Abstract:
Disclosed is a composition containing 30-95 wt.% sulphonated aromatic polyether ketone with an ion exchanger capacity of 1.3-4.0. meq (-SO3H)/g polymer, and 0.5-70 wt.% polybenzimidazol. The inventive composition can be processed into membranes like the PEK-type of sulphonated polyether ketone. Preferably, said membranes are used in fuel cells.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a membrane-electrode unit comprising a) two electrochemically active electrodes (1, 3) divided by a polymer electrolytic membrane (5), wherein the surfaces of said polymer electrolytic membrane (5) are in contact with the electrodes (1, 3) in such a way that the first electrode (1) partially or entirely covers the front side of the polymer electrolytic membrane (5) and the second electrode (3) partially or entirely covers the rear side thereof, b) a sealing material (7, 9) is applied to the front and rear sides of the polymer electrolytic membrane (5), wherein the polymer electrolytic membrane (5) is provided with one or several recesses (11) and the sealing material (7) applied to the front side of the polymer electrolytic membrane (5) is in contact with the sealing material (9) applied to the rear side thereof. A method for producing said membrane-electrode unit and fuel cells provided therewith are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may include automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.
Abstract:
In a reactor and a method for producing a gas mixture containing hydrogen, a catalyst carrier is used which has one or more catalysts for catalyzing a reforming reaction and a water-gas shift reaction in a reactor. In the catalyst support, there is an axial temperature profile encompassing two zones, i.e. i) a first zone in which predominantly a reforming reaction takes place and the minimum temperature exceeds the temperature in the second zone ii), and ii) a second zone in which predominantly a water gas shift reaction takes place and the maximum temperature lies below the temperature in the first zone i).
Abstract:
Fixtures and methods of using fixtures to facilitate the fabrication of devices having thin films, for example, gasketed components of fuel-cell membrane electrode assemblies, are disclosed. In one aspect, the fixture (10) comprises a plate (12) having an aperture (14) and means (16) for mounting a thin film (17) to the plate wherein the thin film at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the thin film provides a surface for mounting at least one component of a device. Another aspect is a fixture for facilitating the fabrication of a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly which includes a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a gasket to the plate wherein the gasket at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the gasket provides a surface for mounting at least one electrode for a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly.