(JP11510311-W)      A fuel-cell element of a type mended for an electrochemical reaction comprises a backing and a catalytic material which includes uniformly mixed and randomly spaced Pt-Ru bimetallic powder having distinct sites of Pt and Ru.    Also claimed are: (i) a method of forming a material for a fuel-cell element, comprising the steps: (a) forming a solution of Pt, Ru and an extra material which maintains a separation between the Pt and the Ru; (b) mixing the solution; (c) processing the solution, including heating the solution, and (d) further treating the solution so as to remove the said extra material; (ii) fuel-cell element of a type intended for an electrochemical reaction, wherein the catalytic material includes a material that has similar characteristics to Pt and Ru; (iii) a fuel cell as above wherein the catalytic material includes a material that has similar characteristics to Pt.    USE -   Has applications to methanol fuel cells using non-acid fuel with uses for powering motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   Improvements to the electrode improve its operation, especially the efficiency of methanol production. The need for expensive Pt catalyst is reduced or obviated Ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure air can be used as the reduction mechanism.    (US6146781-A)      A fuel-cell element of a type mended for an electrochemical reaction comprises a backing and a catalytic material which includes uniformly mixed and randomly spaced Pt-Ru bimetallic powder having distinct sites of Pt and Ru.    Also claimed are: (i) a method of forming a material for a fuel-cell element, comprising the steps: (a) forming a solution of Pt, Ru and an extra material which maintains a separation between the Pt and the Ru; (b) mixing the solution; (c) processing the solution, including heating the solution, and (d) further treating the solution so as to remove the said extra material; (ii) fuel-cell element of a type intended for an electrochemical reaction, wherein the catalytic material includes a material that has similar characteristics to Pt and Ru; (iii) a fuel cell as above wherein the catalytic material includes a material that has similar characteristics to Pt.    USE -   Has applications to methanol fuel cells using non-acid fuel with uses for powering motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   Improvements to the electrode improve its operation, especially the efficiency of methanol production. The need for expensive Pt catalyst is reduced or obviated Ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure air can be used as the reduction mechanism.    (US6265093-B1)      A fuel-cell element of a type mended for an electrochemical reaction comprises a backing and a catalytic material which includes uniformly mixed and randomly spaced Pt-Ru bimetallic powder having distinct sites of Pt and Ru.    Also claimed are: (i) a method of forming a material for a fuel-cell element, comprising the steps: (a) forming a solution of Pt, Ru and an extra material which maintains a separation between the Pt and the Ru; (b) mixing the solution; (c) processing the solution, including heating the solution, and (d) further treating the solution so as to remove the said extra material; (ii) fuel-cell element of a type intended for an electrochemical reaction, wherein the catalytic material includes a material that has similar characteristics to Pt and Ru; (iii) a fuel cell as above wherein the catalytic material includes a material that has similar characteristics to Pt.    USE -   Has applications to methanol fuel cells using non-acid fuel with uses for powering motor vehicles.    ADVANTAGE -   Improvements to the electrode improve its operation, especially the efficiency of methanol production. The need for expensive Pt catalyst is reduced or obviated Ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure air can be used as the reduction mechanism.