Zirconium Oxide Patents (Class 429/496)
  • Patent number: 11888198
    Abstract: A cell according to the present disclosure includes: a first electrode layer; a solid electrolyte layer on the first electrode layer, the solid electrolyte layer containing Zr; a middle layer on the solid electrolyte layer, the middle layer containing CeO2 which contains Ce and a rare earth element other than Ce; a second electrode layer on the middle layer; and a boundary region between the solid electrolyte layer and the middle layer, the boundary region including a basing point at which a molarity of Ce and a molarity of Zr are equal. An average molarity of the Ce within a range from the basing point up to 3 ?m toward the solid electrolyte layer is equal to or less than 10 mol % with respect to a total of Ce, Zr, and other rare earth elements, an average molarity of Zr within the range is equal to or more than 70 mol % with respect to a total of Ce, Zr, and other rare earth elements, or a molarity ratio of Ce with respect to Zr within the range is equal to or less than 0.143.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Fujimoto, Makoto Koi, Akihiro Hara, Masahiko Higashi
  • Patent number: 11885031
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids into other chemicals and/or fuels, comprising at least one electrochemical cell, wherein the electrochemical cell reduces the endothermic load associated with electrochemical CO2 reduction, and a method for converting carbon dioxide and natural gas liquids into carbon monoxide and other chemicals and/or fuels, comprising converting CO2 into CO and converting C2H6 into C2H4 at a temperature in the range of 650° C.-750° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Jason Patrick Trembly
  • Patent number: 11738881
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) system for an aircraft can include a fuel consuming system configured to generate and output electrical energy for use by one or more aircraft systems and a battery system configured to output stored electrical energy for use by the one or more aircraft systems. The fuel consuming system can include a fuel consuming APU, and an APU generator operatively connected to the fuel consuming APU and configured to convert APU motion into APU generator alternating current (AC). The system can include a high voltage AC line operatively connected to the generator. The battery system can include a battery configured to output battery direct current (DC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kyle Stephen Ives
  • Patent number: 11724815
    Abstract: A hybrid engine including features to meet aircraft thrust, passenger airflow, and fuel cell requirements. The engine includes a combustor burning the same fuel as the fuel cell. The engine has electric motors to utilize the power output of the fuel cell. The engine shafts have sprags to allow motors to drive the compressors and over run the turbines. The engine has variable flowpath geometry to bypass the combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steve G. Mackin, Eric B. Gilbert, Russell H. Higgins
  • Patent number: 11621427
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprising an anode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a two phased cathode layer. The two phased cathode layer comprises praseodymium and gadolinium-doped ceria. Additionally, the solid oxide fuel cell does not contain a barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Ye Lin, Ying Liu, Matthew Lundwall, James A. Enterkin
  • Patent number: 11342447
    Abstract: A sputtering target for an insulating oxide film, the sputtering target including a sintered body including a lanthanum oxide and at least one selected from the group consisting of a beryllium oxide, a magnesium oxide, a calcium oxide, a strontium oxide, and a barium oxide, wherein lanthanum has highest molar ratio among elements other than oxygen contained in the sintered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yukiko Abe, Yuki Nakamura, Shinji Matsumoto, Yuji Sone, Naoyuki Ueda, Ryoichi Saotome, Minehide Kusayanagi
  • Patent number: 11196053
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell features a functional layer for reducing interfacial resistance between the cathode and the solid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: REDOX POWER SYSTEMS, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: Ke-Ji Pan, Mohammed Hussain Abdul Jabbar, Dong Ding, Eric Wachsman
  • Patent number: 11189433
    Abstract: A multifunctional solid-state photovoltachromic device (1) comprising at least one n-type layer (8) and at least one p-type layer (11) arranged to create a PN or PIN junction, said n-type layer (8) and p-type layer (11) comprising materials arranged to act as mixed conductors, thus allowing both charge transport and ion conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE
    Inventors: Alessandro Cannavale, Pierluigi Cossari, Vincenzo Maiorano, Giuseppe Gigli
  • Patent number: 11050062
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell is fabricated in part by disposing a functional layer between the cathode and the solid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignees: REDOX POWER SYSTEMS, LLC, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Inventors: Ke-Ji Pan, Mohammed Hussain Abdul Jabbar, Dong Ding, Eric Wachsman
  • Patent number: 10998569
    Abstract: The cell according to the present disclosure has a support body having a length direction and a pair of main surfaces, and an element part in which a first electrode, a solid electrolyte layer having an oxide containing a rare earth element oxide as a main component, and a second electrode are stacked, in that order, on one of the main surfaces of the support body. The cell also has a first layer provided on the other main surface of one end part of the support body in the length direction, which layer contains a different amount of a rare earth element oxide that is the same oxide as the main component of the solid electrolyte layer, and is stronger than the solid electrolyte layer. A second layer is provided between the first layer and the support body, and the second layer has a higher content of a component that is the same as the component contained in the support body than the first layer, and also contains the same component as the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Koi
  • Patent number: 10960354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing electrical energy, including two vessels A and B intended for each receiving a concentrated electrolyte solution CA and CB in the same solute and each including an electrode arranged so as to come into contact with the electrolyte solution, a membrane separating the two vessels, said membrane including at least one nanochannel arranged to allow the diffusion of the electrolytes from one vessel to the other through said one or more nanochannels, and a device making it possible to supply the electrical energy spontaneously generated by the differential in potential that exists between the two electrodes, characterised in that at least one portion of the inner surface of the one or more nanochannels is essentially made up of at least one titanium oxide. The present invention likewise relates to a method for producing electrical energy using said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: Sweetch Energy, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
    Inventors: Bruno Mottet, Lydéric Bocquet, Alessandro Siria, Mikhael Bechelany
  • Patent number: 10749188
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a solid oxide electrolyte with a zirconia-based ceramic, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode that includes a ceria-based ceramic component and an electrically conductive component. Another SOFC includes a solid oxide electrolyte containing a zirconia-based ceramic, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode that includes an electrically conductive component and an ionically conductive component, in which the ionically conductive component includes a zirconia-based ceramic containing scandia and at least one of ceria, ytterbia and yttria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andres Leming, Emad El Batawi, Michael Gasda, Tad Armstrong, James Wilson
  • Patent number: 10658677
    Abstract: The present specification relates to a method for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell, a solid oxide fuel cell and a cell module including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Yeonhyuk Heo, Kwangwook Choi, Dong Oh Shin, Sanghyeok Im, Jong Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10615444
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte and an anode electrode containing a first portion having a cermet containing a nonzero volume percent of a nickel containing phase and a nonzero volume percent of a ceramic phase and a second portion having a cermet containing a nonzero volume percent of a nickel containing phase and a nonzero volume percent of a ceramic phase, such that the first portion is located between the electrolyte and the second portion. The SOFC is an electrolyte-supported SOFC and the first portion of the anode electrode contains a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second portion of the anode electrode. The first portion of the anode electrode has a porosity of 5-30 volume percent and the second portion of the anode electrode has a porosity of 31-60 volume percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Gasda, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Tad Armstrong, Vijay Radhakrishnan, Emad El Batawi
  • Patent number: 10593981
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode. The electrolyte includes yttria stabilized zirconia and scandia stabilized zirconia, such as scandia ceria stabilized zirconia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Dien Nguyen, Ravi Oswal, Tad Armstrong, Emad El Batawi
  • Patent number: 10454118
    Abstract: A sulfur tolerant anode current collector material includes a mesh or foam that includes a cermet. The cermet includes a metallic component and a ceramic component. The metallic component includes nickel, an alloy including nickel and cobalt, or a mixture including a nickel compound and a cobalt compound. The ceramic component includes a mixed conducting electrolyte material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: NEXCERIS INNOVATION HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Day, Scott L. Swartz, Matthew M. Seabaugh, Paul H. Matter
  • Patent number: 9966624
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a sintered body for an electrolyte and an electrolyte for a fuel cell using the same. More particularly, the following disclosure relates to a method for preparing an electrolyte having a firm thin film layer by using a sintered body having controlled sintering characteristics, and application of the electrolyte to a solid oxide fuel cell. It is possible to control the sintering characteristics of a sintered body through a simple method, such as controlling the amounts of crude particles and nanoparticles. In addition, an electrode using the obtained sintered body having controlled sintering characteristics is effective for forming a firm thin film layer. Further, such an electrolyte having a firm thin film layer formed thereon inhibits combustion of fuel with oxygen when it is applied to a fuel cell, and thus shows significantly effective for improving the quality of a cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Kyung Joong Yoon, Seung-Hwan Lee, Mansoo Park, Jongsup Hong, Hyoungchul Kim, Ji-Won Son, Jong Ho Lee, Byung Kook Kim, Hae-Weon Lee
  • Patent number: 9799891
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing an air electrode based on Pr2-xNiO4 with 0?x<2, comprising a step consisting in sintering a ceramic ink comprising Pr2-xNiO4 and a pore-forming agent at a temperature above 1000° C. and below or equal to 1150° C. This invention also relates to the air electrode thus obtained and its uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Thibaud Delahaye, Pankaj-Kumar Patro
  • Patent number: 9649406
    Abstract: A ceramic body prosthetic implant or prosthetic implant component of a magnesium oxide stabilized transformation toughened zirconia (Mg-TTZ) ceramic can be made by providing a bisqued initial green body of ceramic by providing a powdered ceramic material, which substantially is a monoclinic zirconia having magnesium oxide for a stabilizer, and, without employing a binder additional to the powdered ceramic to do so, compressing the material in its powder form through a cold isostatic press operation to form a raw, pressed initial green body, and then heating the raw, pressed initial green body to a bisque stage to provide the bisqued initial green body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: Louis A. Serafin, Jr. Trust, Xylon, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Martha L. Serafin
  • Patent number: 9379404
    Abstract: An electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes: an inorganic ionic conductor including a trivalent metal element, a pentavalent metal element, phosphorous, and oxygen; and a polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION NAGOYA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Pil-won Heo, Ki-hyun Kim, Takashi Hibino, Chan-ho Pak, Kyoung-hwan Choi
  • Patent number: 9281527
    Abstract: The present invention includes a fuel cell system having an interconnect that reduces or eliminates diffusion (leakage) of fuel and oxidant by providing an increased densification, by forming the interconnect as a ceramic/metal composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Zhien Liu, Richard Goettler, Philip Mark Delaforce
  • Publication number: 20150099212
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprising an electrolyte, an anode and a cathode. In this fuel cell at least one electrode has been modified with a promoter using gas phase infiltration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: David M. Bierschenk, Ying Liu, Mingfei Liu, Ting He
  • Patent number: 8993195
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a unit cell, a cell fixing member and a welding portion. The unit cell includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer while exposing an end portion of the electrolyte layer, and a coating layer formed by coating a mixture of ceramic and metal on the exposed end portion of the electrolyte layer. The cell fixing member includes a flow tube inserted into the unit cell, a fixing tube provided to an outside of the flow tube, and a connecting portion connecting the fixing tube and the flow tube to each other and to restrict an insertion depth of the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer. The welding portion fixes and seals the coating layer and the inner circumferential surface of the fixing tube to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Won Suh, Ho-Jin Kweon
  • Patent number: 8993194
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer containing Zr; an intermediate layer containing CeO2 solid solution having a rare-earth element excluding Ce; an air electrode layer containing Sr, the intermediate layer and the air electrode layer being stacked in this order on one surface of the solid electrolyte layer; and a fuel electrode layer on another surface of the solid electrolyte layer which is opposite to the one surface. A value obtained by dividing a content of the rare-earth element excluding Ce by a content of Zr is equal to or less than 0.05 at a site of the solid electrolyte layer, the site being 1 ?m away from an interface between the solid electrolyte layer and the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsurou Fujimoto, Yuuichi Hori, Takayuki Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8993200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for preparing a BZCYYb material to be used in a solid oxide fuel cell. In particular, the method comprises mixing particular nano-sized and micro-sized ingredients and the size selection provides greatly improved performance characteristics of the resulting material. In particular, barium carbonate powder, zirconium oxide powder having particle diameters in the nanometer range, and cerium oxide powder having particle diameter in the micrometer range are used together with ytterbium oxide powder, and yttrium oxide powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: MingFei Liu, Meilin Liu, Ting He, Lei Yang
  • Publication number: 20150050580
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a ceramic of formula Ba2(1-x)M2xIn2(1-y)M?2yO4+?(OH)?? where M represents at least one metal cation with an oxidation number II or III or a combination thereof, M? represents at least one metal cation with an oxidation number III, IV, V or VI or a combination thereof, 0?x?1, 0?y?1, ??2 and 0<???2, as solid proton-conducting electrolyte in an electrochemical device, in particular a fuel cell, an electrolytic cell, a membrane separating hydrogen from a gas mixture, or also a hydrogen detector, at an operating temperature of said electrochemical device preferably comprised between 200° C. and 600° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Philippe Stevens, Olivier Joubert, Yves Piffard, Maria Teresa Caldes-Rouillon, Thibaud Delahaye
  • Publication number: 20150050579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium and high-temperature carbon-air cell, which include a solid oxide fuel cell, a CO2 separation membrane and a carbon fuel. The solid oxide fuel cell is a tubular solid oxide fuel cell with one end closed, the carbon fuel is placed inside the tubular solid oxide fuel cell, and the CO2 separation membrane is sealed at the open end of the solid oxide fuel cell. In the carbon-air cell, with carbon as fuel and oxygen in the air as an oxidizing gas, electrochemical reactions occur. The carbon-air cell of the present invention has a novel structural design, and can achieve electricity generation with the solid oxide fuel cell without externally charging a gas, and at the same time, CO2 generated inside the solid oxide fuel cell can be discharged from the system through the CO2 separation membrane in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: NANJING UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ran Ran, Huangang Shi, Binbin Yang, Guangming Yang, Chao Li, Zongping Shao
  • Publication number: 20150044597
    Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolyte made of yttrium-doped barium zirconate having hydrogen ion conductivity, a doped amount of yttrium being 15 mol % to 20 mol %, and a rate of increase in lattice constant at 100° C. to 1000° C. with respect to temperature changes being substantially constant. Also provided is a method for manufacturing the solid electrolyte. This solid electrolyte can be formed as a thin film, and a solid electrolyte laminate can be obtained by laminating electrode layers on this solid electrolyte. This solid electrolyte can be applied to an intermediate temperature operating fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Atsushi Yamaguchi, Naho Mizuhara, Tetsuya Uda, Donglin Han, Akiko Kuramitsu
  • Patent number: 8940455
    Abstract: A fuel cell is provided that includes an anode, a cathode, a solid electrolyte layer, a barrier layer, and a buffer layer. The solid electrolyte layer includes zirconium and is provided between the anode and the cathode. The barrier layer includes cerium and is provided between the solid electrolyte layer and the cathode, with the barrier layer having pores. The buffer layer includes zirconium and cerium and is provided between the barrier layer and the solid electrolyte layer. The barrier layer has a first barrier layer provided near to the buffer layer with a first pore ratio and a second barrier layer provided between the first barrier layer and the cathode with a second pore ratio. The first pore ratio of the first barrier layer is larger than the second pore ratio of the second barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayano Kobayashi, Shinji Fujisaki, Makoto Ohmori
  • Patent number: 8940454
    Abstract: A direct-electrochemical-oxidation fuel cell and method for generating electrical energy from a solid-state organic fuel. The fuel cell includes a cathode provided with an electrochemical-reduction catalyst that promotes formation of oxygen ions from an oxygen-containing source at the cathode, an anode provided with an electrochemical-oxidation catalyst that promotes direct electrochemical oxidation of the solid-state organic fuel in the presence of the oxygen ions to produce electrical energy, and a solid-oxide electrolyte disposed to transmit the oxygen ions from the cathode to the anode. The electrochemical oxidation catalyst can optionally include a sulfur resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventor: Steven S. C. Chuang
  • Patent number: 8932783
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) or SOFC sub-component comprising a YSZ solid oxide electrolyte layer (10), a LSCF cathode layer (14) and a mixed phase layer (18) comprising at least zirconia and ceria between the electrolyte layer and the cathode layer, with the cathode layer in direct contact with the mixed phase layer, that is with no ceria, other than in the mixed phase layer, between the cathode layer and the electrolyte layer. One method of forming the SOFC or sub-component comprises applying a layer of ceria on the electrolyte layer (10), heating the electrolyte and ceria layers to form the mixed phase layer (18), and removing excess ceria from the surface of the mixed phase layer before applying the cathode layer (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramic Fuel Cells Limited
    Inventors: Merrill Ruth Watts, Sudath Dharma Kumara Amarasinghe, Jonathan Gerald Love
  • Publication number: 20140367249
    Abstract: Composite electrolyte materials comprising at least one component from fully stabilized zirconia (such as 10Sc1CeSZ) and at least one component from partially stabilized zirconia (such as 6SclCeSZ) as the electrolyte material for solid state electrochemical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhonglin Wu, Courtney J. Mnonzyk
  • Patent number: 8865367
    Abstract: Provided is a gas decomposition component that employs an electrochemical reaction and can have high treatment performance, in particular, an ammonia decomposition component. The gas decomposition component includes a MEA 7 including a solid electrolyte 1 and an anode 2 and a cathode 5 that are disposed so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte; Celmets 11s electrically connected to the anode 2; a heater 41 that heats the MEA; and an inlet 17 through which a gaseous fluid containing a gas is introduced into the MEA, an outlet 19 through which the gaseous fluid having passed through the MEA is discharged, and a passage P extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the Celmets 11s are discontinuously disposed along the passage P and, with respect to a middle position 15 of the passage, the length of the Celmets disposed is larger on the side of the outlet than on the side of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Toshio Ueda, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
  • Publication number: 20140242493
    Abstract: A direct carbon fuel cell DCFC system (5), the system comprising an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell (10) comprising a cathode (30), a solid state first electrolyte (25) and an anode (20), wherein, the system further comprises an anode chamber containing a second electrolyte (125) and a fuel (120). The system, when using molten carbonate as second electrolyte, is preferably purged with CO2 via purge gas inlet (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Gael Corre, Cairong Jiang
  • Patent number: 8802316
    Abstract: Solid-oxide fuel cells include an electrolyte and an anode electrically coupled to a first surface of the electrolyte. A cathode is provided, which is electrically coupled to a second surface of the electrolyte. The cathode includes a porous backbone having a porosity in a range from about 20% to about 70%. The porous backbone contains a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC) of a first material infiltrated with an oxygen-reducing catalyst of a second material different from the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Meilin Liu, Ze Liu, Mingfei Liu, Lifang Nie, David Spencer Mebane, Lane Curtis Wilson, Wayne Surdoval
  • Publication number: 20140212789
    Abstract: To provide an ionic electrolyte membrane structure that enables contact between the air pole and the fuel pole in which structure an edge face of the interface between an ion conducting layer and an ion non-conducting layer stands bare on a plane, an ionic electrolyte membrane structure which transmits ions only is made up of i) a substrate having a plurality of pores which have been made through the substrate in the thickness direction thereof and ii) a plurality of multi-layer membranes each comprising an ion conducting layer formed of an ion conductive material and an ion non-conducting layer formed of an ion non-conductive material which have alternately been formed in laminae a plurality of times on each inner wall surface of the pores of the substrate in such a way that the multi-layer membranes fill up the pores completely; the ions only being transmitted in the through direction by way of the multi-layer membranes provided on the inner wall surfaces of the pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro ITO
  • Patent number: 8790847
    Abstract: A method of producing a reversible solid oxide cell. The method includes the steps of tape casting an anode support layer on a support (1); tape casting an anode layer on a support (2); tape casting an electrolyte layer on a support (3); and either laminating said anode layer on top of said anode support layer; removing said support (2) from said anode layer; laminating said electrolyte layer on top of said anode layer; and sintering the multilayer structure; or laminating said anode layer on top of said electrolyte layer; removing said support (2) from said anode layer; laminating said anode support layer on top of said anode layer; and sintering the multilayer structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Technical University of Denmark
    Inventors: Peter Halvor Larsen, Karen Brodersen
  • Patent number: 8735013
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for fabricating a fuel cell membrane structure that can dramatically reduce fuel crossover, thereby improving fuel cell efficiency and power output. Preferred composite membrane structures include an inorganic layer situated between the anode layer and the proton-exchange membrane. The inorganic layer can conduct protons in unhydrated form, rather than as hydronium ions, which reduces fuel crossover. Some methods of this invention include certain coating steps to effectively deposit an inorganic layer on an organic proton-exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Ping Liu, Jocelyn Hicks-Garner, Chaoyin Zhou, Adam F. Gross, John J. Vajo
  • Publication number: 20140141344
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte composition includes zirconia stabilized with scandia, and at least one of magnesia, zinc oxide, indium oxide, and gallium oxide, and optionally ceria in addition to the oxides above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: David N. Miller, Cristian Savaniu, John TS Irvine, Tad Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8715880
    Abstract: Provided is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), including: a fuel electrode for allowing a fuel gas to be reacted; an air electrode for allowing a gas containing oxygen to be reacted; an electrolyte film provided between the fuel electrode and the air electrode; and a reaction prevention film provided between the air electrode and the electrolyte film. The porosity of the reaction prevention film is less than 10%, particularly preferably “closed pore-ratio” is 50% or more. The diameter of closed pores in the reaction prevention film is 0.1 to 3 ?m. The reaction prevention film includes closed pores each containing a component (e.g., Sr) for the air electrode. This can provide an SOFC in which a decrease in output due to an increase in electric resistance between an air electrode and a solid electrolyte film hardly occurs even after long-term use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Ohmori
  • Patent number: 8709678
    Abstract: A method of preparing a metal-doped oxide, the method including: preparing a precursor solution including a zirconium precursor or cerium precursor, a dopant metal precursor, a solvent, and a chloride salt; and heat-treating the precursor solution to prepare the metal-doped oxide. Also an oxide including: a metal-doped zirconia or metal-doped ceria; and chlorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soo-yeon Seo, Hee-jung Park, Chan Kwak, Sang-mock Lee, Dong-hee Yeon
  • Patent number: 8685592
    Abstract: An inorganic proton conductor for an electrochemical device and an electrochemical device using the inorganic proton conductor, the inorganic proton conductor including a tetravalent metallic element and an alkali metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-young Kim, Pil-won Heo, Sang-kyun Kang
  • Publication number: 20140072702
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a segmented-in-series fuel cell and a method for making the same. The present invention uses an inkjet printer to apply layers of the fuel cell to a substrate, which allows for a controlled application of the fuel cell layers to the substrate. The present invention also discloses an ink material for use in the segmented-in-series fuel cells and a method for making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado School of Mines
    Inventor: Neal P. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8669015
    Abstract: A solid-state fuel cell includes: an anode; an anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the anode; a hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film disposed on the anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer; a cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film; and a cathode disposed on the cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., The Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: SangKyun Kang, Joonhyung Shim, Friedrich B. Prinz, Turgut M. Gür
  • Patent number: 8663866
    Abstract: A proton exchange membrane and a membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell are provided. A catalytically active component is disposed within the membrane electrode assembly. The catalytically active component comprises particles containing a metal oxide such as silica, metal or metalloid ions such as ions that include boron, and a catalyst. A process for increasing peroxide radical resistance in a membrane electrode is also provided that includes the introduction of the catalytically active component described into a membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Kimberly Gheysen Raiford, Junaid Ahmed Siddiqui
  • Publication number: 20140051010
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode. The electrolyte and/or electrode composition includes zirconia stabilized with (i) scandia, (ii) ceria, and (iii) at least one of yttria and ytterbia. The composition does not experience a degradation of ionic conductivity of greater than 15% after 4000 hrs at a temperature of 850° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tad Armstrong, Emad El Batawi, Martin Janousek, Manoj Pillai
  • Patent number: 8652703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a metal-oxide-based ceramic, including, in order, the step of inserting, into a flash sintering device, a nanocrystalline powder comprising crystallites and crystallite agglomerates of a ceramic of formula, Zr1-xMxO2, where M is chosen from yttrium, scandium and cerium, or Ce1-xM?xO2, where M? is chosen from gadolinium, scandium, samarium and yttrium, where x lies between 0 and 0.2, the powder having an average crystallite size of between 5 and 50 nm, an average crystallite agglomerate size of between 0.5 and 20 ?m, and a specific surface area of between 20 and 100 m2/g. The invention further includes the step of flash sintering the powder by applying a pressure of between 50 and 150 MPa, at a temperature of between 850° C. and 1400° C., for a time of between 5 and 30 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Electricite de France, Universite Paul Sabatier Toulouse III
    Inventors: Mohsine Zahid, Mathilde Rieu, Claude Estournes, Pascal Lenormand, Florence Ansart
  • Patent number: 8632701
    Abstract: This invention provides an organic-inorganic hybrid material, which can exhibit high proton conductivity in a wide temperature range of a low temperature to a high temperature, a proton conductive material, which has a small particle diameter, that is, has a particle diameter capable of reaching pores of primary particles of carbon powder or the like, and has controlled particle diameters, a catalyst layer containing these materials for a fuel cell and an electrolyte film containing these materials for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell. The proton conductive hybrid material comprises proton conductive inorganic nanoparticles and a proton conductive polymer, wherein the Stokes particle diameter of the proton conductive hybrid material by dynamic light scattering is not more than 20 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Takeo Yamaguchi, Ju Myeung Lee, Gopinathan Madhavikutty Anilkumar
  • Publication number: 20140017579
    Abstract: In an electrolyte sheet for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention, the number of flaws on at least one of surfaces of the sheet detected by a fluorescent penetrant inspection is 30 points or less in each of sections obtained by dividing the sheet into the sections each measuring 30 mm or less on a side. A unit cell for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention comprises a fuel electrode, an air electrode, and the electrolyte sheet for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention, which is disposed between the fuel electrode and the air electrode. A solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention includes the unit cell for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NIPPON SHOKUBAI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuo Hata
  • Patent number: 8623301
    Abstract: The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: C3 International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Deininger, Mikhail Pozvonkov, Paul Fisher, Leonid V. Budaragin, D. Morgan Spears