Abstract: Accordingly, in various embodiments, the present invention provides methods for making electrochemically active materials. Methods include making an electrochemically active material by reacting a platinum group metal salt in a organic solvent to yield a mixture, then heating the mixture to create a metal-organic solvent complex and an acid, followed by removing at least a portion of the acid, and yielding an electrochemically active material comprising the metal-organic solvent complex. In an exemplary embodiment, the resulting electrochemically active material may be used for coating an electrode.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catalyst layer that has good long-term water resistance and a method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly. The method for manufacturing a catalyst layer includes the processes of: (1) attaching an Si compound comprising Si, —OH bound to the Si or a group that is bound to the Si and becomes —OH upon hydrolysis, and a hydrophobic group to a surface of a catalyst precursor layer comprising at least platinum oxide; (2) attaching a mixture comprising a metal compound having a metal atom and —OH bound to the metal atom or a group that is bound to the metal atom and becomes —OH upon hydrolysis and a proton conductive polymer electrolyte to the surface of the catalyst precursor layer to which the Si compound has been attached; and (3) reducing the catalyst precursor layer to which the mixture has been attached.

Abstract: A fuel cell cathode catalyst is provided comprising nanostructured elements comprising microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles; wherein the catalyst comprises platinum and manganese and at least one other metal selected from the group consisting of Group VIb metals, Group VIIb metals and Group VIIIb metals other than platinum and manganese; wherein the volume ratio of platinum to the sum of all other metals in the catalyst is between about 1 and about 4 and wherein the Mn content is equal to or greater than about 5 micrograms/cm2 areal density. Typically, the volume ratio of manganese to the at least one other metal is between 10:90 and 90:10. Typically, the at least one other metal is Ni or Co. In addition, a fuel cell MBA comprising the present cathode catalyst is provided. In addition, methods of making the present cathode catalyst are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing catalyst layer of membrane electrode assembly MEA. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method manufacturing for catalyst layer of MEA, which can improve performance of the MEA by separating the two substances that consist of the catalyst layer according to the density differences.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a cathode active material capable of reducing degradation in an operation voltage and capacity as compared conventionally when used for a lithium ion secondary battery, and a method for manufacturing the same. The cathode active material contains a composite oxide of lithium and a transition metal (s), wherein a reduction loss of TLC in the composite oxide is 20 to 60%. Also, the composite oxide has a particle diameter of 0.5 to 100 ?m, and is preferably fluorinated. The method for manufacturing the cathode active material includes the step of fluorinating the cathode active material. The composite oxide has a particle diameter of 0.5 to 100 ?m. The fluorinating step is to fluorinate the composite oxide in a reaction vessel under conditions where fluorine gas partial pressure is 1 to 200 kPa, a reaction time is 10 minutes to 10 days, and a reaction temperature is ?10 to 200° C.

Abstract: Provided is a membrane and electrode assembly excellent in adhesion between the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer. A membrane and electrode assembly comprising an electrolyte membrane and an electrode comprising a catalyst layer on at least one surface of the electrolyte membrane, wherein the electrolyte membrane contacts the catalyst layer via an ion-exchangeable polymer obtained by subjecting polymerizable monomers to surface graft polymerization.

Abstract: A cathode for an air recovery alkaline battery is disclosed. The cathode contains at least about 60% by weight MnO2 and at least about 2% by weight of a hydrophobic polymer; the MnO2 consists essentially of electrochemically synthesized MnO2.

Abstract: A method of production of highly alloyed supported or unsupported platinum-ruthenium catalysts by simultaneous precipitation of the corresponding hydrous oxides or hydroxides and subsequent reduction wherein the simultaneous precipitation of platinum and ruthenium hydrous oxides is made possible by mixing two separate precursor solutions of the two metals, one in acidic and the other in basic environment, until reaching a near-neutral pH at which both hydrous oxide species are insoluble.

Abstract: A method for forming a patterned noble metal coating on a gas diffusion medium substantially free of ionomeric components comprising subjecting an electrically conductive web with a patterned mask overlaid thereto to a first ion beam having an energy not higher than 500 eV, and to a second beam having an energy of at least 500 eV, containing the ions of at least one noble metal and a gas diffusion electrode.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanoporous material, the method comprising the steps of: (i) heating a substrate in the presence of at least one reducing agent and at least one precursor solution; and (ii) cooling the resulting nanoporous material. The nanoporous material may be used for detection of a substrate, for an electrode in a fuel cell, and as a catalyst in the electro-oxidation of an organic species.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst having high activity and excellent stability, a process for preparation of the catalyst, a membrane electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The catalyst of the present invention comprises an electronically conductive support and catalyst fine particles. The catalyst fine particles are supported on the support and are represented by the formula (1): PtuRuxGeyTz (1). In the formula, u, x, y and z mean 30 to 60 atm %, 20 to 50 atm %, 0.5 to 20 atm % and 0.5 to 40 atm %, respectively. When the element represented by T is Al, Si, Ni, W, Mo, V or C, the content of the T-element's atoms connected with oxygen bonds is not more than four times as large as that of the T-element's atoms connected with metal bonds on the basis of X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a catalyst material that supports active species densely, thereby having higher catalytic performance and serviceability as, for example, an electrode for fuel cells. To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a process for preparing a catalyst material, including: an electrochemical polymerization step of electrochemically polymerizing a heteromonocyclic compound so that the surface of a conductive material is coated with polynuclear complex molecules derived from the heteromonocyclic compound; and a metallation step of coordinating a catalytic metal to the coating layer of the polynuclear complex molecules, characterized in that the potential applied in the electrochemical polymerization is 0.8 to 1.5 V.

Abstract: A method of making ceramic electrode materials comprising intimate mixtures of two or more components, including at least one nanoscale ionically conducting ceramic electrolyte material (e.g., yttrium-stabilized zirconia, gadolinium-doped ceria, samarium-doped ceria, etc.) and at least one powder of an electrode material, which may be an electrically conducting ceramic electrode material (e.g., lanthanum strontium manganite, praseodymium strontium manganese iron oxide, lanthanum strontium ferrite, lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite, etc.) or a precursor of a metallic electrode material (e.g., nickel oxide, copper oxide, etc.). The invention also includes anode and cathode coatings and substrates for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to perovskite oxide electrode materials in which one or more of the elements Mg, Ni, Cu, and Zn are present as minority components that enhance electrochemical performance, as well as electrode products with these compositions and methods of making the electrode materials. Such electrodes are useful in electrochemical system applications such as solid oxide fuel cells, ceramic oxygen generation systems, gas sensors, ceramic membrane reactors, and ceramic electrochemical gas separation systems.

Abstract: Provided are a supported catalyst, an electrode including the same, and a fuel cell using the electrode. The supported catalyst includes a carbon-based catalyst support and metal catalyst particles having an average diameter of 3.5 to 5 nm and an amount of 80 to 90 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the supported catalyst in a multi-layer structure adsorbed on a surface of the carbon-based catalyst support. In the supported catalyst of the present invention, as small metal catalyst particles with an average diameter of 3.5 to 5 nm are dispersed with high concentration, high dispersion, and the multi-layer structure, catalytic efficiency is increased. A fuel cell having improved energy density and fuel efficiency characteristics can be prepared using an electrode formed using the supported catalyst.

Abstract: A fuel cell, characterized in that a complex-forming compound capable of forming a complex with hydrogen peroxide is dispersed as an additive into a membrane electrode assembly. Ti(SO4)2 is preferred as the complex-forming compound. Harmful hydrogen peroxide generated during fuel cell operation can be removed from the cell so that deterioration of the electrolyte membrane or the electrolyte in the electrode catalyst layer by hydrogen peroxide is suppressed, whereby a fuel cell having improved durability can be obtained.

Abstract: A method of preparing a platinum alloy catalyst for a fuel cell electrode includes: (a) adding a carbon material, a platinum precursor, and a transition metal precursor to ethanol and dispersing the mixture; (b) adding sodium acetate powder or an ammonia solution containing ethanol as a solvent to the solution obtained in step (a) and stirring the resulting solution; (c) adding sodium borohydride to the solution obtained in step (b) and reducing the metal ions of the platinum precursor and the transition metal precursor; and (d) obtaining a platinum alloy catalyst in the form of powder through washing and drying processes. This method can reduce the amount of platinum to be used for manufacturing a fuel cell electrode and thereby reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a supported catalyst comprising nanostructured elements which comprise microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles, where the method comprises step a) of vacuum deposition of material from at least a first carbon target in the presence of nitrogen and step b) of vacuum deposition of material from a second target comprising at least one transition metal, the second target comprising no precious metals. In one embodiment, step a) is carried out prior to step b). In another embodiment, steps a) and b) are carried out simultaneously. Typically the deposition steps are carried out in the absence of oxygen. Typically, the transition metal is iron or cobalt, and most typically iron. The present disclosure also provides a supported catalyst comprising nanostructured elements which comprise microstructured support whiskers bearing nanoscopic catalyst particles made according to the present method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst for the catalytic combustion of hydrocarbons, in particular methane, wherein: a hexaaluminate of the formula MO.6Al2O3, where M is at least one alkaline earth metal and the at least one alkaline earth metal and the aluminum can also be partly replaced by at least one other metal, is prepared; and the hexaaluminate is milled to an average particle size D50 of less than 3 ?m. The invention further relates to a catalyst as can be obtained by the process of the invention, a catalytic burner containing the catalyst and a fuel cell arrangement comprising the catalytic burners.

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cell including an anode which has a cermet activated by a catalyst for hydrocarbon oxidation, process for the preparation thereof, and method for the production of energy exploiting it.

Abstract: Electrocatalyst durability has been recently recognized as one of the most important issues that have to be addressed before the commercialization of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The present invention is directed to a new class of cathode catalysts based on supportless platinum nanotubes (PtNTs) and platinum alloy nanotubes, for example, platinum-palladium nanotubes (PtPdNTs), that have remarkable durability and high catalytic activity. Due to their unique combination of dimensions at multiple length scales, the platinum nanotubes of the present invention can provide high platinum surface area due to their nanometer-sized wall thickness, and have the potential to eliminate or alleviate most of the degradation pathways of the commercial carbon supported platinum catalyst (Pt/C) and unsupported platinum-black (PtB) as a result of their micrometer-sized length.

Abstract: A fuel cell reforming catalyst includes a platinum-group metal; an inorganic oxide selected from CeO2, Pr6O11, and combinations thereof; a strong acid ion; and a carrier. The fuel cell reforming catalyst has high activity for the reforming reaction at low temperatures and low space velocities.

Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to secure the sufficient presence of a three-phase interface on a carbon carrier, where reaction gas, catalysts, and electrolytes meet so as to improve efficiency of catalysts used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a catalyst for a fuel cell comprising: a step for forming an inverted micelle consisting of an aqueous solution containing the iridium compound clathrated by a surfactant, by mixing an organic solvent containing said surfactant, and the aqueous solution containing said iridium compound; a step for forming a fine iridium particle aggregate by insolubilization treatment of said iridium compound; a step for impregnating said fine iridium particle aggregate with an aqueous solution containing a platinum compound; a step for obtaining a solution containing the inverted micelle clathrating the fine iridium particle aggregate containing platinum by reducing said platinum compound and depositing platinum metal in said fine iridium particle aggregate; a step for supporting said fine iridium particle aggregate containing platinum on a conductive carrier by dispersing said conductive carrier in said solution; and a step for firing the conductive carrier whereon said

Abstract: To smoothly deliver a thermal energy required in an active site of a catalyst carried on a carrier. A method of manufacturing a catalyst carrier of the present invention includes the steps of: forming a mixed thin film in which at least metal and ceramics are mixed on a metal base, by spraying aerosol, with metal powders and ceramics powders mixed therein, on the metal base; and making the mixed thin film porous, by dissolving the metal of the mixed thin film into acid or alkaline solution to remove this metal.

Abstract: An electrode catalyst comprising a conductive carrier, and a mixture containing a particulate noble metal and at least one particulate rare-earth oxide, the mixture being supported on the conductive carrier wherein the particulate rare-earth oxide has an alkaline-earth metal as solid solution therein.

Abstract: A catalyst particle having high oxygen reduction reactivity and low methanol oxidation reactivity, a supported catalyst comprising the catalyst particle, and a fuel cell using a cathode comprising the supported catalyst are provided. The whole catalyst particle or at least the surface of the catalyst particle includes an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, and Cd. The alloy has a stronger oxygen-binding force than platinum or a weaker hydrogen-binding force than platinum.

Abstract: An anode structure for lithium batteries includes nanofeatured silicon particulates dispersed in a conductive network. The particulates are preferably made from metallurgical grade silicon powder via HF/HNO3 acid treatment, yielding crystallite sizes from about 1 to 20 nm and pore sizes from about 1 to 100 nm. Surfaces of the particles may be terminated with selected chemical species to further modify the anode performance characteristics. The conductive network is preferably a carbonaceous material or composite, but it may alternatively contain conductive ceramics such as TiN or B4C. The anode structure may further contain a current collector of copper or nickel mesh or foil.

Abstract: Processes for forming catalyst particles utilizing a defoamer are described. Also described are processes for forming catalysts, where the processes comprise providing a correlation between defoamer concentration and catalyst particle morphology, and determining an amount of defoamer to include in a precursor composition to obtain the target morphology based on the correlation.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes at least one electrode operatively disposed in the fuel cell, and having a catalytically active surface. The present invention further includes a mechanism for maintaining a substantially uniform maximum catalytic activity over the surface of the electrode.

Abstract: The carbon fibers of this invention is characterized in that irreducible inorganic material particles in a mean primary particle size below 500 nm and reducible inorganic material particles in a mean primary particle size below 500 nm were mixed by pulverizing and then, the mixture was heat treated under the reducing atmosphere and metal particles in a mean particle size below 1 ?m were obtained, and the mixed powder of the thus obtained metal particles with the irreducible inorganic material particles are included in the carbon fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is process for the production of catalyst coated membranes, and catalyst coated membranes having a first electrode that is visually more reflective than the second electrode. The catalyst coated membranes are useful in electrochemical cells, and especially in fuel cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell reaction layer which is excellent in durability and heat resistance while having a low operation temperature. In addition, supply of an oxygen gas to the fuel cell reaction layer is hardly disturbed. Also disclosed are a fuel cell and a method for producing such a fuel cell reaction layer. Specifically disclosed is a fuel cell reaction layer wherein a mixed conductive catalyst, which is obtained by loading a Pt catalyst onto a mixed conductive carrier wherein an electron conductor composed of carbon and a proton conductor composed of a phosphoric acid condensate are hybridized, is used. In addition, a water-repellent carbon is further blended in this fuel cell reaction layer. The mixed conductive carrier is obtained by carbonizing a polymer precursor which is obtained by mixing and copolymerizing a resorcinol and trimethyl phosphate.

Abstract: To provide a membrane/electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which has a high power generation performance in an environment ranging from a low humidity to a high humidity and is scarcely susceptible to deterioration in the performance of the electrode even when fuel becomes deficient.

Abstract: A metal-polymer-carbon composite catalyst for use as a cathode electrocatalyst in fuel cells. The catalyst includes a heteroatomic polymer; a transition metal linked to the heteroatomic polymer by one of nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus, and a recast ionomer dispersed throughout the heteroatomic polymer-carbon composite. The method includes forming a heteroatomic polymer-carbon composite and loading the transition metal onto the composite. The invention also provides a method of making a membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell that includes the metal-polymer-carbon composite catalyst.

Abstract: To provide an electrode for a polymer electrolyte membrane having high gas diffusion performance, a membrane/electrode assembly, and a process for producing a nonwoven structure for a catalyst layer, which can produce the membrane/electrode assembly inexpensively and easily. The catalyst layer 11 of the electrode comprises a nonwoven structure of an ion-exchangeable fluoropolymer fiber, wherein the fiber diameter of the fiber is from 0.1 to 30 ?m, and the bulk density of the nonwoven structure is from 0.1 to 1.1 g/cc. The nonwoven structure is produced by forming fiber from a fiber spinning stock solution containing the ion-exchangeable fluoropolymer by an electrical field fiber spinning method, followed by gathering the fiber. A catalyst is blended in the fiber spinning stock solution or is adhered on the nonwoven structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a noble metal particle with an improved methanol-oxidation property. This noble metal particle has a platinum particle and ruthenium particles deposited on only part of the surface of the platinum particle. This noble metal particle suitably can be produced by precipitating the ruthenium particles out of the solution so that the ruthenium particles are deposited on only part of the surface of the platinum particle by further adding a ruthenium salt into the solution and reducing the ruthenium salt after the reduction of the platinum salt in the solution essentially is completed. This noble metal particle is suitable as a catalyst to be supported on an electrode of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell typified by a direct methanol fuel cell.

Abstract: Methods are provided for easily obtaining a high performance electrode without using an organic solvent for making an ink of an electrode catalyst or a surfactant for making an ink of a water repellent carbon material. The methods of manufacturing an electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprise (a) a step of adhering a polymer electrolyte or a water repellent material to fine electrically conductive particles, and granulating the electrically conductive particles to obtain multinary granules, and (b) a step of depositing the multinary granules in layer form to obtain a catalyst layer or a water repellent layer of an electrode. Apparatus for manufacturing the electrodes, as well as polymer electrolyte fuel cells using the electrodes are also provided.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery can include a current collector that includes aluminum, a cap that includes aluminum, or both. The current collector can be coated with a cathode material The aluminum battery components can have high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological electrodes modified with hydrogenase enzymes (anodes), by means of which it is possible to produce electrical energy from hydrogen in a typical fuel cell configuration. Likewise, using these hydrogenase-modified electrodes (cathodes), it is possible to produce hydrogen from water in a typical electrochemical cell configuration. The methods of making the biological electrodes of the present invention and applications thereof are also described.

Abstract: A high surface area support material is formed of an intimate mixture of carbon clusters and titanium oxide clusters. A catalytic metal, such as platinum, is deposited on the support particles and the catalyzed material us as an electrocatalyst in an electrochemical cell such as a PEM fuel cell. The composite material is prepared by thermal decomposition and oxidation of an intimate mixture of a precursor carbon polymer, a titanium alkoxide and a surfactant that serves as a molecular template for the mixed precursors.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are mixed in an aqueous buffer solution that includes a buffer material having a molecular structure defined by a first end, a second end, and a middle disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is a cyclic ring with nitrogen and oxygen heteroatomes, the middle is a hydrophobic alkyl chain, and the second end is a charged group. The resulting solution includes the CNTs dispersed therein. Metal-core ferritins are then mixed into the resulting solution where at least a portion of the ferritins are coupled to the CNTs.

Abstract: A hollow capsule structure and a method of preparing the same are disclosed. The hollow capsule structure may include a shell with nanopores. The nanopores may be spherical nanopores. The hollow capsule structure may include pores connected to one another with excellent electronic conductivity and a large specific surface area. In addition, the hollow capsule structure may be configured to can easily transfer mass due to a capillary phenomenon of the nanopores in the shell. As a result, the hollow capsule structure may be configured for use with a catalyst supporter, a supporter for growing carbon nanotubes, an active material, a conductive agent, a separator, a deodorizer, a purifier, an adsorption agent, a material for a display emitter layer, a filter and the like.

Abstract: The electrode for a fuel cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate, the catalyst layer including metal nanoparticles, a binder and a catalyst. The metal nanoparticles in the catalyst layer improve electrical conductivity, and also have catalyst activity to implement a catalytic synergetic effect so as to provide a high power fuel cell.

Abstract: The performance of solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells having planar architecture is improved by increasing the electrical conductivity in at least one of the catalyst layers. The conductivity is increased by incorporating a highly electrically conductive additive selected from the group consisting of graphite, carbon nanotubes, and corrosion tolerant metals.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst for a fuel cell includes a Pt—Co-based first metal catalyst, a Ce-based second metal catalyst, and a carbon-based catalyst support. A method of preparing the electrocatalyst includes obtaining a mixture of metal oxides from a Pt precursor, a Co precursor, and a Ce precursor; impregnating the mixture of the metal oxides onto a carbon-based catalyst support under hydrogen bubbling; and thermally reducing the resulting product at 200 to 350° C. under a hydrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a composition comprising a polymer binder and a catalytic composite based on catalytic activated charcoal and carbon nanotubes. The catalytic composite comprises carbon nanotubes obtained by chemical vapour deposition of a hydrocarbon at a temperature ranging from 400 to 1100° C. on activated charcoal preimpregnated with a metal. The subject of the invention is also the use of the composite as constituent material of electrodes intended especially for electrochemical double-layer energy storage cells (supercapacitors). The invention also relates to the electrodes obtained and to the supercapacitors containing these composite materials, and also to the method of preparing electrodes based on the catalytic composite containing activated charcoal and carbon nanotubes on a collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode made of carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers and a process for preparing the same. The electrode comprising a current collector, sulfur or metal nanoparicles as a binder, and carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers is characterized in that the sulfur or metal nanoparticles are bonded, deposited, or fused on the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers so that the carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers are bonded to each other and also bonded to the current collector. The electrode prepared according to the present invention exhibits low internal resistance, strong durability and low equivalent series resistance, and therefore the electrode can be effectively used for secondary batteries, supercapacitors or fuel cells.

Abstract: A method of producing de-alloyed nanoparticles. In an embodiment, the method comprises admixing metal precursors, freeze-drying, annealing, and de-alloying the nanoparticles in situ. Further, in an embodiment de-alloyed nanoparticle formed by the method, wherein the nanoparticle further comprises a core-shell arrangement. The nanoparticle is suitable for electrocatalytic processes and devices.

Abstract: Electrodes are used in fuel cells for generating electricity from a mixed feed, where the mixed feed comprises a fuel portion and an oxidation portion. Fuel cells incorporating the electrodes and a method of fabricating the fuel cells are described. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a barrier layer (120, 160) having first and second sides, permeable to one of the fuel portion and oxidant portions of the mixed feed, a catalyst layer (130, 150) formed on the first side of the barrier layer, and the reactant distribution layer (110, 170), formed on the second side of the barrier layer.