An illustrative method of making a fuel cell component includes obtaining at least one blank plate including graphite and a polymer; establishing a temperature of the blank that is sufficient to maintain the polymer in an at least partially molten state; and applying a compression molding force to the blank until the polymer is essentially solidified to form a plate including a plurality of channels on at least one side of the plate. The blank plate has a central area having a first thickness. The blank plate also has two generally parallel edges on opposite sides of the central area. The edges have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

An illustrative method of making a fuel cell component includes obtaining at least one blank plate including graphite and a polymer; establishing a temperature of the blank that is sufficient to maintain the polymer in an at least partially molten state; and applying a compression molding force to the blank until the polymer is essentially solidified to form a plate including a plurality of channels on at least one side of the plate. The blank plate has a central area having a first thickness. The blank plate also has two generally parallel edges on opposite sides of the central area. The edges have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.

A system and a method for separation of ions from ions-containing medium is disclosed herein, that utilizes capacitive-faradaic fuel cells (CFFC) particles coated at least partially with catalysts capable of catalyzing redox reactions provided a reductant (fuel) and/or an oxidant, thereby polarizing the particles to more effectively absorb charged species (ions) from the water upon introducing, e.g., H.sub.2 gas or O.sub.2 gas, in the medium during the adsorption or regeneration. The same concept is utilized in a hybrid electrochemical cell for providing a system and a method for generating and converting electrochemical energy.

A flow-through redox galvanic cell and a battery is described, where each flow-through galvanic cell is separated into two parts by a metal foil serving as a bi-electrode in contact with two solutions having different redox potentials. Voltage due to redox processes is formed through the foil, and two traditional electrodes (cathode and anode) in each cell are not necessary anymore. The cells in a battery should be in electric contact with each other via ion-selective membranes. The battery is easy to recharge, and it is smaller, lighter, safer and cheaper than known redox-flow batteries. It may be used as a reserve source of energy in electric grids and households. It also may be used in electric cars, and it is especially attractive for use near the seashore and on sea ships.

A flow-through redox galvanic cell and a battery is described, where each flow-through galvanic cell is separated into two parts by a metal foil serving as a bi-electrode in contact with two solutions having different redox potentials. Voltage due to redox processes is formed through the foil, and two traditional electrodes (cathode and anode) in each cell are not necessary anymore. The cells in a battery should be in electric contact with each other via ion-selective membranes. The battery is easy to recharge, and it is smaller, lighter, safer and cheaper than known redox-flow batteries. It may be used as a reserve source of energy in electric grids and households. It also may be used in electric cars, and it is especially attractive for use near the seashore and on sea ships.

A flow battery includes an electrochemical cell that has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and a separator layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. The separator layer is formed of a polymer that has a polymer backbone with cyclic groups that are free of unsaturated nitrogen and one or more polar groups bonded between the cyclic groups.

A flow battery includes an electrochemical cell that has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and a separator layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. The separator layer is formed of a polymer that has a polymer backbone with cyclic groups that are free of unsaturated nitrogen and one or more polar groups bonded between the cyclic groups.

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a proton exchange membrane separating the anode catalyst layer from the cathode catalyst layer, an oxygen inlet configured to supply oxygen to the cathode catalyst layer, and a hydrogen inlet separate from the oxygen inlet and configured to supply hydrogen to the anode catalyst layer. The fuel cell is operable to convert the hydrogen from the hydrogen inlet to hydrogen ions at the anode catalyst layer and to produce an H2O byproduct at the cathode catalyst layer where the oxygen reacts with the hydrogen ions. The fuel cell includes a water outlet for the H2O byproduct that is separate from the oxygen inlet.

A proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, a proton exchange membrane separating the anode catalyst layer from the cathode catalyst layer, an oxygen inlet configured to supply oxygen to the cathode catalyst layer, and a hydrogen inlet separate from the oxygen inlet and configured to supply hydrogen to the anode catalyst layer. The fuel cell is operable to convert the hydrogen from the hydrogen inlet to hydrogen ions at the anode catalyst layer and to produce an H2O byproduct at the cathode catalyst layer where the oxygen reacts with the hydrogen ions. The fuel cell includes a water outlet for the H2O byproduct that is separate from the oxygen inlet.

A direct alcohol fuel cell having an inner housing, and a proton exchange membrane separating an anode section from a cathode section. The anode section contains an anode collection element electrically connected to an anode catalyst that is in diffusive communication with a fuel supply. The cathode section contains a cathode collection element having one or more ventilation holes is electrically connected to a cathode catalyst. An oleophobic filter and/or an anion-exchange membrane is provided, which cathode catalyst via the one or more ventilation holes and the oleophobic filter and/or the anion-exchange membrane is in diffusive communication with a gaseous oxidant. The inner housing has a bottom and walls extending from the bottom to contain the anode section, the PEM and the cathode section, the bottom and/or the walls having holes allowing fluid communication from a fuel supply to the anode section. The fuel cell is suited for microelectronic devices.