Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and, in particular, to various component configurations including configurations for converting common fuels directly into electricity without additional fuel reforming or processing. Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to configurations in which an anode of the device surrounds the electrolyte and/or the cathode of the device. In some embodiments, all single cells in a fuel cell stack share a common anode fuel chamber. The anode, in some cases, may be exposed to a fuel. In one set of embodiments, the anode of the device may be fluid during operation of the fuel cell, and in some cases, a porous container may be used to contain the anode during operation of the fuel cell. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of making such devices, methods of promoting the making or use of such devices, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and, in particular, to various component configurations including configurations for converting common fuels directly into electricity without additional fuel reforming or processing. Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to configurations in which an anode of the device surrounds the electrolyte and/or the cathode of the device. In some embodiments, all single cells in a fuel cell stack share a common anode fuel chamber. The anode, in some cases, may be exposed to a fuel. In one set of embodiments, the anode of the device may be fluid during operation of the fuel cell, and in some cases, a porous container may be used to contain the anode during operation of the fuel cell. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of making such devices, methods of promoting the making or use of such devices, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: Fuel oxidation facilitators for use in electrochemical devices are described, as well as devices incorporating facilitators and methods of their use. Exemplary facilitators separate a liquid anode of a fuel cell from fuel supplied to the fuel cell, and facilitate oxidation of the fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous articles, including porous ceramic materials, which can be used in a variety of settings, but find particular use in connection with electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, as well as methods of their manufacture and use. The porous ceramic may have, in some aspects of the invention, an average pore size of between about 1 micrometer and about 300 micrometers, and in some cases, certain advantageous permeability characteristics with respect to species useful in certain types of electrochemical devices. In some cases, the ceramic may be sufficiently porous to allow gaseous molecules (e.g., air or oxygen, gaseous fuels, etc.) and/or liquids (e.g., water or liquid fuels) to be transported therethrough, and/or the ceramic may be substantially resistive or impermeable to a liquid such as a non-wetting liquid, for instance, a liquid metal such as liquid (molten) tin.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and, in particular, to cathode assemblies for use in such devices. In some aspects of the invention, the cathode assembly contains one or more channels able to transport a gas, such as air. In some cases, the channels may be defined by a cathode current collector and a cathode surrounding the cathode current collector, where the cathode current collector and the cathode define one or more channels. In some embodiments, the cathode contacts the current collector via one or more projections such that the cathode and the current collector are not in intimate contact. The cathode and the current collector, for example, may be in direct contact, and together define one or more spaces or conduits for gas flow. Other aspects of the invention relate to kits involving such cathode assemblies, methods of promoting the making or use of such cathode assemblies, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electrochemical devices such as fuel cells and, in particular, to various component configurations including configurations for converting common fuels directly into electricity without additional fuel reforming or processing. Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to configurations in which an anode of the device surrounds the electrolyte and/or the cathode of the device. In some embodiments, all single cells in a fuel cell stack share a common anode fuel chamber. The anode, in some cases, may be exposed to a fuel. In one set of embodiments, the anode of the device may be fluid during operation of the fuel cell, and in some cases, a porous container may be used to contain the anode during operation of the fuel cell. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of making such devices, methods of promoting the making or use of such devices, and the like.