Abstract: A computational method for determining a location and an amount of a transition metal M in surface facets of a Pt—M alloy using a density functional theory includes receiving a particle size and a surface facet distribution of the Pt—M alloy and a total concentration of M in the Pt—M alloy; calculating a total number of M atoms in the Pt—M alloy based on the particle size and the surface facet distribution of the Pt—M alloy and the total concentration of M in the Pt—M alloy; and predicting a mixing energy between Pt and at least one of the total number of M atoms in a subsurface layer of each of the surface facets of the Pt—M alloy when Pt is mixed with the at least one of the total number of M atoms.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (e.g., a fuel cell) includes an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte membrane layer disposed between and spacing apart the anode layer and the cathode layer. The electrochemical cell further includes a functional layer disposed at an interface between the cathode layer and the electrode membrane layer. The functional layer includes a composition including a carbon material, an ionomer material, and optionally an amount of catalyst material.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to a mobile device configured to change a feature set in response to detecting that a case is attached to the mobile device. One example provides a method enacted on a mobile device. The method comprises operating the mobile device with a first feature set. The first feature set comprises one or more features enabled when a case is not attached to the mobile device. The method further comprises detecting that the case is attached to the mobile device and an identity of the case by using a magnetic sensor. The method further comprises operating the mobile device with a second feature set that is different from the first feature set in response to detecting that the case is attached to the mobile device. The second feature set is selected based upon the identity of the case.

Abstract: A desalination battery includes a working intercalation electrode in a first compartment, a counter intercalation electrode in a second compartment, both compartments including saline water solution with an elevated concentration of dissolved salts, an ion exchange membrane arranged between the compartments, a voltage source arranged to supply voltage to the electrodes, and a sacrificial compound configured to neutralize charge within the first compartment at a predetermined voltage while being consumed by oxidation or reduction reactions upon an activation of the working electrode.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer (PEWE). The PEWE includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and a polymer electrolyte membrane between and separating the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. The PEWE further includes a blocking layer disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and configured to resist unwanted diffusion of ions or molecules through the polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell degradation monitoring method. The method includes applying first and second bias potentials to an electrode of an electrochemical cell during an operating state thereof. The method further includes measuring impedance spectra of the electrode of the electrochemical cell during the operating state biased to the first and second bias potentials. The method also includes determining a deviation in the impedance spectra at the first and second bias potentials. The method determines a degradation state of the electrode of the electrochemical cell in response to the deviation in the impedance spectra at the first and second bias potentials of the electrode of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A desalination battery cell includes a first compartment separated by an anion exchange membrane from a second compartment, each of the first and second compartments containing a saline water solution having a concentration of dissolved salts c1 and first and second intercalation host electrodes, respectively, in fluid communication with the solution, a voltage source supplying electric current to the first and second intercalation host electrodes to release cations into the solution, and a controller programmed to adjust an amount of the electric current being supplied to change direction of anions in the solution passing through the anion exchange membrane between the compartments such that the first and second compartments alternately collect and disperse salt from the solution and release desalinated water solution having a concentration c2 of dissolved salts and a brine solution having a concentration c3 of dissolved salts such that c3>C1>C2.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a membrane, a catalyzed electrode facing the membrane, the electrode including a magnetic electrocatalyst in contact with an ionomer, an electromagnet, and a controller programmed to activate the electromagnet to form an oscillating magnetic field arranged to selectively increase temperature of the magnetic electrocatalyst, based on one or more conditions, to increase kinetics of a reaction at the catalyzed electrode or remove water from the electrode.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer (PEWE). The PEWE includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and a polymer electrolyte membrane between and separating the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. The PEWE further includes a first blocking layer and/or a second blocking layer. The first blocking layer is disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and configured to resist diffusion of unwanted ions or molecules through the polymer electrolyte membrane. The second blocking layer is disposed between the anode catalyst layer and is configured to resist diffusion of unwanted ions or molecules through the polymer electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: Fuel cell alloy bipolar plates. The alloys may be used as a coating or bulk material. The alloys and metallic glasses may be particularly suitable for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells because of they may exhibit reduced weights and/or better corrosion resistance. The alloys may include any of the following AlxCuyTiz, AlxFeyNiz, AlxMnyNiz, AlxNiyTiz, CuxFeyTiz, CuxNiyTiz, AlxFeySiz, AlxMnySiz, AlxNiySiz, NixSiyTiz, and CxFeySiz. The alloys or metallic glass may be doped with various dopants to improve glass forming ability, mechanical strength, ductility, electrical or thermal conductivities, hydrophobicity, and/or corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An electrostatic charging air cleaning device. The device includes a pre-charger configured to generate a corona discharge to electrostatically charge particulate matter in an air stream. The device further includes a separator downstream from the pre-charger configured to convey the electrostatically charged particulate matter and formed of an insulative material. The device also includes a collection electrode configured to receive and to absorb the conveyed electrostatically charged particulate matter. The collection electrode includes a substrate material and a coating layer coated onto the substrate material. The coating layer includes a carbon black material and a polymeric binder. The substrate material is a metal plate including mechanical perforations.

Abstract: Fuel cell alloy bipolar plates. The alloys may be used as a coating or bulk material. The alloys and metallic glasses may be particularly suitable for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells because of they may exhibit reduced weights and/or better corrosion resistance. The alloys may include any of the following AlxCuyTiz, AlxFeyNiz, AlxMnyNiz, AlxNiyTiz, CuxFeyTiz, CuxNiyTiz, AlxFeySiz, AlxMnySiz, AlxNiySiz, NixSiyTiz, and CxFeySiz. The alloys or metallic glass may be doped with various dopants to improve glass forming ability, mechanical strength, ductility, electrical or thermal conductivities, hydrophobicity, and/or corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first end region, a second end region, and a middle region. At least one of a first number of fuel cell units in the first end region is a first fuel cell unit including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with a first catalyst material on either or both an anode and a cathode of the first fuel cell unit. At least one of a second number of fuel cell units in the second end region is a second fuel cell unit including an MEA with a second catalyst material on either or both an anode and a cathode of the first fuel cell unit. The middle region is situated between the first and the second end region. At least one of a third number of fuel cell units in the middle region is a third fuel cell unit including an MEA with a third catalyst material on either or both an anode and a cathode of the first fuel cell unit. At least one of the first, the second, and the third catalyst material are different.

Abstract: A device for removing chloride-containing salts from water includes a container configured to contain saline water, a first electrode arranged in fluid communication with the saline water, and a power source. The first electrode includes a conversion material that is substantially insoluble in the saline water and has a composition that includes at least two or more of aluminum, chlorine, copper, iron, oxygen, and potassium. The composition varies over a range with respect to a quantity of chloride ions per formula unit. The power source supplies current to the first electrode in a first operating state so as to induce a reversible conversion reaction in which the conversion material bonds to the chloride ions in the saline water to generate a treated water solution. The conversion material dissociates the chloride ions therefrom into the saline water solution in a second operating state to generate a wastewater solution.

Abstract: A water softening device includes a container configured to contain water, first and second electrodes arranged in fluid communication with the water, and a power source. The first electrode includes a conversion material that has a first composition and a second composition coexisting with the first composition. The first composition includes calcium ions bonded thereto and the second composition includes sodium ions bonded thereto. The power source supplies current in a first operating state such that the second composition exchanges sodium ions for calcium ions in the water to generate a soft water solution. The first and second electrodes are connected in a second operating state such that the first composition exchanges calcium ions for sodium ions in the water to generate a wastewater solution. The conversion material undergoes a reversible conversion reaction to convert between the first and second compositions within the water stability window.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (e.g., a fuel cell) includes an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an electrolyte membrane layer disposed between and spacing part the anode layer and the cathode layer. The electrochemical cell further includes a functional layer disposed at an interface between the cathode layer and the electrode membrane layer. The functional layer includes a composition including a carbon material, an ionomer material, and optionally an amount of catalyst material.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (e.g., a fuel cell) including an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, and an electrolyte membrane layer extending between the anode catalyst layer the cathode catalyst layer, and a graphene-based layer. The graphene-based layer is disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane layer and/or the anode catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane layer. The graphene-based layer is configured to suppress crossover gases and metallic cation exchange to enhance performance and durability of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell catalyst state of health monitoring device. The device includes a first magnetic device adjacent a first side of a first catalyst material associated with a first electrode. The device further includes a second magnetic device adjacent a second side of the first catalyst material. The first or second magnetic device is configured to generate a magnetic field. The other of the first and second magnetic devices is configured to receive a magnetic response from the first catalyst material. The device also includes a controller configured to receive the magnetic response and to determine magnetic response data of the first catalyst material in response to the magnetic response. The magnetic response data is indicative of a state of health.

Abstract: A desalination battery includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an intercalation compound contained in the first electrode, a container configured to contain a saline water solution, and a power source. The intercalation compound includes at least one of a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, a metal oxychloride, a metalloid oxychloride, and a hydrate thereof with each having a ternary or higher order. The first and second electrodes are configured to be arranged in fluid communication with the saline water solution. The power source is configured to supply electric current to the first and second electrodes in different operating states to induce a reversible intercalation reaction within the intercalation compound. The intercalation compound reversibly stores and releases target anions from the saline water solution to generate a fresh water solution in one operating state and a wastewater solution in another operating state.

Abstract: A catalyst support material for an electrochemical system. The catalyst support material includes a metal material of SnWO4 reactive with H3O+, HF and/or SO3? to form reaction products in which the metal material of SnWO4 accounts for a stable molar percentage of the reaction products.