Abstract: Provided is a porous electrode substrate having high mechanical strength, good handling properties, high thickness precision, little undulation, and adequate gas permeability and conductivity. Also provided is a method for producing a porous electrode substrate at low costs. A porous electrode substrate is produced by joining short carbon fibers (A) via mesh-like of carbon fibers (B) having an average diameter of 4 ?m or smaller. Further provided are a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell that use this porous electrode membrane. A porous electrode substrate is obtained by subjecting a precursor sheet, in which short carbon fibers (A) and short carbon fiber precursors (b) having an average diameter of 5 ?m or smaller have been dispersed, to carbonization treatment after optional hot press forming and optional oxidization treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an anode for a fuel cell. The method includes: synthesizing a fuel cell catalyst used to oxidize a fuel for the anode in an electrochemical manner; forming an electrode for the anode by use of the synthesized fuel cell catalyst; and synthesizing an electrolysis catalyst, which is used to electrolyze water, on the electrode as the electrolysis catalyst is loaded into the anode. By introducing the electrolysis catalyst on the fuel cell electrode that has already been formed, deformation of the structure of the electrode is minimized and performance of the electrode is improved.

Abstract: A particle exhibiting catalytic activity comprising (a) an inner core formed of an alloy material; and (b) an outer shell formed of a metal material surrounding the inner core, wherein the alloy material is selected such that the inner core exerts a compressive strain on the outer shell.

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: The present invention provides a fuel cell stack that has a separator arranged between fuel cells, the separator including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming fluid distribution channels in fuel cell electrode plates, and to plates produced by such methods. Exemplary embodiments disclosed include a method of forming fluid distribution channels in a fuel cell electrode plate (100), the method comprising traversing the plate between opposing surfaces of a roller (801) and a planar die (802) while applying pressure across the thickness of the plate to thereby form a series of channels across a surface of the plate.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electrochemical cell stack may include arranging a plurality of electrochemical cells into an electrochemical cell stack, the electrochemical cell stack including at least a first substack and a second substack; connecting the first substack and second substack such that reactant fluid flows in series from the first substack to the second substack; and coupling the first substack to a first electrical control device such that the first electrical control device selectively electrically reconfigures the first substack to operate in series and in parallel with the second substack.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is a membrane electrode assembly in which a first porous body is stacked on a surface of a catalyst layer and a second porous body is stacked on the first porous body. The first porous body has a low porosity at portions in contact with solid-phase portions of the second porous body, and has a relatively high porosity at portions facing gas-phase portions of the second porous body.

Abstract: A production method for a fuel cell membrane-electrode assembly which may include the steps of preparing a catalyst ink that contains a metal catalyst nanoparticle of 0.3 nm to 100 nm in primary particle diameter which is not supported on a support, an electrolyte resin, and a water-based solvent and forming a non-supported-catalyst containing catalyst layer by using the catalyst ink, as a catalyst layer that is included in at least one of a fuel electrode side and an oxidant electrode side in the fuel cell membrane-electrode assembly that has a fuel electrode at one surface side of an electrolyte membrane, and an oxidant electrode at another surface side of the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for improving and/or simplifying one or more seals in a fuel cell stack, such as a vehicle fuel cell stack. In some implementations, a plate or assembly for the stack may be extruded through an extrusion die so as to create a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of cavities disposed between the top and bottom surfaces. At least a subset of the cavities may be filled with a cavity-filler material distinct from a material used to form the plate, such as a foam material. One or more headers, such as grommet seals, may then be overmolded into the plate to form corresponding conduits between the top surface and the bottom surface of the plate/assembly.

Abstract: Ionomers and ionomer membranes, consisting of a non-fluorinated or partly fluorinated non-, partly or fully-aromatic main chain and a non- or partly-fluorinated side chain with ionic groups or their non-ionic precursors, have a positive impact on the proton conductivity of the ionomers. Various processes produce these polymeric proton conductors.

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: Ruthenium or a Ruthenium compound is applied to an anode structure according to a predetermined pattern, with only part of the anode active area containing Ru. The parts of the MEA that do not contain Ru are not expected to suffer degradation from Ru cross-over, so that overall degradation of the cell will be diminished. Having less precious metals will also translate into less cost.

Abstract: A reduction process is performed to each fuel electrode layer by supplying a reduction gas into each fuel channel 22 in the state in which a perimetric portion of a sheet body 11 is held to be sealed by perimetric portions of an upper support member 122 and a lower support member 121. In the case of a small-sized fuel cell in which the thickness of the sheet body 11 is 20˜500 ?m, the fuel electrode layer is greater in thickness than the solid electrolyte layer and the air electrode layer, and the area of the orthogonal projection of the plane portion 12a of each support member 12 is 1˜100 cm2, a ratio of a warpage of not more than 0.05 cm?1 on the sheet body with respect to the area of the orthogonal projection can be achieved at room temperature after the reduction process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large-scale solid oxide fuel cell stack and a method of manufacturing the stack. In the present invention, a segmented cell tube (103a, 103b) is formed in such a way that unit cells connected to each other are formed on a cylindrical or flat tubular porous support (101). A reformer tube (102) is configured such that reforming catalyst (3) is provided in a support (101). The cell tube and the reformer tube are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other such that an air passage is formed on the outer surface of the reformer tube. A cell module (105) is formed by arranging the tubes such that a fuel gas flow passage is formed between the tubes. The solid oxide fuel cell stack is formed by integrating cell modules with each other.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a fuel cell plate. The fuel cell plate includes a substrate of electrically conductive material and a first outer layer of corrosion-resistant material bonded to a first portion of the substrate. To reduce the weight of the fuel cell plate, the electrically conductive material and the corrosion-resistant material are selected to be as light as practicable.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst for fuel cell, a method of preparing the electrode catalyst, a membrane electrode assembly including the electrode catalyst, and a fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly. The electrode catalyst includes a crystalline catalyst particle incorporating a precious metal having oxygen reduction activity and a Group 13 element, where the Group 13 element is present in a unit lattice of the crystalline catalyst particle.

Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolyte laminate comprising a solid electrolyte layer having proton conductivity and a cathode electrode layer laminated on one side of the solid electrolyte layer and made of lanthanum strontium cobalt oxide (LSC). Also provided is a method for manufacturing the solid electrolyte. This solid electrolyte laminate can further comprise an anode electrode layer made of nickel-yttrium doped barium zirconate (Ni—BZY). This solid electrolyte laminate is suitable for a fuel cell operating in an intermediate temperature range less than or equal to 600° C.

Abstract: A magnesium-air battery system (200) comprises a supplier (210), a battery body (220), a wind-up reel (230) and a driver (240). A magnesium-air battery fuel element (100) is formed from a magnesium film into a roll shape. The supplier (210) is connected to the magnesium-air battery fuel element (100) and is rotationally driven by the driver (240) such that the magnesium-air battery fuel element (100) is delivered to the wind-up reel (230) via the battery body (220). The battery body (220) comprises an anode and an electrolyte and uses the magnesium-air battery fuel element (100) as a cathode acting in synergy with the anode to generate electricity. The wind-up reel (230) winds up the post-reaction magnesium-air battery fuel element that is used to generate electricity in the battery body (220), and forms a used fuel element (500) having a roll shape removable from the wind-up reel (230).

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes fuel cells, a circulation channel of a coolant to cool the fuel cells, and an ion exchange resin provided on the circulation channel to maintain electrical conductivity of the coolant. The coolant contains an additive. The ion exchange resin is prepared so that adsorption of the additive on the ion exchange resin is in a saturated state. A fuel-cell vehicle includes the fuel cell system.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for rechargeable zinc air batteries are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A novel approach based on the increase of the intrinsic oxidative stability of uncrosslinked membranes is addressed. The co-grafting of styrene with methacrylonitrile (MAN), which possesses a protected ?-position and strong dipolar pendant nitrile group, onto 25 ?m ETFE base film is disclosed. Styrene/MAN co-grafted membranes were compared to styrene based membrane in durability tests in single H2/O2 fuel cells. The incorporation of MAN improves the chemical stability dramatically. The membrane preparation based on the copolymerization of styrene and MAN shows encouraging results and offers the opportunity of tuning the MAN and crosslinker content to enhance the oxidative stability of the resulting fuel cell membranes.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a fuel cell system in a stand-by mode. The method includes determining a power limit value based on fuel cell stack and battery power optimization, where if a system power request falls below the power limit value the system will enter the stand-by mode. The system first enters a dynamic stand-by mode where the fuel cell stack is turned off and a compressor providing cathode air to the cathode side of the stack is operated at an idle speed. The method accumulates a compressor power value identifying how much energy has been consumed by operating the compressor at the idle speed during the dynamic stand-by mode, and then switches to a static stand-by mode where the compressor is turned off when the accumulated compressor power value reaches a compressor restart energy value that identifies how much energy it takes to start the compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article, such as a plate for a use in a fuel cell, which has a base onto which a coating is applied which is electrically conductive and which includes a substantially carbon material layer and at least one intermediate layer which can be a nitride, carbide, metal and metal alloy. The multilayer coating which is formed allows the protection of the article in an efficient and effective manner.

Abstract: A single fuel cell, a plurality of which are to be stacked to form a fuel cell stack, includes a membrane electrode assembly having a structure including paired electrode layers and an electrolyte membrane held between the paired electrode layers, paired separators each forming a gas passage between the separator and the membrane electrode assembly, and a displacement absorber having a conductive property and interposed between one separator of the single fuel cell and an adjacent-side separator of another single fuel cell to be stacked adjacent to the single fuel cell. The displacement absorber is connected to at least any one of the separators.

Abstract: A cell for a fuel cell, comprising a membrane electrode assembly, expanded moldings that are laminated to both surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly and form gas channels, and separators that are laminated to the gas channel structures and separate the gases between adjacent cells, wherein each of the expanded moldings comprises a gas channel substrate formed from a metal material such as a titanium material or a stainless steel, a conductive layer that is formed from a conductor such as gold on a contact portion of the gas channel substrate that contacts the membrane electrode assembly or the separator, and a hydrophilic layer that is formed from a hydrophilic material such as a titanium oxide on the gas channel surface of the gas channel substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially continuously manufacturing fuel cells are provided. Each cell generates electrical power from reactions of reactants therein. Each cell comprises component parts assembled and/or laminated together in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell with enhanced mass transfer characteristics in which a highly hydrophobic porous medium, which is prepared by forming a micro-nano dual structure in which nanometer-scale protrusions with a high aspect ratio are formed on the surface of a porous medium with a micrometer-scale roughness by plasma etching and then by depositing a hydrophobic thin film thereon, is used as a gas diffusion layer, thereby increasing hydrophobicity due to the micro-nano dual structure and the hydrophobic thin film. When this highly hydrophobic porous medium is used as a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell, it is possible to reduce water flooding by efficiently discharging water produced by an electrochemical reaction of the fuel cell and to improve the performance of the fuel cell by facilitating the supply of reactant gases such as hydrogen and air (oxygen) to a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the conditioning of membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells in which the output of the membrane electrode assemblies used can be increased and therefore the efficiency of the resulting polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells can be improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell electrode, and a method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) using the same. The fuel cell electrode is formed by adding carbon nanotubes to reinforce the mechanical strength of the electrode, cerium-zirconium oxide particles to prevent corrosion of a polymer electrolyte membrane, and an alloy catalyst prepared by alloying a second metal (such as Ir, Pd, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, Au, Ag, V, etc.) with platinum to prevent the dissolution, migration, and agglomeration of platinum.

Abstract: According to an illustrative embodiment, a method of making a fuel cell component includes removing material from a first plurality of locations along at least one surface on a plate to simultaneously establish a plurality of first channels on the surface. Each first channel has a length between a first end near a first edge of the surface and a second end spaced from a second, opposite edge of the surface. Material is also removed from a second plurality of locations along the surface to simultaneously establish a plurality of second channels on the surface. Each second channel has a length beginning at a first end spaced from the first edge and a second end near the second edge. Material is also removed from the surface near the first ends of at least some of the first channels to simultaneously establish an inlet portion for directing a fluid into the corresponding first channels.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a cell stack device, the power generation efficiency of which is improved, and a fuel cell module and a fuel cell device that include the cell stack device. [Solution] A cell stack device 1 includes a cell stack 2 that includes a plurality of fuel cells 3 electrically connected to one another and arranged, the fuel cells 3 that each includes a gas channel through which a reactant gas flows. In the cell stack device 1, the fuel cells 3 of the cell stack 2 are provided in the form of fuel cell groups that each include an arbitrary number of the fuel cells 3. In the cell stack device 1, the fuel cell groups are arranged such that average pressure loss values of the fuel cells 3 of the fuel cell groups increase sequentially from a central portion to an end portion side in a fuel cell 3 arrangement direction. Thus, the power generation efficiency of the cell stack device 1 can be improved.

Abstract: In an example, the present invention provides a solid state battery device, e.g., battery cell or device. The device has a current collector region and a lithium containing anode member overlying the current collector region. The device has a thickness of electrolyte material comprising a first garnet material overlying the lithium containing anode member. The thickness of electrolyte material has a density ranging from about 80 percent to 100 percent and a porous cathode material comprising a second garnet material overlying the thickness of electrolyte material. The porous cathode material has a porosity of greater than about 30 percent and less than about 95 percent and a carbon bearing material overlying a surface region of the porous cathode material. In an example, the carbon bearing material comprises substantially carbon material, although there can be variations.

Abstract: An alkaline fuel cell electrode catalyst includes a first catalyst particle that contains at least one of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni), a second catalyst particle that contains at least one of platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru), and a carrier for supporting the first catalyst particle and the second catalyst particle.

Abstract: A method of coating carbon based electrodes and thick electrodes without mud-cracking is described. The electrode ink is deposited on a decal substrate, and transferred to a hot press before the electrode ink is completely dried. The partially dried electrode ink is hot pressed to the membrane to form a membrane electrode assembly. A membrane electrode assembly including a polymer membrane; and a pair of crack-free electrode layers on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, each of the pair of electrode layers having a thickness of at least about 50 ?m is also described.

Abstract: Metal-air button cells including a closed cell housing and, arranged therein, an air cathode and a metal-based anode separated from one another by a separator, wherein the cell housing is substantially composed of a first housing half-part and a second housing half-part; the housing half-parts are configured to be cup-shaped and have a base and a circumferential side wall; the base of the second housing half-part has one or more entry and/or exit openings for atmospheric oxygen; and the air cathode is configured to be disc-shaped and is positioned on the base of the second housing half-part such that it covers the entry and/or exit openings and its periphery bears on the inner side of the circumferential side wall of the second housing half-part.

Abstract: A gas diffusion layer having a first major surface and a second major surface which is positioned opposite to said first major surface and an interior between said first and second major surfaces is formed. The gas diffusion layer comprises a porous carbon substrate which is directly fluorinated in the interior and is substantially free of fluorination on at least one of the first major surfaces or the second major surfaces, and preferably both surfaces. The gas diffusion layer may be formed using protective sandwich process during direct fluorination or by physically or chemically removing the C—F atomic layer at the major surfaces, for example by physical plasma etching or chemical reactive ion etching.

Abstract: A functional module for a coolant circuit of a vehicle fuel cell system includes a container having an ion-exchange material and a pump device for the coolant fluidically coupled to each other in such a manner that a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet of the pump device are connected to a coolant outlet and a coolant inlet of the container. The container surrounds at least one region of the pump device that has a conveying unit of the pump device at least in certain areas around the outer circumference.

Abstract: In order to improve an electrochemical conversion device comprising a plurality of functional elements stacked one upon the other into a stack in a stacking direction and interconnected within the stack, some of which have peripheral areas of sheet material, some of which are arranged in a stacked configuration one upon the other in a stacking direction, forming peripheral stacks, and are interconnected by way of a first element-to-element connection and some others of which are interconnected by way of a second element-to-element connection, in such a manner that the strain placed on the element-to-element connections can be kept as low as possible, it is proposed that one of the functional elements comprise a compensating unit and that the compensating unit comprise at least one deformable element which, by deformation, allows for at least one height compensation in the stacking direction.

Abstract: A noble metal-based electrocatalyst comprises a bimetallic particle comprising a noble metal and a non-noble metal and having a polyhedral shape. The bimetallic particle comprises a surface-segregated composition where an atomic ratio of the noble metal to the non-noble metal is higher in a surface region and in a core region than in a sub-surface region between the surface and core regions. A method of treating a noble metal-based electrocatalyst comprises annealing a bimetallic particle comprising a noble metal and a non-noble metal and having a polyhedral shape at a temperature in the range of from about 100° C. to about 1100° C.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or SOFC sub-component comprising a YSZ solid oxide electrolyte layer (10), a LSCF cathode layer (14) and a mixed phase layer (18) comprising at least zirconia and ceria between the electrolyte layer and the cathode layer, with the cathode layer in direct contact with the mixed phase layer, that is with no ceria, other than in the mixed phase layer, between the cathode layer and the electrolyte layer. One method of forming the SOFC or sub-component comprises applying a layer of ceria on the electrolyte layer (10), heating the electrolyte and ceria layers to form the mixed phase layer (18), and removing excess ceria from the surface of the mixed phase layer before applying the cathode layer (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for manufacturing a unit cell for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) which can improve the output of the unit cell of the solid oxide fuel cell, without occurring cost due to an additional process. The unit cell of the solid oxide fuel cell, comprises: a fuel electrode support body; a fuel electrode reaction layer; an electrolyte; and an air electrode, wherein the fuel electrode support body is made from an NiO and YSZ mixed material, the fuel electrode reaction layer is made from a CeScSZ and NiO mixed material, the electrolyte is made from a CeCsSZ material, and wherein the air electrode is made from an LSM and CeScSZ mixed material.

Abstract: Batteries employing an oxygen (air) electrode, particularly those in which the oxygen electrode is combined with an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal negative electrode useful I for bulk energy storage, particularly for electric utility grid storage, as well as for electric vehicle propulsion. Batteries have an electrochemically reversible oxygen positive having a porous mixed metal oxide matrix for receiving and retaining discharge product and a dense (non-porous) separator element which conducts oxygen ions and electrons in contact with a source of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell apparatus for generating electricity by supplying fuel and oxidant gas to fuel cells housed in a fuel cell module, comprising: an adhesive application step for applying ceramic adhesive to the joint portions of constituent members so that the flow path carrying fuel or oxidant gas inside the fuel cell module are formed in an airtight manner; a workable hardening step for hardening the applied ceramic adhesive to a state capable of implementing the next manufacturing process; and a solvent elimination and hardening step wherein, after multiple repetitions of the adhesive application step and the workable hardening step, ceramic adhesive hardened in the workable hardening steps is dried to a state capable of withstanding temperatures during electrical generation.

Abstract: A rod assembly and method for supporting rods includes opposing end plates for supporting opposing ends of a plurality of solid oxide fuel cell rods with each rod comprising a hollow gas conduit passing there through. Each rod end is supported by an annular flexure configured to provide a gas/liquid tight seal between the rod ends and the end plates. Each annular flexure includes a flexible portion surrounding the rod end such that forces imparted to either or both of the rod and the end plate act to elastically deform the annular flexure without damaging the rods. The rod assembly operates and a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) with operating temperatures of 500 to 1000° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell separator with a gasket and a method for manufacturing the same, which can prevent corrosion of the separator and improve corrosion resistance of the separator. In particular, the present invention provides a fuel cell separator with a gasket and a method for manufacturing the same, in which an adhesive is coated on the entire or partial surface of the separator, preferably by screen printing. A process of integrally molding a gasket to the separator is then performed such that the edges of the separator are not exposed to the outside after the injection molding process but, rather, are coated with the resin adhesive. The present invention thereby prevents corrosion of the separator, improves corrosion resistance of the separator, and prevents formation of burrs during the injection molding process.

Abstract: An improved approach toward manufacture of a sealed fuel cell stack configuration including electrostatic deposition of materials onto substrate surfaces of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A fuel cell system comprising a fuel cell and a motor connected to the fuel cell, and also comprising a converter connected between the fuel cell and the motor, the converter adjusting output of the fuel cell to output to the motor, and a controller that controls the fuel cell and the converter. The controller outputs, to the converter, request power or a request voltage based on an operation state of the fuel cell, and the converter selectively performs an output feedback control that performs an adjustment of supply power to be output to the motor such that the output request power is satisfied or a voltage feedback control that performs an adjustment of an output voltage to be output to the motor such that the output request voltage is satisfied.

Abstract: A unitized electrode assembly (9) for use in the fuel cell comprises a first GDL (23), a PEM (28), and a second GDL (12), with electrode catalysts (27, 30) disposed between said PEM and each of said GDLs, said layers (23, 27, 30, 12) being impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer a sufficient distance from each edge of the UEA so as to form a fluid seal (13). The UEA is formed by a process which comprises making a sandwich of some or all of said layers (23, 27, 28, 30 and 33), with thermoplastic polymer film (22, 25, 32, 35) extending inwardly from the edges of said sandwich a sufficient distance to form the seal, said thermoplastic polymer film being disposed between each electrode and the adjacent GDL and/or between each GDL and release film (21, 36) on the top and bottom of the sandwich.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fuel unit for a hydrogen generator and methods for producing the fuel unit and the hydrogen generator. A fuel sheet (50) is made by disposing a plurality of fuel pellets (50A-50J) containing a hydrogen-containing material on a substrate (52), and one or more fuel sheets are formed into a non-cylindrical fuel sheet assembly my moving (e.g., bending) a portion of the fuel sheet (50) to position pellets adjacent to each other such that adjacent sides of the adjacent pellets lie in essentially parallel planes. A non-cylindrical fuel unit is produced from one or more of the fuel sheet assemblies. Fuel units can be replaceably disposed in a hydrogen generator, and fuel pellets can be selectively heated to produce hydrogen gas as needed.