Patents by Inventor Ruichun Jiang
Ruichun Jiang 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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Publication number: 20240079611Abstract: Presented are systems for manufacturing membrane electrode assemblies for fuel cells, control logic for operating such systems, methods for making such MEAs, and fuel cell systems employing such MEAs. A method of manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell system includes receiving a standalone membrane (SAM) with a semipermeable proton-exchange membrane having opposing first and second faces and a backing layer attached to the first face. A SAM may be characterized by a lack of cathode and anode electrodes upon receipt of the membrane. The second face of the SAM is placed across a vacuum plate; the vacuum plate applies a predefined vacuum pressure to the SAM. While vacuum pressure is being applied to the SAM by the vacuum plate, the backing layer is removed from the SAM. A subgasket is then attached to the first face of the SAM after the backing layer is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2022Publication date: March 7, 2024Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Michael Sweet, Kathryn L. Stevick, Burl B. Keel, Jackie Mara
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Patent number: 11038189Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly component for a fuel cell includes a generally planar gas-permeable body having opposed first and second faces defining in-plane and through-plane directions, a side face extending about an outer perimeter of the body and adjoining each of the first and second faces, and an active region bounded by the first and second faces and an active region perimeter defined generally within the outer perimeter. The active region includes a distribution of cerium-zirconium oxide nanofibers dispersed across at least one of the in-plane and through-plane directions, wherein the cerium-zirconium oxide nanofibers have a molecular formula of CexZryO4.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Frank D. Coms, Timothy J. Fuller
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Publication number: 20200365924Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly component for a fuel cell includes a generally planar gas-permeable body having opposed first and second faces defining in-plane and through-plane directions, a side face extending about an outer perimeter of the body and adjoining each of the first and second faces, and an active region bounded by the first and second faces and an active region perimeter defined generally within the outer perimeter. The active region includes a distribution of cerium-zirconium oxide nanofibers dispersed across at least one of the in-plane and through-plane directions, wherein the cerium-zirconium oxide nanofibers have a molecular formula of CexZryO4.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Frank D. Coms, Timothy J. Fuller
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Patent number: 9761897Abstract: A fuel cell includes a proton exchange membrane having a first major side and a second major side. The membrane electrode assembly includes a first anisotropic reinforced layer having a first plurality of fiber preferentially oriented along a first direction, a second anisotropic reinforced layer having a second plurality of fiber preferentially oriented along a second direction, and a polymeric layer including a plurality of sulfonic acid groups. A cathode catalyst layer is disposed over the first major side of the proton exchange membrane while an anode catalyst layer is disposed over the second major side of the proton exchange membrane. An anode flow field plate is disposed over the anode catalyst layer and a cathode flow field plate is disposed over the cathode catalyst layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Matthew Dioguardi
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Patent number: 9553327Abstract: A method for forming a modified solid polymer includes a step of contacting a solid fluorinated polymer with a sodium sodium-naphthalenide solution to form a treated fluorinated solid polymer. The treated fluorinated solid polymer is contacted with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or sulfur trioxide to form a solid grafted fluorinated polymer. Characteristically, the grafted fluorinated polymer includes appended CO2H or SO2H or SO3H groups. The solid grafted fluorinated polymer is advantageously incorporated into a fuel cell as part of the ion-conducting membrane or a water transport membrane in a humidifier.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Ruichun Jiang
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Publication number: 20160190626Abstract: A method for forming a modified solid polymer includes a step of contacting a solid fluorinated polymer with a sodium sodium-naphthalenide solution to form a treated fluorinated solid polymer. The treated fluorinated solid polymer is contacted with carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or sulfur trioxide to form a solid grafted fluorinated polymer. Characteristically, the grafted fluorinated polymer includes appended CO2H or SO2H or SO3H groups. The solid grafted fluorinated polymer is advantageously incorporated into a fuel cell as part of the ion-conducting membrane or a water transport membrane in a humidifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Timothy J. FULLER, Ruichun JIANG
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Patent number: 9263756Abstract: An electrochemical water gas shift system for removing low level carbon monoxide from hydrogen stream. The system including an electrolyzer having a porous anode for absorbing carbon monoxide from a hydrogen stream as a feed stream for a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell for generating an electrical energy, a small portion of electricity generated by the fuel cell is applied to the electrolyzer to convert carbon monoxide adsorbed in the porous anode to carbon dioxide and hydrogen via an electrochemical gas shift reaction without oxygen or air input. In an embodiment, the system includes a first electrolyzer operating as a CO adsorber and a second electrolyzer connected in parallel with the first electrolyzer operating as a CO remover. Two electrolyzers can be operated alternatively as CO adsorber and CO remover.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Cunping Huang, Ruichun Jiang, Mohamed Elbaccouch, Nazim Muradov, James M. Fenton
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Patent number: 9123963Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating a reinforced membrane electrode assembly having one or more freestanding external reinforcement layers. The method comprises providing a freestanding external reinforcement layer, and depositing a catalyst solution and membrane solution onto at least a portion of the freestanding external reinforcement layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Matthew Dioguardi, Scott C. Moose, Craig Gittleman, John P. Healy, Bradley M. Houghtaling
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Patent number: 9123932Abstract: A fuel cell membrane and a method of making the same. The membrane includes at least one non-reinforced layer and at least one reinforced layer. Both layers include a proton-conductive ionomer, while the reinforced layer additionally includes nanofiber-supported catalyst that improve mechanical and chemical durability of the membrane. The nanofiber-supported catalyst is made up of structural fibers onto which an electrocatalyst is coated, deposited or otherwise formed. The structural nanofibers give increased strength and stiffness to the layers that include them, while the electrocatalyst helps to resist electrochemical degradation to the membranes that include them. Such a membrane may form the basis of a fuel cell's membrane electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Zhiqiang Yu, Junliang Zhang
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Patent number: 9083050Abstract: A fuel cell includes an ion conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. Characteristically, the ion conducting membrane has a sufficient amount of a stabilization agent and platinum to inhibit the loss of fluoride from the ion conducting membrane when compared to an ion conducting membrane having the same construction except for the presence of cerium ions.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Frank Coms, Craig Gittleman, Annette Brenner, Ruichun Jiang
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Publication number: 20150171454Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane for fuel cell applications a first layer including a first ion-conducting polymer and nanofibers dispersed therein. The first layer includes a first side and a second side. A second layer is disposed over the first side of the first layer and includes a second ion-conducting polymer without nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Ruichun JIANG, Timothy J. FULLER, Craig S. GITTLEMAN
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Patent number: 8999595Abstract: A fuel cell or a fuel cell stack component comprises an active area and a non-active area. A peroxide decomposing metal compound or metal alloy is disposed in or on the non-active area of a fuel cell or a fuel cell component. The metal compound or alloy is capable of providing a peroxide decomposing metal species that can migrate from the non-active area to an active area of a fuel cell. A fuel cell or membrane electrode assembly having a peroxide decomposing metal compound or alloy disposed in its non-active area exhibits improved durability.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sean M. MacKinnon, Frank Coms, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman, Ruichun Jiang
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Patent number: 8962213Abstract: Methods of making reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are described. Catalyst coated free standing microporous layers and reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Matthew Dioguardi, Michael T. Flanagan, Craig S. Gittleman
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Publication number: 20130236810Abstract: A fuel cell includes a proton exchange membrane having a first major side and a second major side. The membrane electrode assembly includes a first anisotropic reinforced layer having a first plurality of fiber preferentially oriented along a first direction, a second anisotropic reinforced layer having a second plurality of fiber preferentially oriented along a second direction, and a polymeric layer including a plurality of sulfonic acid groups. A cathode catalyst layer is disposed over the first major side of the proton exchange membrane while an anode catalyst layer is disposed over the second major side of the proton exchange membrane. An anode flow field plate is disposed over the anode catalyst layer and a cathode flow field plate is disposed over the cathode catalyst layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Matthew Dioguardi
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Publication number: 20130157167Abstract: A reduced gas crossover fuel cell membrane and method of making. The fuel cell member includes an electrode layer with a catalyst and an electrochemically-active first ionomer and an overcoat layer disposed on the electrode layer. The overcoat layer is made of the same or different second ionomer relative to the first ionomer of the electrode layer with at least one reduced gas crossover characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott L. Peters, Amit Nayar, Ruichun Jiang
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Publication number: 20130130133Abstract: A fuel cell membrane and a method of making the same. The membrane includes at least one non-reinforced layer and at least one reinforced layer. Both layers include a proton-conductive ionomer, while the reinforced layer additionally includes nanofiber-supported catalyst that improve mechanical and chemical durability of the membrane. The nanofiber-supported catalyst is made up of structural fibers onto which an electrocatalyst is coated, deposited or otherwise formed. The structural nanofibers give increased strength and stiffness to the layers that include them, while the electrocatalyst helps to resist electrochemical degradation to the membranes that include them. Such a membrane may form the basis of a fuel cell's membrane electrode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Zhiqiang Yu, Junliang Zhang
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Publication number: 20130022895Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane for fuel cell applications a first layer including a first ion-conducting polymer and nanofibers dispersed therein. The first layer includes a first side and a second side. A second layer is disposed over the first side of the first layer and includes a second ion-conducting polymer without nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 24, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman
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Publication number: 20120244452Abstract: Methods of making reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are described. Catalyst coated free standing microporous layers and reinforced membrane electrode assemblies are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Ruichun Jiang, Matthew Dioguardi, Michael T. Flanagan, Craig S. Gittleman
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Publication number: 20120135332Abstract: A fuel cell or a fuel cell stack component comprises an active area and a non-active area. A peroxide decomposing metal compound or metal alloy is disposed in or on the non-active area of a fuel cell or a fuel cell component. The metal compound or alloy is capable of providing a peroxide decomposing metal species that can migrate from the non-active area to an active area of a fuel cell. A fuel cell or membrane electrode assembly having a peroxide decomposing metal compound or alloy disposed in its non-active area exhibits improved durability.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Sean M. Mackinnon, Frank Coms, Timothy J. Fuller, Craig S. Gittleman, Ruichun Jiang
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Publication number: 20120122016Abstract: A fuel cell includes an anode, a cathode, and an ion conducting membrane interposed between the anode and cathode. The ion conducting membrane includes a base layer that has an ion conducting polymer and additive layer that has a metal supported on an oxide support, the oxide support scavenging hydroxyl radicals formed during fuel cell operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ruichun Jiang, Junliang Zhang, Zhongyi Liu, Frank Coms, Craig S. Gittleman