Abstract: Disclosed are an electrolyte membrane of a membrane-electrode assembly including an electronic insulation layer, which greatly improves the durability of the electrolyte membrane, and a method of preparing the same. The electrolyte membrane includes an ion exchange layer and an electronic insulation layer provided on the ion exchange layer, and the electronic insulation layer includes one or more catalyst complexes, and a second ionomer Particularly, each of the one or more catalyst complex includes a catalyst particle and a first ionomer coated on the entirety or a portion of the surface of the catalyst particle, and the one or more catalyst complexes are dispersed the second ionomer.

Abstract: In a redox flow battery (RFB), the base solvent of the electrolytes tends to migrate across the barrier layer from one electrode toward the other. This can result in a volume and concentration imbalance between the electrolytes that is detrimental to battery efficiency and capacity. Compatible electrolytes can be mixed to rebalance the system, but for incompatible electrolytes mixing is not a viable option. To this end, the RFB herein includes a separator that recovers base solvent from the vapor phase of one of the electrolytes and returns the recovered base solvent to the other electrolyte to thereby reverse the imbalance.

Abstract: A control unit of an aging apparatus performs a first pattern of supplying a humidified H2 gas to an anode and supplying a humidified N2 gas to a cathode, to thereby move protons from the anode to the cathode through an electrolyte membrane. Further, the control unit performs a second pattern of supplying the humidified N2 gas to the anode and supplying the humidified H2 gas to the cathode, to thereby move protons from the cathode to the anode through the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A condensate water storage device including a storage container defining a storage space to store condensate water, and having a discharge hole through which the condensate water is discharged to the outside, a valve unit to selectively open and close the discharge hole, a connection cable connected to the valve unit, and a winding unit connected to the connection cable to selectively wind the connection cable and manipulate an operation of the valve unit, thereby selectively discharging the condensate water, which is produced from a fuel cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a high-purity electrolyte solution for a vanadium redox flow battery using a catalytic reaction, and more specifically, to a method of preparing a high-purity electrolyte solution having a vanadium oxidation state of +3 to +5 from a mixture solution containing a vanadium precursor, a reducing agent, and an acidic solution, by using a catalyst. By using a catalyst and a reducing agent that does not leave impurities such as Zn2+, which are generated when preparing electrolyte solutions using an existing metal reducing agent, the high-purity electrolyte solution for a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) according to the present invention eliminates the need for an additional electrolysis process; does not form toxic substances during a reaction process, and thus is environmentally friendly; and is electrochemically desirable under milder process conditions than that of an existing process.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a method for operating an electrically rechargeable redox flow battery comprising: using a redox flow battery having a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a membrane, wherein the first chamber comprises a cathode and the second chamber comprises an anode; conducting a first electrolyte as catholyte into the first chamber and conducting a second electrolyte as anolyte into the second chamber; and charging or discharging the redox flow battery. The first electrolyte comprises a first reduction-oxidation pair and the second electrolyte comprises a second reduction-oxidation pair. At least one of the first electrolyte and the second electrolyte comprises a pH-stabilizing buffer for chemically stabilizing the reduction-oxidation pair.

Abstract: A zinc-iron chloride flow battery relies on mixed, equimolar electrolytes to maintain a consistent open-circuit voltage of about 1.5 V and stable performance during continuous charge-discharge. Considering the good performance relative to the low-cost materials, zinc-iron chloride flow batteries represent a promising new approach in grid-scale and other energy storage applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing hydrogen using a mediator that is capable of reversibly donating and accepting four or more electrons. A method of the invention comprises the steps of reducing a mediator by four or more electrons to yield a reduced mediator, and oxidising a reduced mediator to yield a mediator, and reducing protons to yield hydrogen.

Abstract: All-vanadium sulfate redox flow battery systems have a catholyte and an anolyte comprising an aqueous supporting solution including chloride ions and phosphate ions. The aqueous supporting solution stabilizes and increases the solubility of vanadium species in the electrolyte, allowing an increased vanadium concentration over a desired operating temperature range. According to one example, the chloride ions are provided by MgCl2, and the phosphate ions are provided by (NH4)2HPO4.

Abstract: A battery includes an anode; an electrolyte including an oxidizing gas; a metal halide that functions as an active cathode material; and a solvent including a nitrile compound; and a current collector contacting the cathode material.

Abstract: A method is provided for restoring an electrolyte of vanadium (V) redox flow battery (VRFB). Electrolyte data of an original system are analyzed in advance. A reusable positive electrode is further equipped with a V electrolyte. A reductant for a stack of VRFB is used in coordination as an electrolysis device. After a long-term reaction with a VRFB having a high valence (greater than 3.5), an electrolyte at the positive electrode is directed out to a negative electrode of the electrolysis device; and, then, electrolysis is processed after accurate calculation. In the end, the internal fluid balancing method of the original system is combined. Thus, a harmless and quick valence restoration is processed for the electrolyte of the original system, which is a final resort for the restoration of V electrolyte.

Abstract: New systems, methods and media for simultaneous energy and data transfer are provided. In some aspects of the invention, an energy and data receiver is provided, which may be used to receive data and energy simultaneously, in a unified manner. Energy and information transfer media, which may be included within such a receiver unit, are also provided. New electrochemical battery recharging, refurbishment and replacement techniques are also provided. In some aspects of the invention, small, fungible battery elements with external contacts may be delivered to a tank comprising contacts. The cells may be delivered to the tank bridging contacts within the tank, powering an appliance. Density differentials, maneuvering protocols and variable contacts between the elements may aid in placing them in selected circuit orders, and in removing them.

Abstract: A reservoir for a redox flow battery comprising: at least one inner tank for electrolyte, the or each inner tank having at least one inner tank wall, an outer, bund tank around the or each inner tank, air circulation gaps or passages between the inner and outer walls or the inner and outer tanks and means for passing cooling air to the air circulation gaps or passages for cooling the electrolyte in or each inner tank.

Abstract: A hydride heat engine produces electricity from a heat source, such as a solar heater. A plurality of metal hydride reservoirs are heated by the heating device and a working fluid comprises hydrogen is incrementally move from one metal hydride reservoir to a success metal hydride reservoir. The working fluid is passed, at a high pressure, from the last of the plurality of metal hydride reservoirs to an electro-chemical-expander. The electro-chemical-expander has an anode, a cathode, and an ionomer therebetween. The hydrogen is passed from the anode at high pressure to the cathode at lower pressure and electricity is generated. The solar heater may be a solar water heater and the hot water may heat the metal hydride reservoirs to move the hydrogen. The working fluid may move in a closed loop.

Abstract: An electrolyte composition can be capable of becoming molten when heated sufficiently. The electrolyte can include at least one lithium halide salt; and at least one lithium non-halide salt combined with the at least one lithium halide salt so as to form an electrolyte composition capable of becoming molten when above a melting point about 350° C. A lithium halide salt includes a halide selected from F and Cl. A first lithium non-halide salt can be selected from the group consisting of LiVO3, Li2SO4, LiNO3, and Li2MoO4. A thermal battery can include the electrolyte composition, such as in the cathode, anode, and/or separator region therebetween. The battery can discharge electricity by having the electrolyte composition at a temperature so as to be a molten electrolyte.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a nano-catalyst filter, which includes depositing through electrodeposition a catalyst precursor inside a porous filter to which an electrode layer is attached. Using this method, a nano-catalyst can be uniformly deposited inside a porous ceramic filter, and high catalyst efficiency can be obtained only using a small amount of the nano-catalyst.

Abstract: A ceramic electronic component that includes a plurality of ceramic layers which are stacked together, and an internal conductor layer disposed between two adjacent ceramic layers among the plurality of ceramic layers, and in which a ceramic layer that is adjacent to the internal conductor layer includes a plurality of pores.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a redox flow battery using an electrolyte concentration gradient, capable of increasing the efficiency of the redox flow battery, and to an operation method thereof. The redox flow battery includes a catholyte tank having an electrolyte inlet at the top thereof and an electrolyte outlet at the bottom thereof and having a partition plate for forming a concentration gradient of a catholyte received therein, an anolyte tank having an electrolyte inlet at the top thereof and an electrolyte outlet at the bottom thereof and having a partition plate for forming a concentration gradient of an anolyte received therein, and a stack for charging and discharging power by receiving the catholyte and the anolyte supplied from the catholyte tank and the anolyte tank.

Abstract: A thermal battery includes a negative electrode and a positive electrode separated from the negative electrode by an electrolyte where at least the positive electrode is in a fluid state at the operating temperature of the battery. A solid product isolation system decreases the concentration of solid products within the fluid positive electrode at least within the region near the electrolyte.

Abstract: Optimized charging of a battery of a computing device is provided. The computing device includes a dynamic phase change device. The dynamic phase change device includes a wick structure with a valve. The valve is operable to regulate a working fluid of the dynamic phase change device based on a position of the valve. The computing device also includes a battery physically connected to and in thermal communication with the dynamic phase change device, and a sensor operable to determine a temperature of the battery. The computing device includes a first heat generating component physically and thermally connected to the dynamic phase change device. The first heat generating component or a second heat generating component is configured to compare the determined temperature to a predetermined temperature and control the valve based on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides a redox flow battery comprising a positive electrolyte storage tank and a negative electrolyte storage tank, wherein the positive electrolyte storage tank and the negative electrolyte storage tank is kept to be in liquid communication through a pipe, wherein the length-to-diameter ratio of the pipe for the liquid communication is not less than about 10. The present invention also provides a method for operating the redox flow battery continuously in a long period of time.

Abstract: The present specification relates to a carrier-nanoparticle complex, a method for preparing the same, and a catalyst comprising the same.

Abstract: Multi-acid polymers are produced having the formula R—SO2—NH—(SO3?H+)n or R—SO2—NH—(PO3?H2+)n and made from a polymer precursor in sulfonyl fluoride form or sulfonyl chloride form The R is one or more units of the polymer precursor without sulfonyl fluoride or sulfonyl chloride, n is one or more, and the multi-acid polymer has two or more proton conducting groups. A method of making the multi-acid polymers includes reacting an amino acid having multiple sulfonic acids or phosphonic acids with a polymer precursor in sulfonyl fluoride form or sulfonyl chloride form in a mild base condition to produce the multi-acid polymer having two or more proton conducting groups.

Abstract: Simplified methods for preparing a catalyst coated membrane (CCM) for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The CCM has two reinforcing, expanded polymer sheets and the methods involve forming the electrolyte membrane from ionomer solution during assembly of the CCM. Thus, the conventional requirement to obtain, handle, and decal transfer solid polymer sheets in CCM preparation can be omitted. Further, CCM structures with improved mechanical strength can be prepared by orienting the expanded polymer sheets such that the stronger tensile strength direction of one is orthogonal to the other. Such improved CCM structures can be fabricated using the simplified methods.

Abstract: The present application relates to a composite electrolyte membrane and a method for manufacturing the same. The composite electrolyte membrane according to the present application includes: a poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymer including the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 1 and the repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2; and a core-shell particle including an inorganic particle core and a basic organic polymer shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a fuel electrode for oxidizing a fuel, an oxidant electrode for reducing an oxidant, and an ionically conductive medium for conducting ions between the fuel and oxidant electrodes to support electrochemical reactions at the fuel and oxidant electrodes. The ionically conductive medium comprises at least one active additive for enhancing (controlling the rate, overpotential and/or the reaction sites for) at least one electrochemical reaction within the cell. The cell further comprises an additive medium in contact with the ionically conductive medium and containing the at least one active additive capable of corroding or dissolving in the ionically conductive medium. The additive medium and/or casing is configured to release the active additive to the ionically conductive medium as a concentration of the active additive in the ionically conductive medium is depleted during operation of the cell.

Abstract: A multimetallic core/interlayer/shell nanoparticle comprises an inner core formed from a first metal. An interlayer is disposed on the first layer. The interlayer includes a plurality of gold atoms. An outer shell is disposed over the interlayer. The outer shell includes platinum and the first metal. A surface of the NP is substantially free of gold. The first metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, vanadium, yttrium, ruthenium, palladium, scandium, tin, lead and zinc.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanoscale wires, including anisotropic deposition in nanoscale wires. In one set of embodiments, material may be deposited on certain portions of a nanoscale wire, e.g., anisotropically. For example, material may be deposited on a first facet of a crystalline nanoscale wire but not on a second facet. In some cases, additional materials may be deposited thereon, and/or the portions of the nanoscale wire may be removed, e.g., to produce vacant regions within the nanoscale wire, which may contain gas or other species. Other embodiments of the invention may be directed to articles made thereby, devices containing such nanoscale wires, kits involving such nanoscale wires, or the like.

Abstract: The emitter of the present invention includes a nanowire. The nanowire is formed from a hafnium carbide (HfC) single crystal, and at least an end portion of the hafnium carbide single crystal, from which electrons are to be emitted, is covered with hafnium oxide (HfO2). In the emitter, the thickness of the hafnium oxide may be 1 nm to 20 nm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving conditions for anion contaminant removal in a cathode of a PEMFC system are presented. A fuel cell system consistent with certain embodiments may include a cathode compartment having a compressor coupled thereto. The compressor may be configured to receive an input cathode gas via a compressor input and supply the input cathode gas to the cathode compartment via a compressor output. The fuel cell system may further include a cathode gas recirculation value coupled to the cathode compartment configured to receive a cathode exhaust gas output and to selectively provide at least a portion of the cathode exhaust gas output to the compressor input. Consistent with certain embodiments disclosed herein, the compressor may be further configured to supply at least a portion of the cathode exhaust gas output to the cathode compartment via the compressor output.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing graphene-silicon nanowire hybrid material, comprising: (A) preparing a catalyst metal-coated mixture mass, which includes mixing graphene sheets with micron or sub-micron scaled silicon particles to form a mixture and depositing a nano-scaled catalytic metal onto surfaces of the graphene sheets and/or silicon particles; and (B) exposing the catalyst metal-coated mixture mass to a high temperature environment (preferably from 300° C. to 2,000° C., more preferably from 400° C. to 1,500° C., and most preferably from 500° C. to 1,200° C.) for a period of time sufficient to enable a catalytic metal-catalyzed growth of multiple silicon nanowires using the silicon particles as a feed material to form the graphene-silicon nanowire hybrid material composition. An optional etching or separating procedure may be conducted to remove catalytic metal or graphene from the Si nanowires.

Abstract: Anolytes and catholytes in and from separate anolyte and catholyte reaction chambers and electrochemical separation chambers are used for destruction of waste, sharps, biologicals, prions, cleaning of tanks, equipment, coal, ores and metals, sanitizing, sterilizing, generation of hydrogen, fuels, sterilizing solutions, water and heat and power, and processing of coal, shale oil and oil sands.

Abstract: A metal-nitric oxide electrochemical cell which is fed a gas comprising nitric oxide (NO) and at least one gas selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen oxide of formula NxOy, oxygen, water vapor, a gaseous hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is provided. Also provided is a rechargeable battery containing the metal-nitrogen oxides electrochemical cell. A vehicle system wherein exhaust gas from a combustion engine serves as a feed of active cathode material to a metal-nitrogen oxides battery is additionally provided.

Abstract: A rhenium (Re) nanostructure is described. The rhenium nanostructure is an elongated nanostructure, such as, nanowire, nanorod, nanotube, branched nanostructure, and hollow nanostructure. The Re nanostructure may be a binary Re-metal nanotube, a binary Re-metal nanowire, and a binary Re-metal nanorod. The binary Re-metal nanostructure is a nanostructure composed of Re and at least one metal or non-metal. The metal may be In, Sn, Sb, Pb, and/or Bi. The nanostructure is in powder or in liquid form.

Abstract: A method is provided for operation of a fuel cell with improved water management by maintaining reduced anode pressure relative to cathode pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, or both. Typically, the fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly comprising nanostructured thin film cathode catalyst.

Abstract: Flowing electrolyte batteries capable of being selectively neutralized chemically; processes of selectively neutralizing flowing electrolyte batteries chemically; and processes of selectively restoring the electrical potential of flowing electrolyte batteries are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention discloses general apparatus and methods for electrochemical energy conversion and storage via a membraneless laminar flow battery. In a preferred embodiment, the battery includes a flow-through porous anode for receiving a fuel and a porous electrolyte channel for transporting an electrolyte adjacent to the porous anode; a flow-through porous cathode is provided for transporting an oxidant; and a porous dispersion blocker is disposed between the electrolyte channel and the porous cathode, which inhibits convective mixing while allowing molecular diffusion and mean flow. Pore structure properties are selected for tuning convective dispersion, conductivity or other macroscopic properties. Specific materials, reactants, fabrication methods, and operation methods are disclosed to achieve stable charge/discharge cycles and to optimize power density and energy density.

Abstract: According to the method for preparing an electrolyte for a vanadium redox flow battery, one electrolyte can be used as both the positive electrolyte and the negative electrolyte, by preparing an electrolyte having a median oxidation number of electrolytes used for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the vanadium redox flow battery. Particularly, since the mixed electrolyte having the median oxidation number is separated into the same amounts of positive electrolyte and the negative electrolyte at the time of charging and discharging, the maximum charging and discharging effect based on the supplied capacitance can be obtained.

Abstract: A Vanadium chemistry flow cell battery system is described. Methods of forming the electrolyte, a formulation for the electrolyte, and a flow system utilizing the electrolyte are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vanadium electrolyte is sulfate-free.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for rechargeable zinc air batteries are generally disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns in one aspect, a separator (100, 200, 300) for a liquid electrolyte regenerator of a fuel cell system and, in another aspect, a foam reducing apparatus. In the separator, a helical fluid channel (100, 200, 300) formed on a helix (150) is arranged to conduct liquid and gas of a gas-liquid mixture and separate the liquid from the gas-liquid mixture. The helical channel (100, 200, 300) may be an enclosed channel or pipe (210, 302) and the overall diameter (DHELIX) of the helical channel may be around twice the pipe diameter. The helical channel can form part of a bulk gas-liquid separator (200), or a gas-liquid contactor and separator (300, 400, 500), or a condensing heat exchanger (300, 400, 500). The foam reduction apparatus (FIG. 15 155, 157; FIG. 20; FIG. 16, 1600; FIG. 18, 1800), has a low surface energy material and is arranged to provide contact between foam and a surface of the low surface energy material.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a permeable fuel electrode configured to support a metal fuel thereon, and an oxidant reduction electrode spaced from the fuel electrode. An ionically conductive medium is provided for conducting ions between the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes, to support electrochemical reactions at the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes. A charging electrode is also included, selected from the group consisting of (a) the oxidant reduction electrode, (b) a separate charging electrode spaced from the fuel and oxidant reduction electrodes, and (c) a portion of the permeable fuel electrode. The charging electrode is configured to evolve gaseous oxygen bubbles that generate a flow of the ionically conductive medium. One or more flow diverters are also provided in the electrochemical cell, and configured to direct the flow of the ionically conductive medium at least partially through the permeable fuel electrode.

Abstract: The present invention concerns in one aspect a separator for separating the gas and liquid phases of a foam and, in another aspect, a foam reducing apparatus. The separator comprises a first side and a second side and having through-flow means provided therein for permitting a foam or a foam phase to pass from the first side to the second side, the separator further comprising at least one foam contacting surface having a low surface energy, and means for recovering at least one separated foam phase from the foam. The foam reducing apparatus comprises a low surface energy material and means for contacting foam, when said foam is input to the foam reduction apparatus, along a surface of said low surface energy material. The separator and the foam reducing apparatus may be used independently or in combination to good effect to more efficiently disrupt foam to provide separate gas and liquid phases.

Abstract: Membrane electrode assembly is provided that includes an electrolyte membrane; an electrode catalytic layer including nanostructured elements having acicular micro structured support whiskers bearing acicular nanoscopic catalyst particles; and a gas diffusion layer including a nitrogen-containing compound that includes an anionic ion-exchange group. A method of regenerating the membrane electrode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a redox flow battery system and a control method for the same. In the redox flow battery system, an oxidation number is controlled by injecting at least one of an oxidant and a reducer into at least one of a cathode side and an anode side using a measured oxidation number of the electrolyte. Therefore, even though an oxidation number balance is inevitably broken, since an initial concentration of vanadium ion, that is, an average oxidation number is maintained without a large change in the concentration, efficiency and stability of a battery may be promoted, and the oxidation number balance may be monitored in real time and the oxidation number balance may be recovered without a separate process of separating electrolytes to entirely mixing the electrolytes, or the like, that is, without stopping a function of the battery, thereby facilitating maintenance and control of performance of the battery.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for providing a flow through battery cell and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the flow through battery cell includes an inlet for receiving a flow of water, a solid oxidizer coupled to the inlet for reacting with the flow of water to generate a catholyte, wherein the solid oxidizer comprises at least one of: an organic halamine, a succinimide or a hypochlorite salt, a galvanic module coupled to the solid oxidizer for receiving the catholyte and generating one or more effluents and an outlet for releasing the one or more effluents.

Abstract: An exemplary method of providing an electrolyte for a fuel cell comprises including a electrolyte precursor within a fuel cell. An electrolyte is generated within the fuel cell from the precursor. An exemplary fuel cell system includes a cell stack assembly. A manifold is associated with the cell stack assembly. An electrolyte precursor is within at least one of the cell stack assembly or manifold for generating an electrolyte within a fuel cell.

Abstract: A method of rebalancing electrolytes in a redox flow battery system comprises directing hydrogen gas generated on the negative side of the redox flow battery system to a catalyst surface, and fluidly contacting the hydrogen gas with an electrolyte comprising a metal ion at the catalyst surface, wherein the metal ion is chemically reduced by the hydrogen gas at the catalyst surface, and a state of charge of the electrolyte and pH of the electrolyte remain substantially balanced.

Abstract: An electrode module for a redox flow battery, includes an electrode (1) and a sealing frame (2), mechanically connected so that the electrode module that results therefrom can be used with no problems in redox flow cells.

Abstract: The invention relates inter alia to an arrangement comprising a carrier (10), a layer and a material (20) enclosed between the carrier and the layer. According to the invention, it is provided that the layer is formed by a single two-dimensionally crosslinked layer (40) or by a plurality of two-dimensionally crosslinked layers which are indirectly or directly connected to one another.