A method is proposed by means of which a composite layer is producible in as simple and controlled a manner as possible, and by means of which composite layers with different predetermined properties can be produced with as little expenditure as possible, and thus economically. The method includes: providing a nanofiber material, comminuting the nanofiber material while forming nanorods, providing a liquid medium, which comprises an ionomer component and a dispersant, dispersing the nanorods in the liquid medium while forming a nanorod ionomer dispersion, and applying the nanorod ionomer dispersion to a surface region of a substrate while forming a composite layer. An electrochemical unit including the composite layer is provided. The composite layer is useful in a fuel cell (hydrogen fuel cell or direct alcohol fuel cell), in a redox flow cell, in an electrolytic cell, or in an ion exchanger, and useful for anion or proton conduction.

A direct isopropanol fuel cell adapted for use in ambient conditions and utilizing as fuel isopropanol and water preferably with isopropanol at relatively high concentrations representing 30% to 90% isopropanol.

A drive system (1) having a unipolar machine (2) and a fuel cell (3) for supplying the unipolar machine (2) with electrical energy. The fuel cell (3) can be arranged in a ring shape around a rotor shaft (5) of a rotor (4) of the unipolar machine (2). The unipolar machine (2) can be provided in a motor vehicle (600) to supply a traction torque.

Disclosed herein is a multi-layered composite thin film material formed from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and metal nanocrystals in a layer-by-layer design, wherein the metal nanocrystals can be selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Os, Ir, Pd, Au, Ag and Pt. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-layered composite thin film material is prepared via a facile, green, and easily accessible layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly strategy. In this strategy, positively charged GOQDs and negatively charged metal nanocrystals are alternately and uniformly integrated with each other in a “face-to-face” stacked fashion under substantial electrostatic attractive interaction, and then the obtained GOQDs/metal composite thin film is calcined into GQDs/metal composite thin film. The composite thin film material disclosed herein may be used to catalyse a wide range or reactions, including selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds in water and electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at ambient conditions.

Disclosed herein is a multi-layered composite thin film material formed from graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and metal nanocrystals in a layer-by-layer design, wherein the metal nanocrystals can be selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Os, Ir, Pd, Au, Ag and Pt. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-layered composite thin film material is prepared via a facile, green, and easily accessible layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly strategy. In this strategy, positively charged GOQDs and negatively charged metal nanocrystals are alternately and uniformly integrated with each other in a “face-to-face” stacked fashion under substantial electrostatic attractive interaction, and then the obtained GOQDs/metal composite thin film is calcined into GQDs/metal composite thin film. The composite thin film material disclosed herein may be used to catalyse a wide range or reactions, including selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds in water and electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol at ambient conditions.

Provided are a fuel cell and a fuel cell system capable of suppressing deterioration of the electrolyte membrane by iron-based foreign substances with a simple structure. The fuel cell includes: a MEGA and a nitrate compound, wherein the MEGA has an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer disposed on one surface of the electrolyte membrane, a cathode catalyst layer disposed on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, an anode gas diffusion layer disposed on a surface of the anode catalyst layer which is opposite to a surface of the anode catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane side, and a cathode gas diffusion layer disposed on a surface of the cathode catalyst layer which is opposite to a surface of the cathode catalyst layer on the electrolyte membrane side, and wherein the nitrate compound is disposed in the MEGA.

An ultrasonic methanol fuel cell system converting liquid fuel to gas fuel, including a methanol fuel cell body, an ultrasonic fuel atomization mechanism, a mist-transporting booster pump; the ultrasonic fuel atomization mechanism includes a fuel storage chamber, an ultrasonic atomizer module, a mist output pipe and an internal pressure equalizer; the ultrasonic atomizer module is provided at the bottom of the fuel storage chamber; the mist output pipe is provided above the ultrasonic atomizer module; the internal pressure equalizer is connected with the mist output pipe; a pressure equalizing valve is connected to the outer end of the internal pressure equalizer; the mist-transporting booster pump is connected between the fuel input port and the mist output pipe. Fuel is atomized via the ultrasonic fuel atomization mechanism, and is then transported by the mist-transporting booster pump to the methanol fuel cell body for chemical reactions to be converted into electrical energy.

The present invention relates to a direct alcohol fuel cell comprising a housing containing a proton exchange membrane (PEM) separating an anode section from a cathode section, which anode section and which cathode section are contained in the housing, the cathode section comprising a cathode collection element having one or more ventilation holes, which cathode collection element is electrically connected to a cathode catalyst, which cathode catalyst is in diffusive communication with a gaseous oxidant, and the anode section comprising an anode collection element electrically connected to an anode catalyst, the DAFC comprising an oleophobic filter covering the ventilation hole(s). The oleophobic filter may be held in place using any appropriate means as desired. The fuel cell is suited for a microelectronic device.

The present invention relates to a direct alcohol fuel cell comprising a housing containing a proton exchange membrane (PEM) separating an anode section from a cathode section, which anode section and which cathode section are contained in the housing, the cathode section comprising a cathode collection element having one or more ventilation holes, which cathode collection element is electrically connected to a cathode catalyst, which cathode catalyst is in diffusive communication with a gaseous oxidant, and the anode section comprising an anode collection element electrically connected to an anode catalyst, the DAFC comprising an oleophobic filter covering the ventilation hole(s). The oleophobic filter may be held in place using any appropriate means as desired. The fuel cell is suited for a microelectronic device.

This invention provides an electrochemical system for manufacturing methanol from methane in good yields and without admixtures of methanol oxidation products. A fuel cell for methane or methanol utilization is also provided.