Abstract: A proton conducting polymer includes a polymer backbone and a heterocyclic compound attached to the polymer backbone. The heterocyclic compound includes a sulfonyl functionality bonded to heterocyclic compound.

Abstract: A condenser coil for a refrigerated beverage and food service merchandiser includes a plurality of parallel fins be-tween adjacent tubes. In order to reduce the likelihood of fouling by the bridging of fibers therebetween, the spacing of the fins is maintained at a distance of 0.4 to 0.8 inches apart. In one embodiment, the tubes comprise microchannel tubes, with no fins there-between, and the spacing between the microchannel tubes is maintained in the range of 0.75 inches to optimize the heat transfer performance while minimizing the occurrence of fouling. A supporting structure is provided between microchannel tubes when no fins are included. Also, plural rows of microchannel tubes are provided with separate inlet headings and with the rows being stag-gered in transverse relationship to enhance the heat transfer characteristic while minimizing the likelihood of fouling.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane comprises a hybrid inorganic-organic polymer that includes implanted metal cations. Acid groups are bound to the hybrid inorganic-organic polymer through an interaction with the implanted metal cations. An example process for manufacturing a proton exchange membrane includes sol-gel polymerization of silane precursors in a medium containing the metal cations, followed by exposure of the metal-implanted hybrid inorganic-organic polymer to an acid compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hybrid monolithic fuel cells. In one embodiment, the fuel cells comprise a monolithic substrate composed of a metal material and an electrolyte material, the substrate defining a fuel channel and an oxidant channel that are separated by the electrolyte material. The disclosure also relates to methods for manufacturing hybrid monolithic fuel cells. In one embodiment, the methods comprise preparing a metal material, preparing an electrolyte material, and forming a hybrid monolithic fuel cell substrate comprising the metal and electrolyte materials in a one-step fabrication process.

Abstract: A composition of matter is formed from a graftable polymer, having graftable sites onto which sidechains have been grafted. The sidechains include at least one silane group, and may be formed by polymerization of a polymerizable group of a silane precursor. These compositions may further include acid groups, and may be used, for example, in improved proton conducting materials in fuel cells.

Abstract: A proton conducting polymer is formed by the copolymerization of a plurality of compounds, including a silicon compound comprising an organic chain, and a compound including at least one acid group. The polymer comprises a hybrid organic-inorganic matrix having acid groups linked through a linking group. The linking group may include one or more electron withdrawing groups. The electron withdrawing group may be a halogen.

Abstract: Polymers, polymer precursors, and other materials are described, having at least one heterocycle and being useful for fabrication of proton-exchange membranes (PEMs). In representative examples, the heterocycle is a fluorinated imidazole ring. The heterocycle can be chosen to have a low value of pKa, and may be a triazole ring, other nitrogen-containing heterocycle, or derivative thereof. Polymers and composites were prepared having excellent proton conductivity. Applications of these materials include fuel cells and other ion-conducting applications.

Abstract: An emission control system is disclosed for determining a concentration of oxygen in a flow of gas which has a sensor. The sensor has a diffusion barrier, an electrolyte material, and a counter-electrode. The counter-electrode is configured to support the diffusion barrier, and the electrolyte material is disposed between the diffusion barrier and the counter electrode. Also disclosed is a method of producing the sensor and emission control system.

Abstract: A proton conducting polymer is formed by the copolymerization of a plurality of compounds, including a silicon compound comprising an organic chain, and a compound including at least one acid group. The polymer comprises a hybrid organic-inorganic matrix having acid groups linked through a linking group. The linking group may include one or more electron withdrawing groups. The electron withdrawing group may be a halogen.

Abstract: Flexible proton electrolyte membranes, fuel cells, and methods for making membranes are disclosed. One exemplary membrane, among others, includes a flexible proton electrolyte membrane having the characteristic of a proton conductivity of about 1×10−6 to 1×10−1 S/cm at a temperature range of about 30° C. to about 180° C. and a relative humidity of about 0% to 100%.

Abstract: An emission control system is disclosed for determining a concentration of oxygen in a flow of gas which has a sensor. The sensor has a diffusion barrier, an electrolyte material, and a counter-electrode. The counter-electrode is configured to support the diffusion barrier, and the electrolyte material is disposed between the diffusion barrier and the counter electrode. Also disclosed is a method of producing the sensor and emission control system.

Abstract: An emission control system for determining a concentration of oxygen in a flow of gas which has a sensor. The sensor has a diffusion barrier, an electrolyte material, and a counter-electrode. The counter-electrode is configured to support the diffusion barrier, and the electrolyte material is disposed between the diffusion barrier and the counter-electrode.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided, having an electrolyte membrane, a sensing electrode, a counter electrode, a diffusion barrier for controlling access of gases to the sensing electrode, and in situ means for removing molecular oxygen from the gases to which the sensing electrode is being exposed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-functional voltammetric or amperometric sensor useful for sensing components of the exhaust stream of a combustion system. The disclosed sensor (110) includes a solid oxide ion-conductive electrolyte membrane (112) having two sides (114,116). On one side is a working electrode (120), preferably covered by a diffusion barrier (126) exposed to the exhaust stream. On the other side (116), preferably exposed to air, is a counter-electrode (122) and, optionally, an reference electrode (124). Meters are provided to measure a current flex between the working and counter-electrodes.

Abstract: Composite ceramic mixed ionic and electronic conducting materials having high ambipolar activity which can be fabricated into thin membranes for high efficiency oxygen separation from air at intermediate temperatures. The mixed conducting materials have composite non-homogeneous microstructures of a separate predominantly oxygen ion conductive phase and a predominantly electronic conductive phase. Preferred predominantly oxygen ion conducting phases include bismuth, cerium and zirconium oxide based materials and predominantly electronic conducting phases include at least one metal electronic conductor material.

Abstract: A composite ceramic mixed oxygen ion and electronic conducting materials having high ambipolar activity which can be fabricated into thin membranes for high efficiency oxygen separation from air at intermediate temperatures. The mixed conducting materials have composite non-homogeneous microstructures of a separate predominantly oxygen ion conductive phase and a predominantly electronic conductive phase. Predominantly oxygen ion conducting phases include bismuth, cerium and thorium oxide based materials and predominantly electronic conducting phases include at least one metal, metal oxide of at least one metal, and at least one perovskite-type electronic conductor material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process and apparatus for removing NO.sub.x in an O.sub.2 -containing exhaust emission based on electrochemically catalytic reduction processes. Advantages to the electrochemically catalytic reduction process include high NO.sub.x conversion efficiency and suitability for the removal of NO.sub.x from the O.sub.2 -containing exhaust of mobile combustion sources due to the simplicity in construction, maintenance and operation (chemical-reducing agents are not required in the process).

Abstract: A electrolytic cell for efficiently producing caustic from sodium salts via use of a thin membrane of ceramic or ceramic composite electrolyte is disclosed. Ceramic electrolytes having a very mobile sodium ion such as NASICON are very effective in cells producing concentrated caustic from sodium salts of strong acids.

Abstract: Mixed oxygen ion and electronic conducting bismuth oxide based ceramic materials having high ambipolar activity which can be fabricated into thin membranes for high efficiency oxygen separation from air at intermediate temperatures. The ceramic materials may be homogeneous microstructures in the form of solid solutions or compounds or may be composite non-homogeneous microstructures of a separate substantially continuous oxygen ion conductive phase and a substantially continuous electronic conductive phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides all solid-state lithium and sodium batteries operating in the approximate temperature range of ambient to 145.degree. C. (limited by melting points of electrodes/electrolyte), with demonstrated energy and power densities far in excess of state-of-the-art high-temperature battery systems. The preferred battery comprises a solid lithium or sodium electrode, a polymeric electrolyte such as polyethylene oxide doped with lithium triflate (PEO.sub.8 LiCF.sub.3 SO.sub.3), and a solid-state composite positive electrode containing a polymeric organosulfur electrode, (SRS).sub.n, and carbon black, dispersed in a polymeric electrolyte.