Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to microparticles comprising carbon, wherein a plurality of nanoparticles are supported on the surface of the microparticle. The nanoparticles comprise at least one transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of transition metal carbides, transition metal nitrides, transition metal sulfides, transition metal phosphides, transition metal carbonitrides, transition metal sulfonitrides, transition metal carbosulfides, transition metal phosphocarbides, transition metal phosphonitrides, transition metal phosphosulfides, transition metal carbosulfonitrides, transition metal carbophosphonitrides, transition metal phosphosulfonitrides, transition metal carbophosphosulfonitrides, and interstitial derivatives thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to processes for preparing such microparticles and to polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) that comprise such microparticles, as well as to the use of such PEMs in fuel cells.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.

Abstract: A self-healing composite membrane includes a continuous ionomer phase in which is dispersed a plurality of hollow fibers and/or microcapsules each containing a liquid healing agent that includes a dispersion or solution of a healing ionomer in a liquid vehicle. Electrochemical devices employing the self-healing composite membranes are provided.

Abstract: A system for online reputation development, including a reputation development server, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output component, a messaging manager, a data bus; a reputation development device; and optionally a customer relationship management system; and an electronic records management system; such that the reputation development server receives a customer review, including a service rating, such that the reputation development server executes an automated dialogue based on an optimal workflow with the customer, wherein the optimal workflow is selected based on the service rating. Also disclosed is a method for online reputation development, including receiving a rating, selecting an optimal workflow, and executing a customer dialogue.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided which contains a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte and a separator, wherein the anode employs polythiocyanogen as an active material.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for variable flow rate fuel ejection are disclosed. A variable flow rate ejector comprises primary and secondary inlets, primary and secondary nozzles, and a needle. The primary nozzle is connected to receive a first fluid from the first inlet chamber and transmit the first fluid through a primary nozzle opening. The needle is disposed within the primary nozzle opening and is axially movable to vary an area of primary nozzle opening. The primary nozzle opening and the needle are sized to make the flow of the first fluid have a supersonic speed. The secondary inlet opens into a second inlet chamber positioned outside the primary nozzle to opening. A portion of the second fluid is entrained in the flow of the first fluid from the primary nozzle. The secondary nozzle opening is sized to make the flow of the first and second fluids have a subsonic speed.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery is provided which contains a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte and a separator, wherein the anode employs polythiocyanogen as an active material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods for producing a nano-porous gas diffusion media, compositions thereof, and devices comprising the same. The nano-porous gas diffusion media of the invention is produced using photolithographic techniques to create a solid substrate comprising a plurality of nano-scale (1 nm-300 ?m) pores or holes that allow for the diffusion or exchange of molecules, gases, and/or liquids through the substrate. The nano-porous diffusion media of the invention also displays superior electro- and thermal conductivity, and increased durability and performance. In some embodiments, the nano-porous diffusion media of the invention is also coated with a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) of organic molecules to further improve its physical characteristics.

Abstract: A method of making a cobalt-boron alloy includes contacting an aqueous suspension of an oxide of cobalt, particularly a highly crystalline cobalt oxide, with a borohydride such as sodium borohydride. The resulting alloy may be used as a catalyst to produce gaseous hydrogen by hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst-coated nickel template including a) an open-cell nickel foam having within it pores defined by an internal nickel surface, the foam also having an external nickel surface not within the pores; and b) a layer of catalyst including Co and B on at least a portion of the internal nickel surface and at least a portion of the external nickel surface. The invention also provides a method of making a catalyst-coated nickel template that includes contacting a nickel template with a solution including a cobalt salt, a complexing agent, and a boron source selected from organoboranes and organoamine boranes under conditions sufficient to deposit boron and cobalt on a surface of the nickel template. Methods of generating H2 at a predetermined rate include contacting a NaBH4 solution with the catalyst-coated nickel template.

Abstract: A mixing vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By relatively moving the septum with respect to the ends of the vessel, and flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus to visually and electronically observe the transient temperature changes in a heat-conducting body, and a method for teaching heat conduction to students incorporating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat-conducting body, and a pair of electric strip heaters attached to adjacent sides of the heat-conducting body for conducting heat therethrough. A pair of heat exchangers are attached to sides of the heat-conducting body that are opposite to the sides the electric strip heaters are attached to. A thermochromic liquid crystal sheet is provided on a top surface of the heat-conducting body and displays the transient heat conduction through the heat-conducting body. An insulating plate is located above the top surface of the heat-conducting body to create a gap between the thermochromic liquid crystal sheet and the insulating plate.

Abstract: A disposable flexible vessel contains a septum, dividing a first chamber from a second chamber. By flowing a fluid through the septum, the fluid is treated as it moves from the first chamber to the second chamber. The particular configuration of the septum allows for treatments such as mixing, reacting, heating, and cooling, as well as filtering of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus to visually and electronically observe the transient temperature changes in a heat-conducting body, and a method for teaching heat conduction to students incorporating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat-conducting body, and a pair of electric strip heaters attached to adjacent sides of the heat-conducting body for conducting heat therethrough. A pair of heat exchangers are attached to sides of the heat-conducting body that are opposite to the sides the electric strip heaters are attached to. A thermochromic liquid crystal sheet is provided on a top surface of the heat-conducting body and displays the transient heat conduction through the heat-conducting body. An insulating plate is located above the top surface of the heat-conducting body to create a gap between the thermochromic liquid crystal sheet and the insulating plate.

Abstract: An apparatus to visually and electronically observe the transient temperature changes in a heat-conducting body, and a method for teaching heat conduction to students incorporating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat-conducting body, and a pair of electric strip heaters attached to adjacent sides of the heat-conducting body for conducting heat therethrough. A pair of heat exchangers are attached to sides of the heat-conducting body that are opposite to the sides the electric strip heaters are attached to. A thermochromic liquid crystal sheet is provided on a top surface of the heat-conducting body and displays the transient heat conduction through the heat-conducting body. An insulating plate is located above the top surface of the heat-conducting body to create a gap between the thermochromic liquid crystal sheet and the insulating plate.