Membrane Electrode Assembly (mea) Patents (Class 429/483)
  • Patent number: 11764368
    Abstract: A titanium material including a base metal made of pure titanium or a titanium alloy and a titanium oxide film formed on the base metal. Peak intensities obtained by thin-film X-ray diffraction analysis performed on an outer layer of the titanium material using an incident angle of 0.3° satisfy (I(104)+I(200))/I(101)?0.08?0.004×I(200), where I(104) is the peak intensity resulting from a plane (104) of a Ti2O3 phase, I(200) is the peak intensity resulting from a plane (200) of a TiO phase, I(101) is the peak intensity resulting from a plane (101) of an ?-Ti phase, and 0<I(104), 0?I(200), and 0<I(101). The titanium material is inexpensive and has both the electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Nippon Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hideya Kaminaka, Yoshitaka Nishiyama, Koichi Nose, Junko Imamura, Haruka Sato
  • Patent number: 11745002
    Abstract: A microneedle array assembly includes a microneedle array that has a plurality of microneedles. A distribution manifold includes a fluid supply channel that is coupled in flow communication to a plurality of resistance channels. Each of the resistance channels are coupled in flow communication to a respective one of the microneedles of the microneedle array. The resistance channels have a resistance value to a fluid flow through each resistance channel that is in the range between about 5 times greater to about 100 times greater than a resistance to the fluid flow through the supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: SORRENTO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Baker, Russell F. Ross
  • Patent number: 11735748
    Abstract: A power generation cell includes a resin-framed electrolyte membrane electrode assembly. The cathode of the resin-framed membrane electrode assembly has a larger surface dimension than the anode. An outer peripheral portion of the anode is positioned between a first buffer and a fuel gas flow field. An outer peripheral portion of the cathode is positioned between the resin frame member and the second buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Oda, Takaaki Shikano, Satoshi Aoki, Takuma Yamawaki
  • Patent number: 11618105
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods, systems and devices, for precise and reduced spot-size capabilities using a laser to alter surfaces without chemical treatment, chemical waste, or chemical residues is provided for microfluidic systems (e.g., lab-on-a-disk, for example). In some embodiments, hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic areas can be created on surfaces in the same material at different areas and positions merely by using different laser settings (e.g., spot size, wavelength, spacing, and/or pulse duration). Accordingly, capillary forces that are a recurrent issue in a microfluidic devices (e.g., a centrifugal microfluidic disk) can be controlled for practical applications, including, for example when users handle the disks and insert a sample, the moment the substrate/device (e.g., disk) is placed in a system (e.g., a centrifugal system), capillary forces can take place and move the fluids, which becomes a problem for sequential bioassays taking place in substrate/device (e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Orbis Diagnostics Limited
    Inventors: Matheus Jose Teixeira Vargas, Miriam Cather Simpson, David Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 11618962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a technical idea of forming ruthenium and ruthenium-cobalt alloy nanowires having various diameters using electroplating. More particularly, a technology of forming ruthenium and ruthenium-cobalt alloy nanowires on a porous template, on pores of which nanotubes are deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD), using electroplating, and annealing the ruthenium and ruthenium-cobalt alloy nanowires to form ruthenium-cobalt alloy nanowires having various diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jun Hwan Moon, Seung Hyun Kim, Tae Soon Kim, Yoo Sang Jeon, Young Keun Kim
  • Patent number: 11569523
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymer electrolyte membrane for medium and high temperature, a preparation method thereof and a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell including the same, more particularly to a technology of preparing a composite membrane including an inorganic phosphate nanofiber incorporated into a phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) polymer membrane by adding an inorganic precursor capable of forming a nanofiber in a phosphoric acid solution when preparing phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole and using the same as a high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane which is thermally stable even at high temperatures of 200-300° C. without degradation of phosphoric acid and has high ion conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: So Young Lee, Seung Ju Lee, Min Jae Lee, Hyun Seo Park, Jong Hyun Jang, Hyoung-Juhn Kim, Suk Woo Nam, Young Suk Jo, Yeong Cheon Kim
  • Patent number: 11492431
    Abstract: The copolymer includes divalent units represented by formula —[CF2—CF2]—, divalent units represented by formula; and one or more divalent units independently represented by formula: The copolymer has an —SO2X equivalent weight in a range from 300 to 2000. A polymer electrolyte membrane that includes the copolymer and a membrane electrode assembly that includes such a polymer electrolyte membrane are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lisa P. Chen, Gregg D. Dahlke, Denis Duchesne, Steven J. Hamrock, Klaus Hintzer, Markus E. Hirschberg, Arne Thaler, Tilman C. Zipplies
  • Patent number: 11376815
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a multilayer assembly, to a process for the manufacture of said multilayer assembly, to a pipe comprising said multilayer assembly and to uses of said pipe in various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS ITALY S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pasqua Colaianna, Amelia Mennella, Serena Carella, Marco Colladon, Stephen Edmondson
  • Patent number: 11367883
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an elastomeric cell frame for a fuel cell, a method of manufacturing the same, and a unit cell using the same, in which the elastomeric cell frame is integrally bonded to a membrane electrode assembly and a gas diffusion layer using a pair of elastomeric frames without a separate adhesive member. An elastomeric cell frame of a unit cell of a fuel cell according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an insert including a membrane electrode assembly and a pair of gas diffusion layers disposed on and bonded to opposite surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly; and an elastomeric frame including a pair of elastomeric frames which is bonded to each other and has portions disposed on a lower surface and an upper surface of a rim of the insert, respectively, in an outer region of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Byeong-Heon Jeong, Jin Hyeok Yoo, Seong Il Heo
  • Patent number: 11355768
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells that can prevent poisoning of catalysts and a method of producing the same. The electrolyte membrane for fuel cells includes an ion transport layer including an ionomer having proton conductivity, and a catalytic composite dispersed in the ion transport layer, wherein the catalytic composite includes a catalytic particle including a catalytic metal component having an activity of decomposing hydrogen peroxide, and a protective layer formed on at least a part of a surface of the catalytic particle to prevent the ionomer from contacting the catalytic metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byoungsu Kim, Bo Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 11355759
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprises an anode electrode comprising an anode catalyst layer; a cathode electrode comprising a cathode catalyst layer; and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode; wherein at least one of the anode and cathode catalyst layers comprises a block co-polymer comprising poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(propylene oxide).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Rajesh Bashyam, Alan Young
  • Patent number: 11335920
    Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane electrode assembly with a sub-gasket and a manufacturing method thereof. The membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, the sub-gasket formed in an edge region of the electrolyte membrane to surround a central region of the electrolyte membrane, and an adhesive layer formed between the electrolyte membrane and the sub-gasket and including an adhesive material and an antioxidant. The electrolyte membrane is formed to have a flat surface in a first direction, the sub-gasket extends in the first direction and a second direction vertical to the first direction, and the antioxidant includes a metal salt hydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Jun Ko, In Yu Park, Bo Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 11326083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a material including a support consisting of a porous composite material including at least one polymer phase forming a binder based on at least one polymer selected from thermoplastic polymers, elastomers, and elastomer thermoplastics, and at least one filler selected from thermally conductive fillers, the pores of the support consisting of the porous composite material being partially or entirely filled with at least one phase-change material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: HUTCHINSON
    Inventors: Arnaud Prebe, Bruno Dufour, Fabrice Chopard, Nicolas Garois, Philippe Sonntag
  • Patent number: 11311708
    Abstract: A microneedle array assembly includes a microneedle array that has a plurality of microneedles. A distribution manifold includes a fluid supply channel that is coupled in flow communication to a plurality of resistance channels. Each of the resistance channels are coupled in flow communication to a respective one of the microneedles of the microneedle array. The resistance channels have a resistance value to a fluid flow through each resistance channel that is in the range between about 5 times greater to about 100 times greater than a resistance to the fluid flow through the supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: SORRENTO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Baker, Russell F. Ross
  • Patent number: 11302929
    Abstract: Provided is a method with which it is possible to easily produce an electrode catalyst having excellent catalytic performance such as kinetically controlled current density. The method involves: a dispersion liquid preparation step of preparing a dispersion liquid by mixing (i) at least one type of solvent selected from the group consisting of sulfoxide compounds and amide compounds, (ii) a catalyst carrier powder constituted by a metal oxide, (iii) a platinum compound, (iv) a transition metal compound, and (v) an aromatic compound including a carboxyl group; and a loading step of heating the dispersion liquid to thereby load a platinum alloy of platinum and a transition metal on a surface of the catalyst carrier powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignees: MITSUI MINING & SMELTING CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuichi Senoo, Koichi Miyake, Koji Taniguchi, Hiromu Watanabe, Naohiko Abe, Tatsuya Arai
  • Patent number: 11289711
    Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst electrode for a fuel cell, a method for fabricating the catalyst electrode, and a fuel cell including the catalyst electrode. The presence of an ionomer-ionomer support composite in the catalyst electrode prevents the porous structure of the catalyst electrode from collapsing due to oxidation of a carbon support to avoid an increase in resistance to gas diffusion and can stably secure proton channels. The presence of carbon materials with high conductivity is effective in preventing the electrical conductivity of the electrode from deterioration resulting from the use of a metal oxide in the ionomer-ionomer support composite and is also effective in suppressing collapse of the porous structure of the electrode to prevent an increase in resistance to gas diffusion in the electrode. Based on these effects, the fuel cell exhibits excellent performance characteristics and prevents its performance from deteriorating during continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jong Hyun Jang, Hyun Seo Park, Hee-Young Park, Katie Heeyum Lim, Oh Sub Kim, Hyoung-Juhn Kim, Jin Young Kim, Sung Jong Yoo, Dirk Henkensmeir, So Young Lee
  • Patent number: 11276866
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for a solid polymer fuel cell that includes catalyst particles supported on a carbon powder carrier, the catalyst particles containing platinum, cobalt, and manganese. In the catalyst particles of the catalyst, the component ratio of platinum, cobalt, and manganese is Pt:Co:Mn=1:0.25 to 0.28:0.07 to 0.10 in a molar ratio, the average particle size is 3.4 to 5.0 nm, and further, in the particle size distribution of the catalyst particles, the proportion of catalyst particles having a particle size of 3.0 nm or less in the entire catalyst particles is 37% or less on a particle number basis. Then, a fluorine compound having a C—F bond is supported at least on the surface of the catalyst particles. The present invention is, with respect to the above ternary alloy catalyst, an invention particularly effective in improving the durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: TANAKA KIKINZOKU KOGYO K.K.
    Inventor: Minoru Ishida
  • Patent number: 11271234
    Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly comprising a polymer electrolyte disposed between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode, the anode and cathode electrodes each comprising a catalyst, a central region and a peripheral region, wherein the peripheral region of the cathode electrode comprises a cathode edge barrier layer; a fluid impermeable seal in contact with at least a portion of the anode and cathode peripheral regions and the cathode edge barrier layer; an anode flow field plate adjacent the anode electrode; and a cathode flow field plate adjacent the cathode electrode, wherein the cathode flow field separator plate comprises a cathode peripheral flow channel and at least one cathode central flow channel; wherein at least a portion of the cathode edge barrier layer traverses at least a portion of the cathode peripheral flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: BALLARD POWER SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: Manuel Schneiter
  • Patent number: 11258086
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly, includes: forming catalyst coated membrane using an electrode catalyst layer containing an ionomer having a sulfonic acid group and a catalyst carrier, and an electrolyte membrane; applying an ionization accelerator having a low molecular weight component represented by a chemical formula ClHmOn (where l, m, and n are natural numbers) for accelerating generation of sulfate ions, to the catalyst coated membrane; performing UV irradiation on the ionization accelerator applied to the catalyst coated membrane; heating the catalyst coated membrane having the ionization accelerator subjected to the UV irradiation; and bonding a gas diffusion layer containing a radical inhibiting substance to an outer surface of at least one of the ionization accelerator subjected to the UV irradiation or the catalyst coated membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Tsubosaka
  • Patent number: 11251476
    Abstract: Electrochemical metal-air cells having nested electrodes provided in an annular or cylindrical configuration, including systems that contain such cells in a sealed container. Each cell may include an oxidant electrode (air cathode) and a fuel electrode (anode), both configured in annular form. A series of permeable bodies, screens, or current collectors may be provided as part of the fuel electrode. An annular oxygen evolution electrode may also be provided in the cells. In some cases, the fuel electrode is nested within the oxidant electrode, or vice versa. Optionally, a second oxidant electrode may be included in the cells. Ionically conductive medium or electrolyte may be contained in the cell. Each cell may have its own cell housing. Optionally, an air space or pocket may be formed in a cell via an oxidant electrode. The sealed container may contain the cells such that they are surrounded by air or an electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: FORM ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn Donahey, Ramkumar Krishnan, Jagjot Singh Grewal
  • Patent number: 11251456
    Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus for a fuel cell membrane-electrode assembly is provided. The heat treatment apparatus includes a hot press installed on upper and lower sides of feeding path to move in the vertical direction on a frame and which presses the electrode catalyst layers on upper and lower surfaces of the membrane-electrode assembly sheet. A plurality of gripper modules are installed at set intervals in a base member along a feeding direction of the membrane-electrode assembly sheet, and selectively grip both side edges of the membrane-electrode assembly sheet. A driving unit reciprocally moves the base member in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the membrane-electrode assembly sheet and in the feeding direction of the membrane-electrode assembly sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yoosuk Hong, Sung Hoon Jeong
  • Patent number: 11233247
    Abstract: A composition comprised of a tin (Sn) or lead (Pb) film, wherein the film is coated by a shell, wherein the shell: (a) is comprised of an active metal, and (b) is characterized by a thickness of less than 50 nm, is discloses herein. Further disclosed herein is the use of the composition for the oxidation of e.g., methanol, ethanol, formic acid, formaldehyde, dimethyl ether, methyl formate, and glucose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: ARIEL SCIENTIFIC INNOVATIONS LTD.
    Inventors: Alex Schechter, Hanan Teller, Diwakar Kashyap
  • Patent number: 11228050
    Abstract: Some aspects of the invention may be directed to a catalyst layer for anodes of Alkaline Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (AEMFC). Such catalyst layer may include catalyst nanoparticles and an ionomer. Each catalyst nanoparticle may include one or more nanoparticles of catalytically active metal supported on at least one nanoparticle of crystalline RuO2. The diameter of the at least one nanoparticle of the crystalline RuO2 may be about order of magnitude larger than the diameter of the one or more nanoparticles of catalytically active metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HYDROLITE LTD
    Inventors: Yair Paska, Miles Page, Charly David Azra, Ben Achrai, Anna Kitayev
  • Patent number: 11220583
    Abstract: A block copolymer, an ion-exchange membrane including the block copolymer and a method of preparing the block copolymer are provided. The block copolymer may include a hydrophobic repeating unit and a hydrophilic repeating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Korea Institute Of Energy Research
    Inventors: Byungchan Bae, Sung-Dae Yim, Chang-Soo Kim, Won-Yong Lee, Gu-Gon Park, Tae-Hyun Yang, Seok-Hee Park, Minjin Kim, Young-Jun Sohn, Seung-Gon Kim, Dong Won Shin, Adam Febriy-Anto Nugraha
  • Patent number: 11196070
    Abstract: Disclosed are a membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cells and a method of manufacturing the same. The membrane-electrode assembly for fuel cells may include an electrolyte membrane including a phosphonic acid functionalized graphene oxide in order to improve the mechanical strength and proton conductivity thereof and a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Industry Foundation of Chonnam National University
    Inventors: In Yu Park, Jong Kil Oh, Bo Ki Hong, Aniket Kumar, Sun Ju Song, Jae Woon Hong
  • Patent number: 11189851
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes an anodic catalyst layer, a cathodic catalyst layer, and a polymer electrolyte membrane mediating protic communication between the anodic and cathodic catalyst layers. The cathodic catalyst layer includes an ionic liquid, 1-methyl-2,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-9-ium 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate, in admixture with carbon-supported particles of platinum or a platinum alloy. The ionic liquid improves performance in both high moisture and low moisture operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kan Huang, Hongfei Jia, Hisao Kato
  • Patent number: 11189853
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include fuel cells incorporating sheets and/or powders of silica fibers and methods for producing such devices. The silica fibers may be formed via electrospinning of a sol gel produced with a silicon alkoxide reagent, such as tetraethyl ortho silicate, alcohol solvent, and an acid catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: AMERICAN NANO LLC.
    Inventors: Mitch Dellinger, Surya Raj Banks
  • Patent number: 11170943
    Abstract: A supercapacitor electrode includes a substrate and at least one nitrogen-doped ultra-nanocrystalline diamond layer. The nitrogen-doped ultra-nanocrystalline diamond layer is disposed on the substrate. The nitrogen-doped ultra-nanocrystalline diamond layer is a dense continuous film. A conductivity of the supercapacitor electrode is 130 S/cm or more. In addition, a manufacturing method of a supercapacitor electrode is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Bohr-Ran Huang, Adhimoorthy Saravanan, Shyan-Kay Jou
  • Patent number: 11171385
    Abstract: A method of forming a separator for a lithium-ion battery includes arranging a polymer film in contact with a sacrificial layer to form a cutting stack. The method includes disposing the cutting stack between a first vitreous substrate and a second vitreous substrate. The method includes applying an infrared laser to the cutting stack through the first vitreous substrate to generate heat at the sacrificial layer. The method also includes transferring heat from the sacrificial layer to the polymer film to thereby cut out a portion of the polymer film and form the separator. A method of cutting a polymer film and a cutting system are also explained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hongliang Wang, Brian J. Koch, Michael P. Balogh, Sean R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 11158864
    Abstract: Improved catalyst layers for use in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies, and methods for making such catalyst layers, are provided. Catalyst layers can comprise structured units of catalyst, catalyst support, and ionomer. The structured units can provide for more efficient electrical energy production and/or increased lifespan of fuel cells utilizing such membrane electrode assemblies. Catalyst layers can be directly deposited on exchange membranes, such as proton exchange membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Nikola Corporation
    Inventor: John Slack
  • Patent number: 11145873
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte membrane. The pair of electrodes each include a catalyst layer, and a gas diffusion layer disposed on the catalyst layer on an opposite side to the electrolyte membrane. At least one of the catalyst layers contains first catalyst particles, and second catalyst particles. The first catalyst particles are either platinum particles or platinum alloy particles, or both. The second catalyst particles are core-shell particles having a core part and a shell part, the core part formed of at least one selected from transition metals other than platinum, the shell part covering the core part and formed of at least one of platinum and a platinum alloy. In the catalyst layer, the second catalyst particles are present in a smaller percentage in an electrolyte membrane side than they are in a gas diffusion layer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Yamasaki, Hitoshi Ishimoto, Motohiro Sakata
  • Patent number: 11121381
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a fuel cell stack that can manufacture the fuel cell stack efficiently, can improve the precision for joining and can improve the power generation efficiency. The method for manufacturing a fuel cell stack repeatedly stacks a separator, an electrode assembly and a separator in this order in accordance with the laminated structure of the fuel cell stack to be manufactured to manufacture the fuel cell stack. When the electrode assembly is stacked on the separator, the method pressurizes the electrode assembly stacked on the separator and applies laser light to the electrode assembly to join the resin frame of the electrode assembly to the separator. When the separator is stacked on the electrode assembly, the method pressurizes the separator stacked on the electrode assembly and applies laser light to the separator to join the separator to the resin frame of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunsuke Suzuki, Tomokazu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 11088379
    Abstract: An electrolyte membrane of a membrane-electrode assembly has improved chemical durability. The electrolyte membrane includes a composite, which includes an antioxidant in an ionic state and a first ionomer surrounding the antioxidant. The composite is dispersed in a second ionomer, which is a polymer matrix. A manufacturing method for the electrolyte membrane includes preparing an antioxidant solution, mixing the antioxidant solution and a first ionomer dispersion solution, drying the mixture to produce a composite having an antioxidant and a first ionomer surrounding the antioxidant, introducing and mixing the composite with a second ionomer dispersion solution, and applying that mixture to a substrate and drying the mixture to manufacture an electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDIA MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 11085124
    Abstract: An electrochemical reaction device comprises: an anode unit to oxidize water and thus generate oxygen; a cathode unit to reduce carbon dioxide and thus generate a carbon compound and hydrogen; a separator separating the anode and cathode units; and a power supply connected to the anode and cathode units, the cathode unit including: a porous member having a first surface and a second surface; a flow path plate facing the first surface; and a reduction catalyst on the second surface, and the flow path plate including: a flow path through which a target gas containing the carbon dioxide flows; and a porous film separating a first space and a second space inside the flow path and being permeated with an ionic liquid, the ionic liquid being configured to separate the carbon dioxide from the target gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Masakazu Yamagiwa, Ryota Kitagawa, Yuki Kudo, Akihiko Ono, Satoshi Mikoshiba, Jun Tamura, Yoshitsune Sugano, Asahi Motoshige
  • Patent number: 11078578
    Abstract: A system comprises a first electrode, an electrolyte membrane, and a second electrode. The first electrode is configured to reduce oxygen in a gas to an oxygen carrier ion at an intermediate temperature. The electrolyte membrane is configured to transport the oxygen carrier ion, and the second electrode is configured to oxidize the oxygen carrier ion to an oxygen molecule. Oxidation of the oxygen molecule consumes less than four electrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Divyaraj Desai, Jessica Louis Baker Rivest
  • Patent number: 11081707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell (2), comprising at least one membrane-electrode unit (10) having a first electrode (21) and a second electrode (22), which are separated from each other by a membrane (18), and at least two bipolar plates (40), which connect the membrane-electrode unit (10) on both sides, wherein the bipolar plates (40) are penetrated by a first supply channel, for supplying a fuel, and by a second supply channel, for supplying an oxidation means, wherein a first distribution structure (50) facing the first electrode (21) connects to a first edge of the first supply channel, and a second distribution structure (60) facing the second electrode (22) connects to a second edge of the second supply channel. The first electrode (21) extends along the membrane (18) in a region which is spaced apart from the first edge of the first supply channel, and the second electrode (22) extends along the membrane (18) in a region which is spaced apart from the second edge of the second supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schulte Moenting
  • Patent number: 11038190
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell that includes a membrane electrode unit with a membrane and two electrodes which make surface contact with both faces of the membrane. The membrane electrode assembly has a seal support that surrounds the periphery of the membrane and that overlaps the latter. The membrane electrode also has a connecting layer which continuously overlaps the membrane and the seal support, an inner edge section of the connecting layer being bonded to the membrane electrode unit and an outer edge section of the connecting layer being bonded to the seal support on the same flat face of the connecting layer. A seal is connected outside the membrane to the seal support. A fuel cell is provided that includes a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies. A motor vehicle includes the fuel cell and a method is provided for producing the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Benno Andreas-Schott
  • Patent number: 11034808
    Abstract: The present application relates to a polymer, a method for manufacturing the same, and an electrolyte membrane including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Hyungsam Choi, Byungguk Kim, Youngsik Eom, Chong Kyu Shin, Keun Won Song
  • Patent number: 11035053
    Abstract: Disclosed are ruthenium nanoparticles having an essentially face-centered cubic structure. Disclosed is a method for producing ruthenium nanoparticles having an essentially face-centered cubic structure. This production method includes a step (i) of maintaining a solution containing ruthenium (III) acetylacetonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and triethylene glycol at a temperature of 180° C. or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kitagawa, Kohei Kusada
  • Patent number: 11038183
    Abstract: An apparatus of manufacturing an elastomeric cell frame for a fuel cell may include, as the apparatus of manufacturing the elastomeric cell frame including an insert in which a membrane electrode assembly and a gas diffusion layer have been bonded, and a sheet-like elastomeric frame made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) integrated into an external area of the insert to form the unit cell of the fuel cell, a lower jig module accommodated so that the overlapping area, in which the insert and the elastomeric frame overlap at a predetermined area, is accommodated, and an upper jig module mounted above the lower jig module to provide heat and pressure to the overlapping area to thermally bond an interface between the insert and the elastomeric frame in the overlapping area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Gompany, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Hyeok Yoo, Byung Gun Song, Byeong-Heon Jeong
  • Patent number: 11024866
    Abstract: An elastomeric cell frame forming a unit cell of a fuel cell stack may include an insert in which a membrane electrode assembly and a pair of gas diffusion layers are bonded to each other; and an elastomeric frame disposed to surround a periphery of side surfaces of the insert, in which the side surfaces of the insert are positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the insert, one of upper and lower surfaces of the insert and side surfaces of the insert and bonded with the periphery of the surface of the insert and the side surfaces of the insert into an integrated structure by thermal bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byeong-Heon Jeong, Jin Hyeok Yoo, Seong Il Heo
  • Patent number: 11024910
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the development and improvement of a High-Temperature Sulfate/Sulfide device, in particular a High-Temperature battery using a Sulfate/Sulfide redox couple (HTSSB) for electrical energy storage at elevated temperatures and the like, and electrical energy storage device comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Universidade De Aveiro
    Inventors: Tao Yang, Sergey M. Mikhalev, Aliaksandr Shaula, Duncan P. Fagg
  • Patent number: 11018363
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane-electrode-gas diffusion layer assembly; a separator positioned in one side with respect to the membrane-electrode-gas diffusion layer assembly; a frame member supporting the membrane-electrode-gas diffusion layer assembly and joined to the separator, wherein the frame member includes: a base layer; an adhesive layer having thermoplasticity, having a linear expansion coefficient greater than that of the base layer, and joining the base layer and the separator; and a coating, layer provided on a side, opposite to the adhesive layer, of the base layer, having a liner expansion coefficient greater than that of the base layer, and not containing an adhesive component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazunori Shibata
  • Patent number: 11005121
    Abstract: A sealing part has an outer peripheral point of the sealing part within a range from 0 degree to 90 degrees around a center point of the sealing part relative to a stacking direction, and that is located at a distance of a first length L1 from the center point. Each point on the outer peripheral line within a first range satisfies L2?L1, where L2 is a second length that is a distance from the center point to that point. Each point on the outer peripheral line within a second range satisfies L3<L1, where L3 is a distance from the center point to that point, and is located on the opposite side of the outer peripheral point from the center point or at the same position as the outer peripheral point in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Hideya Kadono
  • Patent number: 11005107
    Abstract: A method for improving the performance and/or stability of non-precious metal catalysts in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices. Improved membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and fuel cells containing the same are provided. Such MEAs include a catalyst layer made up of at least two sub-layers containing ionomers of differing equivalent weights. The sub-layers may optionally contain mixtures of ionomers. Also provided are methods of making and using the described devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NISSHINBO HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Dustin William H Banham, Siyu Ye, Takeaki Kishimoto, Kyoung Bai
  • Patent number: 10981159
    Abstract: The present invention comprises: a separable material injection part for injecting a material therein; a mixing part for mixing the material injected in the material injection part; an aging part for aging, at a high temperature, the material mixed in the mixing part; and a firing part for supporting, on a support, the material aged in the aging part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Ji-chan Park, Dong Hyun Chun, Jung-il Yang, Heon-do Jeong, Heon Jung, Ho-tae Lee, Dong-wook Lee, Chan-woo Lee, Shin Wook Kang
  • Patent number: 10950869
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to achieve both high initial performance and durability performance of a fuel cell. Such object can be achieved by using a fuel cell electrode catalyst that includes a solid carbon carrier and an alloy of platinum and cobalt supported on the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignees: Cataler Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yousuke Horiuchi, Tomoaki Terada, Akihiro Hori, Nobuaki Mizutani, Hiroo Yoshikawa, Yusuke Itoh
  • Patent number: 10944121
    Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte membrane having excellent strength, a small dimensional change, and a low membrane resistance. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a porous film having pores and a polymer electrolyte contained in the pores. The porous film is obtained by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene and an ethylenic comonomer to provide polytetrafluoroethylene and then stretching the polytetrafluoroethylene. The porous film has an average pore size of greater than 0.20 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Inoue, Kuon Miyazaki, Kentaro Kikuchi, Nobuki Uraoka, Shinichi Chaen, Tomohisa Konishi, Tadashi Ino
  • Patent number: 10930406
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid-phase oxidative decomposition method for radioactively contaminated carbonaceous material, providing a method of oxidizing carbon into a gas in liquid phase to treat radioactively contaminated carbonaceous material. The method comprises the following steps: ball milling a mixture of a molybdenum-containing substance and a carbonaceous material, thermally treating the ball milled mixture, and performing liquid-phase oxidation of the thermally treated mixture. The thermal treatment causes carbon to enter space between molybdenum atoms so as to reduce the particle size of carbon and improve the chemical reactivity of carbon, and an oxidant is then used to oxidize the carbon in the space between molybdenum atoms into a gas in liquid phase, while the molybdenum-containing moiety is converted into a water-soluble substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Institute of Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics
    Inventors: Min Pang, Peilun Sang, Ning Zeng, Qingkai Zhao, Shun Li
  • Patent number: 10892495
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing a catalyst coated membrane including the steps of: coating a substrate with a first catalyst dispersion thereby obtaining a first catalyst dispersion coated substrate, providing a second side of a membrane with a support film, coating a first side of the membrane with a second catalyst dispersion, thereby obtaining a second catalyst dispersion coated first side of the membrane, drying the first catalyst dispersion thereby obtaining a first catalyst coated substrate or drying the second catalyst dispersion coated first side of the membrane thereby obtaining a second catalyst coated first side of the membrane, laminating the first catalyst coated substrate to the second catalyst dispersion coated first side of the membrane or laminating the first catalyst dispersion coated substrate to the second catalyst coated first side of the membrane so that the first catalyst and the second catalyst superimpose, thereby forming a laminate including a membrane compri
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: GREENERITY GMBH
    Inventors: Sarayut Leeratanaphanit, Bernd Nollmann