Patents by Inventor Michael K. Carpenter
Michael K. Carpenter 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: 11964098Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices, methods of producing such devices, and elements of such devices. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides devices configured for vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition that is contained in a reservoir and transported to a heating element by a liquid transport element. The liquid transport element may include a porous monolith.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Percy D. Phillips, James W. Rogers, Frederic P. Ampolini, David A. Clemens, William K. Carpenter, Owen L. Joyce, Michael L. King, Sean M. Ahr
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Publication number: 20200024767Abstract: Systems and methods for growth of multi-component single crystals are described. A first solution is flowed over a surface of a seed crystal coupled to a nozzle such that a plurality of first ions solvated in the first solution and a plurality of second ions in a second solution combine on the surface of the seed crystal to grow the single-crystal thereon. The first solution and the second solution are immiscible. A feed tank is fluidly coupled to the at least one nozzle and includes the first solution. In some aspects, the nozzle is configured to flow both the first solution and the second solution over the seed crystal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhongyi Liu, Louis G. Hector, JR., Xiaosong Huang, Nicholas P. Pieczonka, Ingrid A. Rousseau, Michael K. Carpenter
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Patent number: 10320004Abstract: A method of making a fuel cell including the following steps: comprising: (a) mixing carbon nanotubes (CNT) with an initial dispersion, wherein the initial dispersion includes an ionomer; (b) heating and stirring the initial dispersion to form a CNT-ionomer composite suspension; (c) after forming the CNT-ionomer composite suspension, mixing the CNT-ionomer composite suspension with an electrode catalyst solution to form an electrode ink, wherein the electrode catalyst solution includes a carbon black powder and a catalyst supported by the carbon black powder; and (d) coating a proton exchange membrane with the electrode ink to form the fuel cell electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Anusorn Kongkanand, Michael K. Carpenter
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Publication number: 20180331368Abstract: A method of making a fuel cell including the following steps: comprising: (a) mixing carbon nanotubes (CNT) with an initial dispersion, wherein the initial dispersion includes an ionomer; (b) heating and stirring the initial dispersion to form a CNT-ionomer composite suspension; (c) after forming the CNT-ionomer composite suspension, mixing the CNT-ionomer composite suspension with an electrode catalyst solution to form an electrode ink, wherein the electrode catalyst solution includes a carbon black powder and a catalyst supported by the carbon black powder; and (d) coating a proton exchange membrane with the electrode ink to form the fuel cell electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anusorn Kongkanand, Michael K. Carpenter
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Patent number: 9947935Abstract: A method for forming a carbon supported catalyst includes a step of providing a first carbon supported catalyst having a platinum-group metal supported on a first carbon support. Characteristically, the first carbon support has a first average micropore diameter and a first average carbon surface area. The first carbon supported catalyst is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature less than about 450° C. for a predetermined period of time to form a second carbon supported catalyst, wherein the first carbon support or the second carbon supported catalyst is acid leached.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Anusorn Kongkanand, Michael K. Carpenter
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Publication number: 20180097238Abstract: A method for forming a carbon supported catalyst includes a step of providing a first carbon supported catalyst having a platinum-group metal supported on a first carbon support. Characteristically, the first carbon support has a first average micropore diameter and a first average carbon surface area. The first carbon supported catalyst is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature less than about 450° C. for a predetermined period of time to form a second carbon supported catalyst, wherein the first carbon support or the second carbon supported catalyst is acid leached.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: ANUSORN KONGKANAND, MICHAEL K. CARPENTER
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Patent number: 9761884Abstract: A method for making tungsten-alloy nanoparticles that are useful for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a solvent system and a surfactant to form a first mixture. A tungsten precursor is introduced into the first mixture to form a tungsten precursor suspension. The tungsten precursor suspension is heated to form tungsten nanoparticles. The tungsten nanoparticles are combined with carbon particles to form carbon-nanoparticle composite particles. The carbon-nanoparticle composite particles are combined with a metal salt to form carbon-nanoparticle composite particles with adhered metal salt, the metal salt including a metal other than tungsten. The third solvent system is then removed. A two-stage heat treatment is applied to the carbon-nanoparticle composite particles with adhered metal salt to form carbon supported tungsten-alloy nanoparticles. A method for making carbon supported tungsten alloys by reducing a tungsten salt and a metal salt is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mohammed Atwan, Anusorn Kongkanand, Michael K. Carpenter
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Patent number: 9564659Abstract: A positive electrode includes a sulfur-based active material, a binder, a conductive filler, and porous, one-dimensional metal oxide nanorods. The one-dimensional metal oxide nanorods are mixed, as an additive, throughout the positive electrode with the sulfur-based active material, the binder, and the conductive filler. The positive electrode with the porous, one-dimensional metal oxide nanorods may be incorporated into any sulfur-based battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhongyi Liu, Qiangfeng Xiao, Mei Cai, Michael K. Carpenter
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Publication number: 20170033368Abstract: A carbon supported catalyst includes a carbon support having an average micropore diameter is less than about 70 angstroms and a platinum-group metal being disposed over the carbon support. A method for making the carbon supported catalyst includes a step of providing a first carbon supported catalyst having a platinum-group metal supported on a carbon support. The first carbon supported catalyst has a first average micropore diameter, and a first average surface area. The first carbon supported catalyst is contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature less than about 250° C. for a predetermined period of time to form a second carbon supported catalyst. The second carbon supported catalyst has a second average pore diameter and a second average surface area. Characteristically, the second average pore diameter is greater than the first average pore diameter, and the second average surface area is less than the first average surface area.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2015Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: Michael K. CARPENTER, Zhongyi LIU, Anusorn KONGKANAND
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Patent number: 9379374Abstract: In an example method, a transition metal precursor is selected so its transition metal has a diffusion rate that is slower than a diffusion rate of silicon. An aqueous mixture is formed by dissolving the precursor in an aqueous medium, and adding silicon particles to the medium. The mixture is exposed to a hydroxide, which forms a product including the silicon particles and a transition metal hydroxide precipitate. The product is dried. In an inert or reducing environment, silicon atoms of the silicon particles in the dried product are caused to diffuse out of, and form voids in and/or at a surface of, the particles. At least some silicon atoms react with the transition metal hydroxide in the dried product to form i) a SiOx (0<x?2) coating on the silicon particles and ii) the transition metal, which reacts with other silicon atoms to form silicides.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhongyi Liu, Xingcheng Xiao, Michael K. Carpenter
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Publication number: 20160149218Abstract: A positive electrode includes a sulfur-based active material, a binder, a conductive filler, and porous, one-dimensional metal oxide nanorods. The one-dimensional metal oxide nanorods are mixed, as an additive, throughout the positive electrode with the sulfur-based active material, the binder, and the conductive filler. The positive electrode with the porous, one-dimensional metal oxide nanorods may be incorporated into any sulfur-based battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Zhongyi Liu, Qiangfeng Xiao, Mei Cai, Michael K. Carpenter
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Patent number: 9302914Abstract: In an example of a method for making a hollow carbon material, a carbon black particle is obtained. The carbon black particle has a concentric crystallite structure with an at least partially amorphous carbon core and a graphitic carbon shell surrounding the at least partially amorphous carbon core. The carbon black particle is exposed to any of a heat treatment, a chemical treatment, or an electrochemical treatment which removes the at least partially amorphous carbon core to form the hollow carbon material.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhongyi Liu, Qiangfeng Xiao, Xingcheng Xiao, Michael K. Carpenter, Mei Cai
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Patent number: 9272334Abstract: Methods of synthesizing platinum-nickel-alloy nanoparticles and supported catalysts comprising the nanoparticles are provided. The methods may comprise forming a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel; heating the reaction mixture sealed in the reaction vessel to a reaction temperature; maintaining the temperature of the reaction vessel for a period of time; cooling the reaction vessel; and removing platinum-alloy nanoparticles from the reaction vessel. The reaction mixture may comprise a platinum precursor, a nickel precursor, a formamide reducing solvent, and optionally a cobalt precursor. In some embodiments the reaction temperature is at or below the boiling point of the formamide reducing solvent, such as from about 120° C. to about 150° C., for example. The platinum-alloy nanoparticles provide favorable electrocatalytic activity when supported on a catalyst support material.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Michael K. Carpenter
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Publication number: 20160020453Abstract: In an example method, a transition metal precursor is selected so its transition metal has a diffusion rate that is slower than a diffusion rate of silicon. An aqueous mixture is formed by dissolving the precursor in an aqueous medium, and adding silicon particles to the medium. The mixture is exposed to a hydroxide, which forms a product including the silicon particles and a transition metal hydroxide precipitate. The product is dried. In an inert or reducing environment, silicon atoms of the silicon particles in the dried product are caused to diffuse out of, and form voids in and/or at a surface of, the particles. At least some silicon atoms react with the transition metal hydroxide in the dried product to form i) a SiOx (0<x?2) coating on the silicon particles and ii) the transition metal, which reacts with other silicon atoms to form silicides.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Zhongyi Liu, Xingcheng Xiao, Michael K. Carpenter
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Publication number: 20150372312Abstract: A method for making tungsten-alloy nanoparticles that are useful for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a solvent system and a surfactant to form a first mixture. A tungsten precursor is introduced into the first mixture to form a tungsten precursor suspension. The tungsten precursor suspension is heated to form tungsten nanoparticles. The tungsten nanoparticles are combined with carbon particles to form carbon-nanoparticle composite particles. The carbon-nanoparticle composite particles are combined with a metal salt to form carbon-nanoparticle composite particles with adhered metal salt, the metal salt including a metal other than tungsten. The third solvent system is then removed. A two-stage heat treatment is applied to the carbon-nanoparticle composite particles with adhered metal salt to form carbon supported tungsten-alloy nanoparticles. A method for making carbon supported tungsten alloys by reducing a tungsten salt and a metal salt is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: MOHAMMED ATWAN, ANUSORN KONGKANAND, MICHAEL K. CARPENTER
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Publication number: 20150246816Abstract: In an example of a method for making a hollow carbon material, a carbon black particle is obtained. The carbon black particle has a concentric crystallite structure with an at least partially amorphous carbon core and a graphitic carbon shell surrounding the at least partially amorphous carbon core. The carbon black particle is exposed to any of a heat treatment, a chemical treatment, or an electrochemical treatment which removes the at least partially amorphous carbon core to form the hollow carbon material.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: September 3, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Zhongyi Liu, Qiangfeng Xiao, Xingcheng Xiao, Michael K. Carpenter, Mei Cai
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Publication number: 20150018200Abstract: A method of controlling the de-alloying of metal alloy particles for fuel cell catalyst layers includes a step of forming a two-phase liquid system that comprises a first liquid and a second liquid. The first liquid is immiscible with the second liquid and the second liquid contains an acid. Metal alloy particles are added to the two-phase system to form a particle-containing liquid mixture. The particle-containing liquid mixture is agitated such that etched metal alloy particles are formed. The resulting etched metal alloy particles are then advantageously used to form fuel cell catalyst layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: MOHAMMED ATWAN, MICHAEL K. CARPENTER
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Publication number: 20120264598Abstract: Methods of synthesizing platinum-alloy nanoparticles, supported catalysts comprising the nanoparticles, and further methods of forming supported catalysts comprising Pt3(Ni,Co) nanoparticles having (111)-oriented faces or facets are disclosed. The methods may comprise forming a reaction mixture in a reaction vessel; sealing the reaction vessel; heating the reaction mixture sealed in the reaction vessel to a reaction temperature; maintaining the temperature of the reaction vessel for a period of time; cooling the reaction vessel; and removing platinum-alloy nanoparticles from the reaction vessel. The reaction mixture may comprise a platinum precursor, a nickel precursor, a formamide reducing solvent, and an optional capping agent. The platinum-alloy nanoparticles provide favorable electrocatalytic activity when supported on a catalyst support material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2011Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael K. Carpenter, Indrajit Dutta
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Patent number: 8058204Abstract: An electrocatalyst is described. The electrocatalyst includes a core of a non-noble metal or non-noble metal alloy; and a continuous shell of a noble metal or noble metal alloy on the core, the continuous shell being at least two monolayers of the noble metal or noble metal alloy. Methods for making the electrocatalyst are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Junliang Zhang, Frederick T. Wagner, Zhongyi Liu, Michael K. Carpenter
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Patent number: 7767330Abstract: The durability of a fuel cell having a polymer electrolyte membrane with an anode on one surface and an oxygen-reducing cathode on the other surface is improved by replacing conductive carbon matrix materials in an electrode with a matrix of electrically conductive metal compound particles. The electrode includes a catalyst supported on a nanosize metal oxides and electrically conductive nanosize matrix particles of a metal compound. One or more metal compounds such as a boride, carbide, nitride, silicide, carbonitride, oxyboride, oxycarbide, or oxynitride of a metal such as cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, neodymium niobium, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zirconium is suitable. For example, the combination of platinum particles deposited on titanium dioxide support particles mixed in a conductive matrix of titanium carbide particles provides an electrode with good oxygen reduction capability and corrosion resistance in an acid environment.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Belabbes Merzougui, Ion C. Halalay, Michael K. Carpenter, Swathy Swathirajan