A catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) for use in a water electrolyser, having a laminate structure comprising: a first layer comprising a first membrane component having a cathode catalyst layer disposed on a first face thereof; a second layer comprising a second membrane component having an anode catalyst layer disposed on a first face thereof; and an intermediate layer disposed between the first and second layers, comprising a third membrane component having a recombination catalyst layer disposed on a first face thereof is disclosed. The CCM is useful within a water electrolyser. The recombination catalyst layer reduces the risk associated with hydrogen crossover and allows thinner membranes with lower resistance to be used.

A reinforced separator for alkaline hydrolysis includes a porous support, a first porous polymer layer contiguous with one side of the support and a second porous polymer layer contiguous with the other side of the support, characterized in that the maximum pore diameter at the outer surface of the first porous polymer layer PD.sub.max(1) and of the second porous polymer layer PD.sub.max(2) are different from each other and wherein a ratio between PD.sub.max(2) and PD.sub.max(1) is between 1.25 and 10.

A reinforced separator for alkaline hydrolysis includes a porous support, a first porous polymer layer contiguous with one side of the support and a second porous polymer layer contiguous with the other side of the support, characterized in that the maximum pore diameter at the outer surface of the first porous polymer layer PD.sub.max(1) and of the second porous polymer layer PD.sub.max(2) are different from each other and wherein a ratio between PD.sub.max(2) and PD.sub.max(1) is between 1.25 and 10.

A system is disclosed for providing inerting gas to a protected space, and also providing electrical power. The system includes an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode and an anode separated by a separator comprising a proton transfer medium. Inerting gas is produced at the cathode. A fuel source comprising methanol or formaldehyde or ethanol and a water source are each in controllable operative fluid communication with the anode. A controller is configured to alternatively operate the system in a first mode of operation where water is directed to the anode fluid flow path inlet and electric power is directed from a power source to the electrochemical cell, and in a second mode of operation in which the fuel is directed from the fuel source to the anode fluid flow path inlet and electric power is directed from the electrochemical cell to the power sink.

A system is disclosed for providing inerting gas to a protected space, and also providing electrical power. The system includes an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode and an anode separated by a separator comprising a proton transfer medium. Inerting gas is produced at the cathode. A fuel source comprising methanol or formaldehyde or ethanol and a water source are each in controllable operative fluid communication with the anode. A controller is configured to alternatively operate the system in a first mode of operation where water is directed to the anode fluid flow path inlet and electric power is directed from a power source to the electrochemical cell, and in a second mode of operation in which the fuel is directed from the fuel source to the anode fluid flow path inlet and electric power is directed from the electrochemical cell to the power sink.

A Multi-Mode Regenerative Fuel Cell system comprising a non-flow thru fuel cell operatively coupled to a high or medium pressure electrolyzer; a distributed reactant storage assembly comprising at least one hydrogen storage means and at least one oxygen storage means, said distributed reactant storage assembly operatively coupled to said fuel cell and electrolyzer; a pilot oxygen storage means operatively coupled to said oxygen storage means; a water storage means operatively coupled to said fuel cell and electrolyzer, and an aircraft power load operatively coupled to said fuel cell and electrolyzer.

A device for generating hydrogen gas, treated water, and metal-containing nanoparticles. The device includes a vessel containing an electrolyte solution having a preferably iron anode and a preferably copper cathode. A renewable energy source is connected to the anode and the cathode. A valve for disbursing the hydrogen is connected to the hydrogen chamber.

A device for generating hydrogen gas, treated water, and metal-containing nanoparticles. The device includes a vessel containing an electrolyte solution having a preferably iron anode and a preferably copper cathode. A renewable energy source is connected to the anode and the cathode. A valve for disbursing the hydrogen is connected to the hydrogen chamber.

An electrolysis system for breaking down water into hydrogen and oxygen using at least two electrolysis modules, each electrolysis module having at least two electrolytic cells, an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, the anode compartment being separated from the cathode compartment by a proton exchange membrane, and a switching device, which is compatible with direct current, being arranged electrically in parallel with at least one electrolysis module. The electrolysis system is operated by the at least two electrolysis modules. When the available electrical power decreases, at least one switching device is closed. At least one electrolysis module is bridged by the switching device. The number of electrolysis modules which are then operated is reduced by the number of bridged electrolysis modules. When the available electrical power increases, at least one switching device is opened.

A method is disclosed for the generation of hydrogen and oxygen from a liquid feed stream comprising water. The method includes passing an electric current through an aqueous electrolyte solution. Water is fed to the aqueous electrolyte solution by forward osmosis, wherein the aqueous electrolyte solution is brought into contact with a first side of a forward osmosis membrane and the liquid feed stream comprising water is brought into contact with a second side of the forward osmosis membrane. Water permeates through the forward osmosis membrane from the second side to the first side by a difference in osmotic pressure between the liquid feed stream and the aqueous electrolyte solution. Further, a device is disclosed for carrying out the above method.