Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for thermally-regenerative batteries that avoid solid metal dissolution and deposition reactions. A thermoelectrochemical system includes a reactor comprising first and second electrode compartments with a separator interposed between the first and second electrode compartments. The reactor further includes first and second electrodes disposed in the first and second electrode compartments, respectively. The first and second electrode compartments include first and second aqueous electrolyte solutions, respectively. The first electrode compartment, the second electrode compartment, or both include a thermally regenerative ligand and optionally a non-thermally regenerative ligand. The first and second aqueous electrolyte solutions exclude solid metal dissolution and deposition reactants. Also provided are methods of using the thermoelectrochemical systems provided herein.

Abstract: PEMFCs based on perfluorinated ionomer membranes (such as NAFION) are limited to temperatures below 100° C. because of the critical dependence of NAFION conductivity on the stability of liquid water. Ion-conductive composite compositions provided by the present invention, ion exchange membranes including such composite compositions and fuel cells incorporating those membranes are capable of maintaining high conductivity and mechanical integrity when temperature is above 100° C.

Abstract: A metal oxide layer can be deposited onto surface of a structure in-situ, by exposing the surface to a precursor solution at an elevated temperature. The precursor solution contains: an organometallic, an oxidant, a surfactant, a chelating agent and water. The precursor solution is injected into the structure and maintained at a specific temperature, pH level, and pressure for a predetermined period of time. The resulting metal oxide layer is permanently attached to the structure's surface with a molecular interface bond and does not require post deposition heat treatment or additional injections of materials. As a result, the electrochemical corrosion potential of the metal surface decreases to less than ?230 mVSHE and corrosion in the BWR is mitigated.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane is provided which includes a proton exchange polymer, such as Nafion®, and agglomerates of metal oxide or metal phosphate particles. The particles and agglomerates are characterized in specific embodiments in having a high specific surface area. In one configuration an included particle includes a metal oxide or metal phosphate such as SiO2, ZrO2, GeO2, SnO2, TiO2 or a zirconium phosphate. A further detailed proton exchange membrane provided according to an embodiment of the invention is a membrane in which one surface is enriched in agglomerates of group IV metal oxide or phosphate particles. Inventive membranes demonstrate improvement in performance under dehydrating conditions compared to unmodified Nafion membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved yttria-stabilized zirconia electrode having a ceramic tube (12). The electrode is improved by replacing the method of sealing the electrode with an epoxy seal (24) and filling the tube with a ceramic glue (42) without completely filling the tube. The ceramic glue is added in a small amount and the ceramic glue is heated in the tube before a next small amount of ceramic glue is added, until the final amount of ceramic glue is added and heated. Also, an area of cover on a wire (18) in an area between a top of the ceramic glue and a top of the tube is partially removed. A sealing glue above the top of the ceramic glue that adheres to the wire at the removed area of the cover, adheres to the tube and seals the top of the tube. Finally, an outside portion of the wire which extends beyond the top of the tube is gripped with a CONAX fitting (26), instead of the fitting gripping the tube.