A method for manufacturing a miniaturized electrochemical cell and a miniaturized electrochemical cell is provided. The method includes the following steps: a) forming a colloidal template of colloidal particles made of an electrically insulating material, on a substrate made of an electrically conducting material, b) depositing by electrodeposition in the void spaces of the colloidal template, at least three alternating layers forming a repeating unit, the alternating layers being made of an electron conducting material or a semi -conducting material, the intermediate layer(s) being made of a material M.sub.3 different from materials M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 constituting respectively the upper and lower layers, the material M3 having a standard potential lower than the standard potentials of the materials M.sub.1 and M.sub.2, c) removal of the material M.sub.3 of intermediate layer(s), and d) removal of the colloidal particles of the upper and lower layers to obtain the desired electrodes.

Compositions comprised of a tin film, coated by a shell of less than 50 nm thick made of palladium and tin in a molar ratio ranging from 1:4 to 3:1, respectively, are disclosed. Uses of the compositions as an electro-catalyst e.g., in a fuel cell, and particularly for the oxidation of various materials are also disclosed.

The invention provides a preparation method of the matrix material for the gas diffusion layer of a fuel cell. The matrix material is obtained on the polyurethane sponge through the following process: conductively treating, electroplating, dissolving nickel by electrolysis, heat-treating, tungsten-nickel alloy electroplating, heat-treating, rolling. The mass content of the metal nickel of the matrix material is 88˜92%, and the mass content of the metal tungsten is 8˜12%. The material prepared by the invention has a high specific surface area, excellent thermal conductivity and gas permeability performance, excellent electrical corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. After being prepared as the gas diffusion layer, as the diffusion layer and fuel cell electrode are closely connected, the material can effectively resist the electrochemical corrosion of the diffusion layer caused by the electrochemical reaction and is suitable for the matrix material of the gas diffusion layer.

A fuel cell including a catalyst layer configured to generate liquid water in response to a reactant being in contact therewith. The fuel cell includes a microporous layer having a first region with a first pore size and a second region disposed adjacent to the first region having a second pore size. The first pore size being greater than the second pore size. The microporous layer being configured to transfer the liquid water away from the catalyst layer, such that the liquid water from the catalyst layer enters the first region in response to a capillary pressure of the liquid water being greater than a first capillary pressure. The liquid water enters the second region in response to a capillary pressure of the liquid water being greater than a second capillary pressure. The first capillary pressure being different from the second capillary pressure.

A composition comprised of a tin (Sn) or lead (Pb) film, wherein the film is coated by a shell, wherein the shell: (a) is comprised of an active metal, and (b) is characterized by a thickness of less than 50 nm, is discloses herein. Further disclosed herein is the use of the composition for the oxidation of e.g., methanol, ethanol, formic acid, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, methyl formate, and glucose.

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.

Improved catalyst layers for use in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies, and methods for making such catalyst layers, are provided. Catalyst layers can comprise structured units of catalyst, catalyst support, and ionomer. The structured units can provide for more efficient electrical energy production and/or increased lifespan of fuel cells utilizing such membrane electrode assemblies. Catalyst layers can be directly deposited on exchange membranes, such as proton exchange membranes.

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly with minimized interfacial resistance between an electrode and an electrolyte membrane. For instance, a catalyst admixture including a catalyst composite including a catalyst and a first binder, and a second binder may be applied to a porous substrate and the porous substrate may be impregnated with the second binder, thereby minimizing interfacial resistance between the electrode and the electrolyte membrane and reducing a thickness of the electrolyte membrane.

A method for producing a metal catalyst, including applying an anodic current with a positive (+) sign to form a metal oxide having a bipyramidal shape, and then applying a cathodic current with a negative (−) sign or applying a potential in a negative (−) direction to form uniform atomic scale pores on the surface and inside of the metal particles, and controlling the amount of oxygen remaining in the metal to modify the metal surface.

The present invention is directed toward a coating system for electrodepositing a battery electrode coating onto a foil substrate, the system comprising a tank structured and arranged to hold an electrodepositable coating composition; a feed roller positioned outside of the tank structured and arranged to feed the foil into the tank; at least one counter electrode positioned inside the tank, the counter electrode in electrical communication with the foil during operation of the system to thereby deposit the battery electrode coating onto the foil; and an in-line foil drier positioned outside the tank structured and arranged to receive the coated foil from the tank. Also disclosed are methods for electrocoating battery electrode coatings onto conductive foil substrates, coated foil substrates, and electrical storage devices comprising the coated foil substrates.