Diaphragm Type Patents (Class 204/252)
  • Publication number: 20140357904
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a system and method for producing a first product from a first region of an electrochemical cell having a cathode and a second product from a second region of the electrochemical cell having an anode. The method may include a step of contacting the first region with a catholyte comprising carbon dioxide. The method may include another step of contacting the second region with an anolyte comprising a recycled reactant and at least one of an alkane, haloalkane, alkene, haloalkene, aromatic compound, haloaromatic compound, heteroaromatic compound or halo-heteroaromatic compound. Further, the method may include a step of applying an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to produce a first product recoverable from the first region and a second product recoverable from the second region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Kyle Teamey, Jerry J. Kaczur
  • Publication number: 20140353144
    Abstract: A carbon-based material in accordance with the present invention includes graphene doped with metal atoms and at least one type of non-metal atoms selected from a group consisting of nitrogen atoms, boron atoms, sulfur atoms, and phosphorus atoms. A diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray diffraction measurement of the carbon-based material by use of CuK? radiation showing that a proportion of the highest of intensities of peaks derived from an inactive metal compound and a metal crystal to an intensity of a (002) peak is 0.1 or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Shuji Nakanishi, Ryo Kamai, Yuya Suzuki, Kazuhito Hashimoto, Kazuhide Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8900435
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide can be separated from gas streams using ion exchange, such as in an electrochemical cell. An anion exchange membrane can be configured to increase the efficiency of the system and to permit the flow of the carbon-containing ions within the system while reducing diffusion of protons and/or hydroxyl ions. A gas stream containing carbon dioxide can be introduced to the system on the cathode side, while a source of hydrogen-containing molecules can be introduced on the anode side. Operation of the system can separate the carbon dioxide from the gas stream and provide it at a separate outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Karl Anthony Littau
  • Publication number: 20140346053
    Abstract: The carbon dioxide reducing method using light includes: (a) preparing a carbon dioxide reducing cell including: a cathode chamber that holds first electrolytic solution containing carbon dioxide; an anode chamber that holds second electrolytic solution; a proton exchange membrane inserted between the cathode and anode chambers; a cathode set inside the cathode chamber to contact the first electrolytic solution, and the cathode having copper, gold, silver, indium, etc. on the cathode; and an anode set inside the anode chamber to contact the second electrolytic solution, the anode having first semiconductor layer constituted by nitride semiconductor including AlxGa1-xN layer wherein 0?x?0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro DEGUCHI, Satoshi YOTSUHASHI, Hiroshi HASHIBA, Yuka YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20140346054
    Abstract: An electrochemical reduction device includes: an electrolyte membrane; a reduction electrode having a catalyst metal and a porous conductive compound; and an oxygen generating electrode. The catalytic metal includes at least one of Pt and Pd. The conductive compound includes an oxide, nitride, carbide, oxynitride, carbonitride, or partial oxide of a carbonitride of: one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, and W.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Yasushi Sato, Kota Miyoshi, Kojiro Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Konboro
  • Publication number: 20140339099
    Abstract: A method of producing an apparatus to remove ions from water is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a first electrode having a first current collector, a second electrode having a second current collector, and a spacer between the first and second electrodes to allow water to flow in between the electrodes. The method includes flushing water through the spacer and subsequently exerting a force on the stack so as to compress the first and second electrodes and the spacer. Exerting a force on the stack may result in a pressure of less than 5 bar, less than 2 bar, or between 1 bar and 0.5 bar, between the electrodes and the spacer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: VOLTEA B.V.
    Inventors: Albert Van Der Wal, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Piotr Edward Dlugolecki, Thomas Richard Bednar, George Shoemaker Ellis, David Jeffrey Averbeck
  • Publication number: 20140339162
    Abstract: Electrocoagulation (EC) may remove oil and solids from oilfield water and other raw, untreated or unprocessed water as a pretreatment for increased boron removal efficiency using a subsequent boron selective resin. Boron selective resins are efficient for boron removal, but oil and solids in water lower the boron remove efficiency and capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: JIASHENG CAO, RONALD M. MATHERLY, DARYL D. MCCRACKEN, KUSHAL SETH
  • Patent number: 8888968
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GTA, Inc.
    Inventor: Elias Stanley Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 8882972
    Abstract: A support member for an improved three-chambered electrolytic cell is disclosed. A porous synthetic support system for exchange membranes in electrolytic cells is used for exchange membrane protection in electrolytic cells for the in situ generation of electrolysis solutions, such as bleach or hypochlorous acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc
    Inventors: Kevin A. Wuebben, Scott R. Limback, Barry R. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20140326610
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell has an electrolyte membrane, a reduction electrode, and an oxygen evolving electrode. The electrolyte membrane is formed of a material having protonic conductivity (ionomer). A reduction catalyst used for the reduction electrode is composed of a composition containing a first catalyst metal (noble metal) that contains at least one of Pt and Pd and containing one or more kinds of second catalyst metals selected from among Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ru, Sn, W, Re, Pb, and Bi. The oxygen evolving electrode contains catalysts of noble metal oxides such as RuO2, IrO2, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: JX NIPPON OIL & ENGERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi SATO, Kota MIYOSHI, Kojiro NAKAGAWA, Yoshihiro KOBORI
  • Publication number: 20140318979
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the steps of: (i) oxidising a mediator at a working electrode to yield an oxidised mediator, and reducing protons at a counter electrode to yield hydrogen; and (ii) reducing an oxidised mediator at a working electrode to yield a mediator, and oxidising water at a counter electrode to yield oxygen. wherein the oxygen generation step is performed non-simultaneously to the hydrogen generation step, and the oxidised mediator of step (i) is used as the oxidised mediator of step (ii), or the mediator of step (ii) is used as the mediator of step (i), and the mediator has a reversible redox wave lying between the onset of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Leroy Cronin, Mark Symes
  • Publication number: 20140318981
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for producing electro-chemically activated water wherein (1) a dilute aqueous salt solution is first delivered through a preliminary reactor which has an anode element and a cathode element but does not have a membrane element positioned between the anode and the cathode and (2) the product from the preliminary reactor is then delivered through an activation reactor having a membrane element positioned between the anode and cathode elements thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: RADICAL WATERS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Mathys Jacobus Buitendag, Philip Nel, Daniel Francois Jensen, Hendrik Frederik du Plessis
  • Publication number: 20140311896
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the mining industry and treatment of mineral and materials that contain gold and silver. Specifically, it is related to a process to recover gold and silver, from copper thiosulfate solutions with a autogenerated electrolysis process. The advantages of the present invention, relative to those of the state of the technique, reside in the increased velocity compared with cementation using copper, without employing electric current. Our process is characterized by operating in an electrochemical autogeneration cell, in which the anode and cathode are connected in short circuit and the anodic and cathodic compartments are separated by an ion exchange membrane. Additionally, using a copper anode and the stripped solution as the anolyte, the levels of soluble copper are maintained stable, conserving the leaching power of the thiosulfate solutions, whereby it is possible to recycle them back to the leaching stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Gretchen Terri Lapidus Lavine, Alejandro Rafael Alonso Gómez, Ricardo Benavides Pérez, Carlos Lara Valenzuela
  • Publication number: 20140311897
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly efficient sodium hypochlorite generation apparatus capable of decreasing disinfection by-products, which is a chlorine disinfection device for on-site generation and produces sodium hypochlorite solution by electrolyzing sodium chloride aqueous solution on site, thereby requiring no additional liquefied chlorine storage equipment or disaster prevention equipment and securing flexibility of installation and operation while not being regulated by a high-pressure gas safety control act.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Boong Ik Jung, Jung Sik Kim, Hyun Su Shin, Sang Seek Bae, Kyung Lee, Young Jae Lee
  • Publication number: 20140305794
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a module for an electrolyser of filterpress type comprising at least one closed frame defining at least one first opening, wherein said module comprises a sealing and electric insulating material, wherein said material at least partly covers the surface of the frame. In addition the present invention comprises a method for producing a module for an electrolyser of filterpress type and use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Oddmund Wallevik, Hans Jörg Fell, Petr Chladek
  • Patent number: 8852417
    Abstract: Processes and systems for electrolytically processing a microfeature workpiece with a first processing fluid and a counter electrode are described. Microfeature workpieces are electrolytically processed using a first processing fluid, a counter electrode, a second processing fluid, and an anion permeable barrier layer. The anion permeable barrier layer separates the first processing fluid from the second processing fluid while allowing certain anionic species to transfer between the two fluids. Some of the described processes produce deposits over repeated plating cycles that exhibit resistivity values within desired ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Baskaran, Robert W. Batz, Jr., Bioh Kim, Tom L. Ritzdorf, John Lee Klocke, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20140262813
    Abstract: Both the reaction of hydride-forming compositions with hydrogen to form hydrides, and the decomposition of such hydrides to release hydrogen may be promoted electrochemically. These reactions may be conducted reversibly, and if performed in a suitable cell, the cell will serve as a hydrogen storage and release device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John J. Vajo, Wen Li, Ping Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 8834687
    Abstract: A layered construction for use in decontaminating a surface or enclosed space is described. The construction is an electrochemical cell which includes a cathode, an electrolyte layer, an anode and a protective surface layer. A precursor compound that can be electrically decomposed to release an oxidant, on demand and over an extended period of time, is included in the layered structure, preferably in the electrolyte layer. The oxidant compounds react with various different chemical or biological contaminants in contact the protective layer, thereby deactivating, destroying or devitalizing the contaminants. The layered construction is suitable for application to a device or substrate, or placement in an enclosed space, and can be used on sensitive surfaces such as electronic components and human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Martin W. Kendig, Young J. Chung, Alan B. Harker, Dennis R. Strauss, Walther Ellis, Linda S. Powers
  • Publication number: 20140251824
    Abstract: Provided are electrochemical devices that are rechargeable, where the regeneration techniques are based on a batchwise application of current or current density to the cells, where there are a service mode where no current or current density is applied and a recharge mode where a current or current density is applied. Electrochemical and EDI systems according to the embodiments herein are suitable for deionization and/or purification of typical municipal tap quality water in applications where demand for purified, low-TDS water is intermittent. Such operations avoid the use of chemical additions for regeneration purposes. In addition the cells provided herein are amenable to small footprints for consumer and commercial applications such as: dishwashers, washing machines, coffee and espresso makers, ice makers, steam tables, car wash water sources, and steamers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert E. Astle, Jonathan F. Hester, Dian Zheng
  • Publication number: 20140251819
    Abstract: According to aspects described herein, methods and systems provided by the present invention for hydrogen gas production include a RED stack including one or more RED subunits, and use of a saline material including a heat regenerable salt. The salinity driven energy, provided by the one or more RED subunits, completely eliminates the need for an external power source to produce hydrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bruce E. Logan, Younggy Kim, Roland D. Cusick, Jooyoun Nam
  • Publication number: 20140251821
    Abstract: Methods, equipment, and reagents for preparing organic compounds using custom electrolytes based on different ionic liquids in electrolytic decarboxylation reactions are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, James Mosby, Patrick McGuire, Mukund Karanjikar, Daniel Taggart, Jacob Staley
  • Publication number: 20140251822
    Abstract: A NaSICON cell is used to convert carbon dioxide into a usable, valuable product. In general, this reaction occurs at the cathode where electrons are used to reduce the carbon dioxide, in the presence of water and/or hydrogen gas, to form formate, methane, ethylene, other hydrocarbons and/or other chemicals. The particular chemical that is formed depends upon the reaction conditions, the voltage applied, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, James Mosby
  • Publication number: 20140251795
    Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a manufacturing method of cathode catalyst, comprising the following steps. Initially, mix an organic medium with an iron-based starting material and a nitrogen-based starting material to form a mixture. Followed by adding a carbon material to the mixture and subsequently executing a heating process to form a solid-state precursor. Then mill the solid-state precursor to form a precursory powder. Successively, calcinate the precursory powder in the presence of NH3 to form a cathode catalyst. The cathode catalyst can reduce the activation energy of hydrogen ion reacting with oxygen to make water. The instant disclosure further provides an ozone-generating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CASHIDO CORPORATION
    Inventors: SHIH-CHANG CHEN, SYUAN-HONG CHEN, LIANG-CHIEN CHENG, RU-SHI LIU, I-CHIAO LIN, CHUN-LUNG CHIU, LING-HUI LU, HSIU-LI WEN, CHIEN-MIN SUNG
  • Publication number: 20140246306
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an anodic compartment for metal electrowinning cells delimited by a frame-shaped skeleton comprising an envelope including a permeable separator secured to said frame-shaped skeleton by means of a frame-shaped flange, at least one anode obtained starting from a valve metal substrate coated with at least one corrosion-resistant catalytic layer, said anode being inserted inside said envelope, and a demister located above said anode and delimited by said separator and said skeleton. The invention also concerns an electrochemical cell for metal electrowinning comprising at least one such anodic compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE DE NORA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Faita
  • Publication number: 20140246307
    Abstract: The electrochemical cell consists of hollow tube and centralized copper rod. The tubes have first and second ends. The first end cap is used to close the first open end. The anolyte inlet is extended through the first end cap in anolyte compartment and catholyte inlet is extended through the first end cap in catholyte compartment. The anolyte and catholyte compartments are separated by ion exchange membrane fixed over inner hollow tube having holes on the surface. A first Teflon gasket has provision for inlet of anolyte and catholyte tube is secured between first tubes end and first end cap. The copper rod is placed at the centre of the tubes acts as cathode. The circular ring works as scrapper to take out deposited copper is provided. A second end cap is used to close the second open. A second Teflon gasket is secured between second tubes end and second end cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Yadav Ganapati Dadasaheb, Parhad Prakash Santoshrao, Nirukhe Ashwini Bhagavan, Parvatalu Damaraju, Bhardwaj Anil, Prabhu Bantwal Narayana, Thomas Nuzhath Joeman, Kale Dilip Madhusudan
  • Publication number: 20140246328
    Abstract: An electrolyzer device comprises a container configured to receive liquid to be electrolyzed; a separator arranged in the container so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber positioned lower in a vertical direction than the first chamber; a cathode arranged in the first chamber and operatively connected to a power supply; and an anode arranged in the second chamber and operatively connected to the power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Osaka Electro-Communication University
    Inventors: Koichi Umimoto, Shunji Nagata
  • Patent number: 8815063
    Abstract: A high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus includes a plurality of unit cells each having an anode separator, a cathode separator, and a membrane electrode assembly which is sandwiched between the anode separator and the cathode separator. The membrane electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and an anode current collector and a cathode current collector which are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. An electrically-conductive member is interposed between the cathode separator and disc springs and between a plate member and the cathode current collector so as to integrally extend from a region between the cathode separator and the disc springs to a region between the plate member and the cathode current collector. The electrically-conductive member includes an electrically-conductive path which electrically connects the cathode separator with the cathode current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe
  • Patent number: 8815064
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generator comprising an anode and a cathode provided on each side of a fluororesin type cation exchange membrane, the anode being a conductive diamond electrode having conductive diamond on the surface, wherein water is supplied to an anode compartment, DC current is supplied between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze water to evolve ozone from the anode compartment and hydrogen from a cathode compartment, the conductive diamond electrode comprising a substrate having a plurality of convexo-concave and a conductive diamond film coated on the surface of the substrate is applied as the conductive diamond electrode, and a close packed layer of ion exchange resin particles or the fluororesin type cation exchange membrane with notch is closely adhered to the surface of the anode side of the fluororesin type cation exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kato, Rie Kawaguchi, Takamichi Kishi
  • Publication number: 20140227626
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a proton-conductive electrochemical cell (10), comprising an electrolytic membrane (13) made of a ceramic and an electrode (11, 12) made of a cermet, said electrochemical cell (10) being obtained directly by a method of co-sintering a ceramic layer, capable of forming the electrolytic membrane (13), and a cermet layer, capable of forming the electrode (11, 12), in a sintering tool at a sintering temperature of the ceramic that makes it possible to render said ceramic layer, capable of forming the electrolyte (13), gas-tight, wherein said cell (10) is characterised in that said cermet consists of the mixture of a ceramic and an electronically conductive passivatable alloy including at least 40 mol % chromium capable of forming a passive layer, the nature and the chromium content of said passivatable alloy enabling said electrochemical cell to be co-sintered with a membrane densification of more than 90% without melting said alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicants: AREVA, ARMINES, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Béatrice Sala, Frédéric Grasset, Elodie Tetard, Kamal Rahmouni, Dominique Goeuriot, Baroudi Bendjeriou, Hisasi Takenouti
  • Publication number: 20140224662
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte is formed by blending a coating chemical with metal ions and fatty acid. Filling molds and drying the material in the molds forms the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is mounted on an electrode and attached to a handle. The solid electrolyte is moved over a surface of a substrate with the handle. DC current is passed between the electrode and substrate and ions are transferred to the wetted substrate from the solid electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: OCEANIT LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Oceanit Laboratories, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140224648
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to a system and apparatus which is adapted to receive components including at least one counterelectrode (e.g. cathode) and at least one photoelectrode (e.g. anode) provided or arranged around at least one UV light source, and/or receive, contain and/or circulate fluid or aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: AquaMost, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward ANDREWS, Terence P. BARRY, Craig DOOLITTLE, David KAPSOS, Jake MYRE, Alan CARLSON, Anton ASMUTH
  • Patent number: 8795482
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for planar metal plating on a workpiece having a surface with recessed regions and exposed surface regions; comprising the steps of: causing a plating accelerator to become attached to said surface including the recessed and exposed surface regions; selectively removing the plating accelerator from the exposed surface regions without performing substantial metal plating on the surface; and after removal of plating accelerator is at least partially complete, plating metal onto the surface, whereby the plating accelerator remaining attached to the surface increases the rate of metal plating in the recessed regions relative to the rate of metal plating in the exposed surface regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Mayer, Marshall R. Stowell, John S. Drewery, Richard S. Hill, Timothy M. Archer, Avishai Kepten
  • Patent number: 8791354
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) includes an electrolyte container (3) containing an ionic liquid (2), and a partitioning membrane (4) dividing an interior of the electrolyte container (3) into two being a CO2 capturing chamber (7) and a CO2 releasing chamber (8), having side walls opposing each other, with the partitioning membrane (4) in between, either as a carbon electrode (5) and the other as a photoelectrode (6). A redox mediator (B) has different bonding forces to carbon dioxide, as it appears as an oxidant Box and a reductant Bred, of which that one which has a greater bonding force serves as an intermediary chemical species carrying carbon dioxide to one of the paired electrodes (5, 6). Over the CO2 releasing chamber (10), an upper wall portion (10) is formed, which has a CO2 take-out port (10A) formed therein, for making use of oxidation and reduction of the redox mediator to achieve separation and concentration of carbon dioxide, converting photo energy of sunlight into electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasukazu Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20140202875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyser for the production of at least one chemical substance, such as hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine or hypochlorous acid, or sodium hydroxide, by electrolysis of pure water or of water containing at least one salt, base and/or acid such as NaCl, H2SO4, KOH or NaOH, comprising a stack of at least a first and a second consecutive electrolytic cells, each electrolytic cell (10) comprising; —an anode, —a cathode, —an ion exchange membrane (11) positioned between the anode and the cathode, the ion exchange membrane (11) of the first electrolytic cell and of the second electrolytic cell being separated by a bipolar electrode (15) constituting on the one hand, the anode of the first electrolytic cell and, on the other hand, the cathode of the second electrolytic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Ceram HYD
    Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
  • Patent number: 8784619
    Abstract: A portable, on-demand hydrogen generation system is provided for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines, more particularly to vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen and oxygen is passed back thru the supply tank for distribution and water preservation. The gases are kept separate by a divider in the tank and the water level in the tank. In the case of gasoline engines, the hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is optionally powered by the vehicle battery, a stand alone battery, waste heat of the internal combustion engine or solar energy. The system utilizes a vacuum switch or other engine sensor that permits power to the device and therefore hydrogen production only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: HNO Green Fuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald W Owens
  • Patent number: 8784620
    Abstract: Described is a method for improving the operation of an electrolytic cell having an anolyte compartment, a catholyte compartment and a synthetic diaphragm separating the compartments, wherein liquid anolyte is introduced into the anolyte compartment and flows through the diaphragm into the catholyte compartment, which method involves introducing particulate material comprising halocarbon polymer short fiber, e.g., fluorocarbon polymer short fiber, into the anolyte compartment in amounts sufficient to lower the flow of liquid anolyte through the diaphragm into the catholyte compartment. In the case of an electrolytic cell wherein aqueous alkali metal chloride, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Axiall Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry W. Schussler, David R. Bush, Craig R. Long
  • Patent number: 8778149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic diaphragm for chlor-alkali cells with improved energy consumption and gas separation characteristics. The diaphragm comprises a network of polymer fibers bound to a hydrophilic ceramic material containing zirconium chemically bound to hydroxyl groups. The ceramic material is obtained starting from ZrO2 by a process of hydration under vacuum which can be carried out directly in the cell by means of suitable equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Patent number: 8778148
    Abstract: Apparatus for hydrogen chloride electrolysis, comprising a cathode that has a layer of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes having functional groups containing nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Aurel Wolf, Leslaw Mleczko, Volker Michele, Jens Assmann, Jürgen Kintrup, Rainer Weber
  • Publication number: 20140183047
    Abstract: The electrochemical regeneration of a replaceable metal electrode of a metal-air battery takes place in a supplementary electrochemical cell with a chemical agent oxidized on the counter electrode. The decrease of the regeneration voltage at the supplementary electrochemical cell results in the growth of the regeneration efficiency. The creation of a commercial product during chemical agent oxidation on the counter electrode decreases the overall cost of the regeneration. Possible chemical agents for regeneration include salts, metal complexes, monomers, conjugated organic molecules, oligomers or polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: PANISOLAR INC.
    Inventors: Iakov Kogan, Anna Khomenko
  • Publication number: 20140183038
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capture of carbon dioxide and electrochemical conversion of the captured carbon dioxide to organic products are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce a solvent to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. Step (B) may capture carbon dioxide with at least one of guanidine, a guanidine derivative, pyrimidine, or a pyrimidine derivative to form a carbamic zwitterion. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between an anode and a cathode sufficient for the cathode to reduce the carbamic zwitterion to a product mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Liquid Light, Inc.
    Inventors: Prasad Lakkaraju, Kyle Teamey
  • Patent number: 8764967
    Abstract: A method and system for regenerating used cooking oil in which the used cooking oil is introduced into a cooking oil regenerator, which includes an electrochemical device having a high temperature proton exchange membrane disposed between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. A voltage is applied between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode using an external electricity source, producing regenerated cooking oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Qinbai Fan
  • Patent number: 8764956
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid includes: an ion-exchange material; an anode chamber having a surface defined by a surface of the ion-exchange material and an anode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the anode chamber; and a cathode chamber having a surface defined by an opposite surface of the ion-exchange material and a cathode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the cathode chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-joo Lee, Joon-ho Kim, Chin-sung Park, Jung-im Han, Seung-yeon Yang, Shin-i Yoo
  • Publication number: 20140171688
    Abstract: Ketones, specifically Methyl ethyl ketone (“MEK”) and octanedione, may be formed from six carbon sugars. This process involves obtaining a quantity of a six carbon sugar and then reacting the sugar to form levulinic acid and formic acid. The levulinic acid and formic acid are then converted to an alkali metal levulinate and an alkali metal formate (such as, for example, sodium levulinate and sodium formate.) The alkali metal levulinate is placed in an anolyte along with hydrogen gas that is used in an electrolytic cell. The alkali metal levulinate within the anolyte is decarboxylated to form MEK radicals, wherein the MEK radicals react with hydrogen gas to form MEK, or MEK radicals react with each other to form octanedione. The alkali metal formate may also be decarboxylated in the cell, thereby forming hydrogen radicals that react with the MEK radicals to form MEK.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Mukund Karanjikar, Sai Bhavaraju
  • Patent number: 8753489
    Abstract: An electrolyzing system for electrolyzing a brine solution of water and an alkali salt to produce acidic electrolyzed water and alkaline electrolyzed water is provided. The system includes an internal chamber for receiving the brine solution and two electrolyzer cells immersed in a brine bath. Each electrolyzer cell includes an electrode, at least one ion permeable membrane supported relative to the electrode to define a space communicating between a fresh water supply and a chemical outlet into which brine enters only through the membrane. One of the electrodes is coupled to a positive charging electrical supply and the other to a negative charging electrical supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: Gregory John Swartz, James B. Swartz, James Ira Moyer
  • Publication number: 20140158526
    Abstract: A cathode catalyst used for conversion of a carbon dioxide gas by an electrochemical reduction includes at least one first catalyst layer and at least one second catalyst layer disposed on a surface of the at least one first catalyst layer. The at least one second catalyst layer is a porous structure. The at least one first catalyst layer and the at least one second catalyst layer are physically combined with each other, and materials of the at least one first catalyst layer and the at least one second catalyst layer are different. A cathode material and a reactor include the cathode catalyst are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: JIAN-WEI GUO, CHEN-CHEN ZHAO, XIANG-MING HE, LI WANG, JIAN-JUN LI, JIAN GAO
  • Publication number: 20140151240
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system comprising an absorber; the absorber being operative to extract carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream to form a carbon capture solution that is rich in carbon dioxide; and an electrolytic cell disposed downstream of the absorber; where the electrolytic cell is operative to reduce carbon dioxide present in the carbon capture solution. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising discharging a flue gas stream from a flue gas generator to an absorber; contacting the flue gas stream with a carbon capture solution; extracting carbon dioxide from the flue gas stream to form a carbon dioxide rich carbon capture solution; discharging the carbon dioxide rich carbon capture solution to an electrolytic cell; and reducing the carbon dioxide to a hydrocarbon in the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Stephen Allan Bedell, Michal Bialkowski, Turgay Pekdemir
  • Patent number: 8741425
    Abstract: The present invention provides an all ceramics solid oxide cell, comprising an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte layer sandwiched between the anode layer and the cathode layer, wherein the electrolyte layer comprises doped zirconia and has a thickness of from 40 to 300 ?m; wherein the anode layer and the cathode layer both comprise doped ceria or both comprise doped zirconia; and wherein the multilayer structure formed of the anode layer, the electrolyte layer and the cathode layer is a symmetrical structure. The present invention further provides a method of producing said solid oxide cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Technical University of Denmark
    Inventor: Peter Halvor Larsen
  • Publication number: 20140144773
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell includes a compartment divider configured to divide a container into a first compartment and a second compartment, the compartment divider having a first surface facing the first compartment and a second surface facing the second compartment, a first electrolyte in the first compartment, a second electrolyte in the second compartment, a first electrode on the first surface of the compartment divider, a second electrode on the second surface of the compartment divider, a first photocatalyst layer on the first electrode, a second photocatalyst layer on the second electrode, and a catalyst passage connecting the first compartment and the second compartment, the catalyst passage configured to control the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte to flow in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Min JI, Dong Jin HAM, Hyo Rang KANG
  • Publication number: 20140144774
    Abstract: The device for electrochemically manufacturing an organic hydride of the present invention is characterized by the electrode structure thereof being a structure that forms a matrix in which a metal-catalyst supporting carbon or a metal catalyst is suitably intermingled with a proton-conductive solid polymer electrolyte as catalyst layers, and the catalyst layers are formed on the front and back of a proton-conductive solid polymer electrolyte membrane on which a layer that blocks water from passing through is formed. When water or water vapor is supplied to the anode side of this electrode and a substance to be hydrogenated is supplied to the cathode side, application of a voltage between the anode and the cathode causes an electrolysis reaction to the water to occur at the anode and a hydrogenation reaction to the substance to be hydrogenated to occur at the cathode, producing the organic hydride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Takayuki Hirashige, Takao Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140138256
    Abstract: A three-chamber eletrochemical cell comprises a central chamber, two lateral chambers, and a central part for conveying a fluid solution into and out from the central chamber, the central part being symmetric with respect to a mid-plane of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: CERAM HYD, CLEANEA
    Inventors: Max Deslandes, Jean-Christophe Pruvost, Arash Mofakhami, Philippe Planard