Fuel cell structure and method of producing electrical energy from a methanol-based initial material. The fuel cell structure is comprised of a fuel cell for decomposing hydrocarbon-based fuel in order to produce electrical energy, a fuel tank from which fuel can be fed into the fuel cell, and a treatment unit for decomposition products, into which unit it is possible to direct the decomposition products of the fuels. The fuel tank and the treatment unit are at least partly separated from each other by a movable wall, and the wall is arranged to move to even out the pressure difference and the volume difference between the fuel tank and the treatment unit. The movable wall makes it possible to remove disadvantageous pressure differences between the fuel tank and the treatment unit, in which case a continuous feed of fuel into the fuel cell is achieved, which feed continues until either the fuel is expended or the treatment of the decomposition products is brought to an end.

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

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.

The present invention provides a catalyst comprising a layer of metallic palladium implanted with an inert gas ions, an electrochemical system containing thereof, a palladium-inert gas alloy stable in the normal conditions, use thereof and a fuel cell containing thereof.

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.

Atomic mixed metal electrodes, including electrodes containing a conductive polymer-mixed metal complex, as well as methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the atomic mixed metal electrode can be described as a conductive polymer-coated electrode having mixed metal clusters complexed to the conductive polymer at levels of between 2 and 10 metal atoms. A method for preparing the conductive polymer-mixed metal complexes is disclosed that can deposit metal atoms one at a time into a complex with the conductive polymer, allowing for highly tailored atomic clusters. A method of oxidizing alcohols, and the application to devices such as fuel cells are also disclosed.

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

An electrode catalyst of the present invention contains an electrically conductive material carrying a metal or a metal oxide, and has an electrical conductivity at 30 C. of 110.sup.13 Scm.sup.1 or more.

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Methods and systems for fuel, chemical, and/or electricity production from electrochemical cells are disclosed. A voltage is applied between an anode and a cathode of an electrochemical cell. The anode includes a metal or metal oxide electrocatalyst. Oxygen is supplied to the cathode, producing oxygen ions. The anode electrocatalyst is at least partially oxidized by the oxygen ions transported through an electrolyte from the cathode to the anode. A feed gas stream is supplied to the anode electrocatalyst, which is converted to a liquid fuel. The anode electrocatalyst is re-oxidized to higher valency oxides, or a mixture of oxide phases, by supplying the oxygen ions to the anode. The re-oxidation by the ions is controlled or regulated by the amount of voltage applied.