(Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced. (Means to solve) A properly pre-baked filler is sealed in a graphite vessel and is subsequently subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment, thereby allowing gases such as hydrocarbon and hydrogen to be generated from the filler and precipitating vapor-phase-grown graphite around and inside the filler using the generated gases as a source material, and thereby, an integrated structure of carbide of the filler and the vapor-phase-grown graphite is produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials are produced selectively and efficiently by adding a catalyst or adjusting the HIP treating temperature.

Provided is an air electrode/separator assembly including: a hydroxide ion conductive dense separator; an interface layer containing a hydroxide ion conductive material and an electron conductive material and covering one side of the hydroxide ion conductive dense separator; and an air electrode layer provided on the interface layer and including an outermost catalyst layer composed of a porous current collector and a layered double hydroxide (LDH) covering a surface thereof. The outermost catalyst layer has a porosity of 60% or more.

In one aspect of the present invention, a fiber mat is provided. The fiber mat includes at least one type of fibers, which includes one or more polymers. The fiber mat may be a single fiber mat which includes one type of fibers, or may be a dual or multi fiber mat which includes multiple types of fibers. The fibers may further include particles of a catalyst. The fiber mat may be used to form an electrode or a membrane. In a further aspect, a fuel cell membrane-electrode-assembly has an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a membrane disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. Each of the anode electrode, the cathode electrode and the membrane may be formed with a fiber mat.

Provided is an oxygen reduction catalyst having a high oxygen reduction performance. An oxygen reduction catalyst according to the present embodiment includes a transition metal oxide to which an oxygen defect is introduced, and a layer that is provided on the transition metal oxide and that contains an electron conductive substance. A method for producing an oxygen reduction catalyst according to the present embodiment includes heating a transition metal carbonitride as a starting material in an oxygen-containing mixed gas. In addition, a method for producing an oxygen reduction catalyst according to the present embodiment includes heating a transition-metal phthalocyanine and a carbon fiber powder as starting materials in an oxygen-containing mixed gas.

The present invention is directed to an anode including bacteria, a polymer, and a conductive material, wherein the bacteria, the polymer and the conductive material are deposited on at least one surface of the anode. Further provided is a microbial electrochemical system comprising the herein disclosed anode, and methods of using the same, such as for treating wastewater, hydrogen production, or generating electricity.

An electrically conductive hybrid material includes: a covalent organic framework having pores; and a conductor material, wherein the covalent organic framework is supported on the conductor material. The covalent organic framework that does not have electron conductivity is supported on the conductor material such as a carbon material, thereby can be given the electron conductivity, and becomes usable as such a catalyst material and such an electrode material, which involve the electron transfer, these materials including an electrode catalyst material of a fuel cell, and the like.

Provided is a fuel cell catalyst composition comprising a C12A7:X.sup.− inorganic material having a structure in which oxygen anions of C12A7 are replaced by halogen (X) anions, or comprising a C12A7:X.sup.−-based inorganic material which is a C12A7:X.sup.− partially converted to electride. A fuel cell comprising the fuel cell catalyst composition in a catalyst layer is also provided. Also provided is a method of producing a fuel cell catalyst composition, comprising a step of heat-treating C12A7:X.sup.− at temperature of 1000-1300° C. for at least 20 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere.

Disclosed are a catalyst layer for a fuel cell, including a carbon carrier having pores, a catalyst metal carried on the carbon carrier, and an ionomer covering the carbon carrier, wherein the crystal length of the carbon carrier is not less than 6 nm, and the coverage of the catalyst metal by the ionomer is 55% to 65%, and a method for the production of a catalyst layer for a fuel cell, including heat-treating a carbon carrier having pores, heat-treating the heat-treated carbon carrier under an oxygen atmosphere to activate the carbon carrier, allowing the activated carbon carrier to carry a catalyst metal, mixing the carbon carrier carrying the catalyst metal and an ionomer to cover the carbon carrier with the ionomer, and forming the catalyst layer for a fuel cell using the carbon carrier covered with the ionomer.

A cathode for a lithium-air battery having low cell resistance and superior mechanical properties is configured using an electrically conductive fibrous filler in lieu of a binder.

Bipolar electrodes comprising a carbon felt loaded with a polymer material and a nanocarbon material are described herein. The bipolar electrodes are useful in electrochemical cells. In particular, the loaded carbon felt can be used in bipolar electrodes of zinc-halide electrolyte batteries. Processes for manufacturing the loaded carbon felt are also described, involving contacting (e.g., dipping) a carbon felt in a mixture of solvent, polymer material and nanocarbon material.