Compositions and methods for the manufacture of electrodes for fuel cells. The compositions and methods are particularly useful for the manufacture of anodes and cathodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, particularly direct methanol fuel cells. The methods can utilize direct-write tools to deposit ink compositions and form functional layers of a membrane electrode assembly having controlled properties and enhanced performance.

Method of producing membrane electrode assemblies for use in proton exchange membrane and direct methanol fuel cells

A precursor composition for the deposition and formation of an electrical feature such as a conductive feature. The precursor composition advantageously has a low viscosity enabling deposition using direct-write tools. The precursor composition also has a low conversion temperature, enabling the deposition and conversion to an electrical feature on low temperature substrates. A particularly preferred precursor composition includes silver metal for the formation of highly conductive silver features.

Low viscosity precursor compositions and methods for the deposition of conductive electronic features

A metal nanoparticle composition for the fabrication of conductive features. The metal nanoparticle composition advantageously has a low viscosity permitting deposition of the composition by direct-write tools. The metal nanoparticle composition advantageously also has a low conversion temperature, permitting its deposition and conversion to an electrical feature on polymeric substrates.

Metal nanoparticle compositions

Processes for the production of metal nanoparticles. In one aspect, the invention is to a process comprising the steps of mixing a heated first solution comprising a base and/or a reducing agent (e.g., a non-polyol reducing agent), a polyol, and a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone with a second solution comprising a metal precursor that is capable of being reduced to a metal by the polyol. In another aspect, the invention is to a process that includes the steps of heating a powder of a polymer of vinyl pyrrolidone; forming a first solution comprising the powder and a polyol; and mixing the first solution with a second solution comprising a metal precursor capable of being reduced to a metal by the polyol.

Production of metal nanoparticles

A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications.

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System for energy harvesting and/or generation, storage, and delivery

Electrocatalyst powders and methods for producing electrocatalyst powders, such as carbon composite electrocatalyst powders. The powders have a well-controlled microstructure and morphology. The method includes forming the particles from an aerosol of precursors by heating the aerosol to a relatively low temperature, such as not greater than about 400° C.

Electrocatalyst powders, methods for producing powders and devices fabricated from same

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electrode catalyst powder such as carbon composite electrode catalyst powder and a method for manufacturing an electrode catalyst powder. SOLUTION: The powder has well-controlled microstructure and morphology. The method includes a manufacture of particles formed of the aerosol of a precursor by heating the aerosol at a relatively low temperature like about 400°C or less. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Plamen Antanassov

Papers

Electrocatalyst powders, methods for producing powders and devices fabricated from same

Electrode catalyst powder, method for manufacturing powder, and device formed of the same powder