Abstract: A bipolar electrode fabricated with a combination of materials that will physically separate the catholyte from the metal anode of the electrode while providing high electrical conductivity between the metal anode and the catalyst cathode. This is accomplished by layering the catalyst cathode over a composite of conductive adhesive and conductive foil that is then affixed to the metal anode.

Abstract: A self-contained fuel system for use with a high temperature fuel cell is described to address containment of carbon dioxide evolution. The system utilizes a slurry containing calcium carbide and calcium hydride that is pumped into a water reservoir. The resulting hydrolysis reaction generates acetylene, hydrogen and water-soluble calcium hydroxide. The acetylene and hydrogen are catalytically converted to synthesis gas, which is used by a fuel cell to generate electricity. Carbon dioxide exhaust from the fuel cell is reacted with calcium hydroxide to form a storable solid, calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The invention as disclosed is the integration of a fuel reformer reactor and a carbon dioxide scrubbing reactor for use in high temperature fuel cells. The reformer is placed in series with and between two carbon dioxide scrubbers. Fuel gas from the fuel cell is passed through a first carbon dioxide scrubber where the fuel gas is heated, has carbon dioxide gas removed there from, and is passed to the reformer. The gas exiting the reformer is scrubbed and heated by the second carbon dioxide scrubber before the gas is supplied to the fuel cell.

Abstract: A power source for an unmanned undersea vehicle with increased energy density is described that employs a self-contained fuel system to address carbon dioxide evolution. A solid oxide fuel cell serves as the power source in the self-contained fuel system. In combination with the solid oxide fuel cell, the system comprises a chemical composite that is combined with water to create both a hydrocarbon fuel for the solid oxide fuel cell and a water-soluble byproduct. The byproduct is then combined with the carbon dioxide gas generated by the fuel cell to create a storable solid precipitate.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode fabricated with a combination of materials that will physically separate the catholyte from the metal anode of the electrode while providing high electrical conductivity between the metal anode and the catalyst cathode. This is accomplished by layering the catalyst cathode over a composite of conductive adhesive and conductive foil that is then affixed to the metal anode.

Abstract: A new treatment method for ion exchange membranes used in semi-fuel cells that accelerates the wetting of the membranes by aqueous electrolyte solutions, thus reducing the start up time for metal/hydrogen peroxide-based semi-fuel cells. Specifically, a NAFION® membrane that is intended for dry storage in a semi-fuel cell is treated with glycerin (glycerol) to enhance its rate of absorption of electrolyte solution when the semi-fuel cell is activated.

Abstract: A new treatment method for ion exchange membranes used in semi-fuel cells that accelerates the wetting of the membranes by aqueous electrolyte solutions, thus reducing the start up time for metal/hydrogen peroxide-based semi-fuel cells. Specifically, a Nafion® membrane that is intended for dry storage in a semi-fuel cell is treated with glycerin (glycerol) to enhance its rate of absorption of electrolyte solution when the semi-fuel cell is activated.

Abstract: A direct charging electrostatic flocking method is provided for the fabrication of a fibrous structure. Fibers are deposited directly on a first electrically conductive surface while a second electrically conductive surface with an adhesive thereon is disposed over the first surface. A vacuum is created in the space between the first electrically conductive surface and the second electrically conductive surface. The vacuum is then filled with sulfur hexafluoride gas. An electric field is generated between the first and second electrically conductive surfaces. The fibers leave the first electrically conductive surface, accelerate through the electric field and sulfur hexafluoride gas, and are coupled on one end thereof to the adhesive. As a result of using sulfur hexafluoride rather than air there is an increase in fiber density of the fibrous structure.

Abstract: A device designed to apply uniaxial pressure to the surface of an electro-active material while simultaneously applying a current to the material under controlled temperature conditions and then measuring the displacement of the material by means of a laser interferometer. The device involves a housing with a chamber in which a sample of material is secured. The chamber has an aperture with a quartz window that allows the laser beam from the interferometer to pass. The sample is connected to electrodes and the chamber is filled with dielectric oil that applies the uniaxial pressure to one side of the sample. The device is placed onto a thermal control system. When the appropriate thermal and pressure conditions are established, current is applied to the sample and the interferometer measures the displacement.

Abstract: A specialized containment cell with optically transparent apertures, in conjunction with a laser interferometer system provides the means for non-contact displacement measurements of electro-active (piezoelectric and electrostrictive) materials to be performed under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature and applied voltage. A sample of electro-active material is placed inside the cell. Electrical connections are made from a high voltage power source to the sample through the cell. Thermoelectric heaters/coolers and a cooling water heat sink built into the cell control the temperature of the sample. The cell is flooded with a dielectric oil pressurizing the interior of the cell to a desired pressure. The cell is optically aligned to the interferometer, and with the cell heated to the proper temperature, a voltage is applied to the sample as the interferometer measures the displacement of the sample.

Abstract: An additive for an aluminum-based semi-fuel cell system includes a combination of components including gallium, oxygen, and a sodium component dissolvable an alkaline electrolyte solution such as seawater and sodium hydroxide. These components form sodium gallium oxide and prevent or reduce formation of an oxide layer on a surface of an aluminum anode in the alkaline electrolyte of the semi-fuel cell system.

Abstract: A method for forming a single-phase, homogeneous and high surface area metal alloy by reducing a polyheterometallic complex at a low temperature in hydrogen-containing gas.