Abstract: Described herein is a scalable, economic, energy and time efficient method for the synthesis of a crystalline uniform nanoporous oxide material by utilizing colloidal particles in solution combustion synthesis. By removing colloids from nanocomposite via chemical etching crystalline uniform porous oxide is prepared with tailored porosity. The produced oxides have high specific surface area, high pore volume, uniform pore structure and high crystallinity. Properties of the oxide can be tuned by the concentration and size of colloids added, which affects the porous structure (mesopore diameter, pore wall thickness, surface area, and pore volume). In principle, this method can be applied to synthesize different high porosity crystalline metal oxides and nanocomposites.

Abstract: A versatile, highly scalable single step method is provided for depositing a metallic Pd film from low temperature combustion of an aqueous solution. By using only palladium nitrate and glycine as precursors, water as a solvent, mirror-bright dense Pd films with high crystallinity and good adhesion can be deposited at 250° C. on different substrates without subsequent annealing. The technique can be used to form a reusable catalytic flask as illustrated by the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, where the Pd film uniformly covers the inner walls of the flask and eliminates the catalyst separation step.

Abstract: Described herein is a scalable, economic, energy and time efficient method for the synthesis of a crystalline uniform nanoporous oxide material by utilizing colloidal particles in solution combustion synthesis. By removing colloids from nanocomposite via chemical etching crystalline uniform porous oxide is prepared with tailored porosity. The produced oxides have high specific surface area, high pore volume, uniform pore structure and high crystallinity. Properties of the oxide can be tuned by the concentration and size of colloids added, which affects the porous structure (mesopore diameter, pore wall thickness, surface area, and pore volume). In principle, this method can be applied to synthesize different high porosity crystalline metal oxides and nanocomposites.

Abstract: A catalyst for the generation of hydrogen from a small organic molecule comprises a tertiary metal composition where: the first metal is either Pt or Ru; the second metal is at least one of Pt, Ru, Au, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os, and/or Re; and Bi, primarily present in the form of an oxide or of a mixture of oxides and carbonates and in the +3 oxidation state. A portion of the first and/or second metal may be in the form of an oxide. The catalyst can be in the form of a nanoparticle and supported on an inert substrate, such as carbon. The catalyst can be used for dehydrogenation of formic acid or other small organic molecules in a liquid state at ambient pressures and at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid. The liquid can be an aqueous solution of the small organic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention can provide an electrode member having a substrate member and a coating member. The substrate member can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, gold coated titanium and other inert conducting materials. The coating member can have a tin dioxide modified by antimony. The electrode member of the present invention can be used for direct generation of ozone in water or through water into a gaseous state.

Abstract: A catalyst for the generation of hydrogen from a small organic molecule comprises a tertiary metal composition where: the first metal is either Pt or Ru; the second metal is at least one of Pt, Ru, Au, Pd, Rh, Ir, Os, and/or Re; and Bi, primarily present in the form of an oxide or of a mixture of oxides and carbonates and in the +3 oxidation state. A portion of the first and/or second metal may be in the form of an oxide. The catalyst can be in the form of a nanoparticle and supported on an inert substrate, such as carbon. The catalyst can be used for dehydrogenation of formic acid or other small organic molecules in a liquid state at ambient pressures and at temperatures below the boiling point of the liquid. The liquid can be an aqueous solution of the small organic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composite membrane having a polymer membrane and a poly(furfuryl alcohol) filling internal pores of the polymer membrane. The polymer composite membrane can have a high proton conductivity and/or a reduced methanol permeability and can be used in fuel cells, electrochemical sensor, and the like. The present invention also provides a method of making a polymer composite membrane, by providing a perfluorosulfonic polymer member, subjecting the perfluorosulfonic polymer member to a furan-based monomer, and polymerizing the furan-based monomer to obtain a polymer composite membrane having a high proton conductivity and/or a reduced methanol permeability.

Abstract: The present invention can provide an electrode member having a substrate member and a coating member. The substrate member can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, gold coated titanium and other inert conducting materials. The coating member can have a tin dioxide modified by antimony. The electrode member of the present invention can be used for direct generation of ozone in water or through water into a gaseous state.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising Pt—Co alloy, or Pt—Co—Sn alloy or Pt—ComOn mixed metal oxides is disclosed to be used as a catalyst for the direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose or other simple sugars and carbohydrates at room temperature. The catalyst can be supported on metal electrodes, graphite electrodes, porous carbon electrodes, or gas diffusion electrodes. An electrode containing this catalyst will be used as the key component in a direct glucose-air fuel cell operating in alkaline media with a good room temperature performance. This catalyst can also be applied as a key electrode material in a glucose sensor to detect glucose concentration in neutral or alkaline medium. The preparation method of the catalyst, optimum composition, and results of glucose sensor and glucose fuel cell applications are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical device such as a battery and a fuel cell having two electrolytes between the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical device is preferably arranged with an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the anode and an acidic electrolyte in contact with the cathode. The electrolytes are separated by a bipolar membrane that preferably also provides ionic conductivity between the two electrolytes and also generates a supply of protons and hydroxide anions. The electrochemical device achieves fifty percent higher operating voltage and power compared to fuel cells with a single electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composite membrane having a polymer membrane and a poly(furfuryl alcohol) filling internal pores of the polymer membrane. The polymer composite membrane can have a high proton conductivity and/or a reduced methanol permeability and can be used in fuel cells, electrochemical sensor, and the like. The present invention also provides a method of making a polymer composite membrane, by providing a perfluorosulfonic polymer member, subjecting the perfluorosulfonic polymer member to a furan-based monomer, and polymerizing the furan-based monomer to obtain a polymer composite membrane having a high proton conductivity and/or a reduced methanol permeability.

Abstract: The present invention can provide an electrode member having a substrate member and a coating member. The substrate member can be made of a material selected from the group consisting of titanium, gold coated titanium and other inert conducting materials. The coating member can have a tin dioxide modified by antimony. The electrode member of the present invention can be used for direct generation of ozone in water or through water into a gaseous state.

Abstract: An electrochemical device such as a battery and a fuel cell having two electrolytes between the anode and the cathode. The electrochemical device is preferably arranged with an alkaline electrolyte in contact with the anode and an acidic electrolyte in contact with the cathode. The electrolytes are separated by a bipolar membrane that preferably also provides ionic conductivity between the two electrolytes and also generates a supply of protons and hydroxide anions. The electrochemical device achieves fifty percent higher operating voltage and power compared to fuel cells with a single electrolyte.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising Pt—Co alloy, or Pt—Co—Sn alloy or Pt—ComOn mixed metal oxides is disclosed to be used as a catalyst for the direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose or other simple sugars and carbohydrates at room temperature. The catalyst can be supported on metal electrodes, graphite electrodes, porous carbon electrodes, or gas diffusion electrodes. An electrode containing this catalyst will be used as the key component in a direct glucose-air fuel cell operating in alkaline media with a good room temperature performance. This catalyst can also be applied as a key electrode material in a glucose sensor to detect glucose concentration in neutral or alkaline medium. The preparation method of the catalyst, optimum composition, and results of glucose sensor and glucose fuel cell applications are disclosed.