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.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack including a plurality of SOFCs and a plurality of interconnects. Each interconnect is located between two adjacent SOFCs, and each interconnect contains a Mn or Co containing, electrically conductive metal oxide layer on an air side of the interconnect. The SOFC stack also includes a barrier layer located between the electrically conductive metal oxide layer and an adjacent SOFC. The barrier layer is configured to prevent Mn or Co diffusion from the electrically conductive metal oxide layer to the adjacent SOFC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer configured to enhance the water removal performance of a fuel cell For this purpose, the present invention provides a gas diffusion layer in which a region under each of a pair of lands, which receives a clamping pressure of the fuel cell stack, is subjected to local hydrophilic treatment by a simple process, thereby enhancing the water removal performance of the fuel cell stack. In particular, the local hydrophilic gas diffusion layer has a first region under each land of the separator which receives the clamping pressure; and a second region under the gas channel of the separator, wherein the first region is subjected to hydrophilic treatment.

Abstract: A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate is disclosed. The method includes first dispensing a flowable seal material along a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material. Next, a preformed template is located adjacent to at least a portion of the fuel cell plate, the template including predetermined apertures corresponding with a second sealing area of the plate, such that the apertures are coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area. Flowable seal material is applied into the apertures, and is then cured to a non-flowable state.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having higher power-generating characteristics in a high-temperature, low-humidity environment, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the same. In this membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell provided with electrode catalyst layers, which include at least a proton-exchange polymer and carbon-supported catalyst, on both surfaces of a polymer electrolyte membrane, the resistance (Ri) of the proton-exchange polymer of the electrode catalyst layers is at least about 2 ?cm2 but not more than about 5 ?cm2 under measurement conditions of 20% relative humidity and an AC impedance of 10 kHz to 100 kHz.

Abstract: Provided are a polymer electrolyte composition, an electrolyte membrane, a membrane electrolyte assembly, and a fuel cell. The polymer electrolyte composition according to an exemplary embodiment of this application includes a first solvent, a second solvent which is different from the first solvent, and a polymer which is reacted with the first solvent and the second solvent, in which the polymer includes a functional group which reacts with the first solvent by a first reaction energy and with the second solvent by a second reaction energy, and the second reaction energy is smaller than the first reaction energy.

Abstract: A fuel cell, having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane element, in which the membrane element is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the electrodes has a flow field plate and at least one flow conduit, through which a reactant can be conducted, extends in at least one outer surface of the flow field plate. The flow field plate has at least one microreaction chamber, and the microreaction chamber is disposed in the outer surface and on the flow conduit. A catalyst is disposed on at least a part of the microreaction chamber in such a way that the catalyst has contact simultaneously with the membrane element and the inflowing reactant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a direct carbon fuel cell in which a coal fuel is oxidized electrochemically so as to create electrons to cause the electrons to generate electricity by a voltage difference between two electrodes. Specifically, a membrane-electrode assembly for operating a low rank coal fuel, a direct carbon fuel cell including the same, and a method of preparing the same are provided.

Abstract: A lithium-air battery includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer, where the positive electrode layer, the negative electrode layer and the electrolyte layer are accommodated in a receiving space formed by a housing; a side of the housing adjacent to the positive electrode layer and away from the negative electrode layer is provided with a pore absorbing air from outside the housing; the positive electrode layer includes a positive electrode current collector and a reaction layer that is coated or hot-pressed on the positive electrode current collector; the negative electrode layer includes a lithium storage layer having lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation capabilities and a lithium source negative electrode active material layer coated or hot-pressed on a surface of the lithium storage layer, and the electrolyte layer is sandwiched between the reaction layer in the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process including providing an electrically conductive fuel cell component having a first face, and depositing a graphitic/conductive carbon film on the first face of the electrically conductive fuel cell component comprising sputtering a graphite target using a closed field unbalanced magnetron field.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having compression retention features that functions dually to provide compression retention and to provide structural sealing and vehicle mounting capability, eliminating the bulk of an additional structural enclosure while retaining the balance of plant simplicity associated with the use of structural enclosures. The fuel cell system has fuel cells disposed between a dry end unit plate and a wet end unit plate and a compression retention system with a pair of opposing end caps and a pair of opposing side panels such that wet end unit plate is fixedly secured to the opposing end caps and the dry end unit plate is adjustably secured to the opposing end caps. Methods for eliminating the effect of stack height variance and balance of plant tolerances on fuel cell system installation are also provided.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell has at least one plate element which can be cooled by a liquid coolant, such as water. The plate element has a surface that can be wetted for the purpose of cooling with the coolant. The surface of the plate element in the electrochemical cell is configured such that a contact angle between the surface and the liquid coolant is less than 90°. In the method for producing the electrochemical cell an additional method step is carried out which influences the wettable surfaces of plate elements for cooling with coolant and by which a contact angle between the surface and the coolant is decreased.

Abstract: A single cell ensuring appropriate bonding of the components while suitably enhancing the productivity, a producing method of the single cell, a fuel cell, and a producing method of the fuel cell are provided. The single cell is formed by stacking a plurality of components constituting the single cell of a fuel cell, wherein peripheral portions of at least some components among the plurality of components are molded with a resin along the circumferential direction to be molded integrally. The components to be molded are a MEA and a pair of separators sandwiching the MEA.

Abstract: The manufacture and calibration of an interconnect for a fuel cell ensures contact in all contact points between the interconnect and the adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: A glucose fuel cell for reception into a given constrained volume of implantation in a vertebrate in which the glucose fuel cell has access to fluid containing glucose. The fuel cell includes an anode adapted to oxidize the glucose, a cathode adapted to reduce an oxidant, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode and separating the anode from the cathode. At least one of the anode or cathode define a flexible sheet that is geometrically deformed to be receivable into the given constrained volume of implantation and increase volumetric power density. Related methods of making a glucose fuel cell of this type and implantable assemblies including the glucose fuel cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: Bipolar plate assemblies are disclosed in which the transition fuel channels are offset from the transition oxidant channels in the transition regions on the active sides of the plates. This configuration allows for a reduced pressure drop in the coolant flow in the transition regions on the inactive, coolant side of the plates and thereby improves coolant flow sharing. The assemblies are suitable for use in high power density solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: In polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolyzes, attaining and maintaining high membrane conductivity and durability is crucial for performance and efficiency. The use of low equivalent weight (EW) perfluorinated ionomers is one of the few options available to improve membrane conductivity. However, excessive dimensional changes of low EW ionomers upon application of wet/dry or freeze/thaw cycles yield catastrophic losses in membrane integrity. Incorporation of ionomers within porous, dimensionally-stable perforated polymer electrolyte membrane substrates provides improved PEM performance and longevity. The present invention provides novel methods using micromolds to fabricate the perforated polymer electrolyte membrane substrates. These novel methods using micromolds create uniform and well-defined pore structures. In addition, these novel methods using micromolds described herein may be used in batch or continuous processing.

Abstract: A method of forming diffusion barrier layer includes providing an interconnect for a fuel cell stack, forming a glass barrier precursor layer over a Mn and/or Co containing electrically conductive contact layer on the interconnect, and heating the barrier precursor layer to precipitate crystals in the barrier precursor layer to convert the barrier precursor layer to a glass ceramic barrier layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an anode core-shell complex for a solid oxide fuel cell, including (A) manufacturing a stabilized zirconia (YSZ) sol by using zirconium hydroxide (Zr(OH)4) and yttrium nitrate (Y(NO3)3.6H2O) as a starting material and distilled water as a solvent by a hydrothermal method, (B) agitating nickel chloride, stabilized zirconia in a sol state, and a surfactant, (C) adding sodium hydroxide (NaOH), (D) adjusting a pH to a range of 6 to 8, and (E) sintering the nickel-stabilized zirconia core-shell powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell separator with a gasket manufactured by integrally forming a gasket on one side of a separator; independently injection molding a frame gasket on a frame such that a first airtight portion covers the entire surface of the frame to maintain the shape of the frame gasket and a second airtight portion projects upward and downward from both ends of the first airtight portion; and bringing the first airtight portion of the frame gasket into contact with the other side of the separator with the gasket formed on one side thereof. To create a fuel cell stack in certain embodiments, the invention stacks the second airtight portion of the frame gasket on another second airtight portion of an adjacent unit cell with a membrane-electrode assembly interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A method, according to one embodiment, includes acquiring a structure having an ionically-conductive, electrically-resistive electrolyte/separator layer covering an inner or outer surface of a carbon-containing electrically-conductive hollow fiber and a catalyst along one side thereof, adding an anode that extends along at least part of a length of the structure, and adding a cathode that extends along at least part of the length of the structure, the cathode being on an opposite side of the hollow fiber as the anode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal separator for a fuel cell includes molding two plates such that each plate has a least one concave portion and at least one convex portion, applying a sealant to a sealing portion of at least one of the plates, arranging the plates such that the concave portions of each plate are opposite the convex portions of the other plate, and spot welding the plates together. The sealing portion may be near an edge of the separator, between a hydrogen manifold, an oxygen manifold, and a coolant manifold. A sealant leakage prevention groove may further be provided at the sealing portion. The sealing portion may be made by being inserted between a projection on a first mold and a recess on a second mold, and a spot welding gun may be inserted through a guide hole in one of the molds.

Abstract: Hybrid bipolar plate assemblies comprising a metal subassembly and a carbonaceous flow field insert can be used to provide for greater current densities from smaller volume fuel cell stacks. In particular, such hybrid bipolar plate assemblies allow for the combination of preferred oxidant channel structures, which can be formed in carbonaceous oxidant flow field inserts, with preferred smaller bipolar plate assembly thicknesses, which are possible with the use of metal plate subassemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and articles for coupling a fuel cell layer to a second structure. The fuel cell layer includes a superior fuel cell surface, an inferior fuel cell surface, and a perimeter fuel cell surface. An adhesive structure is adhered to the superior, inferior, and perimeter fuel cell surfaces to form a coupling or seal between the fuel cell layer and the second structure.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a separator and a power generating body. The separator and power generating body are laminated each other. The power generating body is equipped at least with an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell comprises: a sealing part that seals reaction gas supplied for electrochemical reactions at the fuel cell between the power generating body and the separator at an outer circumference part of the fuel cell, wherein a convex part and a recess are fit together in the sealing part. The convex part is formed projecting in the lamination direction on one of the power generating body and the separator, and the recess is formed recessed in the lamination direction on the other of the power generating body and the separator. At least one of the convex part and the recess is formed with a polymer material that expands with moisture absorption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell which can improve the overall performance of the cell and obtain durability and reliability, and the invention provides a solid oxide fuel cell comprising a reaction preventing layer and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode are comprised, and a material which is formed between the electrolyte and the anode comprises 35-90 mol % of gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) and 10-65 mol % metal oxide.

Abstract: An electrochemical system with reduced limiting-current behavior is disclosed. The electrochemical system is useful for fuel cells and bio-sensors. In part, the invention relates a method of reducing or eliminating limiting-current behavior in the operation electrochemical systems, in particular those with ion-selective membrane or electrochemical electrodes, by spatially reducing the convection near the membrane or the electrode. The invention further relates to electrochemical systems in which micropores, microarrays or pillar arrays are used to reduce convection in comparison to conventional systems without microarrays, micropores or pillar arrays.

Abstract: A bipolar plate (1) in combination with a sealant (50, 70) for a PEM fuel cell, wherein the bipolar plate (1) has an anode side with first flow channels (20) for transport of a proton-donating fuel or a cathode side with second flow channels (12) for transport of proton-accepting fluid, or both, wherein a sealant (50, 70) is provided parallel with the bipolar plate (1) for sealing the bipolar plate against an adjacent electrolytic membrane (40). The sealant (50, 70) has fluid channels (54a, 54b, 74a, 74b) across the sealant (50, 70) for transport of proton-donating fuel or proton-accepting fluid, respectively, across the sealant and along the bipolar plate.

Abstract: An alkali metal-oxygen cell includes a negative electrode, an oxygen electrode, and a separator configured to conduct alkali metal ions. To improve the cycling stability of the negative electrode and also the cycling stability, the life, the high-current loading capability, the pulse loading capability and the safety behavior of the cell, the negative electrode includes at least one alkali metal titanate. In particular the at least one alkali metal titanate is one into or from which an alkali metal can reversibly be intercalated and deintercalated.

Abstract: A cathode for a metal air battery includes a cathode structure having pores. The cathode structure has a metal side and an air side. The porosity decreases from the air side to the metal side. A metal air battery and a method of making a cathode for a metal air battery are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically conductive adhesive is disclosed for bonding anode and cathode flow field plates together for use in fuel cells. The adhesive formulation comprises epoxy methacrylate resin and non-fibrous carbon particles but little to no carbon fibres. The adhesive provides suitable strength, bond gap, conductivity and other properties, particularly for flow field plates made of flexible graphite, carbon, or metal.

Abstract: System and methods relating to a configuration for a fuel cell system having lower coolant path isolation resistances are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fuel cell system may include a first fuel cell substack comprising a first plurality of cells. The fuel cell system may further include a second fuel cell substack comprising a second plurality of cells. The first and second fuel cell substacks may share at least one terminal and/or share a common wet end. A coolant system may be coupled to the first fuel cell substack and the second fuel cell substack and be configured to remove heat generated by the first fuel cell substack and the second fuel cell stack during operation of the fuel cell system using a coolant.

Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an air electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support comprises forsterite and a nickel element. Ni and/or NiO fine particles are exposed on a surface of a sintered compact of the forsterite constituting the porous support.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for the storage of pressurized fluids for a fuel cell system, a liner for the pressurized vessel and a method of making. The method of manufacturing a pressure vessel includes forming a lost core assembly, a reinforcement structure around the assembly and removing the core from said assembly to define an internal compartment. The lost core assembly includes a first sacrificial material used to define the shape of the pressure vessel's internal compartment, boss attachable to the first material for the introduction and removal of the fluid into the pressure vessel, and a second material for placement around the first material and at least a portion of the boss such that upon removal of the sacrificial first material, the second material defines the liner. The reinforcement structure is wound around the liner to give the pressure vessel a unitary, composite structure.

Abstract: A storage element for a solid electrolyte energy store and a method of producing a storage element are provided. The storage element has a three-dimensional grid structure made of a material that comprises an electron-conducting redox pair.

Abstract: A device and method of forming a power generator includes a container, a fuel cell stack within the container, a metal hydride hydrogen producing fuel within the container, wherein the fuel cell stack is sandwiched between the container and an anode support surrounding the fuel and in close thermal contact with the fuel. The fuel cell stack has a cathode electrode for exposure to oxygen and an anode electrode for exposure to hydrogen. A cathode is electrically coupled to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on an outside of the container. An anode is electrically coupled to the anode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outside of the container spaced apart from the exposed cathode.

Abstract: A tungsten carbide structure includes tungsten carbide having a plate shaped structure and including a plurality of mesopores, a first carbon layer surrounding a surface of tungsten carbide and containing nitrogen, and a second carbon layer surrounding the first carbon layer and containing nitrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and further has a strontium element concentration of 0.02 mass % to 1 mass % both inclusive in terms of SrO based on the mass of the forsterite.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a membrane-electrode assembly having a proton-exchange membrane includes supplying a proton-exchange membrane, depositing cathodic electrocatalytic ink on a first face of a first gas diffusion layer, assembling the proton-exchange membrane with the first gas diffusion layer, including securing the first face of the first gas diffusion layer with a first face of the proton-exchange membrane, depositing anodic electrocatalytic ink on a second face of the proton-exchange membrane, the second face being opposite the first face, and assembling the second gas diffusion layer with the membrane, including securing a second face thereof with a first face of the second gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing unit cells of a solid oxide fuel cell through a process of attaching a fuel electrode reaction layer/electrolyte layer film assembly, manufactured using a tape casting method, onto a fuel electrode support (sintered body) which consists of the unit cells of the solid oxide fuel cell and which is manufactured using a tape casting method, a pressure method, a discharge plasma method, or the like.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a fuel battery in which an oxidoreductase has been fixed as a catalyst on at least one electrode of a negative electrode or a positive electrode, including conducting at least a step of preparing an electrode pattern, in which an electrode material containing at least electroconductive particles is printed on the surface of a bendable non-electroconductive sheet, and a step of preparing a negative electrode and a positive electrode, in which a negative electrode and a positive electrode are made by printing a predetermined oxidoreductase on the electrode pattern prepared in the step of preparing an electrode pattern.

Abstract: In an AMFC, in the formation of a CCM, the anode catalyst layer is selectively cross-linked while the cathode catalyst layer is not cross-linked. This has been found to provide structural stabilization of the CCM without loss of initial power value for a CCM without cross-linking.

Abstract: In some examples, solid oxide fuel cell system comprising a solid oxide fuel cell including an anode, an anode conductor layer, a cathode, a cathode conductor layer, and electrolyte, wherein the anode and the anode conductor layer each comprise nickel; and a sacrificial nickel source separate from that of the anode and anode conductor layer, wherein the sacrificial nickel source is configured to reduce the loss or migration of the nickel of the anode and/or the anode current collector in the fuel cell during operation

Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a first electrochemical cell including a first anode and a first cathode; a second electrochemical cell including a second anode and a second cathode; and an interconnect configured to conduct a flow of electrons from the first anode to the second cathode, wherein the interconnect comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is closer to the anode than the second portion, and the second portion is closer to the cathode than the first portion, wherein the first portion comprises one or more of doped ceria, doped lanthanum chromite, and doped yttrium chromite, and wherein the second portion comprises one or more of a Co—Mn spinel and a ABO3 perovskite.

Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a cathode, a cathode conductor layer adjacent the cathode, an electrolyte separated from the cathode conductor layer by the cathode, and an anode separated from the cathode by the electrolyte, wherein the anode, cathode conductor layer, cathode, and electrolyte are configured to form an electrochemical cell, and wherein at least one of cathode or the cathode conductor layer includes an exsolute oxide configured to capture Cr vapor species present in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes an anode with a catalyst layer and a gas inlet end, and a cathode with a catalyst layer and a gas inlet end. The assembly comprises a catalyst layer including a first and second set of catalyst segment pairs spaced apart respectively with first and second distances, a first ratio of an average segment width of the first set of catalyst segment pairs relative to the first distance being different from a second ratio of an average segment width of the second set of catalyst segment pairs relative to the second distance.

Abstract: A modular fuel cell system includes a metal base, a plurality of power modules arranged in a row on the base, a fuel processing module and a power conditioning module arranged on at least one end of the row on the base. Each of the plurality of power modules includes a separate cabinet comprising at least one fuel cell stack located in a hot box. The power modules are electrically and fluidly connected to the fuel processing and the power conditioning modules through the base.

Abstract: In some examples, a fuel cell comprising a cathode; an electrolyte; and an anode separated from the cathode by the electrolyte. The active, as-reduced anode includes Ni, La, Sr, Mn, and O, where the reduced anode includes a Ni phase constitution and a (La1-xSrx)n+1MnnO3n+1 compound having a Mn-based Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) phase constitution, wherein n is greater than zero, and wherein the anode, cathode, and electrolyte are configured to form an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a fuel storage tank for a fuel cell system used for storing various pressurized fluids having separate permeation characteristics for reducing permeation leakage during various temperature and pressure cycles. The fuel storage tank comprises a formed liner to define an inner cavity, as well as a boss connected to the liner, a reinforcement structure formed around a portion of the boss and the liner, a permeation bag affixed to a first securing member and inserted into the inner cavity of the liner. The first securing member is coupled with the boss and a second securing member is assembled to the boss adjacent the first securing member to secure a fluid tight connection between the permeation bag, the liner and the boss.

Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly a solid electrolyte type-structure including a first electrode, an electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode and is formed on one single face of a porous metal support. The electrolyte membrane is obtained by firing a first electrolyte film formed on the first electrode and a second electrolyte film, which has a higher degree of fluidity than the degree of fluidity of the first electrolyte film.