A new solvent-based method is presented for making low-cost composite graphite electrodes containing a thermoplastic binder. The electrodes, termed thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs), are easy to fabricate and pattern, give excellent electrochemical performance, and have high conductivity (1500 S m.sup.1). The thermoplastic binder enables the electrodes to be hot embossed, molded, templated, and/or cut with a CO.sub.2 laser into a variety of intricate patterns. These electrodes show a marked improvement in peak current, peak separation, and resistance to charge transfer over traditional carbon electrodes. The impact of electrode composition, surface treatment (sanding, polishing, plasma treatment), and graphite source were found to impact fabrication, patterning, conductivity, and electrochemical performance. Under optimized conditions, electrodes generated responses similar to more expensive and difficult to fabricate graphene and highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrodes. These TPE electrodes provide an approach for fabricating high-performance carbon electrodes with applications ranging from sensing to batteries.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for simulating thermal wrinkles of an electrode sheet and a simulation method using the same, and more particularly to an apparatus for simulating thermal wrinkles of an electrode sheet having an active material applied thereto generated during drying of the electrode sheet, the apparatus including an electrode sheet fixing unit configured to applying tensile load to the electrode sheet (S) so as to be stretched by a predetermined length in the state in which opposite ends of the electrode sheet are fixed, a temperature adjustment unit configured to heat the electrode sheet fixing unit to a predetermined temperature while wrapping the electrode sheet fixing unit, and a rail configured to move the temperature adjustment unit, and a simulation method using the same.

A cloud tower (11) receives microscopic particles (18) impelled by an inert gas (17) for deposition on a porous substrate (29) having vacuum (34) disposed on opposite side. To alter the size and/or shape of the deposition field without changing the entire tower structure, a pair of flaps (43, 44) are hinged (47, 48) on one side or on a pair of opposed sides of the cloud primary tower. Another embodiment places selectable tower inserts (36, 38) within the primary tower structure, fitting therein and sealing thereto.

The present embodiment describes a method of forming different layers in a solid oxide fuel cell. The method begins by preparing slurries which are then delivered to a spray nozzle. The slurries are then atomized and sprayed subsequently onto a support to produce a layer which is then dried. In this embodiment different layers can comprise an anode, an electrolyte and a cathode. Also the support can be a metal or a metal oxide which is later removed.

A carbon fiber and graphene compounded high-strength porous material, and a gas diffusion layer and a preparation method therefor are provided. The carbon material integrates respective structures and characteristic advantages of a carbon fiber and graphene, complements each other, and has characteristics such as high mechanical strength (the carbon fiber is not cut off), hierarchical pore gradient distribution, good air permeability, good electric conductivity, good thermal conductivity, light weight, and high stability. The preparation method includes process steps such as graphene preparation, filament split of a carbon fiber bundle by spreading a liquid film, adsorption and anchoring of a filament by means of graphene, graphene coating, and high-temperature treatment. In the preparation process of the carbon-based gas diffusion layer, the carbon fiber is not cut off, the strength of the carbon fiber is kept, and the carbon-based gas diffusion layer is suitable for roll-to-roll batch preparation.

A CoVO.sub.x composite electrode and method of making is described. The composite electrode comprises a substrate with an average 0.5-5 ?m thick layer of CoVO.sub.x having pores with average diameters of 2-200 nm. The method of making the composite electrode involves contacting the substrate with an aerosol comprising a solvent, a cobalt complex, and a vanadium complex. The CoVO.sub.x composite electrode is capable of being used in an electrochemical cell for water oxidation.

A method of coating a membrane having a first side and an opposite second side and carried with its second side adhering to a backer film is provided. The method includes coating the first side of the membrane with a catalyst ink or slurry with the second side adhering to the backer film and curing the coating on the first side. The backer film is then removed to expose the second side of the membrane which is fed onto a vacuum conveyor with the coated first side facing the conveyor. The second side of the membrane is then coated with a catalyst ink or slurry and the coating on the second side cured after which the membrane is removed from the vacuum conveyor.

A description is given of a fuel cell comprising an electrode-membrane unit comprising a cathode and an anode, a cathodal gas diffusion element, an anodal gas diffusion element, the electrode-membrane unit being accommodated between the gas diffusion elements; a cathodal bipolar plate, and an anodal bipolar plate. Provision is made here for the cathodal gas diffusion element or/and the anodal gas diffusion element to have at least one structural element facing the respective bipolar plate and integrally bonded to the relevant gas diffusion element.

A CoVO.sub.x composite electrode and method of making is described. The composite electrode comprises a substrate with an average 0.5-5 ?m thick layer of CoVO.sub.x having pores with average diameters of 2-200 nm. The method of making the composite electrode involves contacting the substrate with an aerosol comprising a solvent, a cobalt complex, and a vanadium complex. The CoVO.sub.x composite electrode is capable of being used in an electrochemical cell for water oxidation.

A CoVO.sub.x composite electrode and method of making is described. The composite electrode comprises a substrate with an average 0.5-5 ?m thick layer of CoVO.sub.x having pores with average diameters of 2-200 nm. The method of making the composite electrode involves contacting the substrate with an aerosol comprising a solvent, a cobalt complex, and a vanadium complex. The CoVO.sub.x composite electrode is capable of being used in an electrochemical cell for water oxidation.