Abstract: A microporous thin film, a method of forming the same and a fuel cell including the microporous thin film, are provided. The microporous thin film includes uniform nanoparticles and has a porosity of at least about 20%. Therefore, the microporous thin film can be efficiently used in various applications such as fuel cells, primary and secondary batteries, adsorbents, and hydrogen storage alloys. The microporous thin film is formed on a substrate, includes metal nanoparticles, and has a microporous structure with porosity of 20% or more.

Abstract: In some embodiments a ternary electrocatalyst is provided. The electrocatalyst can be used in an anode for oxidizing alcohol in a fuel cell. In some embodiments, the ternary electrocatalyst may include a noble metal particle having a surface decorated with clusters of SnO2 and Rh. The noble metal particles may include platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, gold, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the ternary electrocatalyst includes SnO2 particles having a surface decorated with clusters of a noble metal and Rh. Some ternary electrocatalysts include noble metal particles with clusters of SnO2 and Rh at their surfaces. In some embodiments the electrocatalyst particle cores are nanoparticles. Some embodiments of the invention provide a fuel cell including an anode incorporating the ternary electrocatalyst. In some aspects a method of using ternary electrocatalysts of Pt, Rh, and SnO2 to oxidize an alcohol in a fuel cell is described.

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 superior, industrially scalable one-pot ethylene glycol-based wet chemistry method to prepare platinum-adlayered ruthenium nanoparticles has been developed that offers an exquisite control of the platinum packing density of the adlayers and effectively prevents sintering of the nanoparticles during the deposition process. The wet chemistry based method for the controlled deposition of submonolayer platinum is advantageous in terms of processing and maximizing the use of platinum and can, in principle, be scaled up straightforwardly to an industrial level. The reactivity of the Pt(31)-Ru sample was about 150% higher than that of the industrial benchmark PtRu (1:1) alloy sample but with 3.5 times less platinum loading. Using the Pt(31)-Ru nanoparticles would lower the electrode material cost compared to using the industrial benchmark alloy nanoparticles for direct methanol fuel cell applications.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a direct-methanol fuel cell includes an anode which includes a current collector and a first catalytic layer formed on the current collector and into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced, a cathode which includes a current collector and a second catalytic layer formed on the current collector and into which an oxidizer is introduced and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. The second catalytic layer includes a catalyst, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer, and a ternary metal-containing copolymer. The ternary metal-containing copolymer includes a first vinyl monomer containing an organic metal complex of Pt, a second vinyl monomer containing an organic metal complex of M1, where M1 is a metal selected from Sn, Zn, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and Cu and a third vinyl monomer containing an organic metal complex in which M2 is ionically bonded, where M2 is Eu or La.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell including a carbon-based carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, for example, an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, wherein the electrode catalyst has an X value of 95 to 100% in Equation 1. X(%)=(XPS measurement value)/(TGA measurement value)×100??[Equation 1] wherein, the XPS measurement value represents a quantitative amount of the active metal present on a surface of the electrode catalyst, the TGA measurement value represents the XPS measurement value using a monochromated Al K?-ray, which is the quantitative amount of total active metal supported in the catalyst.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst composition comprising one or more electrically conductive particles of one or more of carbon black, activated carbon, and graphite with one or more catalysts of a macrocycle and a metal adhered and/or bonded to the outer surface of the particles. The catalyst can be comprised, for example, of one or more of acetylacetonate and phthalocyanine and a metal. The metal component used in the electrocatalyst composition is comprised of one or more of iron, nickel, zinc, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, copper, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridum, platinum and gold. An ionic transfer membrane having a layer of the electrocatalyst thereon is disposed in a fuel cell in communication with and between current collectors.

Abstract: A microporous thin film, a method of forming the same and a fuel cell including the microporous thin film, are provided. The microporous thin film includes uniform nanoparticles and has a porosity of at least about 20%. Therefore, the microporous thin film can be efficiently used in various applications such as fuel cells, primary and secondary batteries, adsorbents, and hydrogen storage alloys. The microporous thin film is formed on a substrate, includes metal nanoparticles, and has a microporous structure with porosity of 20% or more.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal catalyst including a conductive catalyst material and a coating layer formed of a water repellent material on the surface of the conductive catalyst material includes: obtaining a water repellent material solution by mixing a water repellent material and a first solvent; obtaining a conductive catalyst solution by mixing a conductive catalyst material and a first solvent; mixing the water repellent material solution and the conductive catalyst solution; casting the result onto a supporter, drying the cast result and then separating a metal catalyst in a solid state from the supporter; and pulverizing and sieving the product. Also provided is a method of preparing an electrode including the metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an electrode comprised of a first layer which comprises a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophobic material; and a second layer which comprises a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophilic material arranged on the first layer. In a further aspect, the present invention refers to an electrode comprised of a single layer which comprises a mixture of a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophobic material and a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophilic material; or a single layer comprised of a porous nanostructured material wherein the porous nanostructured material comprises metallic nanostructures which are bound to the surface of the porous nanostructured material. The present invention further refers to the manufacture of these electrodes and their use in metal-air batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst containing platinum, zinc, and at least one of nickel and iron.

Abstract: The present application is directed to mesoporous carbon materials comprising bi-functional catalysts. The mesoporous carbon materials find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, in lithium-air batteries. Methods for making the disclosed carbon materials, and devices comprising the same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacture of supported noble metal based alloy catalysts with a high degree of alloying and a small crystallite size. The method is based on the use of polyol solvents as reaction medium and comprises of a two-step reduction process in the presence of a support material. In the first step, the first metal (M1=transition metal; e.g. Co, Cr, Ru) is activated by increasing the reaction temperature to 80 to 160° C. In the second step, the second metal (M2=noble metal; e.g. Pt, Pd, Au and mixtures thereof) is added and the slurry is heated to the boiling point of the polyol solvent in a range of 160 to 300° C. Due to this two-step method, an uniform reduction occurs, resulting in noble metal based catalysts with a high degree of alloying and a small crystallite size of less than 3 nm. Due to the high degree of alloying, the lattice constants are lowered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode for a fuel cell which includes an electrode substrate composed of nano-carbon fiber, with a catalyst layer formed on the electrode substrate. The electrode substrate has a better strength than an electrode substrate composed of a conventional carbonaceous material, and a pore size which can be controlled even though the composition for forming the catalyst layer may be coated in the form of a slurry.

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: Layered catalyst structures for fuel cells, particularly for a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), are produced by a reactive spray deposition technology process. The catalyst layers so produced contain particles sized between 1 and 15 nm and clusters of such particles of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum, platinum alloys with transition metals, mixtures thereof and non-noble metals. The catalyst layers without an electrically conducting supporting medium exhibit dendritic microstructure, providing high electrochemically active surface area and electron conductivity at ultra-low catalyst loading. The catalyst layers deposited on an electrically conducting medium, such as carbon, exhibit three-dimensional functional grading, which provides efficient utilization as a catalyst, high PEMFC performance at the low catalyst loading, and minimized limitations caused by reactant diffusion and activation. The catalytic layers may be produced by a single-run deposition method.

Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst is made by a microemulsion method. The resulting catalyst has superior properties for use in low and medium temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a core-shell type platinum-containing catalyst is allowed to reduce the amount of used platinum and has high catalytic activity and stability. In one example embodiment, the core-shell type platinum-containing catalyst includes a core particle (with an average particle diameter R1) made of a non-platinum element and a platinum shell layer (with an average thickness ts) satisfying 1.4 nm?R1?3.5 nm and 0.25 nm?ts?0.9 nm. The core particle includes an element satisfying Eout?3.0 eV, where average binding energy relative to the Fermi level of 5d orbital electrons of platinum present on an outermost surface of the shell layer is Eout. In a fuel cell including a platinum-containing catalyst which contains a Ru particle as a core particle, the output density at a current density of 300 mA/cm2 is 70 mW/cm2 or over, and an output retention ratio is approximately 90% or over.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supported catalyst, a supported catalyst prepared by the method, and a fuel cell using the supported catalyst. In particular, a method of preparing a supported catalyst by preparing a primary supported catalyst containing catalytic metal particles that are obtained by a primary gas phase reduction reaction of a portion of the final loading amount of a catalytic metal, and reducing the remaining portion of the catalytic metal by a secondary liquid phase reduction reaction using the primary supported catalyst. The supported catalyst contains catalytic metal particles having a very small average particle size, which are uniformly distributed on a carbon support at a high concentration, and thus exhibits maximal catalyst activity. A fuel cell produced using the supported catalyst has improved efficiency.

Abstract: A composite catalyst for a chemical reaction includes a porous metal catalyst that catalyzes a plurality of reactants to provide a reaction product, and a reaction-enhancing material disposed within pores defined by the porous metal catalyst. The reaction-enhancing material enhances attraction of at least one reactant of the plurality of reactants into the pores defined by the porous metal catalyst and enhances expulsion of the reaction product from the pores defined by the porous metal catalyst. A fuel cell according to an embodiment of the current invention has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and an electrolyte arranged between the first and the second electrodes. The at least one of the first and second electrodes is at least one of coated with or comprises a composite catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid ionic conducting material which can be used as an electrolyte or as a component of a composite electrode. The material comprises a polymer matrix, at least one ionic species and at least one reinforcing agent. The polymer matrix is a solvating polymer optionally having a polar character, a non-solvating polymer carrying acidic ionic groups, or a mixture of a solvating or non-solvating polymer and an aprotic polar liquid. The ionic species is an ionic compound selected from salts and acids, said compound being in solution in the polymer matrix, or an anionic or cationic ionic group fixed by covalent bonding on the polymer, or a combination of the two. The reinforcing agent is a cellulosic material or a chitin.

Abstract: A gas diffusion electrode comprises at least one gas diffusion media, at least one supported catalyst layer disposed on top of the gas diffusion media, the supported catalyst layer comprising at least one supported catalyst, and an unsupported catalyst layer disposed on top of the supported catalyst layer, the unsupported catalyst layer having a higher total catalyst loading than the supported catalyst layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct oxidation fuel cell system including at least one electricity generating element including at least one membrane-electrode assembly which includes an anode and a cathode on opposite sides of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and a separator. The direct oxidation fuel cell generates electricity through an electrochemical reaction of a fuel and an oxidant. An oxidant supplier supplies the electricity generating element with the oxidant. A fuel supplier supplies the anode with a combination of fuel and hydrogen to provide improved power output.

Abstract: A porous metal that comprises platinum and has a specific surface area that is greater than 5 m2/g and less than 75 m2/g. A fuel cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and an electrolyte arranged between the first and the second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodes is coated with a porous metal catalyst for oxygen reduction, and the porous metal catalyst comprises platinum and has a specific surface area that is greater than 5 m2/g and less than 75 m2/g. A method of producing a porous metal according to an embodiment of the current invention includes producing an alloy consisting essentially of platinum and nickel according to the formula PtxNi1-x, where x is at least 0.01 and less than 0.3; and dealloying the alloy in a substantially pH neutral solution to reduce an amount of nickel in the alloy to produce the porous metal.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly having an anode, a cathode arranged facing the anode, and a polyelectrolyte membrane arranged between the anode and the cathode, and a pair of separator plates that are arranged facing each other so as to sandwich the membrane electrode assembly, and have an anode side gas channel for supplying a fuel gas to the anode, and a cathode side gas channel for supplying an oxidant gas to the cathode, formed thereon, wherein the catalyst layer of the anode contains at least one electrode catalyst selected from the group consisting of Pt particles and Pt alloy particles, having a particle diameter of from 6 to 10 nm, the catalyst layer of the anode has a thickness of from 1 to 5 ?m, Pt volume density in the catalyst layer of the anode is from 1 to 5 g/cm3, the catalyst layer of the cathode has a thickness of 10 ?m or more, and Pt volume density in the catalyst layer of the cathode is from 0.1 to 0.5 g/cm3.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supported catalyst includes dissolving a cation exchange polymer in alcohol to prepare a solution containing cation exchange polymer; mixing the cation exchange polymer containing solution with a catalytic metal precursor or a solution containing catalytic metal precursor; heating the mixture after adjusting its pH to a predetermined range; adding a reducing agent to the resultant and stirring the solution to reduce the catalytic metal precursor; mixing the resultant with a catalyst support; adding a precipitating agent to the resultant to form precipitates; and filtering and drying the precipitates. The method of preparing a supported catalyst can provide a highly dispersed supported catalyst containing catalytic metal particles with a reduced average size regardless of the type of catalyst support, which provides better catalytic activity than conventional catalysts at the same loading amount of catalytic metal.

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: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a fuel cell electrode assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the fuel cell electrode assembly includes a substrate and a plurality of catalyst regions supported on the substrate to provide a passage way formed between the catalyst regions for passing fuel cell reactants, at least a portion of the plurality of catalyst regions including a number of atomic layers of catalyst metals. In certain instances, the number of atomic layers of catalyst metals is greater than zero and less than 300. In certain other instances, the number of atomic layers of catalyst metals is between 1 and 100. In yet certain other instances, the number of atomic layers of catalyst metals is between 1 and 20.

Abstract: A drive unit (1) for driving a hydraulic pump has an electric motor (2) for driving the hydraulic pump (100) of a construction working machine and also has a generator (3) for supplying electricity to the electric motor (2). A generation module (14) of the generator (3) has a structure where a large number of electrode assemblies (42) are serially connected between fastening plates (41) in a condition that partition plates (44) are sandwiched between the respective electrode assemblies (42). Liquid fuel for generating hydrogen and air are supplied to the electrode assemblies (42) to generate electric power. Unlike the case where the hydraulic pump (100) is driven by a diesel engine etc., the hydraulic pump drive unit has a low noise level and emits no exhaust gas, so that the device is extremely advantageous to reduce noise and exhaust gas of a construction working machine.

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: According to one aspect of the present invention, a catalyst assembly is provided for use in a fuel cell. In one embodiment, the catalyst assembly includes a first layer containing a first noble metal catalyst supported on a first support material having a first average surface area, and a second layer containing a second noble metal catalyst supported on a second support material having a second average surface area less than the first average surface area. In another embodiment, the catalyst assembly is disposed next to an ionic exchange membrane, wherein the first layer is positioned between the first layer and the ionic exchange membrane. In yet another embodiment, the first and second support materials collectively define channels of differential hydrophobicity.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a hybrid catalyst system is provided. In one embodiment, the hybrid catalyst system includes a support mixture and a catalyst material supported on the support mixture, wherein the support mixture includes a first support material having a first average surface area and a second support material having a second average surface area different from the first average surface area, the first and second support materials collectively defining regions of differential hydrophobicity. In certain instances, the hybrid catalyst system can be configured as a catalyst layer to be disposed next to a proton exchange membrane of a fuel cell.

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

Abstract: One embodiment includes at least one of the anode and cathode of a fuel cell comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact with each other. Both the first layer and the second layer comprise a catalyst capable of catalyzing an electrochemical reaction of a reactant gas. The second layer has a higher porosity than the first layer. A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) based on the layered electrode configuration and a process of making a fuel cell are also described.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidization includes an elemental mixture containing platinum and ruthenium and at least one element, wherein the foregoing at least one element is selected from the group of tungsten, tin, molybdenum, copper, gold, manganese, and vanadium.

Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst support includes a fluoride-doped metal oxide/phosphate support structure and a catalyst layer, supported on such fluoride-doped support structure. In one example, the support structure is a sub-stechiometric titanium oxide and/or indium-tin oxide (ITO) partially coated or mixed with a fluoride-doped metal oxide or metal phosphate. In another example, the support structure is fluoride-doped and mixed with at least one of low surface carbon, boron-doped diamond, carbides, borides, and silicides.

Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst support includes a support structure having a metal oxide and/or a metal phosphate coated with a layer of boron carbide. Example metal oxides include titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide and oxides of yttrium, molybdenum, indium, and tin and their phosphates. A boron carbide layer is arranged on the support structure by a chemical or mechanical process, for example. Finally, a catalyst layer is deposited on the boron carbide layer.

Abstract: A method for the deposition of metals in bacterial cellulose and for the employment of the metallized bacterial cellulose in the construction of fuel cells and other electronic devices is disclosed. The method for impregnating bacterial cellulose with a metal comprises placing a bacterial cellulose matrix in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal salt is reduced to metallic form and the metal precipitates in or on the matrix. The method for the construction of a fuel cell comprises placing a hydrated bacterial cellulose support structure in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal precipitates in or on the support structure, inserting contact wires into two pieces of the metal impregnated support structure, placing the two pieces of metal impregnated support structure on opposite sides of a layer of hydrated bacterial cellulose, and dehydrating the three layer structure to create a fuel cell.

Abstract: Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemovoltaic cell converts chemical energy generated by an in-situ molecular hydrogen oxidation reaction into electrical energy by creating a chemically induced nonequilibrium electron population on a catalytic surface of a Schottky structure, followed by charge separation and electric power generation using the Schottky contact.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for increasing hydrophilic properties of crystalline carbon using a surface modifier and a method for preparing a Pt/C catalyst using the same. In certain preferred embodiments, the present invention features a method for increasing hydrophilic properties of crystalline carbon having water repellency by forming ?-? interaction between the surface of the crystalline carbon and a surface modifier and a method for preparing a catalyst by supporting platinum (Pt) on the crystalline carbon having increased hydrophilic property. The Pt/C catalyst prepared by the methods of the present invention is useful for the preparation of electrode materials for fuel cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to fuel cell electrodes in membrane electrode assemblies, and methods of making same wherein the fuel cell electrodes comprise a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer comprises at least one catalyst, phosphoric acid and a binder comprising at least one triazole modified polymer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a direct-methanol fuel cell includes an anode which includes a current collector and a first catalytic layer formed on the current collector and into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced, a cathode which includes a current collector and a second catalytic layer formed on the current collector and into which an oxidizer is introduced and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. The second catalytic layer includes a catalyst, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer, and a ternary metal-containing copolymer. The ternary metal-containing copolymer includes a first vinyl monomer containing an organic metal complex of Pt, a second vinyl monomer containing an organic metal complex of M1, where M1 is a metal selected from Sn, Zn, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and Cu and a third vinyl monomer containing an organic metal complex in which M2 is ionically bonded, where M2 is Eu or La.

Abstract: A metal catalyst including a conductive catalyst material and a coating layer formed of a water repellent material on the conductive catalyst material, an electrode including the metal catalyst, and a fuel cell employing the electrode. By forming the coating layer, having a water repellent material, on the conductive catalyst material, the metal catalyst does not sink in the liquid electrolyte, the distribution and movement of the liquid electrolyte around the metal catalyst can be controlled, and the thickness of the interface between the metal catalyst and the liquid electrolyte can be regulated. Accordingly, an ideal electrode structure having triple phase boundary for electrochemical reaction can be formed. A fuel cell employing an electrode including the metal catalyst has excellent efficiency and overall performance.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide or other gases can be separated from gas streams using ionic liquid, such as in an electrochemical cell. For example, a membrane can contain sufficient ionic liquid to reduce ionic current density of at least one of protons and hydroxyl ions, relative to carbon-containing ionic current density. A gas stream containing carbon dioxide can be introduced on a cathode side, while a source of hydrogen gas can be introduced on the anode side of the membrane. Operation of an electrochemical cell with such a membrane can separate the carbon dioxide from the gas stream and provide it at a separate outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing a nano-sized transition metal catalyst on a carbon support, including dissolving a stabilizer in ethanol thus preparing a mixture solution, adding a support to the mixture solution thus preparing a dispersion solution, dissolving a transition metal precursor in ethanol thus preparing a precursor solution, mixing the precursor solution with the dispersion solution with stirring, and then performing reduction, thus preparing the nano-sized transition metal catalyst. This method enables the synthesis of transition metal nanoparticles supported on carbon powder having a narrow particle size distribution and a wide degree of dispersion through a simple process, and is thus usefully applied to the formation of an electrode material or the like of a fuel cell.

Abstract: A catalyst for a fuel cell includes platinum. The catalyst has an oxide reduction potential (ORP) that is not less than 430 mV. The ORP is estimated by a cyclic voltammetry test using a saturation calomel electrode.

Abstract: A composition of nanoparticles of metal or an alloy or having a metal and alloy core with an oxide shell in admixture with platinum particles is useful as a component for electrodes. More particularly, such composition is useful as an electrode ink for the reduction of oxygen as well as the oxidation of hydrocarbon or hydrogen fuel in a direct oxidation fuel cell, such as, but not limited to, the direct methanol fuel cell. These electrodes encompass a catalyst ink containing platinum, the nanoparticles, and a conducting ionomer which may be directly applied to a conductive support, such as woven carbon paper or cloth. This electrode may be directly adhered onto an ion exchange membrane. The nanoparticles comprise nanometer-sized transition metals such as cobalt, iron, nickel, ruthenium, chromium, palladium, silver, gold, and copper. In this invention, these catalytic powders substantially replace platinum as a catalyst in fuel cell electrooxidation and electroreduction reactions.

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: One exemplary embodiment includes an electrode including an embedded compressible or shape changing component.