Abstract: Various embodiments provide a reaction chamber including a support, a receptacle, and a sponge. The support includes a plurality of bars that are spaced from each other by a plurality of openings. Each of the bars has side surfaces that are slanted or tilted downward such that melted material may readily flow through the openings. The support is covered with a coating of silicon carbide to prevent materials from adhering to the support. The receptacle underlies the support and is configured to collect any melted material that is drained through the openings of the support. The sponge is positioned in the receptacle and under the support. The sponge is configured to absorb any melted material that is collected by the receptacle.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a reaction chamber including a support, a receptacle, and a sponge. The support includes a plurality of bars that are spaced from each other by a plurality of openings. Each of the bars has side surfaces that are slanted or tilted downward such that melted material may readily flow through the openings. The support is covered with a coating of silicon carbide to prevent materials from adhering to the support. The receptacle underlies the support and is configured to collect any melted material that is drained through the openings of the support. The sponge is positioned in the receptacle and under the support. The sponge is configured to absorb any melted material that is collected by the receptacle.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen for micro fuel cells, comprises the successive steps of: continuously supplying a catalytic bed with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, the catalytic bed being made of at least one metal chosen among cobalt, nickel, platinum, ruthenium with obtainment of hydrogen and of a by-product comprising sodium metaborate, continuously recovering the hydrogen thus obtained and supplying, with said hydrogen as it is as obtained, a micro fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electric energy. An apparatus provides continuous supply of hydrogen to a micro fuel cell. An integrated system structured for continuously producing and supplying hydrogen to a micro fuel cell and for converting the continuously supplied hydrogen into electric energy.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane is described comprising at least one sulfonated aromatic polyether copolymer comprising a poly-arylen-ether-ketone (PEK) moiety or sulfonated derivatives thereof, deriving from spiro-bis-indane or 4,4?-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF), and an arylene-sulfone, or an arylene-ketone or sulfonated derivative thereof; said copolymer having the following formula (1): wherein Ar1 has formula, wherein X is spiro-bis-indanile (SBI) (b) or BPAF (c) having formulas: and wherein Y is H or SO3H, and Ar2 has formula wherein W is CO or SO2, and Y is H or SO3H, wherein Z is OH or Cl; and wherein at least one between Ar1 or Ar2 comprise at least one sulfonic group; and wherein n is an integer comprised between 2 and 50. A method for the production of such membrane is also described.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane is described comprising at least one sulfonated aromatic polyether copolymer comprising a poly-arylen-ether-ketone (PEK) moiety or sulfonated derivatives thereof, deriving from spiro-bis-indane or 4,4?-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphenol (BPAF), and an arylene-sulfone, or an arylene-ketone or sulfonated derivative thereof; said copolymer having the following formula (1): wherein Ar1 has formula, wherein X is spiro-bis-indanile (SBI) (b) or BPAF (c) having formulas: and wherein Y is H or SO3H, and Ar2 has formula wherein W is CO or SO2, and Y is H or SO3H, wherein Z is OH or Cl; and wherein at least one between Ar1 or Ar2 comprise at least one sulfonic group; and wherein n is an integer comprised between 2 and 50. A method for the production of such membrane is also described.