Patents by Inventor Rongzhong Jiang
Rongzhong Jiang has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240093387Abstract: An alkaline electrolyte membrane (AEM) electrolytic device is designed, assembled and evaluated for water electrolysis, composed of an anode for oxygen generation, a cathode for hydrogen generation, an AEM for anion conductive, and two internal water gas separators (IWGSs) for water supplying to the anode and the cathode, respectively, as well as for automatically separation of water and gas produced from the anode or from the cathode. There is no need of pumps for water and gas circulations and no external water gas separators (EWGSs) that are used by conventional water electrolyzers. The corrosive electrolyte is confined in the water containers and will not damage other parts in the electrolytic device. Furthermore, novel multi gas diffusion layers are used to replace the conventional single gas diffusion layer. The pore size is configurable to improve the mass transfer of electrochemical reactions and promote electrochemical reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2022Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Jiangtian Li, Deryn D. Chu, David R. Baker
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Patent number: 11145884Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating electric power from a fuel cell are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Publication number: 20200274178Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating electric power from a fuel cell are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Patent number: 9537167Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell having an anode; a cathode opposing the anode; a first electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; a second electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and an A/C junction electrode disposed between the first electrolyte membrane and the second electrolyte membrane, the A/C junction electrode comprising a first gas diffusion layer; a second gas diffusion layer; a current collector disposed between the first gas diffusion layer and the second gas diffusion layer; a first catalyst layer disposed between the first electrolyte membrane and the first gas diffusion layer; and a second catalyst layer disposed between the second electrolyte membrane and the second gas diffusion layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Patent number: 9127370Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating low pressure hydrogen gas from fuel solutions (i.e., alcohols) without the use of an external power source or external heat source. The apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber for fuel storage having an aperture, (b) a second chamber for the temporary storage of hydrogen gas generated having an aperture, (c) a first electrochemical cell (Cell-1) and (d) a second electrochemical cell (Cell-2). Cell-2 is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber so that its anode is in fluid communication with the first chamber and its cathode is in fluid communication with the second chamber. Cell-1 is disposed on the opposite side of the first chamber from Cell-2 so that the anode therein is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the cathode therein is in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent. The first chamber is sandwiched between Cell-1 and Cell-2.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Publication number: 20150207163Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell having an anode; a cathode opposing the anode; a first electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; a second electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and an A/C junction electrode disposed between the first electrolyte membrane and the second electrolyte membrane, the A/C junction electrode comprising a first gas diffusion layer; a second gas diffusion layer; a current collector disposed between the first gas diffusion layer and the second gas diffusion layer; a first catalyst layer disposed between the first electrolyte membrane and the first gas diffusion layer; and a second catalyst layer disposed between the second electrolyte membrane and the second gas diffusion layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-LOC-IInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Publication number: 20150075997Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating low pressure hydrogen gas from fuel solutions (i.e., alcohols) without the use of an external power source or external heat source. The apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber for fuel storage having an aperture, (b) a second chamber for the temporary storage of hydrogen gas generated having an aperture, (c) a first electrochemical cell (Cell-1) and (d) a second electrochemical cell (Cell-2). Cell-2 is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber so that its anode is in fluid communication with the first chamber and its cathode is in fluid communication with the second chamber. Cell-1 is disposed on the opposite side of the first chamber from Cell-2 so that the anode therein is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the cathode therein is in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent. The first chamber is sandwiched between Cell-1 and Cell-2.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN: RDRL-LOC-IInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Dat Tien Tran, Deryn D. Chu
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Publication number: 20150010850Abstract: Embodiments of electrochemical devices are provided herein. In some embodiments, an electrochemical device may include a housing having an inner volume; a first outer electrode disposed within the inner volume and on a first side of the housing; a second outer electrode disposed within the inner volume on a second side of the inner volume opposite the first side; a first inner electrode disposed between the first outer electrode and the second outer electrode; and a second inner electrode disposed between the first inner electrode and the second outer electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: U.S. Army Research Laboratory ATTN:RDRL-LOC-IInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
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Patent number: 8465712Abstract: A method and system for desulfurization comprising first and second metal oxides; a walled enclosure having an inlet and an exhaust for the passage of gas to be treated; the first and second metal oxide being combinable with hydrogen sulfide to produce a reaction comprising a sulfide and water; the first metal oxide forming a first layer and the second metal oxide forming a second layer within the walled surroundings; the first and second layers being positioned so the first layer removes the bulk amount of the hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas prior to passage through the second layer, and the second layer removes substantially all of the remaining hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas; the first metal oxide producing a stoichiometrical capacity in excess of 500 mg sulfur/gram; the second metal oxide reacts with the hydrogen sulfide more favorably but has a stoichometrical capacity which is less than the first reactant; whereby the optimal amount by weight of the first and second metal oxides is achievedType: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Charles Rong, Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
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Patent number: 8383290Abstract: A passive fuel cell assembly, in which there is neither air pump, nor fuel pump, is comprised of a plurality of bi-cell units. Each bi-cell unit includes a first cell and a second cell, and each cell includes an electrode of a first polarity and an electrode of a second polarity, with an ion permeable membrane disposed therebetween. The bi-cell unit further includes a fuel container which comprises a housing defining a fuel chamber having a first and second open surface. The first and second cells are disposed on opposite sides so that electrodes of each cell having the first polarity are disposed in fluid contact with the fuel chamber. The assembly further includes an oxidizer supply member disposed between adjacent pairs of bi-cell units. The oxidizer supply member includes an oxidizer chamber having four sides to take in air, and having first and second open surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
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Patent number: 8148020Abstract: A metal-air battery has an anode in which the electrochemically active material is molybdenum. The molybdenum may be in the form of a bulk body of material or it may comprise a particulate material dispersed with or in another material. In some instances, the molybdenum may comprise a member of an alloy or mixture. Also disclosed is a modular battery system which may include the molybdenum-based anode material.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Charles W. Walker, Jr., Judy Walker, legal representative, Deryn Chu
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Patent number: 8026017Abstract: An electrolyte membrane assembly for use in a fuel cell or other electrochemical device includes an ion exchange membrane, a base electrolyte reservoir configured and operable to maintain a volume of a basic electrolyte solution in contact with at least some of the first face of the membrane, and an acid electrolyte reservoir configured and operable to maintain a volume of an acidic electrolyte in contact with at least a portion of the second face of the membrane. The membrane may be a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. Also disclosed are fuel cells which incorporate the electrolyte membrane assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Charles Rong, Deryn Chu
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Publication number: 20110110836Abstract: A method and system for desulfurization comprising first and second metal oxides; a walled enclosure having an inlet and an exhaust for the passage of gas to be treated; the first and second metal oxide being combinable with hydrogen sulfide to produce a reaction comprising a sulfide and water; the first metal oxide forming a first layer and the second metal oxide forming a second layer within the walled surroundings; the first and second layers being positioned so the first layer removes the bulk amount of the hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas prior to passage through the second layer, and the second layer removes substantially all of the remaining hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas; the first metal oxide producing a stoichiometrical capacity in excess of 500 mg sulfur/gram; the second metal oxide reacts with the hydrogen sulfide more favorably but has a stoichiometrical capacity which is less than the first reactant; whereby the optimal amount by weight of the first and second metal oxides is achieveType: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: U.S. Government as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: CHARLES RONG, RONGZHONG JIANG, DERYN CHU
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Publication number: 20100255375Abstract: A metal-air battery has an anode in which the electrochemically active material is molybdenum. The molybdenum may be in the form of a bulk body of material or it may comprise a particulate material dispersed with or in another material. In some instances, the molybdenum may comprise a member of an alloy or mixture. Also disclosed is a modular battery system which may include the molybdenum-based anode material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: United States of America as Represented by Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Charles W. Walker, JR., Judy Walker, Deryn Chu
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Patent number: 7695601Abstract: An electrochemical electrode probe includes an elongated body of a porous material disposed in a housing. The porous material is permeated with an electrolyte. A body of electrode material surrounds the porous body and functions as one electrode of an electrochemical system. A portion of the elongated body of porous material projects beyond the electrode body and functions to establish ionic and electrical conductivity with a sample of material which is to be tested. The sample of material functions as a working electrode, and the electrode body of the probe functions as a counter electrode/reference electrode. Further disclosed is an electrochemical analysis system which includes the probe and a support plate operable to retain a plurality of samples of test material thereupon. The probe is moved across the plate to sequentially measure the electrochemical properties of the various samples of material. Also disclosed are methods for using the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
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Publication number: 20090263700Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is comprised of a plurality of stack units. Each stack unit includes a first cell and a second cell, and each cell includes an electrode of a first polarity and an electrode of a second polarity, with an ion permeable membrane disposed therebetween. The stack unit further includes a fuel container which comprises a housing defining a fuel chamber having a first and second open surface. The first and second cells are disposed on opposite sides so that electrodes of each cell having the first polarity are disposed in fluid contact with the fuel chamber. The assembly further includes an oxidizer supply member disposed between adjacent pairs of stack units. The oxidizer supply member includes an oxidizer chamber having first and second open surfaces. The oxidizer supply member is disposed so that electrodes of the second polarity of adjacent stack units are in fluid contact with the chamber of the oxidizer supply member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: US Government as Represented by Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
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Publication number: 20080226961Abstract: An electrolyte membrane assembly for use in a fuel cell or other electrochemical device includes an ion exchange membrane, a base electrolyte reservoir configured and operable to maintain a volume of a basic electrolyte solution in contact with at least some of the first face of the membrane, and an acid electrolyte reservoir configured and operable to maintain a volume of an acidic electrolyte in contact with at least a portion of the second face of the membrane. The membrane may be a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. Also disclosed are fuel cells which incorporate the electrolyte membrane assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Charles Rong, Deryn Chu
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Publication number: 20070261958Abstract: An electrochemical electrode probe includes an elongated body of a porous material disposed in a housing. The porous material is permeated with an electrolyte. A body of electrode material surrounds the porous body and functions as one electrode of an electrochemical system. A portion of the elongated body of porous material projects beyond the electrode body and functions to establish ionic and electrical conductivity with a sample of material which is to be tested. The sample of material functions as a working electrode, and the electrode body of the probe functions as a counter electrode/reference electrode. Further disclosed is an electrochemical analysis system which includes the probe and a support plate operable to retain a plurality of samples of test material thereupon. The probe is moved across the plate to sequentially measure the electrochemical properties of the various samples of material. Also disclosed are methods for using the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Rongzhong Jiang, Deryn Chu
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Patent number: 7074318Abstract: An ionic conductive wire and method of forming an electrochemical cell in which an electric insulate tube is filled with an ionic conductive material. Terminals proximate the ends of the electric insulate tube are sealed with a fine porous material that is electric-insulate. The ionic conductive wire is movable such that it selectively connects at least two electric conductive materials to form an electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Deryn D. Chu, Rongzhong Jiang