Patents by Inventor Belabbes Merzougui
Belabbes Merzougui has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8557485Abstract: The incorporation of tungsten-containing hydrogen spillover materials into a composite fuel cell anode can be helpful in preserving the carbon catalyst support materials in the fuel cell cathode during periods of hydrogen starvation. Preferred examples of such tungsten-containing hydrogen spillover materials are tungsten oxides and tungsten silicides. These materials, when physically mixed with catalyst-loaded carbon support particles in a composite anode, have shown the ability to promote hydrogen storage in amounts that, during a disruption of hydrogen gas flow, can postpone an anodic potential excursion into the oxygen evolution region for a period of at least several seconds.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ion C. Halalay, Belabbes Merzougui, Gregory C. Garabedian, Michael P. Balogh, Swathy Swathirajan
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Patent number: 8389175Abstract: A fuel cell (70) having an anode (72), a cathode (78) and an electrolyte (76) between the anode (72) and the cathode (78) includes a cathode catalyst (80) formed of a plurality of nanoparticles. Each nanoparticle (20) has a plurality of terraces (26) formed of platinum surface atoms (14), and a plurality of edge (28) and corner regions (29) formed of atoms from a second metal (30)—The cathode catalyst may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions from the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. The second metal atoms at the corner and edge regions of the nanoparticle, as well as at any surface defects, result in a more stable catalyst structure. In some embodiments, the fuel cell (70) is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and the nanoparticles are tetrahedron-shaped. In some embodiments, the fuel cell (70) is a phosphoric acid fuel cell and the nanoparticles are cubic-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: UTC Power CorporationInventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui, Patrick L. Hagans, Susanne M. Opalka
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Patent number: 8383293Abstract: An electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications includes a catalyst support and a noble metal or noble metal-based alloy catalyst supported upon the catalyst support. The catalyst support characteristically includes a Group IV-VI transition metal silicide with or without the mixing of carbon. A fuel cell incorporating the electrocatalyst into the anode and/or cathode is disclosed. Such fuel cell exhibit improved cycling and operating performance.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Jon C. Halalay, John T. Johnson, Gregory C. Garabedian, Michael P. Balogh, Swathy Swathirajan
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Publication number: 20130011771Abstract: A supported catalyst includes a plurality of support particles that each include a carbon support and a layer disposed around the carbon support. The layer is selected from a metal carbide, metal oxycarbide, and combinations thereof. A catalytic material is disposed on the layers of the support particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2010Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Minhua Shao, Lesia V. Protsailo, Jingguang Chen
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Publication number: 20120309615Abstract: A catalytic nanoparticle includes a porous core and an atomically thin layer of platinum atoms on the core. The core is a porous palladium, palladium-M or platinum-M core, where M is selected from the group consisting of gold, iridium, osmium, palladium, rhenium, rhodium and ruthenium.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui, Lesia V. Protsailo
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Patent number: 8304365Abstract: A stabilized platinum nanoparticle has a core portion surrounded by a plurality of outer surfaces. The outer surfaces include terrace regions formed of platinum atoms, and edge and corner regions formed of atoms from a second metal. The stabilized nanoparticle may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions of the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. Platinum atoms from the edge and corner regions react with the second metal ions quicker than surface atoms from the terraces, due to a greater difference in electrode potential between the platinum atoms at the edge and corner regions, as compared to the second metal in the solution. The platinum nanoparticle may include surface defects, such as steps and kinks, which may also be replaced with atoms of the second metal. In an exemplary embodiment, the platinum nanoparticle is a cathode catalyst in an electro-chemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: UTC Power CorporationInventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui, Patrick L. Hagans, Susanne M. Opalka
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Publication number: 20120058417Abstract: A catalyst structure for an electrochemical cell includes a catalyst support structure, catalyst particles and an outer carbide film The catalyst particles are deposited on the catalyst support structure. The outer carbide film is formed on the catalyst support structure. The outer carbide film surrounds the catalyst particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2009Publication date: March 8, 2012Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui
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Publication number: 20120021337Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Tetsuo Kawamura
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Publication number: 20120015284Abstract: A catalyst support for an electrochemical system includes a high surface area carbon core structure and a surface modifier modifying the surface of the carbon core structure. The surface modifier includes boron-doped diamond (BDD) and a high surface area refractory material. The high surface area refractory material includes metal oxides, metal phosphates, metal borides, metal nitrides, metal silicides, metal carbides and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Lesia V. Protsailo, Minhua Shao
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Publication number: 20110311904Abstract: A catalyst support for an electrochemical system includes a high surface area refractory material core structure and boron-doped diamond. The BDD modifies the high surface area refractory material core structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2009Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Minhua Shao, Lesia V. Protsailo
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Patent number: 7985830Abstract: Methods for synthesizing dimeric or polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andrew M. Mance, Tao Xie, Belabbes Merzougui, Charlene A. Hayden
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Publication number: 20110143934Abstract: A stabilized platinum nanoparticle has a core portion surrounded by a plurality of outer surfaces. The outer surfaces include terrace regions formed of platinum atoms, and edge and corner regions formed of atoms from a second metal. The stabilized nanoparticle may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions of the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. Platinum atoms from the edge and corner regions react with the second metal ions quicker than surface atoms from the terraces, due to a greater difference in electrode potential between the platinum atoms at the edge and corner regions, as compared to the second metal in the solution. The platinum nanoparticle may include surface defects, such as steps and kinks, which may also be replaced with atoms of the second metal. In an exemplary embodiment, the platinum nanoparticle is a cathode catalyst in an electro-chemical cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui, Patrick L. Hagans, Susanne M. Opalka
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Publication number: 20110136046Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst support includes a fluoride-doped metal oxide/phosphate support structure and a catalyst layer, supported on such fluoride-doped support structure. In one example, the support structure is a sub-stechiometric titanium oxide and/or indium-tin oxide (ITO) partially coated or mixed with a fluoride-doped metal oxide or metal phosphate. In another example, the support structure is fluoride-doped and mixed with at least one of low surface carbon, boron-doped diamond, carbides, borides, and silicides.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Minhua Shao, Lesia V. Protsailo
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Publication number: 20110136047Abstract: A fuel cell catalyst support includes a support structure having a metal oxide and/or a metal phosphate coated with a layer of boron carbide. Example metal oxides include titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide and oxides of yttrium, molybdenum, indium, and tin and their phosphates. A boron carbide layer is arranged on the support structure by a chemical or mechanical process, for example. Finally, a catalyst layer is deposited on the boron carbide layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Minhua Shao, Lesia V. Protsailo
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Publication number: 20110008715Abstract: A method of depositing platinum onto a support is disclosed. This method is based on a combination of two processes: electrochemical and electroless deposition, using a chemical bath containing a platinum source and agents that trigger nucleation and buffer the solution. This method is capable of producing a catalyst having a gravimetric current density of at least approximately 0.8 mA/cm2 per ?g of platinum per cm2 at cell voltage of 0.9V/RHE for oxygen reduction reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Shampa Kandoi
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Publication number: 20100316930Abstract: A fuel cell (70) having an anode (72), a cathode (78) and an electrolyte (76) between the anode (72) and the cathode (78) includes a cathode catalyst (80) formed of a plurality of nanoparticles. Each nanoparticle (20) has a plurality of terraces (26) formed of platinum surface atoms (14), and a plurality of edge (28) and corner regions (29) formed of atoms from a second metal (30)—The cathode catalyst may be formed by combining a platinum nanoparticle with a metal salt in a solution. Ions from the second metal react with platinum and replace platinum atoms on the nanoparticle. The second metal atoms at the corner and edge regions of the nanoparticle, as well as at any surface defects, result in a more stable catalyst structure. In some embodiments, the fuel cell (70) is a proton exchange membrane fuel cell and the nanoparticles are tetrahedron-shaped. In some embodiments, the fuel cell (70) is a phosphoric acid fuel cell and the nanoparticles are cubic-shaped.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: UTC POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Minhua Shao, Belabbes Merzougui, Patrick L. Hagans, Susanne M. Opalka
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Patent number: 7767330Abstract: The durability of a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode on one surface and an oxygen-reducing cathode on the other surface is improved by replacing conductive carbon matrix materials in an electrode with a matrix of electrically conductive metal compound particles. The electrode includes a catalyst supported on a nanosize metal oxides and electrically conductive nanosize matrix particles of a metal compound. One or more metal compounds such as a boride, carbide, nitride, silicide, carbonitride, oxyboride, oxycarbide, or oxynitride of a metal such as cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, neodymium niobium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zirconium is suitable. For example, the combination of platinum particles deposited on titanium dioxide support particles mixed in a conductive matrix of titanium carbide particles provides an electrode with good oxygen reduction capability and corrosion resistance in an acid environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Ion C. Halalay, Michael K. Carpenter, Swathy Swathirajan
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Publication number: 20100151295Abstract: The incorporation of tungsten-containing hydrogen spillover materials into a composite fuel cell anode can be helpful in preserving the carbon catalyst support materials in the fuel cell cathode during periods of hydrogen starvation. Preferred examples of such tungsten-containing hydrogen spillover materials are tungsten oxides and tungsten silicides. These materials, when physically mixed with catalyst-loaded carbon support particles in a composite anode, have shown the ability to promote hydrogen storage in amounts that, during a disruption of hydrogen gas flow, can postpone an anodic potential excursion into the oxygen evolution region for a period of at least several seconds.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Belabbes Merzougui, Gregory C. Garabedian, Michael P. Balogh, Swathy Swathirajan
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Publication number: 20100105850Abstract: Methods for synthesizing dimeric or polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Andrew M. Mance, Tao Xie, Belabbes Merzougui, Charlene A. Hayden
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Patent number: 7655749Abstract: Methods for synthesizing dimeric or higher polymeric reaction products of nitrogen aromatics comprise contacting a composition comprising the nitrogen aromatic with a catalyst composition. The catalyst is in particulate form and comprises a first metal substrate having a second reduced metal coated on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Andrew M. Mance, Tao Xie, Belabbes Merzougui, Charlene A. Hayden