Patents by Inventor Branko N. Popov

Branko N. Popov 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).

  • Patent number: 8465858
    Abstract: A method based on pulse electrodeposition technique was developed for preparation of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). In this approach, platinum is deposited directly on the surface of the carbon electrode. The method ensures most of the platinum to be in close contact with the membrane. Using this method it is possible to increase the Pt/C ratio up to 75 wt % near the surface of the electrode resulting in a 5 ?m thick catalyst layer. The MEA prepared by pulse electrodeposition exhibits a current density of 0.33 A/cm2 at 0.8 V with platinum loading of 0.25 mg of Pt/cm2. The results indicate that pulse deposition may be an attractive technique to replace the conventional powder-type MEA preparation methods and help achieve industry goals of reducing catalyst cost and increasing efficiency in polymer electrode membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Hansung Kim
  • Patent number: 8398951
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a composite electrode for a battery is provided. The composite electrode includes silver vanadium oxide present in an amount from about 75 weight percent to about 99 weight percent and polypyrrole present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Jong-Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20120168687
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a composite electrode for a battery is provided. The composite electrode includes silver vanadium oxide present in an amount from about 75 weight percent to about 99 weight percent and polypyrrole present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Jong-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 8133611
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a composite electrode for a battery is provided. The composite electrode includes silver vanadium oxide present in an amount from about 75 weight percent to about 99 weight percent and polypyrrole present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Jong-Won Lee
  • Patent number: 7629285
    Abstract: A process for synthesis of a catalyst is provided. The process includes providing a carbon precursor material, oxidizing the carbon precursor material whereby an oxygen functional group is introduced into the carbon precursor material, and adding a nitrogen functional group into the oxidized carbon precursor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Jog-Won Lee, Nalini P. Subramanian, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Hector R. Colon-Mercado, Vijayadurga Nallathambi, Xuguang Li, Gang Wu
  • Patent number: 7618915
    Abstract: A method of producing a composite carbon catalyst is generally disclosed. The method includes oxidizing a carbon precursor (e.g., carbon black). Optionally, nitrogen functional groups can be added to the oxidized carbon precursor. Then, the oxidized carbon precursor is refluxed with a non-platinum transitional metal precursor in a solution. Finally, the solution is pyrolyzed at a temperature of at least about 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Nalini Subramanian, Hector R. Colon-Mercado
  • Publication number: 20090142664
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a composite electrode for a battery is provided. The composite electrode includes silver vanadium oxide present in an amount from about 75 weight percent to about 99 weight percent and polypyrrole present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 25 weight percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Jong-Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20090050258
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure a method for forming a PEM fuel cell electrode is provided. The method includes applying a hydrophilic wetting agent on an electrode surface. A catalyst layer is deposited on the wetted electrode surface by pulse electrodeposition, at least a portion of the catalyst penetrating the electrode surface. The electrode surface is heat treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Yoon-Seok Choi, Subasri M Ayyadurai, Jong-Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20080161183
    Abstract: A process for synthesis of a catalyst is provided. The process includes providing a carbon precursor material, oxidizing the carbon precursor material whereby an oxygen functional group is introduced into the carbon precursor material, and adding a nitrogen functional group into the oxidized carbon precursor material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventors: Branko N. Popov, Jong-Won Lee, Nalini P. Subramanian, Swaminatha P. Kumaraguru, Hector R. Colon-Mercado, Vijayadurga Nallathambi, Xuguang Li, Gang WU