Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2, and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte composition is described, including a zinc salt based on zinc acetate or zinc glocolate. The saturation concentration of zinc in the electrolyte composition is in the range of about 2.5M to about 3.5M. The composition also contains at least one salt of a monovalent cation. The molar ratio of zinc to the monovalent cation is about 1:2. An aqueous zinc electroplating bath, containing the aqueous electrolyte composition, is also disclosed, along with a method for the electrochemical deposition of zinc onto a substrate surface, using the electroplating bath. Related flow batteries are also described, including a catholyte, as well as an anolyte based on the aqueous electrolyte composition, with a membrane between the catholyte and the anolyte.

Abstract: A flow battery cell is presented. The flow battery cell includes a first electrode configured for charging a discharged catholyte, a second electrode configured for charging and discharging an anolyte, and a third electrode configured for discharging a charged catholyte. The second electrode is disposed between the first electrode and the third electrode. Each of the first electrode and the third electrode is separated from the second electrode by a bipolar membrane. A first bipolar membrane and a second bipolar membrane are disposed, respectively, between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode and the third electrode. A flow battery stack and a method for operating the flow battery stack are also presented.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2, and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte composition is described, including a zinc salt based on zinc acetate or zinc glocolate. The saturation concentration of zinc in the electrolyte composition is in the range of about 2.5M to about 3.5M. The composition also contains at least one salt of a monovalent cation. The molar ratio of zinc to the monovalent cation is about 1:2. An aqueous zinc electroplating bath, containing the aqueous electrolyte composition, is also disclosed, along with a method for the electrochemical deposition of zinc onto a substrate surface, using the electroplating bath. Related flow batteries are also described, including a catholyte, as well as an anolyte based on the aqueous electrolyte composition, with a membrane between the catholyte and the anolyte.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2; and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.

Abstract: A flow battery is described, including a catholyte in the form of an aqueous solution of at least one salt of a halogen oxoacid compound; and an anolyte that includes an eletrochemically-active material capable of participating in a reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction with the catholyte salt; along with an intervening ion-permeable membrane. A unique cathode used in the battery or for other purposes is also described, along with a method of providing electrical energy to a device, system, or vehicle, using the flow battery.

Abstract: A polymer-electrolyte membrane is presented. The polymer-electrolyte membrane comprises an acid-functional polymer, and an additive incorporated in at least a portion of the membrane. The additive comprises a fluorinated cycloaliphatic additive, a hydrophobic cycloaliphatic additive, or combinations thereof, wherein the additive has a boiling point greater than about 120° C. An electrochemical fuel cell including the polymer-electrolyte membrane, and a related method, are also presented.

Abstract: A polymer-electrolyte membrane is presented. The polymer-electrolyte membrane comprises an acid-functional polymer, and an additive incorporated in at least a portion of the membrane. The additive comprises a fluorinated cycloaliphatic additive, a hydrophobic cycloaliphatic additive, or combinations thereof, wherein the additive has a boiling point greater than about 120° C. An electrochemical fuel cell including the polymer-electrolyte membrane, and a related method, are also presented.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cathode composition comprises a transition metal and/or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and antimony, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; an alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a sulfide compound selected from the group consisting of gallium sulfide, antimony sulfide, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.

Abstract: A method for recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream is disclosed. The method includes the step of reacting CO2 in the gas stream with fine droplets of a liquid absorbent, so as to form a solid material in which the CO2 is bound. The solid material is then transported to a desorption site, where it is heated, to release substantially pure CO2 gas. The CO2 gas can then be collected and used or transported in any desired way. A related apparatus for recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream is also described herein.

Abstract: The corrosion resistance of stainless steel anodes for use in alkaline water electrolysis was increased by immersion of the stainless steel anode into a caustic solution prior to electrolysis. Also disclosed herein are electrolyzers employing the so-treated stainless steel anodes. The pre-treatment process provides a stainless steel anode that has a higher corrosion resistance than an untreated stainless steel anode of the same composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sorbent composition including an adsorbent support; and a metal component comprising a transition metal, wherein the metal component is impregnated on a surface of the adsorbent support; and wherein the metal component effects the removal of sulfur and vanadium from a hydrocarbon fuel. Also disclosed herein is a sorbent composition comprising an adsorbent support, wherein a surface of the adsorbent support has been chemically modified to comprise functional groups; and wherein the adsorbent support effects the removal of sulfur and vanadium from a hydrocarbon fuel.

Abstract: The corrosion resistance of stainless steel anodes for use in alkaline water electrolysis was increased by immersion of the stainless steel anode into a caustic solution prior to electrolysis. Also disclosed herein are electrolyzers employing the so-treated stainless steel anodes. The pre-treatment process provides a stainless steel anode that has a higher corrosion resistance than an untreated stainless steel anode of the same composition.

Abstract: A cathode composition and a rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising same are disclosed. The cathode composition is described as comprising (i) particles including a transition metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, V, and combinations thereof; (ii) alkali halometallate; (iii) alkali halide; (iv) source of Zn; and (v) source of chalcogenide. Also described is a rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising the composition. The source of Zn and source of chalcogenide in the cathode composition of a cell may be effective to improve the extractable capacity of cells, and decrease the cell resistance, relative to their absence.

Abstract: An electrochemical energy conversion and storage system comprises an electrochemical energy conversion device, in fluid communication with a source of an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and an oxidant, for receiving, catalyzing and electrochemically oxidizing at least a portion of the hydrogen to generate electricity, a hydrogen depleted liquid, and water; and a vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid; wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least two secondary hydroxy groups is provided.

Abstract: A cathode composition is provided. The cathode composition includes at least one electroactive metal, wherein the electroactive metal is at least one selected from the group consisting of titanium, vanadium, niobium, molybdenum, nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, silver, antimony, cadmium, tin, lead and zinc; a first alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising a reaction product of a second alkali metal halide and a metal halide, wherein the electrolyte salt has a melting point of less than about 300 degrees Centigrade; and a metal chlorosulfide compound having a formula (I) M1M2p+1SnCl4+3p?2n wherein “M1” is a metal selected from group IA of the periodic table, “M2” is a metal selected from group IIIA of the periodic table, “p” is 0 or 1, and “n” is equal to or greater than 0.5. An article and an energy storage device comprising the cathode composition is provided. A method of forming the energy storage device is provided.

Abstract: A primary aluminum hydride cell and a battery formed with a plurality of the cells is described herein. The cells are constructed of an anode, a cathode and an aqueous electrolyte, and the anode comprises aluminum hydride and a conductive material. In some embodiments, the cathode comprises an air diffusion cathode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cathode composition comprises a transition metal and/or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and antimony, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing; an alkali metal halide; an electrolyte salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a sulfide compound selected from the group consisting of gallium sulfide, antimony sulfide, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorbent composition is described, including (i) a liquid, nonaqueous silicon-based material, functionalized with one or more groups that either reversibly react with CO2 or have a high-affinity for CO2; and (ii) a hydroxy-containing solvent that is capable of dissolving both the silicon-based material and a reaction product of the silicon-based material and CO2. The absorbent may be utilized in methods to reduce carbon dioxide in an exhaust gas, and finds particular utility in power plants.