Including Metal Oxide Catalyst Patents (Class 429/528)
  • Patent number: 8252486
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode catalyst for solid polymer fuel cells wherein CO tolerance is improved. Specifically disclosed is a catalyst for fuel cells having a first catalyst and a second catalyst. The first catalyst contains Pd, C and an oxide, namely SnO2 or TiO2, and the second catalyst contains C and an alloy containing Pt and Ru.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Kyoto University, National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Ryuji Kikuchi, Tatsuya Takeguchi
  • Publication number: 20120214084
    Abstract: A catalyst layer includes (i) an electrocatalyst, and (ii) a water electrolysis catalyst, iridium or iridium oxide and one or more metals M or an oxide thereof, wherein M is selected from transition metals and/or Sn, with the exception of ruthenium. Such a catalyst layer has utility in fuel cells that experience high electrochemical potentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan David Brereton Sharman, Brian Ronald Theobald, David Thompsett, Edward Anthony Wright
  • Patent number: 8227372
    Abstract: The invention is directed to core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell=outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is in the range of 20 to 100 nm, 5 preferably in the range of 20 to 50 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) is about 5 to 20% of the diameter of the inner particle core of said catalyst particle, preferably comprising at least 3 atomic layers. The inner particle core (Mcore) of the particles comprises metal or ceramic materials, whereas the material of the outer shell (Mshell) comprises precious metals and/or alloys thereof. The core/shell type catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and can be used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells and for other catalytic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Lopez, Michael Lennartz, Dan V. Goia, Carsten Becker, Stéphanie Chevalliot
  • Patent number: 8227146
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cathode catalyst for a fuel cell, a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including the cathode catalyst, and a fuel cell system. The cathode catalyst includes a core including RuO2, and Se and Pt. The Se and Pt are disposed to enclose the core. The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell of the present invention can have excellent catalyst efficiency, even if less platinum is included therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung-Ki Min, Chan Kwak, Alexey Alexandrovichserov
  • Patent number: 8202669
    Abstract: A precursor electro-catalyst composition for producing a fuel cell electrode. The precursor composition comprises (a) a molecular metal precursor dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium and (b) a polymer dissolved or dispersed in the liquid medium, wherein the polymer is both ion-conductive and electron-conductive with an electronic conductivity no less than 10?4 S/cm (preferably greater than 10?2 S/cm) and ionic conductivity no less than 10?5 S/cm (preferably greater than 10?3 S/cm). Also disclosed is an electro-catalyst composition derived from this precursor composition, wherein the molecular metal precursor is converted by heat and/or energy beam to form nanometer-scaled catalyst particles and the polymer forms a matrix that is in physical contact with the catalyst particles, coated on the catalyst particles, and/or surrounding the catalyst particles as a dispersing matrix with the catalyst particles dispersed therein when the liquid is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Bor Z. Jang, Aruna Zhamu, Jiusheng Guo
  • Patent number: 8197965
    Abstract: This invention provides an anode for a fuel cell which can realize stable output for a long period of time, and a fuel cell using the anode for a fuel cell. The anode for a fuel cell comprises an electrode catalyst layer, the electrode catalyst layer comprising a supported catalyst comprising an electroconductive carrier material and catalyst fine particles supported on the electroconductive carrier material, a proton conductive inorganic oxide, and a proton conductive organic polymer binder, the weight ratio between the supported catalyst (C) and the proton conductive inorganic oxide (SA), WSA/WC, being 0.06 to 0.38, the weight ratio between the proton conductive inorganic oxide (SA) and the proton conductive organic polymer binder (P), WP/WSA, being 0.125 to 0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Jun Tamura, Yoshihiko Nakano, Wu Mei, Taishi Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 8187560
    Abstract: Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Global Energy Science, LLC
    Inventor: Halbert Fischel
  • Patent number: 8182965
    Abstract: Lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxides (La(1-x)SrxCoyFe1-yO3-f; (LSCF) have excellent power density (>500 mW/cm2 at 750° C.). When covered with a metallization layer, LSCF cathodes have demonstrated increased durability and stability. Other modifications, such as the thickening of the cathode, the preparation of the device by utilizing a firing temperature in a designated range, and the use of a pore former paste having designated characteristics and combinations of these features provide a device with enhanced capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Jin Yong Kim, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Nathan L. Canfield, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Lawrence A. Chick
  • Patent number: 8183174
    Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-doped ruthenium oxide material by heating a mixture of a doping metal and a source of ruthenium under an inert atmosphere. In some embodiments, the doping metal is in the form of iridium black or lead powder, and the source of ruthenium is a powdered ruthenium oxide. An iridium-doped or lead-doped ruthenium oxide material can perform as an oxygen evolution catalyst and can be fabricated into electrodes for electrolysis cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas I. Valdez, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20120107728
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte and a lithium air battery including the same. The non-aqueous electrolyte may include an oxygen anion capturing compound to effectively dissociate the reduction reaction product of oxygen formed during discharging of the lithium air battery, reduce the overvoltage of the oxygen evolution reaction occurring during battery charging, and enhance the energy efficiency and capacity of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-gyoon RYU, Dong-min Im, Myung-jin Lee, Dong-joon Lee, Sang-bok Ma
  • Publication number: 20120100442
    Abstract: An oxygen-consuming electrode includes a support in the form of a sheet-like structure and a coating including a gas diffusion layer and a catalytically active component, wherein the support is based on a material having a conductivity of less than 1000 S/cm, measured at 20° C. The supports are simple to produce and have a low weight and good processability in the production of the oxygen-consuming electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Jürgen Kintrup, Matthias Weis
  • Publication number: 20120094216
    Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
  • Publication number: 20120094207
    Abstract: The invention provides catalysts that are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. The catalyst includes a metal element M, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen, wherein the catalyst shows peaks at 1340 cm?1 to 1365 cm?1 and at 1580 cm?1 to 1610 cm?1 as analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and the metal element M is one selected from titanium, iron, niobium, zirconium and tantalum. The catalysts of the invention are stable and are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential, have high oxygen reducing ability and are inexpensive compared to platinum. Fuel cells having the catalysts are therefore relatively inexpensive and have high performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Wakizaka, Takuya Imai, Toshikazu Shishikura, Ryuji Monden, Kenichiro Ota
  • Publication number: 20120088176
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the direct oxidation and/or internal reforming of ethanol and/or mixtures of ethanol and water, in a solid oxide fuel cell, with multifunctional electrocatalytic anodes having specific features, on the basis of mixed oxides and metal oxides and catalysts, preferably with a perovskite-like crystalline structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Paulo Emilio Valadao De Miranda, Selma Aparecida Venancio, Hugo Vilela De Miranda
  • Publication number: 20120064435
    Abstract: To provide a technique capable of improving the deterioration of a fuel cell due to a non-stationary operation (start/stop, fuel shortage) and ensuing a low cost. An anode-side catalyst composition for fuel cells, comprising a catalyst obtained by supporting a catalyst particle on an electrically conductive material and an ion exchange resin, wherein the catalyst particle is composed of a metal, a metal oxide, a partial metal oxide or a mixture thereof each being lower in both the oxygen reduction ability and the water electrolysis overvoltage than platinum and having a hydrogen oxidation ability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Masashi Maruyama, Atsushi Sakamoto, Takuya Kosaka, Tomoyuki Kawaguchi
  • Publication number: 20120064433
    Abstract: A material for a solid oxide fuel cell, the material including a lanthanum metal oxide having a perovskite-type crystal structure; and a ceria metal oxide, wherein the ceria metal oxide includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal oxides represented by Formula 1 below and metal oxides represented by Formula 2: (1-a-b)Ce1-xAxO2-?+aB2O5+bBO3 ??Formula 1 Ce1-x-yAxByO2-???Formula 2 wherein 0?a?0.01, 0?b?0.02, 0<2a+?0.02, 0<x<0.3, 0<y?0.02, ? and ? are selected so that the metal oxides of Formulas 1 and 2, respectively, are both electrically neutral, A is a rare earth metal, and B is a 5-valent metal or a 6-valent metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD., SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hee-jung PARK, Chan KWAK
  • Patent number: 8124275
    Abstract: To smoothly deliver a thermal energy required in an active site of a catalyst carried on a carrier. A method of manufacturing a catalyst carrier of the present invention includes the steps of: forming a mixed thin film in which at least metal and ceramics are mixed on a metal base, by spraying aerosol, with metal powders and ceramic powders mixed therein, on the metal base; and making the mixed thin film porous, by dissolving the metal of the mixed thin film into acid or alkaline solution to remove this metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mineo Washima, Kenji Shibata, Fumihito Oka
  • Patent number: 8114551
    Abstract: The structured body intended for use for an anode (1) in fuel cells, includes a structure formed by macro-pores and an electrode material. The macro-pores form communicating spaces which are produced by using pore forming materials. The electrode material includes skeleton-like or net-like connected structures of particles which are connected by sintering and which form two reticular systems which interengage: a first reticular system made of ceramic material and a second reticular system which contains metals to effect an electrical conductivity. The electrode material has the properties so that, with a multiple change between oxidizing and reducing conditions, substantially no major property changes occur in the ceramic reticular system, and an oxidization or reduction of the metals occurs in the second reticular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sulzer Hexis AG
    Inventors: Gilles Robert, Andreas Franz-Josef Kaiser, Emad Batawi
  • Publication number: 20120021334
    Abstract: The electrode material contains a complex oxide and at least one of ZrO2 and a compound comprising ZrO2. The complex oxide has a perovskite structure represented by a general formula ABO3. ZrO2 is contained in an amount of 0.3'10?2 wt % to 1 wt % relative to the entire electrode material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayano KOBAYASHI, Shinji Fujisaki, Makoto Ohmori
  • Publication number: 20120021337
    Abstract: A fuel cell supported catalyst includes an underlying support structure having at least one of a metal oxide and a metal phosphate. Catalyst particles are arranged onto and in engagement with the support structure. An intermediate conductive, corrosion-resistant layer, such as boron-doped-diamond, is arranged onto and in engagement with the support structure to surround the catalyst particles. The supported catalyst is produced by depositing the intermediate layer onto the support structure after the catalyst particles have been deposited on the underlying support structure, in one example. In another example, voids are provided in the intermediate layer, which has been deposited onto the underlying support structure, to subsequently receive the catalyst particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Tetsuo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8080347
    Abstract: There is provided a catalyst for a fuel cell, which simultaneously realizes excellent catalytic activity and catalytic stability. The catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a fine particle of a metal represented by formula: PtxRuySizT1u wherein T1 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), vanadium (V), and molybdenum (Mo); x=30 to 90 atomic %; y=0 to 50 atomic %; z=0.5 to 20 atomic %; and u=0.5 to 40 atomic %, or comprises a fine particle of a metal represented by formula: PtxRuySizT2u wherein T2 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of hafnium (Hf), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), chromium (Cr), and aluminum (Al); x=30 to 90 atomic %; y=0 to 50 atomic %; z=0.5 to 20 atomic %; and u=0.5 to 40 atomic %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Wu Mei, Taishi Fukazawa, Takahiro Sato, Itsuko Mizutani, Yoshihiko Nakano
  • Patent number: 8070924
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for generation of hydrogen comprising: a conductive substrate; a catalytic layer formed on the conductive substrate and containing at least one platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd and Rh; and a hydrogen adsorption layer formed on the catalytic layer. The present invention also provides an electrode for generation of hydrogen comprising: a conductive substrate, a catalytic layer formed on the conductive substrate and containing: at least one platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd and Rh and/or at least one oxide of said platinum group metals; and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanum series metals, valve metals, iron series metals and silver and/or at least one oxide of said metals; and a hydrogen adsorption layer formed on the catalytic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeo Ohsaka, Shunsuke Sata, Miwako Nara, Yoshinori Nishiki
  • Publication number: 20110294037
    Abstract: A method of making an electrode is provided. The method includes providing an electrocatalyst decal comprising a carrying substrate having a nanostructured thin catalytic layer thereon; providing a transfer substrate with an adjacent adhesive layer; adhering the nanostructured thin catalytic layer adjacent to the adhesive layer to form a composite structure; removing the carrying substrate from the composite structure; and removing the transfer substrate from the composite structure to form the stand-alone nanostructured thin catalytic film comprising the adhesive layer with the nanostructured thin catalytic layer adhered thereto. A stand alone nanostructured thin catalytic film and methods of constructing electrodes with the stand alone nanostructured thin catalytic films are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chunxin Ji, Matthew Dioguardi, Sumeet Bhargava
  • Patent number: 8057962
    Abstract: The catalyst of this invention is a non-stoichiometric tungsten compound, H0.53WO3, which may be used as both the anode and cathode electrocatalyst for acid-style low-temperature fuel cells. A fuel cell using the tungsten-based electrocatalyst as both the anode and cathode has been constructed and operated with a hydrogen fuel and an air oxidant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Global Tungsten & Powders Corp.
    Inventor: Joel B. Christian
  • Patent number: 8053143
    Abstract: A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell including a metal selected from the group consisting of In, Ga, and combinations thereof, and Ru—Ch supported on the metal, where Ch includes a material selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the Ru—Ch includes from about 70 to about 95 atom % of Ru, and from about 5 to about 30 atom % of Ch, and/or the Ru—Ch is supported in an amount from about 5 to about 80 wt % based on the Ru—Ch and the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexey Alexandrovichserov, Chan Kwak, Si-Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8053137
    Abstract: An exemplary proton exchange membrane fuel cell includes a light-pervious first end plate, a second end plate, a light-pervious first bipolar plate, a second bipolar plate, and a membrane electrode assembly. The light-pervious first bipolar plate is arranged adjacent to the first end plate and capable of transmitting light having a given wavelength therethrough. The second bipolar plate is capable of having oxidant fed therein. The membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, and an anode and a cathode arranged at opposite sides of the proton exchange membrane. The anode is capable of having fuel fed therein, and includes a first catalyst layer containing photo-catalyst and noble metal such that the light is capable of activating the first catalyst layer to dissociate the fuel thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Chin Hung
  • Publication number: 20110256468
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrode catalyst material in which a resistance loss is reduced by enhancing an electric conductivity as a whole of an electrode catalyst as well as suppressing a corrosion and a disappearance by a catalyst metal in a conductive catalyst support so as to prevent a dropout and an aggregation of a catalyst metal particle, and a method of manufacturing the same. The electrode catalyst material in accordance with the present invention is an electrode catalyst material for a fuel cell having a catalyst metal particle and a carbon support supporting the catalyst metal particle, in which a carbon support protection layer including a metal element is formed in a coating manner on a surface of the carbon support, a silicone is included at 20 atomic % or more in the metal element contained in the carbon support protection layer, and the silicone exists in a state of an oxide and a carbide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Shuichi SUZUKI, Jun Kawaji, Yoshiyuki Takamori, Makoto Morishima
  • Patent number: 8029945
    Abstract: A method of preparing a metal catalyst including a conductive catalyst material and a coating layer formed of a water repellent material on the surface of the conductive catalyst material includes: obtaining a water repellent material solution by mixing a water repellent material and a first solvent; obtaining a conductive catalyst solution by mixing a conductive catalyst material and a first solvent; mixing the water repellent material solution and the conductive catalyst solution; casting the result onto a supporter, drying the cast result and then separating a metal catalyst in a solid state from the supporter; and pulverizing and sieving the product. Also provided is a method of preparing an electrode including the metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-gi Hong, Duck-young Yoo, Jung-ock Park, Woo-sung Jeon
  • Publication number: 20110229777
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an electrode comprised of a first layer which comprises a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophobic material; and a second layer which comprises a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophilic material arranged on the first layer. In a further aspect, the present invention refers to an electrode comprised of a single layer which comprises a mixture of a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophobic material and a mesoporous nanostructured hydrophilic material; or a single layer comprised of a porous nanostructured material wherein the porous nanostructured material comprises metallic nanostructures which are bound to the surface of the porous nanostructured material. The present invention further refers to the manufacture of these electrodes and their use in metal-air batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Wai Fatt Mak, Ting Wang, Nopphawan Phonthammachai, Madhavi Srinivasan, Subodh Mhaisalka, Yin Chiang Freddy Boey
  • Patent number: 8021799
    Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to a high performance ceramic anode which will increase flexibility in the types of fuels that may be used with the anode. The embodiments further relate to high-performance, direct-oxidation SOFC utilizing the anodes, providing improved electro-catalytic activity and redox stability. The SOFCs are capable of use with strategic fuels and other hydrocarbon fuels. Also provided are methods of making the high-performance anodes and solid oxide fuel cells comprising the anodes exhibiting improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Raymond J. Gorte, John M. Vohs, Michael D. Gross
  • Publication number: 20110223494
    Abstract: The present application is directed to mesoporous carbon materials comprising bi-functional catalysts. The mesoporous carbon materials find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, in lithium-air batteries. Methods for making the disclosed carbon materials, and devices comprising the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: EnerG2, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Feaver, Henry R. Costantino, Richard D. Varjian
  • Publication number: 20110223520
    Abstract: A catalyst composition including a proton conductive metal oxide, and a fuel cell employing an electrode using the same. The proton conductivity of an electrode catalyst layer and distribution of a phosphoric acid electrolyte are enhanced, and thus the performance of the fuel cell is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-gi HONG, Myung-jin Lee
  • Publication number: 20110223523
    Abstract: The invention is directed to iridium oxide based catalysts for use as anode catalysts in PEM water electrolysis. The claimed composite catalyst materials comprise iridium oxide (IrO2) and optionally ruthenium oxide (RuO2) in combination with a high surface area inorganic oxide (for example TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and mixtures thereof). The inorganic oxide has a BET surface area in the range of 50 to 400 m2/g, a water solubility of lower than 0.15 g/l and is present in a quantity of less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. The claimed catalyst materials are characterised by a low oxygen overvoltage and long lifetime in water electrolysis. The catalysts are used in electrodes, catalyst-coated membranes and membrane-electrode-assemblies for PEM electrolyzers as well as in regenerative fuel cells (RFC), sensors, and other electrochemical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Marco Lopez, Andreas Schleunung, Peter Biberbach
  • Publication number: 20110212384
    Abstract: Anode catalysts for conversion of hydrocarbon feeds in solid oxide fuel cell membrane reactors. An anode catalyst may be a mixture of a metal with a metal oxide, for example a mixture of copper or copper-nickel alloy or copper-cobalt alloy with Cr2O3. Mixed oxides can be prepared by dissolving into water soluble salts of the different metals, chelating the metal ions with a chelating agent, neutralizing the solution, removing water by evaporation to form a gel which then is dried, and finally heating the dried gel to form a mixed oxide of the different metals. The chelating agent can be citrate ions, and ammonia can be added to the solution until the pH of the solution is about 8. The mixed oxide so formed then is reduced, for example by hydrogen, to form a composite comprising the metal (Cu, Cu—Co, Cu—Ni) and metal oxide, here Cr2O3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Jing-li Luo, Xian-zhu Fu, Nemanja Danilovic, Karl T. Chuang, Alan R. Sanger, Andrzej Krzywicki
  • Publication number: 20110195347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst, where the catalyst comprises a catalytically active material and a carbon-comprising support, in which the carbon-comprising support is impregnated with a metal salt solution in a first step, the carbon-comprising support impregnated with the metal salt solution is subsequently heated to a temperature of at least 1500° C. in an inert atmosphere to form a metal carbide layer and the catalytically active material is finally applied to the carbon-comprising support provided with the metal carbide layer. The invention further provides a catalyst which has been produced by the process and comprises a carbon-comprising support and a catalytically active material, with the carbon-comprising support having a metal carbide layer and the catalytically active material having been applied to the carbon-comprising support provided with the metal carbide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Claudia Querner, Ekkehard Schwab, Bastian Ewald
  • Publication number: 20110183236
    Abstract: The invention provides catalysts that are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential, have excellent durability and show high oxygen reducing ability. In a process of producing fuel cell electrodes containing a metal oxide and an electron conductive substance, the process includes steps in which a sugar is applied and carbonized on a support layer supporting the metal oxide and the electron conductive substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Tadatoshi Kurozumi
  • Patent number: 7976989
    Abstract: The invention is directed to iridium oxide based catalysts for use as anode catalysts in PEM water electrolysis. The claimed composite catalyst materials comprise iridium oxide (IrO2) and optionally ruthenium oxide (RuO2) in combination with a high surface area inorganic oxide (for example TiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2 and mixtures thereof). The inorganic oxide has a BET surface area in the range of 50 to 400 m2/g, a water solubility of lower than 0.15 g/l and is present in a quantity of less than 20 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. The claimed catalyst materials are characterised by a low oxygen overvoltage and long lifetime in water electrolysis. The catalysts are used in electrodes, catalyst-coated membranes and membrane-electrode-assemblies for PEM electrolyzers as well as in regenerative fuel cells (RFC), sensors, and other electrochemical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Lopez, Andreas Schleunung, Peter Biberbach
  • Patent number: 7971671
    Abstract: A drive unit (1) for driving a hydraulic pump has an electric motor (2) for driving the hydraulic pump (100) of a construction working machine and also has a generator (3) for supplying electricity to the electric motor (2). A generation module (14) of the generator (3) has a structure where a large number of electrode assemblies (42) are serially connected between fastening plates (41) in a condition that partition plates (44) are sandwiched between the respective electrode assemblies (42). Liquid fuel for generating hydrogen and air are supplied to the electrode assemblies (42) to generate electric power. Unlike the case where the hydraulic pump (100) is driven by a diesel engine etc., the hydraulic pump drive unit has a low noise level and emits no exhaust gas, so that the device is extremely advantageous to reduce noise and exhaust gas of a construction working machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Mitsuru Suematsu
  • Publication number: 20110143265
    Abstract: An SOFC structure having segmentation of the mixed layer on a cathode electrode to allow a higher fraction of ionic phase in a mixed layer, resulting in improved microstructure that provides higher specific surface area for electrochemical reaction. This is accomplished by using an MIEC layer over the segmented layer that supplies electrons laterally and vertically through the thickness of the mixed layer. Adequate connectivity between the cathode current collector and electrolyte for electrons is established, assuring efficient charge transfer and improved activity of the electrocatalyst in the porous cathode. Cell resistance is reduced and power output is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Kailash C. Jain, Rick D. Kerr, Bryan Allen Gillispie
  • Patent number: 7919215
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant electrode catalyst for oxygen reduction includes a main catalyst composed of at least one transition metal oxide selected from oxygen-deficient ZrO2, Ta2O5, Nb2O5, TiO2, V2O5, MoO3, and WO3 and a co-catalyst composed of gold. The electrode catalyst is used in contact with an acidic electrolyte at a potential at least 0.4 V higher than the reversible hydrogen electrode potential. The catalyst may be used, for example, in such a form that the transition metal oxide in the form of fine particles and gold in the form of fine particles, or fine particles including fine gold particles coated with the transition metal oxide are dispersed on a catalyst carrier which is an electron conductive powder. This electrode catalyst is suitable as an electrode catalyst for an electrochemical system using an acidic electrolyte in the fields of water electrolysis, inorganic/organic electrolysis, fuel cells, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ota, Nobuyuki Kamiya, Shigenori Mitsushima, Akimitsu Ishihara, Liu Yan
  • Publication number: 20110070529
    Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a titanium oxide layer to form a titanium oxide/carbon bilayer. The titanium oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Michael J. Lukitsch
  • Publication number: 20110065017
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a composition for use in reforming is provided comprising a catalyst material comprising molybdenum dioxide and/or MO2 (where M=Mo, W, Ru, Re, Os, Ir) nanoparticles having an average particle size from about 2 nm to about 1,000 nm; and a substrate, wherein both the molybdenum dioxide and/or MO2 (where M=Mo, W, Ru, Re, Os, Ir) nanoparticles are substantially immobilized on the substrate. In another embodiment an anode for use in a fuel cell is provided comprising the forgoing composition. And in another embodiment a fuel cell is provided comprising the forgoing anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Su Ha, M. Grant Norton
  • Patent number: 7906251
    Abstract: An oxygen-reducing catalyst layer, and a method of making the oxygen-reducing catalyst layer, where the oxygen-reducing catalyst layer includes a catalytic material film disposed on a substrate with the use of physical vapor deposition and thermal treatment. The catalytic material film includes a transition metal that is substantially free of platinum. At least one of the physical vapor deposition and the thermal treatment is performed in a processing environment comprising a nitrogen-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis P. O'Brien, Alison K. Schmoeckel, George D. Vernstrom, Radoslav Atanasoski, Thomas E. Wood, Ruizhi Yang, E. Bradley Easton, Jeffrey R. Dahn, David G. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7897293
    Abstract: A chemical composition is provided having the formula: M—SnOx.yH2O M is a platinum group metal and x and y are positive numbers. The hydrous platinum tin oxide may be used in the cathode of a fuel cell as a catalyst for oxygen reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Karen S. Lyons, Norma P. Ugarte
  • Publication number: 20110033784
    Abstract: An element being an electrode (23) for an electrochemical cell (27), which comprises an electrically conductive substrate (28) and an electrically conductive corrosion resistant coating (29) comprising a multielement material, which coating is formed on and at least partially covering said conducting substrate, is disclosed. There is also disclosed a method in manufacturing of such electrode and a use of the multielement material for corrosion protection of an electrode for an electrochemical cell. The multielement material has a composition of at least one of a carbide or nitride described by the formula MqAyXz, where M is a transition metal or a combination of transition metals, A is a group A element or a combination of group A elements, X is carbon or nitrogen or both, and z and at least one of q and y are numbers above zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: Impact Coatings AB
    Inventors: Henrik Ljungcrantz, Simon Astrom, Bengt Walivaara, Torbjorn Joelsson
  • Patent number: 7879752
    Abstract: An electrocatalyst including an active catalyst component and an additive including a transitional metal, transitional metal oxide or complex precursor thereof, products including such an electrocatalyst and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gongquan Sun, Qin Xin, Juan Tian, Mei Cai
  • Publication number: 20110020729
    Abstract: Catalysts of the present invention are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential and have excellent durability and high oxygen reducing ability. The catalyst includes a metal oxycarbonitride containing two metals M selected from the group consisting of tin, indium, platinum, tantalum, zirconium, titanium, copper, iron, tungsten, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, vanadium, cobalt, cerium, aluminum and nickel, and containing zirconium and/or titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SHOWDA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji Monden, Tadatoshi Kurozumi, Toshikazu Shishikura, Yasuaki Wakizaka
  • Publication number: 20110014550
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of manufacturing a nanostructured material loaded with noble metal particles and a nanostructured material loaded with noble metal particles obtained by this method. The present invention further refers to an electrode for a fuel cell or a metal-hydride battery comprising a nanostructured material loaded with metal particles of the present invention and a method for manufacturing an electrode that can be used for the manufacture of a fuel cell or a metal-hydride battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: San Ping Jiang, Xin Wang, Shuangyin Wang
  • Patent number: 7871957
    Abstract: A durable catalyst support/catalyst is capable of extended water gas shift operation under conditions of high temperature, pressure, and sulfur levels. The support is a homogeneous, nanocrystalline, mixed metal oxide of at least three metals, the first being cerium, the second being Zr, and/or Hf, and the third importantly being Ti, the three metals comprising at least 80% of the metal constituents of the mixed metal oxide and the Ti being present in a range of 5% to 45% by metals-only atomic percent of the mixed metal oxide. The mixed metal oxide has an average crystallite size less than 6 nm and forms a skeletal structure with pores whose diameters are in the range of 4-9 nm and normally greater than the average crystallite size. The surface area of the skeletal structure per volume of the material of the structure is greater than about 240 m2/cm3. The method of making and use are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: UTC Power Corporation
    Inventors: Rhonda R. Willigan, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Sonia Tulyani, Rakesh Radhakrishnan, Susanne Marie Opalka, Sean C. Emerson
  • Patent number: 7867942
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a highly dispersed carbon supported metal catalyst, including charging a carbon support and a dispersing agent in water. The carbon support is evenly dispersed in water with an average diameter of 10 nm to 2000 nm and a specific surface area of 50 m2/g to 1500 m2/g. A metal salt of Pd, Pt, or combinations thereof is formed on the carbon support surface and then reduced to a valance state less than (IV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Man-Yin Lo, Hsi-Yen Hsu, Yan Zhi Chen, Li Duan Tsai, Yu Min Peng