A method of fabrication produces one or more functional microparticles using a parallel pore working piece. In one embodiment, the method forms a particle that includes a segment for the oxidation of a biofuel (such as glucose) and the reduction of oxygen. The particle may be synthesized in a structure with defined and parallel, uniform, thin pores that completely penetrate the structure. Further, the functional microparticle may be configured to reside in a human or animal body or cell such that it may be self-contained fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, a separator membrane, and a magnetic component. In other embodiments, the functional microparticles may deliver energy or therapeutic materials in the body.

A method of fabrication produces one or more functional microparticles using a parallel pore working piece. In one embodiment, the method forms a particle that includes a segment for the oxidation of a biofuel (such as glucose) and the reduction of oxygen. The particle may be synthesized in a structure with defined and parallel, uniform, thin pores that completely penetrate the structure. Further, the functional microparticle may be configured to reside in a human or animal body or cell such that it may be self-contained fuel cell having an anode, a cathode, a separator membrane, and a magnetic component. In other embodiments, the functional microparticles may deliver energy or therapeutic materials in the body.

Benthic microbial biofuel cells (BMFCs) are a potential non-toxic and renewable source of underwater power. BMFCs function by coupling an anaerobic anode to an oxygenated cathode. However, current in-situ BMFCs on average produce less than 1 W of power. Potential causes are internal ohmic resistance and low capture efficiency of the bacteria-generated charge due to macroscopic average distances between bacteria and electrodes.

A microfluidic BMFC chip is enclosed to study those potential causes. The chip is built using elastomer microfluidics to provide biologically-inert microfluidic confinement of the bacteria, forcing them to be no further away than the height of the containment microchamber (‥90 μm) from the microelectrode matrix built on the glass substrate of the chip. The matrix captures the charge without location bias (due to its H-architecture) and conducts it to the outside circuit. The microfluidic chip system can be used as an evaluation station to optimize biological parameters, geometry, and electrode scaling towards increased power. That would lead to the development of an optimized power unit that can then be arrayed to build renewable power stations in maritime environments.

The present invention relates to an improved metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of manufacture.

The present invention relates to an improved metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of manufacture.

The present invention relates to an improved metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of manufacture.

The present invention relates to an improved metal supported solid oxide fuel cell unit, fuel cell stacks, fuel cell stack assemblies, and methods of manufacture.

The description relates to fuel cells and fuel cell systems. One example includes at least one multi cell membrane electrode assembly (MCMEA). Individual MCMEAs can include multiple serially interconnected sub-cells.

The description relates to fuel cells and fuel cell systems. One example includes at least one multi cell membrane electrode assembly (MCMEA). Individual MCMEAs can include multiple serially interconnected sub-cells.

The present invention provides solid oxide cells such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors comprising an electrolyte having an interface between an yttria-stabilized zirconia material and a glass material, in some embodiments. Other embodiments add an interface between a platinum oxide material and the yttria-stabilized zirconia material in the electrolyte. Further embodiments of solid oxide cells have an ion-conducting species such as an ionic liquid or inorganic salt in contact with at least one electrode of the cell. Certain embodiments provide room temperature operation of solid oxide cells.