Abstract: Diffusion media for use in PEM fuel cells are provided with silicone coatings. The media are made of a porous electroconductive substrate, a first hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer coating adhered to the substrate, and a second coating comprising a hydrophobic silicone polymer adhered to the substrate. The substrate is preferably a carbon fiber paper, the hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer is PTFE or similar polymer, and the silicone is moisture curable.

Abstract: An electrode, a method of producing the same, and a fuel cell including the electrode are disclosed. The electrode includes: a support; and a catalyst layer formed on the support, the catalyst layer includes: a support catalyst; and a proton conductor having an amorphous phase greater than about 60% by weight. The proton conductor includes: at least one material from the group of B2O3, ZrO2, SiO2, WO3, and MoO3; and P2O5, the proton conductor being 0.5-60 parts by weight where the support catalyst is 100 parts by weight. The proton conductor can be synthesized at a low enough temperature so that it can be applied to the support with catalyst particles to form a catalyst layer. The coated proton conductor is in a solid state so the fuel cell is stable over time and it does not obstruct a fuel gas so that the catalyst can be more efficiently used.

Abstract: Provided are a method for forming a cathode active material powder for a lithium secondary cell, and a cathode active material powder prepared using the method. According to the method, a coating layer consisting of a combination of a water-soluble polymer and a metal oxide may be formed on the particle surface of the cathode active material, thereby forming a uniform thickness of the coating layer. Thus, the elution of manganese may be prevented, thereby improving the capacity of the cathode active material and providing excellent cycle characteristics.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a fuel cell catalyst layer which has a large specific surface area and high activity and which includes the steps of: forming a dendritic structural member including a catalyst precursor by a vapor phase method; providing a coating layer on a surface of the dendritic structural member; and subjecting the dendritic structural member having the coating layer provided thereon to a reduction treatment. The dendritic structural member including a catalyst precursor is a dendritic structural member including platinum oxide or a dendritic structural member containing a composite oxide of platinum oxide and an element except platinum.

Abstract: An electrically conductive cellulose composite includes a cellulose matrix and an electrically conductive carbonaceous material incorporated into the cellulose matrix. The electrical conductivity of the cellulose composite is at least 10 ?S/cm at 25° C. The composite can be made by incorporating the electrically conductive carbonaceous material into a culture medium with a cellulose-producing organism, such as Gluconoacetobacter hansenii. The composites can be used to form electrodes, such as for use in membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells.

Abstract: Microfluidic biofuel cells comprising a bioanode and/or a biocathode are formed using microfluidic principles and soft lithography. The enzymes utilized in the redox reactions at the bioanode and/or the biocathode are stabilized in a micellar or inverted micellar structure. The biofuel cell is used to produce high power densities.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of a catalytic composition that comprises a carbonated structuring material (MSC) associated with a catalyst (CAT). The invention comprises mixing a solution of a first solvent (SOL1) including the carbonated structuring material (MSC) and a solution of a second solvent (SOL2) including the catalyst (CAT), and agitating (AGM) the resulting mixture up to the precipitation if the catalyst on the carbonated structuring material. According to one aspect, the catalyst and the structuring material are not soluble in the mixture of the first and second solvents. The composition thus obtained can be used after filtration as a material for an electrode in a fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrode for hydrogen generation can maintain a low hydrogen overvoltage for a long period of time even when electrolysis is conducted there not only with a low current density but also with a high current density. The electrode for hydrogen generation has a coating layer formed on a conductive base member by applying a material not containing any chlorine atom prepared by dissolving lanthanum carboxylate in a nitric acid solution of ruthenium nitrate and thermally decomposing the material in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: A support wafer made of silicon wafer comprising, on a first surface a porous silicon layer having protrusions, porous silicon pillars extending from the porous silicon layer to the second surface of the wafer, in front of each protrusion. Layers constituting a fuel cell can be formed on the support wafer.

Abstract: An adhesion layer containing a second solid polymer electrolyte is disposed between a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and a fuel electrode and/or an oxidant electrode containing a first solid polymer electrolyte and a catalyst substance. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the adhesion layer are made of the same solid polymer electrolyte. In this manner, the adhesion at the interface between the electrode surface and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is enhanced to implement the elevation of the cell characteristics and the elevation of the reliability of the cell.

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

Abstract: An organic/inorganic composite separator includes a porous substrate having a plurality of pores; and a porous coating layer formed on at least one surface of the porous substrate with a plurality of inorganic particles and a binder polymer. The binder polymer is a copolymer including: (a) a first monomer unit having a contact angle to a water drop in the range from 0° to 49°; and (b) a second monomer unit having a contact angle to a water drop in the range from 50° to 130°. This organic/inorganic composite separator has excellent thermal stability, so it may restrain an electric short circuit between a cathode and an anode. In addition, the separator may prevent inorganic particles in the porous coating layer from being extracted during an assembling process of an electrochemical device, thereby improving stability of an electrochemical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a microbial fuel cell, wherein the method includes: (i) inoculating an anodic liquid medium in contact with an anode of the microbial fuel cell with one or more types of microorganisms capable of functioning by an exoelectrogenic mechanism; (ii) establishing a biofilm of the microorganisms on and/or within the anode along with a substantial absence of planktonic forms of the microorganisms by substantial removal of the planktonic microorganisms during forced flow and recirculation conditions of the anodic liquid medium; and (iii) subjecting the microorganisms of the biofilm to a growth stage by incorporating one or more carbon-containing nutritive compounds in the anodic liquid medium during biofilm formation or after biofilm formation on the anode has been established.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a gas electrode, including a deposited layer, and a counter electrode. The gas electrode is an electrode that either utilizes a gas as the active material that is reduced by the gas electrode or produces a gas by oxidation at the gas electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the gas electrode is a thin film electrode including a deposited current collector and deposited active material oxidation or reduction layer. A control layer can be disposed between the gas electrode and the counter electrode to control the diffusion of electrolyte into the gas electrode. Methods for making electrochemical cells having gas electrodes are disclosed.

Abstract: A microfibrous fuel cell structure of elongated form with a longitudinal axis. Such microfibrous fuel cell includes electrocatalyst layers supported by a fiber network formed of unidirectional or substantially unidirectional conductive fibers. The conductive fibers of such fiber network are oriented parallelly or substantially parallelly to the longitudinal axis of the fuel cell, therefore allowing such fiber network to conform to the curvature of the microfibrous fuel cell along the radial direction but without causing overbending of the individual fibers.

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 an adsorbate material adsorbed on the surface of the electrode. The adsorbate is substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable. The surface of the electrode can be microroughened and include, for example, a plurality of adatoms or clusters of adatoms of a metallic material. The adatoms or clusters of adatoms form sites for photocatalysis of electroreduction when the electrode is irradiated with a light source. The invention also includes a method for making 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: The invention is a heptazine modified photocatalyst based on titanium dioxide that is photoactive in the visible range, also referred to as TiO2—(N?C)x below. The new photocatalyst permits pollutant degradation not only with artificial visible light but also with the diffuse daylight in rooms The invention also is a method for manufacturing a heptazine modified titanium dioxide (TiO2—(N?C)x) that is effective as a photocatalyst when irradiated with visible light.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst, suitable for use in a fuel cell, comprises an alloy having a single crystalline phase, wherein the alloy consists of 5-95 at % palladium, 5-95 at % ruthenium and less than 10 at % of other metals, provided that the alloy does not consist of 50 at % palladium and 50 at % ruthenium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing a catalyst slurry for fuel cells, in which nano-sized catalyst particles are dispersed uniformly at a high concentration and the adsorption force between the catalyst and ionomer is maximized. The resulting catalyst slurry is suitable for the manufacture of a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) of a polymer electrolyte (or proton exchange) membrane fuel cell (PEMFC).

Abstract: A method of making an electrode structure is provided. The method includes disposing an electrocatalytic material on an electrode, applying heat to the electrocatalytic material to form a volatile oxide of the electrocatalytic material, and applying a voltage to the electrode to reduce the volatile oxide to provide a number of nano-sized electrocatalytic particles on or proximate to a triple phase boundary, where the number of nano-sized electrocatalytic particles is greater on or proximate to the triple phase boundary than in an area that is not on or proximate to the triple phase boundary, and where the triple phase boundary is disposed on the electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides and a highly-dispersed supported catalyst that has a reduced average particle size of catalytic metal particles and is also supported by a porous support material. A method of preparing a supported catalyst that can reduce the average particle size of catalytic metal particles supported by a support material includes first mixing a charged support material with a solution containing a polymer electrolyte having a charge opposite to that of the support material to adsorb the polymer electrolyte on the support material. Next, the support material having the polymer electrolyte adsorbed thereon is mixed with a solution containing a catalytic metal precursor ion having a charge opposite to that of the polymer electrolyte to adsorb the catalytic metal precursor ion on the support material having the polymer electrolyte adsorbed on it.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel process for the fabrication of a class of conductive supported electrocatalysts based on transition metals. The electrocatalysts are formed by pyrolysis of an organometallic polymer complex precursor which is the reaction product of transition metal salts and a templating polymer. The electrocatalysts has enhanced catalytic activity, and are useful in the preparation of supercapacitor and fuel cell electrodes, auto-thermal fuel reformer catalysts, oxygen and hydrogen sensors, zinc-air battery electrode and oxidation catalysts.

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: In a fuel cell including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, at least one of the electrodes has an electrically conductive nanocolumn that is oriented with an inclination of 60° or less with respect to a planar direction of the electrolyte membrane, a catalyst supported on the electrically conductive nanocolumn, and an electrolyte resin coating the electrically conductive nanocolumn.

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

Abstract: Electrodes for use in direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs) comprise, in sequence: an electrically conductive gas diffusion layer; a catalyst layer; and a proton-conducting layer. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) comprise cathode and anode electrodes of such type sandwiching a proton conductive polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM), with the proton-conducting layer of the electrodes in contact with opposite surfaces of the PEM. Also disclosed is a method for fabricating the MEAs.

Abstract: Featured are novel heterocycle substituted hydroquinones, aromatic copolymers and homopolymers bearing main and side chain polar pyridine units. These polymers exhibit good mechanical properties, high thermal and oxidative stability, high doping ability and high conductivity values. These novel polymers can be used in the preparation and application of MEA on PEMFC type single cells. The combination of the above mentioned properties indicate the potential of the newly prepared materials to be used as electrolytes in high temperature PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, comprising a first support step of producing metallic fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.5 nm provided at regulated particle intervals on an electroconductive carbon carrier, and a second support step of growing a metal identical to or dissimilar to the metal using the metallic fine particles as a nucleus. In the first support step, the metallic fine particles are supported by an immersion method. The above constitution can provide an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has a high level of percentage support, has a high level of dispersibility, and has improved methanol oxidation activity per weight of the catalyst. Further, when treatment in an atmosphere containing hydrogen is carried out at a low temperature below 100° C., the methanol oxidation activity per active surface area can be improved without lowering the active area.

Abstract: Provided are an electrocatalyst for a fuel cell having a large amount of catalyst metal particles supported on a carbon support and maintaining a high-dispersity state and a method of preparing the same. The electrocatalyst is characterized by being composed of catalyst metal particles having a secondary structure composed of at least one kind of primary metal particles having a particle diameter of 0.1 to 1.5 nm, or the catalyst metal particles having a core-shell structure of which the core is composed of metal particles having a particle diameter of 2.0 nm or less, and carbon particles. The method of preparing the electrocatalyst, including a first loading step for producing the core of catalyst metal particles wherein distances between the particles are controlled to 2.0 nm or less on a support and a second loading step for growing the catalyst metal particles, enables the amount of metal loaded on the support to increase without causing aggregation of the catalyst metal particles in the end.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode catalyst for fuel cells, achieving enhanced utilization efficiency of the catalyst. Also disclosed are an electrode for fuel cells by use of the catalyst and a fuel cell. The electrode catalyst for fuel cells is featured in that a compound having at least one functional group and at least one proton-accepting group in the molecule is adsorbed onto a metal catalyst, and the functional group being partially or wholly constituted of a sulfur element or a nitrogen element as its constituent atoms.

Abstract: Electrode catalyst of carbon nitride nanotubes supported by platinum and ruthenium nanoparticles have been produced by a simple, rapid, effective and green process: taking use of the affinity of carbon nitride nanotubes to platinum and ruthenium atoms, Pt and Ru nanoparticles could be directly deposited on carbon nitride nanotubes by the reduction reaction, hereby avoiding the pre-activation or modification process needed by carbon nanotubes. The electrode catalysts produced in this way are suitable for proton exchange membrane fuel cells or direct methanol fuel cells, as well as other chemical reactions catalyzed by Pt and Ru.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a binder composition for a fuel cell including a proton conductor and one or more binders selected from the group consisting of poly[2,2?-(m-phenylene)-5,5?-bibenzimidazole] (PBI), poly[2,5-benzimidazole] (ABPBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), and polybenzothiazole (PBT).

Abstract: A catalyst ink composition for a fuel cell electrode is provided. The catalyst ink composition includes: an ionomer; at least one solvent; a quantity of nanostructured thin film support cores; a catalyst formed from a precious metal, the catalyst coated onto the nanostructured thin film support cores; and a quantity of particles. The particles are configured to provide an electrode porosity that militates against excess water accumulation in the electrode formed from the ink composition upon a drying thereof. An electrode for a fuel cell and a method of fabricating the electrode with the catalyst ink composition are also provided.

Abstract: Although nanoparticles capable of providing an extremely large active surface area have highly marked advantages, when a PEFC electrode utilizing nanoparticles is used for a prolonged period of time, the catalyst nanoparticles on carrier of the PEFC electrode because of the nano-size thereof migrate and aggregate together to result in a rapid loss of activity. Thus, there is a demand for inhibition of the above aggregation so as to prevent any drop of catalytic activity. According to the present invention the aggregation of nanoparticles can be inhibited by catalyst nanoparticles containing Pt wherein a porous matter containing an inorganic oxide is disposed on the surface of the catalyst nanoparticles. When use is made of nanoparticles whose surface has undergone specific modification, excellent activity can be realized. Therefore, there are provided surface-modified nanoparticles and catalyst and further a PEFC electrode utilizing these nanoparticles.

Abstract: This invention discloses a catalyst layer which is formed at first incorporating sulfonated amorphous carbons and later the sulfonated amorphous carbons are removed. In addition, said sulfonated amorphous carbons show 13C NMR spectrum which has chemical shifts indicating carbons of a condensed aromatic 6-membered ring to which sulfonic groups are attached and are not attached respectively, and a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum which has a peak corresponding to the carbon's (002) plane at 5-30 degrees of half-value width (2?).

Abstract: Encapsulated electrode catalyst particles 30 has electrode catalyst particles 20 encapsulated by a resin 15 with external stimulus responsiveness, specifically, it has a coated structure. The electrode catalyst particles 20 are particles for which a carbon supported catalyst 21 and an electrolyte 22 are almost uniformly dispersed. The electrode catalyst particles 20 are coated with a resin 15 which has external stimulus responsiveness. After forming a thin film using encapsulated electrode catalyst particles 30, an electrode sheet formed by removing the capsule element by applying an external stimulus to the thin film is transferred onto the electrolyte membrane, and an electrode catalyst layer is formed. By doing this, it is possible to suppress agglomeration of the electrode catalyst particles and degradation of the electrode catalyst, so it is possible to improve composition stability of the electrode catalytic ink and also possible to reduce costs.

Abstract: The processes include: a layer superposition step in which the step of sputtering or vapor-depositing a mixture layer including a first pore-forming metal and a catalyst metal on a substrate and the step of forming an interlayer of a second pore-forming metal or a fibrous-carbon interlayer are alternately conducted repeatedly two or more times to thereby form a multilayer structure containing mixture layers and interlayers; and a pore formation step in which after the layer superposition step, the multilayer structure is subjected to a pore formation treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte composition comprising a polymer electrolyte (A component) having an ion exchange capacity of from 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a compound (B component) having a thioether group and a compound (C component) having an azole ring, wherein a mass ratio (B/C) of the B component to the C component is 1/99 to 99/1, and a total content of the B component and C component is 0.01 to 50% by mass based on the solid content in the polymer electrolyte composition.

Abstract: A catalyst ink composition for a fuel cell electrode is provided. The catalyst ink composition includes a plurality of electrically conductive support particles; a catalyst formed from a finely divided precious metal, the catalyst supported by the conductive support particles; an ionomer; at least one solvent; and a reinforcing material configured to bridge and distribute stresses across the electrically conductive support particles of the ink composition upon a drying thereof. An electrode for a fuel cell and a method of fabricating the electrode with the catalyst ink composition are also provided.

Abstract: A methanol-tolerant cathode catalyst and a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells that includes such a cathode catalyst. The cathode catalyst includes a support having at least one transition metal in elemental form and a chalcogen disposed on the support. Methods of making the cathode catalyst and membrane electrode assembly are also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to palladium-cobalt particles useful as oxygen-reducing electrocatalysts. The invention also relates to oxygen-reducing cathodes and fuel cells containing these palladium-cobalt particles. The invention additionally relates to methods for the production of electrical energy by using the palladium-cobalt particles of the invention.

Abstract: An enzyme electrode that enables to enhance the rate of charge transfer from a redox center of an enzyme and catalytic current is provided. An enzyme electrode capable of increasing catalytic current by increasing the rate of charge transfer from an enzyme using an enzyme/metal fine particle complex in which part of a metal fine particle is incorporated into the enzyme can be provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst comprising the steps of: providing a gold-silver alloy article, removing the silver from the article by immersing the article in a de-alloying solution to form a nanoporous gold (NPG) article with a plurality of nanopores followed by cleaning the surface of the NPG article and removing the de-alloying solution from the nanopores with deionized water. An electrode is attached to the NPG article and a monoatomic layer/lower layer of copper, silver, or lead, is deposited onto the surface of and within the nanopores of the NPG article by immersing the NPG article in an ion solution to form an M-NPG article. The M-NPG article is removed from the ion solution and the monoatomic/lower layer is replaced with platinum ions by immersing the M-NPG article into a platinum ion solution followed by cleaning the electrode and the NPG-Pt article with deionized water.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst for an electrochemical cell of the present invention includes a metal catalyst containing metal that has a metal oxidation potential of 0.5V or higher to 1.5V or lower, and is directly involved in an electrode reaction. Further, the electrocatalyst includes an aromatic heterocyclic compound having a six-membered cyclic structure containing a heteroatom, wherein the heteroatom has a metal coordination capacity that is not directly involved in the electrode reaction. The aromatic heterocyclic compound is heterogeneously adsorbed and coordinated on a surface of the metal catalyst while interposing the heteroatom therebetween.

Abstract: A method of forming a sol-gel derived catalyst thin film on an electrolyte substrate includes forming a cathode precursor sol and/or composite cathode slurry, depositing the cathode precursor sol or slurry on the electrolyte and drying the deposited film to form a green film, and heating the green film to form a sol-gel derived catalyst thin film. An electrochemical cell such as a solid oxide fuel cell can include the sol-gel derived catalyst thin film.

Abstract: A method of making a five-layer membrane electrode assembly is provided which includes the steps of: providing a catalyst coated membrane web; providing a laminating station wherein the catalyst coated membrane web is drawn between a pair of laminating rollers which form a laminating nip; die-cutting first and second webs of gas diffusion layer material to make first and second gas diffusion layers; feeding first and second gas diffusion layers into the laminating nip adjacent to the catalyst coated membrane web; and laminating the first gas diffusion layer, catalyst coated membrane web and second gas diffusion layer to form a laminate.

Abstract: A diffusion media and micro-porous media combination for a fuel cell. A diffusion layer is composed of a diffusion media and has a first (electrode) side and an opposite second (flowfield) side, wherein at least one of the first and second sides has a geometric pattern formed therein comprising a multiplicity of mutually spaced apart regions. A micro-porous media fills the multiplicity of regions and a micro-porous layer composed of the micro-porous media is continuously applied to the first surface.