Abstract: Described are flow electrochemical cells and systems using flow electrochemical cells that carry simultaneous CO2 capture and electrical energy storage. The flow electrochemical cells comprise a negative electrode configured to be in fluid communication with alkaline negative electrolyte, a positive electrode configured to be in fluid communication with acidic positive electrolyte, a first ion-exchange membrane in contact with the negative electrode, a second ion-exchange membrane in contact with the positive electrode, and an inert intermediate neutralyte layer between the first ion-exchange membrane and the second ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: Described are flow electrochemical cells and systems using flow electrochemical cells that carry simultaneous CO2 capture and electrical energy storage. The flow electrochemical cells comprise a negative electrode configured to be in fluid communication with alkaline negative electrolyte, a positive electrode configured to be in fluid communication with acidic positive electrolyte, a first ion-exchange membrane in contact with the negative electrode, a second ion-exchange membrane in contact with the positive electrode, and an inert intermediate neutralyte layer between the first ion-exchange membrane and the second ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane employs a dense liquid metal separator deposited on a support structure for providing a membrane film allowing passage of hydrogen to be used in industrial processes and consumer applications benefiting from pure hydrogen. A support structure such as silicon carbide is non-reactive with the molten metal, thus withstanding the high temperatures associated with hydrogen producing processes. The liquid metal “wets”, or adheres/covers the support structure to form a continuous membrane for passing only hydrogen and resisting breakdown leading to discontinuity in the membrane surface. The molten (liquid) metal membrane is “sandwiched” between porous and inert ceramic supports to form a continuous thin film. Molecular hydrogen dissociates on the liquid metal membrane surface when exposed to a hydrogen gas mixture. The resulting hydrogen atoms dissolve into and diffuse across liquid metal film to arrive at the opposite surface, where they reassociate and desorb as pure hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A bio-oil reactor leverages chemically recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass using a moderate temperature molten-salt based process to unlock hydrocarbon content having the potential to substantially supplement demand for petroleum based fuels and chemicals. Bio-oil is a precursor to production of other chemicals and hydrocarbons, and can be refined as an effective replacement to conventional petroleum products and fossil fuels. A disclosed approach employs Molten-Salt Pyrolysis (MSP), for the efficient and economical production of such precursor chemicals directly from whole biomass under moderate conditions (˜400° C., 1 atm.). Lignocellulosic biomass, freely available in renewable wood and plant products, undergoes a moderate temperature heating process in a eutectic molten salt mixture to generate a condensable vapor of the precursor or platform chemicals.

Abstract: A unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) employs a molten salt electrolyte for negative ion transfer by operating at temperatures above that of aqueous reactants for supporting gas-phase reactants, and the molten salt mitigates the need for reactant based catalysts by serving the dual role of the electrolyte as well as an optional catalyst or catalyst solvent. The molten-salt electrolyte (MSE) hydrogen-halogen unitized regenerative fuel cell is adaptable for microgrid electricity storage applications. Configurations herein employ a molten-salt electrolyte and a closed system of the reactants for cycling between charge and discharge modes. The URFC employs reactants including hydrogen and halogen as the oxidant, which is more reactive and energy efficient than oxygen employed in conventional URFCs, and avoids platinum electrodes by employing a high temperature, gas-phase, system which further reduces reactant crossover issues.

Abstract: A unitized regenerative fuel cell (URFC) employs a molten salt electrolyte for negative ion transfer by operating at temperatures above that of aqueous reactants for supporting gas-phase reactants, and the molten salt mitigates the need for reactant based catalysts by serving the dual role of the electrolyte as well as an optional catalyst or catalyst solvent. The molten-salt electrolyte (MSE) hydrogen-halogen unitized regenerative fuel cell is adaptable for microgrid electricity storage applications. Configurations herein employ a molten-salt electrolyte and a closed system of the reactants for cycling between charge and discharge modes. The URFC employs reactants including hydrogen and halogen as the oxidant, which is more reactive and energy efficient than oxygen employed in conventional URFCs, and avoids platinum electrodes by employing a high temperature, gas-phase, system which further reduces reactant crossover issues.

Abstract: An electrochemical device comprises an electrochemical reactor that includes a single or multiple electrochemical cells and a galvanostat, a gas source and a fuel cell system. Each of the electrochemical cells includes an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. The gas source is in fluid communication with the anode or cathode compai ment of each of the electrochemical cells, including at least two components that are selectively reactive relative to each other. The selectivity of the two components of the gas source is dependent upon an electrical potential between an anode of the anode compartment and a cathode of the cathode compartment, whereby a constant current between the anode and cathode causes the electrical potential to oscillate autonomously while the gas components are directed through the anode or cathode compartment. The oscillation in potential causes autonomous oscillation of selective reaction of the gas components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaction route (RR) network analysis is provided in analogy with electrical networks and is based on the combined use of RR theory, graph theory, and Kirchhoff's laws. The result is a powerful new approach of “RR graphs” that is useful in not only topological representation of complex reactions and mechanisms but, when combined with techniques of electrical network analysis, is able to provide revealing insights into the mechanism as well as the kinetics of the overall reactions involving multiple elementary reaction steps including the effect of topological constraints. Unlike existing graph theory approaches of reaction networks, the present invention approach is suitable for linear as well as non-linear kinetic mechanisms and for single and multiple overall reactions. The methodology has broad applicability including atmospheric networks, metabolic networks, and catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Abstract: An entirely new class of catalysts called supported molten-metal catalysts, SMMC, which can replace some of the existing precious metal catalysts used in the production of fuels, commodity chemicals, and fine chemicals, as well as in combating pollution. SMMC are based on supporting ultra-thin films or micro-droplets of the relatively low-melting (<600° C.), inexpensive, and abundant metals and semimetals from groups 1, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, of the periodic table, or their alloys and intermetallic compounds, on porous refractory supports, much like supported microcrystallites of the traditional solid metal catalysts. It thus provides orders of magnitude higher surface area than is obtainable in conventional reactors containing molten metals in pool form and also avoids corrosion. These have so far been the chief stumbling blocks in the application of molten metal catalysts.

Abstract: A capillary bed electrophoresis device for separating and collecting large-scale electrophoretic samples is disclosed. The invention relates to an improvement in the anticonvective packing and cooling system comprising a series of capillaries through which the sample and an eluent are driven by force. The sample is separated via an electrical gradient established axially within the capillaries while a coolant may be circulated intimately around the exterior of said capillaries to remove any Joule heating. The separated components are then collected at the discharge end of the capillaries. The system may be used with either continuous or batch electrophoresis devices.

Abstract: A new method for the use of microcrystallites of various materials as catalysts. The materials include metals, metal alloys and mixtures, and intermetallic compounds all of which are used as heterogeneous catalysts on porous supports. The method is different in that the microcrystallites are dispersed in molten salts which are to be used as a thin film coated on the internal surface of porous supports.

Abstract: A continuous rotating annular electrophoresis column for the separation of chemical mixtures. The principle of separation is similar to the conventional electrophoresis; however, it is different in that the electric field is applied in the axial direction and the column is rotated. By rotating the column, the product path appears as helical bands, each with a characteristic, stationary exit point at some angular coordinate at the bottom of the column. By applying the electric field axially, the bed thickness can be kept thin for effective heat transfer and temperature control. The apparatus can be used in the separations of biochemically active compounds, or to separate, based on the principal of charge, any chemical mixture. The column can also be packed with chromographic materials and thus operate as a electrochromographic separator.