composition comprises (a) a molecular metal precursor dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium and (b) a polymer dissolved or dispersed in the liquid medium, wherein the polymer is both ion-conductive and electron-conductive with an electronic conductivity no less than 10?4 S/cm (preferably greater than 10?2 S/cm) and ionic conductivity no less than 10?5 S/cm (preferably greater than 10?3 S/cm). Also disclosed is an electro-catalyst composition derived from this precursor composition, wherein the molecular metal precursor is converted by heat and/or energy beam to form nanometer-scaled catalyst particles and the polymer forms a matrix that is in physical contact with the catalyst particles, coated on the catalyst particles, and/or surrounding the catalyst particles as a dispersing matrix with the catalyst particles dispersed therein when the liquid is removed.

Abstract: This invention provides a membrane electrode assembly having sufficient water retention ability and a high level of battery performance even under a low humidification condition. This invention discloses a manufacturing method of a membrane electrode assembly which has catalytic layers on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane. This manufacturing method includes following processes: A coating process that a catalyst ink which contains catalyst loading particles, a polymer electrolyte and a solvent is coated on a single surface of each of two base substrates. An arranging process in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is arranged between the two base substrates in a way that each of the base substrate's surfaces on which the catalyst ink is coated faces the polymer electrolyte membrane. A transferring process in which the catalyst ink coated on the two base substrates is transferred to both surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane to form the catalytic layers.

Abstract: This invention provides an anode for a fuel cell which can realize stable output for a long period of time, and a fuel cell using the anode for a fuel cell. The anode for a fuel cell comprises an electrode catalyst layer, the electrode catalyst layer comprising a supported catalyst comprising an electroconductive carrier material and catalyst fine particles supported on the electroconductive carrier material, a proton conductive inorganic oxide, and a proton conductive organic polymer binder, the weight ratio between the supported catalyst (C) and the proton conductive inorganic oxide (SA), WSA/WC, being 0.06 to 0.38, the weight ratio between the proton conductive inorganic oxide (SA) and the proton conductive organic polymer binder (P), WP/WSA, being 0.125 to 0.5.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ink for producing catalyst layers for electrochemical devices. The ink comprises catalyst materials, ionomer material, water and at least one organic solvent. The organic solvent belongs to the class of tertiary alcohols and/or the class of aliphatic diketones and bears functional groups which are stable to oxidative degradation in the ink. This prevents formation of decomposition products in the ink. The ink of the invention displays a high storage stability and is used for producing catalyst-coated substrates for electrochemical devices, in particular fuel cells (PEMFCs, DMFCs).

Abstract: A phosphorous containing benzoxazine-based monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the same and an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell including the same.

Abstract: A cathode for a fuel cell is provided, which includes an electrode catalyst layer. This electrode catalyst layer is constituted by a carried catalyst including a conductive carrier and catalytic fine particles carried on the conductive carrier, by a proton-conductive inorganic oxide containing an oxide carrier and oxide particles carried on a surface of the oxide carrier, and by a proton-conductive organic polymer binder. The carried catalyst is incorporated therein at a weight of WC. Silicon oxide is carried on the surface of the proton-conductive inorganic oxide at a weight ratio of 0.1-0.5 times as much as the weight of the proton-conductive inorganic oxide. The proton-conductive inorganic oxide is incorporated at a weight of WSA+SiO2. The weight ratio (WSA+SiO2/WC) is confined to 0.01-0.25. The proton-conductive organic polymer binder is incorporated at a weight of WP, the weigh ratio (WP/WSA+SiO2) is confined to 0.5-43.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell includes an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer partitioning the anode layer and the cathode layer. The anode layer and the cathode layer are of about the same thickness and have about the same coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).

Abstract: Lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxides (La(1-x)SrxCoyFe1-yO3-f; (LSCF) have excellent power density (>500 mW/cm2 at 750° C.). When covered with a metallization layer, LSCF cathodes have demonstrated increased durability and stability. Other modifications, such as the thickening of the cathode, the preparation of the device by utilizing a firing temperature in a designated range, and the use of a pore former paste having designated characteristics and combinations of these features provide a device with enhanced capabilities.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-doped ruthenium oxide material by heating a mixture of a doping metal and a source of ruthenium under an inert atmosphere. In some embodiments, the doping metal is in the form of iridium black or lead powder, and the source of ruthenium is a powdered ruthenium oxide. An iridium-doped or lead-doped ruthenium oxide material can perform as an oxygen evolution catalyst and can be fabricated into electrodes for electrolysis cells.

Abstract: A gas diffusion media is described. The gas diffusion media comprises a conductive porous substrate; and a microporous layer; wherein a cathode effective transport length is in a range of about 700 to about 1900 ?m; wherein an overall thermal resistance is in a range of about 1.8 to about 3.8 cm2-K/W; and wherein a ratio of the cathode effective transport length to an anode effective transport length is greater than about 2.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of catalytic metal such as Pt in a fuel cell. The present invention provides a fuel cell electrode catalyst comprising a conductive carrier and catalytic metal particles, wherein the CO adsorption amount of the electrode catalyst is at least 30mL/g·Pt.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a production process which can produce a fuel cell catalyst having excellent durability and high oxygen reducing activity. The process for producing a fuel cell catalyst including a metal-containing oxycarbonitride of the present invention includes a grinding step for grinding the oxycarbonitride using a ball mill, wherein the metal-containing oxycarbonitride is represented by a specific compositional formula; balls in the ball mill have a diameter of 0.1 to 1.0 mm; the grinding time using the ball mill is 1 to 45 minutes; the rotating centrifugal acceleration in grinding using the ball mill is 2 to 20 G; the grinding using the ball mill is carried out in such a state that the metal-containing oxycarbonitride is mixed with a solvent containing no oxygen atom in the molecule; and when the ball mill is a planetary ball mill, the orbital centrifugal acceleration mill is 5 to 50 G.

Abstract: An energy conversion system, including a first and second electrodes with an inter-electrode gap therebetween that includes a functional medium, wherein the first electrode is made of at least one elongate electrically conductive media having a total length L, a curved cross-section, and a radius R, and arranged into a sturdy assembly structure having a more or less open pattern, capable of having the same electric potential at any location and thus of constituting said first electrode. Where R is lower than 40×10-6 m the inter-electrode gap has a thickness of between 1×10-9 m and 5×10-3 m, the total length L of the electrically conductive media of the first electrode is greater than 1×103 m, and the ratio L/R is greater than 106 such that the first electrode generates a significant increase in the electric field perceived by the second electrode.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte electrochemical device includes an anode current collector (1), a membrane electrode assembly (2) with anode and cathode gas backings (3, 4), and a cathode current collector (5), wherein the membrane electrode assembly is sealed and attached at least to the anode current collector by adhesive elements, thereby creating an anode gas chamber, and optionally attached to the cathode current collector by adhesive elements, the adhesive elements being electrically conducting or electrically non-conducting. The invention also relates to polymer electrolyte electrochemical device components adapted for use in a single cell electrochemical device and a series arrangement electrochemical device.

Abstract: A metal-air fuel cell has electrodes including a cathode and an anode, current pickups provided for each of said electrodes for taking currents from a respective one of the electrode, wherein at least one of the electrodes being formed as a frameless box-shaped element, wherein additional hydrogen electrode, an electrolyte container, and a power source are provided.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly includes a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode and a cathode on opposite sides. Each of the anode and the cathode includes an electrode substrate, and a catalyst layer is formed on at least one of the electrode substrates and includes at least one proton conductive crosslinked polymer. The membrane-electrode assembly may include catalyst layers that are positioned on opposite sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, either of which includes at least one crosslinked proton conductive polymer.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for use in creating electrochemical electrodes including removing a supporting structure in situ after the assembly of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell module and a method of manufacturing the same. A fuel cell module including a unit cell in which a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer are sequentially laminated, wherein one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer includes a first region coated with a first electrode material layer having a first ionic conductivity, a second region coated with a second electrode material layer having a second ionic conductivity, and a third region coated with a third electrode material layer having a third ionic conductivity, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A temperature gradient difference of a unit cell is reduced so that more uniform performance of the unit cell may be achieved. The fuel cell module may be driven at low temperature and durability thereof may be improved.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte and a lithium air battery including the same. The non-aqueous electrolyte may include an oxygen anion capturing compound to effectively dissociate the reduction reaction product of oxygen formed during discharging of the lithium air battery, reduce the overvoltage of the oxygen evolution reaction occurring during battery charging, and enhance the energy efficiency and capacity of the battery.

Abstract: The invention is a new and improved method of generating an electric current in an Electrolytic Fuel Cell. An electric current is produced by the rupture of hydrogen bonds to oxygen atoms of water molecules by hydrolyzation of alkaline metals from the surface of a tape passing through a turbulent moving stream of a diffuse mixture of air and water. The electrons produced by the chemical reaction of dissociation are subsequently attracted to the finned surfaces of an ionic capacitor which is connected in series with an electrolytic capacitor which delivers the current to the load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of electrochemical catalysts of the polymer electrolytes-based fuel cells. With the process of the present invention, high catalyst activity while uniformly supporting a large amount of metal particles on a surface of a support can be achieved. Also, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of electrochemical catalysts of the polymer electrolytes-based fuel cells capable of using a small amount of toxic solvent without an additional high-temperature hydrogen annealing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxygen-consuming electrode comprising a support in the form of a sheet-like structure and a coating comprising a gas diffusion layer and a catalytically active component, wherein the support is based on a material which can be at least partly removed by dissolution, decomposition, melting and/or vaporization. Furthermore, the use of this oxygen-consuming electrode in chloralkali electrolysis or fuel cell technology is described.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane, the catalyst-coated membrane manufactured by the method, and a fuel cell including the catalyst-coated membrane manufactured by the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a mask including a masking film layer and a first adhesive layer laminated on the masking film layer, and having patterns in which portions corresponding to the portions of an electrolyte membrane to be coated with catalyst are removed; (b) attaching the mask on one surface or both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane; (c) coating catalyst ink on the electrolyte membrane through the patterns of the mask so as to form a catalyst layer; and (d) removing the masking film layer and the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: Separator-electrode assemblies (SEAs) comprise a porous electrode useful as a positive or negative electrode, in a lithium battery and a separator layer applied to this electrode, the separator layer being an inorganic separator layer comprising at least two fractions of metal oxide particles different from each other in their average particle size and/or in the metal, and the electrode having active mass particles are bonded together and to the current collector by inorganic adhesive; and a process for their production.

Abstract: A fuel cell unit (1) according to the present invention comprises a fuel cell (6) having an inner electrode layer (16), an outer electrode layer (20) and a through passage (15); and inner and outer electrode terminals (24, 26) fixed at the opposite ends (6a, 6b) of the fuel cell (6). The fuel cell (6) has an inner electrode peripheral surface (21) electrically communicating with the inner electrode layer (16) and an outer electrode peripheral surface (22) electrically communicating with the outer electrode layer (20). The inner and outer electrode terminals are respectively disposed so that they cover over the inner and outer electrode peripheral surfaces (21, 22) and they are electrically connected thereto. The inner and outer electrode terminals have respective connecting passages which are communicated with the through passage (15).

Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention describes the preparation of electrocatalysts, both anodic (aimed at the oxidation of the fuel) and cathodic (aimed at the reduction of the oxygen), based on mono- and plurimetallic carbon nitrides to be used in PEFC (Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells), DMFC (Direct methanol fuel cells) and H2 electrogenerators. The target of the invention is to obtain materials featuring a controlled metal composition based on carbon nitride clusters or on carbon nitride clusters supported on oxide-based ceramic materials. The preparation protocol consists of three steps. In the first the precursor is obtained through reactions of the type: a) sol-gel; b) gel-plastic; c) coagulation-flocculation-precipitation. The second step consists of the thermal treatments to decompose the precursors in an inert atmosphere leading to the production of the carbon nitrides. In the last step the chemical and electro-chemical activation of the electrocatalysts is performed.

Abstract: An assembling operation of a fuel cell is effectively simplified. With the simple and economical structure, the desired sealing function is achieved. The fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly and first and second metal separators sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly. Connection channels are provided on the first metal separator. The connection channels connect the oxygen-containing gas supply passage and the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage to the oxygen-containing gas flow field. The membrane electrode assembly has first overlapping portions overlapped on the connection channels for sealing the connection channels. The first overlapping portions comprise, in effect, a gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell, fuel cell array and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The fuel cell can be made by forming a first aperture defined by a first aperture surface through a first electrode layer and forming a second aperture defined by a second aperture surface through a second electrode layer. A proton exchange membrane is laminated between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least a portion of the first aperture is at least partially aligned with the second aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabrication method of a solid oxide fuel cell. The fabrication method of a fuel electrode and electrolyte of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in which a sheet cell including a fuel electrode sheet and an electrolyte sheet is positioned at an upper side of a surface of a fuel electrode pellet, comprising steps of (a) molding and heat-treating powder, in which a fuel electrode material is mixed with a pore forming agent, so as to prepare a fuel electrode pellet; (b) stacking the fuel electrode sheet containing the fuel electrode material and the electrolyte sheet containing an electrolyte material so as to prepare the sheet cell; and (c) coating an adhesive slurry containing the fuel electrode material on the sheet cell or the pellet and adhering the fuel electrode sheet of the sheet cell and the pellet and then heat-treating it.

Abstract: A graded electrode is described. The graded electrode includes a substrate; and at least two electrode layers on the substrate forming a combined electrode layer, a composition of the at least two electrode layers being different, the combined electrode layer having an average level of the property that changes across the substrate. Fuel cells using graded electrodes and methods of making graded electrodes are also described.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electrode array for use in electrochemical cells, fuel cells, capacitors, supercapacitors, flow batteries, metal-air batteries and semi-solid batteries.

Abstract: The invention provides catalysts that are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability, and processes for producing the catalysts and uses of the catalysts. The catalyst of the invention includes a metal oxycarbonitride that contains at least one metal selected from tantalum, vanadium, molybdenum and zirconium (hereinafter, also referred to as “metal M” or simply “M”) and does not contain any of platinum, titanium and niobium.

Abstract: A structure of a cathode electrode for a fuel cell includes a catalyst layer formed by mixing a carbon material with a catalyst material and a hydrophilic ion conductive material. The hydrophilic ion conductive material is embedded on the catalyst layer and contacts an electrolyte membrane and a diffusion layer to provide a migration path for water and hydrogen ions.

Abstract: The fuel cells include electrode membrane assemblies having a nanoparticle catalyst supported on carbon nanorings. The carbon nanorings are formed from one or more carbon layers that form a wall that defines a generally annular nanostructure having a hole. The length of the nanoring is less than or about equal to the outer diameter thereof. The nanorings exhibit high surface area, high porosity, high graphitization, and/or facilitate mass transfer and electron transfer in fuel cell reactions.

Abstract: A catalyst-coated membrane that includes an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, and a hydrogen ion conductive polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer, a peripheral area of at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer is provided with a decrease portion in which the mass of the electrode catalyst per unit area of the catalyst layer decreases from the inner side toward the outer side.