Patents by Inventor Michael Hickner
Michael Hickner 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: 11834544Abstract: Described herein are cationic polymers having a plurality of quaternary amino groups, methods of making such polymers, and uses of such polymers as ion exchange membranes in electrochemical devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Michael A. Yandrasits, Carl A. Laskowski, Timothy M. Gillard, Michael Hickner, Liang Zhu
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Patent number: 11667073Abstract: A method is described for forming composite articles comprising thermoset silicon-containing polymers, that includes (a) providing a first composition comprising a first thermoset silicon-containing polymer; (b) providing a thermoplastic composition; (c) printing a first at least partial layer of the first composition comprising the first thermoset silicon-containing polymer using an additive manufacturing device; and (d) printing an at least partial reinforcing layer comprising the thermoplastic composition using an additive manufacturing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Greene, Tweed Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mookkan Periyasamy, Ronald R. Campbell, Elizabeth Sassano, Wojciech Jan Hajduczek, Michael A. Hickner, Lachlan Peeke
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Publication number: 20210299949Abstract: A method is described for forming composite articles comprising thermoset silicon-containing polymers, that includes (a) providing a first composition comprising a first thermoset silicon-containing polymer; (b) providing a thermoplastic composition; (c) printing a first at least partial layer of the first composition comprising the first thermoset silicon-containing polymer using an additive manufacturing device; and (d) printing an at least partial reinforcing layer comprising the thermoplastic composition using an additive manufacturing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Mookkan Periyasamy, Ronald R. Campbell, Elizabeth Sassano, Wojciech Jan Hajduczek, Michael A. Hickner, Lachlan Peeke
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Publication number: 20210032378Abstract: Described herein are cationic polymers having a plurality of quaternary amino groups, methods of making such polymers, and uses of such polymers as ion exchange membranes in electrochemical devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Michael A. Yandrasits, Carl A. Laskowski, Timothy M. Gillard, Michael Hickner, Liang Zhu
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Patent number: 10439248Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the construction and application of batteries by providing a battery system comprising at least one electrochemical panel with at least one electrochemical cell disposed therein, which is configured to enable multi-purpose functionality and applicability of the battery system. Embodiments provide for electrodes and/or current collectors of each electrochemical cell that are transversely orientated with respect to each face of an electrochemical panel. Some embodiments provide for a separator pouch disposed about at least one electrode and/or current collector to electrically insulate the electrode and/or current collector from a structure component of the device. Each electrochemical panel is configured to enable electrical communication with another electrochemical panel and/or an ancillary electric circuit. Each electrochemical panel is configured enable utilization thereof as a structural component of an ancillary structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Christopher D. Rahn, Charles E. Bakis, Michael Hickner, Yancheng Zhang
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Publication number: 20160351939Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the construction and application of batteries by providing a battery system comprising at least one electrochemical panel with at least one electrochemical cell disposed therein, which is configured to enable multi-purpose functionality and applicability of the battery system. Embodiments provide for electrodes and/or current collectors of each electrochemical cell that are transversely orientated with respect to each face of an electrochemical panel. Some embodiments provide for a separator pouch disposed about at least one electrode and/or current collector to electrically insulate the electrode and/or current collector from a structure component of the device. Each electrochemical panel is configured to enable electrical communication with another electrochemical panel and/or an ancillary electric circuit. Each electrochemical panel is configured enable utilization thereof as a structural component of an ancillary structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Christopher D. RAHN, Charles E. BAKIS, Michael HICKNER, Yancheng ZHANG
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Publication number: 20140031193Abstract: The invention relates to methods and structures of metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Sandia Corporation, Operator of Sandia National Laboratories, Toyota Motor CorporationInventors: Wen Li, Tetsuo Kawamura, Tetsuo Nagami, Hiroaki Takahashi, John Muldoon, John A. Shelnutt, Yujiang Song, James E. Miller, Michael A. Hickner, Craig John Medforth
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Publication number: 20130302721Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2006Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicants: Sandia Corporation, Operator of Sandia National Laboratories, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: John A. Shelnutt, Wen Li, Yujiang Song, Michael A. Hickner
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Patent number: 8574789Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Sandia CorporationInventors: John A. Shelnutt, Wen Li, Yujiang Song, Michael A. Hickner
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Patent number: 8541146Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, Sandia Corporation, Operator of Sandia National LaboratoriesInventors: Wen Li, Tetsuo Kawamura, Tetsuo Nagami, Hiroaki Takahashi, John Muldoon, John A. Shelnutt, Yujiang Song, James E. Miller, Michael A. Hickner, Craig Medforth
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Patent number: 8383763Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
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Publication number: 20110223521Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
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Patent number: 7816482Abstract: An epoxy-crosslinked sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer composition used as proton exchange membranes, methods of making the same, and their use as proton exchange membranes (PEM) in hydrogen fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cell, in electrode casting solutions and electrodes, and in sulfur dioxide electrolyzers. These improved membranes are tougher, have higher temperature capability, and lower SO2 crossover rates.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Michael Hibbs, Cy H. Fujimoto, Kirsten Norman, Michael A. Hickner
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Patent number: 7790314Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is described. The materials for the membrane electrode assembly are formed from sulfonated polymers. A polymer dispersion ink containing the sulfonated polymer and a mixture of solvents is used to form the electrodes on the exchange membrane. The dispersion ink allows for the electrodes to be formed directly on the exchange membrane without significantly dissolving the exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner
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Patent number: 7790837Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
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Publication number: 20090239125Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is described. The materials for the membrane electrode assembly are formed from sulfonated polymers. A polymer dispersion ink containing the sulfonated polymer and a mixture of solvents is used to form the electrodes on the exchange membrane. The dispersion ink allows for the electrodes to be formed directly on the exchange membrane without significantly dissolving the exchange membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner
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Patent number: 7544764Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is described. The materials for the membrane electrode assembly are formed from sulfonated polymers. A polymer dispersion ink containing the sulfonated polymer and a mixture of solvents is used to form the electrodes on the exchange membrane. The dispersion ink allows for the electrodes to be formed directly on the exchange membrane without significantly dissolving the exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner
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Publication number: 20080275146Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
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Patent number: 7361729Abstract: Sulfonated polymers are made by the direct polymerization of a sulfonated monomer to form the sulfonated polymers. The types of sulfonated polymers may include polysulfones or polyimides. The sulfonated polymers can be formed into membranes that may be used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells or as ion exchange membranes. The membranes formed from the sulfonated polymers exhibit improved properties over that of Nafion®. A heteropoly acid may be added to the sulfonated polymer to form a nanocomposite membrane in which the heteropoly acid is highly dispersed. The addition of a heteropoly acid to the sulfonated polymer increases the thermal stability of the membrane, enhances the conductivity above 100° C., and reduces the water uptake of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGrath, Michael Hickner, Feng Wang, Yu-Seung Kim
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Patent number: 7301002Abstract: Improved sulfonated polyphenylene compositions, improved polymer electrolyte membranes and nanocomposites formed there from for use in fuel cells are described herein. The improved compositions, membranes and nanocomposites formed there from overcome limitations of Nafion® membranes.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Cornelius, Cy H. Fujimoto, Michael A. Hickner