Abstract: An one-off and adjustment method of hydrogen releasing from chemical hydride. The “one/off” of hydrogen release is controlled by the “contact/non-contact” procedures between the reactants. First, at least a hydride powder, a catalyst powder and a water-containing reactant are provided, and at least any two of three are mixed to form a mixture. Hydrogen gas is generated by adjusting a contact area between the mixture and the remaining one. The hydrogen-releasing reaction is terminated when a non-contacting state between the mixture and the remaining one occurs. Alternatively, an inhibitor or an inhibiting method could be used for suppressing or terminating the hydrogen-releasing reaction. The hydrogen-releasing rate could be controlled and adjusted by the extent of suppression.

Abstract: A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation system comprising solid hydrogen fuel, a liquid absorbent material, and a phase-change material is provided. When the liquid (usually water, alcohol, or aqueous solution of alcohol, aqueous solution of salt or aqueous solution of acid) in the absorbent material contacts with the solid hydrogen fuel, the solid hydrogen fuel will react with the liquid to release hydrogen and generate heat. The heat as generated will accumulate to increase the reaction temperature, and then boost the hydrogen-releasing rate. The phase-change material is adjacent to the solid hydrogen fuel for absorbing and storing the reaction heat, so as to stabilize the reaction temperature. Therefore, the hydrogen-releasing rate is kept as constant to achieve a steady hydrogen flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is super water absorbent polymers applied to contain water, and the polymers may further collocate with water absorbent cotton materials to accelerate water absorbent rates. The described water absorbent materials are combined with solid hydrogen fuel to complete a stable hydrogen supply device. Performance of the hydrogen supply device is not effected by inverting or tilting thereof. Even if inverting or tilting the device, the water contained in the water absorbent materials does not flow out from the device. As such, the MEA film in the fuel cell connected to the hydrogen supply device will not blocked by the water, thereby avoiding the fuel cell performance degradation even breakdown.

Abstract: A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A photovoltaic nanostructure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrically conductive nanocable coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode extending along at least two sides of the nanocable, and a photovoltaically active p-n junction formed between the nanocable and the second electrode. A photovoltaic array according to one embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic nanostructures as recited above. Methods for forming nanostructures are also presented.

Abstract: A solid hydrogen fuel, in a form of a solid block, includes at lease a hydride powder well-mixed with at lease a solid catalyst. Method of manufacturing the solid hydrogen fuel includes steps of well-mixing the hydride powder and the solid catalyst; and compressing the mixed powders to form a solid block. When use of the solid hydrogen fuel is required, water is mixed into the hydride powder for generating hydrogen gas, wherein the hydride powder is catalyzed by the solid catalyst and reacts with water to generate hydrogen gas. By using the solid hydrogen fuel, large amount of hydrogen gas can be generated completely in an effective time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic catalyst formed by a single or multiple nano metal shells wrapping a carrier, wherein at least one of the metal shells is iron, cobalt, or nickel. The magnetic catalyst with high catalyst efficiency can be applied in a hydrogen supply device, and the device can be connected to a fuel cell. Because the magnetic catalyst can be recycled by a magnet after generating hydrogen, the practicability of the noble metals such as Ru with high catalyst efficiency is dramatically enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible power supply including a hydrogen supply device connected to a flexible fuel cell, wherein the hydrogen supply device includes a moldable hydrogen fuel. In one embodiment, the flexible fuel cell is a sheet structure, and the hydrogen supply device is a flexible flat bag, wherein the fuel cell and the hydrogen supply device are adhered to complete a sheet of a flexible power supply. The sheet of flexible power supply can be put in the pocket of cloth or baggage, or directly sewn on the outside of cap or overcoat.

Abstract: Disclosed is super water absorbent polymers applied to contain water, and the polymers may further collocate with water absorbent cotton materials to accelerate water absorbent rates. The described water absorbent materials are combined with solid hydrogen fuel to complete a stable hydrogen supply device. Performance of the hydrogen supply device is not effected by inverting or tilting thereof. Even if inverting or tilting the device, the water contained in the water absorbent materials does not flow out from the device. As such, the MEA film in the fuel cell connected to the hydrogen supply device will not blocked by the water, thereby avoiding the fuel cell performance degradation even breakdown.

Abstract: A solid hydrogen fuel is formed into a solid pressure-formed block. The method of manufacturing the solid hydrogen fuel includes following steps. First, at least a hydride powder and at least a hydrogen releasing catalyst powder are mixed well. Next, the mixed powder is bonded into a block by pressure. When in use, the solid hydrogen fuel is mixed with water to produce hydrogen. The hydride powder and water bring about a hydrogen releasing reaction. The hydride releasing catalyst powder is used for catalyzing the hydrogen releasing reaction to produce hydrogen. The solid hydride has higher hydrogen production and can release hydrogen completely.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a catalyst for catalyzing hydrogen releasing reaction includes following steps. First, a solution with metal catalyst ions is provided. Next, several catalyst supports are provided. Each catalyst support includes several chelating units. Then, the catalyst supports are mixed with the solution, so that the metal catalyst ions in the solution chelate with the chelating units on the surface of each catalyst support. Subsequently, the metal catalyst ions chelating with the surface of the catalyst supports are reduced, so that metal catalyst nano-structures and/or metal catalyst atoms are coated on the surface of the catalyst supports, for forming catalysts.

Abstract: Solid-state hydrogen fuel with a polymer matrix and fabrication methods thereof are presented. The solid-state hydrogen fuel includes a polymer matrix, and a crushed mixture of a solid chemical hydride and a solid-state catalyst uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The fabrication method for the solid-state hydrogen fuel includes crushing and mixing a solid chemical hydride and a solid-state catalyst in a crushing/mixing machine, and adding the polymer matrix into the mixture of the solid chemical hydride and the solid-state catalyst to process a flexible solid-state hydrogen fuel. Moreover, various geometric and/or other shapes may be formed and placed into suitable vessels to react with a particular liquid and provide a steady rate of hydrogen release.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes creating a hole in an insulating layer positioned over an electrically conductive layer; and forming a nanocable in the hole such that the nanocable extends through the hole in the insulating layer and protrudes therefrom, the nanocable being in communication with the electrically conductive layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A photovoltaic nanostructure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrically conductive nanocable coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode extending along at least two sides of the nanocable, and a photovoltaically active p-n junction formed between the nanocable and the second electrode. A photovoltaic array according to one embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic nanostructures as recited above. Methods for forming nanostructures are also presented.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a carbon nano material to nanotize a magnesium-based hydrogen storage material, thereby forming single or multiple crystals to enhance the surface to volume ratio and hydrogen diffusion channel of the magnesium-based hydrogen storage material. Therefore, the hydrogen storage material has higher hydrogen storage capability, higher absorption/desorption rate, and lower absorption/desorption temperature.

Abstract: Radially layered nanocables are fabricated by first forming nanotubes within tubular passages of nano-sized diameter, then depositing a material dissimilar to that of the nanotubes over the surface(s) of the nanotubes by underpotential electrochemical deposition. Both hollow cables and cables with solid cores can be manufactured in this manner. The tubular passages reside in membranes or wafers that can be removed from the nanocables either before or after the second material is deposited, or in some applications, the nanocables are useful when still embedded in the membranes or wafers.