Patents by Inventor Nitash Pervez Balsara
Nitash Pervez Balsara 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: 9324985Abstract: The invention herein described is the use of a block copolymer/homopolymer blend for creating nanoporous materials for transport applications. Specifically, this is demonstrated by using the block copolymer poly(styrene-block-ethylene-block-styrene) (SES) and blending it with homopolymer polystyrene (PS). After blending the polymers, a film is cast, and the film is submerged in tetrahydrofuran, which removes the PS. This creates a nanoporous polymer film, whereby the holes are lined with PS. Control of morphology of the system is achieved by manipulating the amount of PS added and the relative size of the PS added. The porous nature of these films was demonstrated by measuring the ionic conductivity in a traditional battery electrolyte, 1M LiPF6 in EC/DEC (1:1 v/v) using AC impedance spectroscopy and comparing these results to commercially available battery separators.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: David Wong, Nitash Pervez Balsara
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Patent number: 9136562Abstract: Electrode assemblies for use in electrochemical cells are provided. The negative electrode assembly comprises negative electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the negative electrode. These properties include reductive stability and ability to accommodate expansion and contraction of the negative electrode active material. Similarly, the positive electrode assembly comprises positive electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the positive electrode. These properties include oxidative stability and the ability to prevent dissolution of transition metals used in the positive electrode active material. A third electrolyte can be used as separator between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Seeo, Inc.Inventors: Mohit Singh, Ilan Gur, Hany Basam Eitouni, Nitash Pervez Balsara
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Patent number: 8889301Abstract: Nanostructured gel polymer electrolytes that have both high ionic conductivity and high mechanical strength are disclosed. The electrolytes have at least two domains—one domain contains an ionically-conductive gel polymer and the other domain contains a rigid polymer that provides structure for the electrolyte. The domains are formed by block copolymers. The first block provides a polymer matrix that may or may not be conductive on by itself, but that can soak up a liquid electrolyte, thereby making a gel. An exemplary nanostructured gel polymer electrolyte has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?4 S cm?1 at 25° C.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Seeo, Inc.Inventors: Nitash Pervez Balsara, Hany Basam Eitouni, Ilan Gur, Mohit Singh, William Hudson
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Publication number: 20140212766Abstract: The invention herein described is the use of a block copolymer/homopolymer blend for creating nanoporous materials for transport applications. Specifically, this is demonstrated by using the block copolymer poly(styrene-block-ethylene-block-styrene) (SES) and blending it with homopolymer polystyrene (PS). After blending the polymers, a film is cast, and the film is submerged in tetrahydrofuran, which removes the PS. This creates a nanoporous polymer film, whereby the holes are lined with PS. Control of morphology of the system is achieved by manipulating the amount of PS added and the relative size of the PS added. The porous nature of these films was demonstrated by measuring the ionic conductivity in a traditional battery electrolyte, 1M LiPF6 in EC/DEC (1:1 v/v) using AC impedance spectroscopy and comparing these results to commercially available battery separators.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: The Regents of the Univeristy of CaliforniaInventors: David Wong, Nitash Pervez Balsara
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Patent number: 8703310Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Scott Mullin, Ashoutosh Panday, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
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Patent number: 8563168Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: The Regents of The University of CaliforniaInventors: Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
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Patent number: 8552144Abstract: Redox reactions that occur at the electrodes of batteries require transport of both ions and electrons to the active centers. Reported is the synthesis of a block copolymer that exhibits simultaneous electronic and ionic conduction. A combination of Grignard metathesis polymerization and click reaction was used successively to synthesize the block copolymer containing regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segments. The P3HT-PEO/LiTFSI mixture was then used to make a lithium battery cathode with LiFePO4 as the only other component. All-solid lithium batteries of the cathode described above, a solid electrolyte and a lithium foil as the anode showed capacities within experimental error of the theoretical capacity of the battery. The ability of P3HT-PEO to serve all of the transport and binding functions required in a lithium battery electrode is thus demonstrated.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Anna Esmeralda K. Javier, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Shrayesh Naran Patel, Daniel T. Hallinan, Jr.
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Patent number: 8465883Abstract: Polymers having an improved ability to entrain water are characterized, in some embodiments, by unusual humidity-induced phase transitions. The described polymers (e.g., hydrophilically functionalized block copolymers) have a disordered state and one or more ordered states (e.g., a lamellar state, a gyroid state, etc.). In one aspect, the polymers are capable of undergoing a disorder-to-order transition while the polymer is exposed to an increasing temperature at a constant relative humidity. In some aspects the polymer includes a plurality of portions, wherein a first portion forms proton-conductive channels within the membrane and wherein the channels have a width of less than about 6 nm. The described polymers are capable of entraining and preserving water at high temperature and low humidity. Surprisingly, in some embodiments, the polymers are capable of entraining greater amounts of water with the increase of temperature. The polymers can be used in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes in fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Nitash Pervez Balsara, Moon Jeong Park
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Publication number: 20130130069Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventors: Scott Mullin, Ashoutosh Panday, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
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Publication number: 20120264880Abstract: Redox reactions that occur at the electrodes of batteries require transport of both ions and electrons to the active centers. Reported is the synthesis of a block copolymer that exhibits simultaneous electronic and ionic conduction, A combination of Grignard metathesis polymerization and click reaction was used successively to synthesize the block copolymer containing regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segments. The P3HT-PEO/LiTFSI mixture was then used to make a lithium battery cathode with LiFePO4 as the only other component. All-solid lithium batteries of the cathode described above, a solid electrolyte and a lithium foil as the anode showed capacities within experimental error of the theoretical capacity of the battery. The ability of P3HT-PEO to serve all of the transport and binding functions required in a lithium battery electrode is thus demonstrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Anna Esmeralda K. Javier, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Shrayesh Naran Patel, Daniel T. Hallinan, JR.
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Patent number: 8268197Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that is ionically conductive, mechanically robust, and can be formed into desirable shapes using conventional polymer processing methods. An exemplary polymer electrolyte material has an elastic modulus in excess of 1×106 Pa at 90 degrees C. and is characterized by an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm-1 at 90 degrees C. An exemplary material can be characterized by a two domain or three domain material system. An exemplary material can include material components made of diblock polymers or triblock polymers. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Seeo, Inc.Inventors: Mohit Singh, Ilan Gur, Hany Basam Eitouni, Nitash Pervez Balsara
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Publication number: 20110281173Abstract: Electrode assemblies for use in electrochemical cells are provided. The negative electrode assembly comprises negative electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the negative electrode. These properties include reductive stability and ability to accommodate expansion and contraction of the negative electrode active material. Similarly, the positive electrode assembly comprises positive electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the positive electrode. These properties include oxidative stability and the ability to prevent dissolution of transition metals used in the positive electrode active material. A third electrolyte can be used as separator between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2009Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: SEEO, INC.Inventors: Mohit Singh, Ilan Gur, Hany Basam Eitouni, Nitash Pervez Balsara
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Publication number: 20110206994Abstract: Nanostructured gel polymer electrolytes that have both high ionic conductivity and high mechanical strength are disclosed. The electrolytes have at least two domains—one domain contains an ionically-conductive gel polymer and the other domain contains a rigid polymer that provides structure for the electrolyte. The domains are formed by block copolymers. The first block provides a polymer matrix that may or may not be conductive on by itself, but that can soak up a liquid electrolyte, thereby making a gel. An exemplary nanostructured gel polymer electrolyte has an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?4 S cm?1 at 25° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2009Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicants: SEEO, INC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Nitash Pervez Balsara, Hany Basam Eitouni, Ilan Gur, Mohit Singh
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Publication number: 20110053043Abstract: Polymers having an improved ability to entrain water are characterized, in some embodiments, by unusual humidity-induced phase transitions. The described polymers (e.g., hydrophilically functionalized block copolymers) have a disordered state and one or more ordered states (e.g., a lamellar state, a gyroid state, etc.). In one aspect, the polymers are capable of under-going a disorder-to-order transition while the polymer is exposed to an increasing temperature at a constant relative humidity. In some aspects the polymer includes a plurality of portions, wherein a first portion forms proton-conductive channels within the membrane and wherein the channels have a width of less than about 6 nm. The described polymers are capable of entraining and preserving water at high temperature and low humidity. Surprisingly, in some embodiments, the polymers are capable of entraining greater amounts of water with the increase of temperature. The polymers can be used in Polymer Electrolyte Membranes in fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Nitash Pervez Balsara, Moon Jeong Park
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Publication number: 20110033755Abstract: It has long been recognized that replacing the Li intercalated graphitic anode with a lithium foil can dramatically improve energy density due to the dramatically higher capacity of metallic lithium. However, lithium foil is not electrochemically stable in the presence of typical lithium ion battery electrolytes and thus a simple replacement of graphitic anodes with lithium foils is not possible. It was found that diblock or triblock polymers that provide both ionic conduction and structural support can be used as a stable passivating layer on a lithium foil. This passivation scheme results in improved manufacture processing for batteries that use Li electrodes and in improved safety for lithium batteries during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: Seeo, IncInventors: Hany Basam Eitouni, Mohit Singh, Nitash Pervez Balsara, William Hudson, Ilan R. Gur
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Publication number: 20110003211Abstract: An electrode assembly that includes an electrode film and a current collector is provided. The electrode film includes electrode active material, electronically conductive particles, and a solid polymer electrolyte. In some embodiments, no additional binder is used as the solid polymer electrolyte also acts as a binder to hold together the active material and electronically conductive particles, thus creating a freestanding electrode film. Such a freestanding film makes it possible to deposit a very thin current collector layer, thus increasing specific energy and specific power for electrochemical cells in which these electrode assemblies are used.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Seeo, Inc.Inventors: William Hudson, Hany Basam Eitouni, Mohit Singh, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Ilan Gur
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Publication number: 20090263725Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
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Publication number: 20090104523Abstract: A polymer that combines high ionic conductivity with the structural properties required for Li electrode stability is useful as a solid phase electrolyte for high energy density, high cycle life batteries that do not suffer from failures due to side reactions and dendrite growth on the Li electrodes, and other potential applications. The polymer electrolyte includes a linear block copolymer having a conductive linear polymer block with a molecular weight of at least 5000 Daltons, a structural linear polymer block with an elastic modulus in excess of 1×107 Pa and an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1. The electrolyte is made under dry conditions to achieve the noted characteristics. In another aspect, the electrolyte exhibits a conductivity drop when the temperature of electrolyte increases over a threshold temperature, thereby providing a shutoff mechanism for preventing thermal runaway in lithium battery cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Scott Mullin, Ashoutosh Panday, Nitash Pervez Balsara, Mohit Singh, Hany Basam Eitouni, Enrique Daniel Gomez
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Publication number: 20090075176Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrolyte materials. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides for a solid polymer electrolyte material that is ionically conductive, mechanically robust, and can be formed into desirable shapes using conventional polymer processing methods. An exemplary polymer electrolyte material has an elastic modulus in excess of 1×106 Pa at 90 degrees C. and is characterized by an ionic conductivity of at least 1×10?5 Scm?1 at 90 degrees C. An exemplary material can be characterized by a two domain or three domain material system. An exemplary material can include material components made of diblock polymers or triblock polymers. Many uses are contemplated for the solid polymer electrolyte materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicants: Seeo, Inc., The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Mohit Singh, Ilan Gur, Hany Basam Eitouni, Nitash Pervez Balsara