Patents by Inventor Kimberly McGrath
Kimberly McGrath 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: 8211594Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20120094216Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
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Publication number: 20120028163Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110300471Abstract: An electrode comprising a primary and secondary metal nanoparticle coating on a metallic substrate is prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a solvent and layering them onto the substrate, followed by heating. The enhanced surface area of the electrode due to the catalytic nanoparticles is dramatically enhanced, allowing for increased reaction efficiency. The electrode can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen, or a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Robert Dopp, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110155571Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
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Patent number: 7955755Abstract: Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110130269Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110091796Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110091787Abstract: A composition of nanoparticles of metal or an alloy or having a metal and alloy core with an oxide shell in admixture with platinum particles is useful as a component for electrodes. More particularly, such composition is useful as an electrode ink for the reduction of oxygen as well as the oxidation of hydrocarbon or hydrogen fuel in a direct oxidation fuel cell, such as, but not limited to, the direct methanol fuel cell. These electrodes encompass a catalyst ink containing platinum, the nanoparticles, and a conducting ionomer which may be directly applied to a conductive support, such as woven carbon paper or cloth. This electrode may be directly adhered onto an ion exchange membrane. The nanoparticles comprise nanometer-sized transition metals such as cobalt, iron, nickel, ruthenium, chromium, palladium, silver, gold, and copper. In this invention, these catalytic powders substantially replace platinum as a catalyst in fuel cell electrooxidation and electroreduction reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20100233577Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
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Publication number: 20100167175Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20100156353Abstract: Nanoscale lithium compositions are disclosed which are suitable for use in electrochemical applications such as electrodes and batteries. The compositions can include nanoparticles having lithium metal and/or lithium alloy cores. A shell material is contemplated comprising lithium nitride or another material that conducts lithium ions. Methods of preparing lithium compositions and methods of preparing electrodes comprising lithium compositions are further disclosed. The crystal structure of the nanoscale lithium compositions is preferably body centered cubic, allowing low volume expansion and high diffusivity of lithium from or into the core structures during discharge and charge processes, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Subramanian Iyer, R. Douglas Carpenter, Kimberly McGrath
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Publication number: 20100143821Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2007Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20100069228Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20090261305Abstract: A composition for use, for example, in an electrode in a Nickel-Metal-Hydride battery is provided that consists of metal hydrides together with a certain percentage of nano-sized reactive metal particles, preferably either nickel, manganese, aluminum, cobalt, copper, tin, palladium, silver, gold, lanthanum, and/or alloys thereof. The addition of nano-metals enhances the hydrogen charging characteristics of the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Daniel F. CARROLL, Kimberly McGRATH, Keith KEPLER
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Publication number: 20090092887Abstract: An electrode comprising a primary and secondary metal nanoparticle coating on a metallic substrate is prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a solvent and layering them onto the substrate, followed by heating. The enhanced surface area of the electrode due to the catalytic nanoparticles is dramatically enhanced, allowing for increased reaction efficiency. The electrode can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen, or a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Robert Dopp, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20090032391Abstract: A photolysis-assisted electrolysis device comprises at least one fluidized bed disposed in the device's housing wherein the fluidized bed comprises a reaction medium and photolysis-catalyzing nanoparticles suspended in the reaction medium. When the fluidized bed is exposed to light, the nanoparticles catalyze the photolysis of the reaction medium to form donor electrons. The donor electrons promote reduction of the reaction medium during an electrolysis reaction, for example, the reduction of water to form hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
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Publication number: 20090004549Abstract: A device for highly efficient fuel cell reactions is described. The device comprises a porous electrode and a plurality of suspended nanoparticles diffused within the void volume of the electrode when used within an electrolyte, wherein each chamber contains an electrode and electrolyte with suspended nanoparticles therein. When reactive metal particles are diffused into the electrode structure and suspended in electrolyte by gasses, a fluidized bed is established, allowing for improved power generation. Ideally, this device and system can be used to produce high power output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: Quantumsphere, Inc.Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
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Publication number: 20080280190Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2006Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20070227300Abstract: A composition of nanoparticles of metal or an alloy or having a metal and alloy core with an oxide shell in admixture with platinum particles is useful as a component for electrodes. More particularly, such composition is useful as an electrode ink for the reduction of oxygen as well as the oxidation of hydrocarbon or hydrogen fuel in a direct oxidation fuel cell, such as, but not limited to, the direct methanol fuel cell. These electrodes encompass a catalyst ink containing platinum, the nanoparticles, and a conducting ionomer which may be directly applied to a conductive support, such as woven carbon paper or cloth. This electrode may be directly adhered onto an ion exchange membrane. The nanoparticles comprise nanometer-sized transition metals such as cobalt, iron, nickel, ruthenium, chromium, palladium, silver, gold, and copper. In this invention, these catalytic powders substantially replace platinum as a catalyst in fuel cell electrooxidation and electroreduction reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Douglas Carpenter