Abstract: The present invention provides nano-patterning based on flow of an ion current within an ionic conductor to bring ions in proximity to a microscope probe tip touching a surface of the conductor. These ions are then electrochemically reduced to form one or more features on the surface. Ion current flow and the electrochemical reaction are driven by an electrical potential difference between the tip and the ionic conductor. Such features can be erased by reversing the polarity of the potential difference. Indentations can be formed by mechanically removing features formed as described above. The ions in the ion current can be provided by the ionic conductor and/or by oxidation at a counter electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to direct conversion of coal into electricity in a high temperature electrochemical generator in a single step process. This novel concept promises nearly doubling the conversion efficiency of conventional coal-fired processes and offering near-zero emissions. The improved efficiency would mean that nearly half as much coal is mined and transported to the power plant, and half the greenhouse gases and other pollutants such as sulfur, mercury and dioxins are produced. It also offers several crucial distinctions from conventional coal-burning processes. Since the process does not involve the combustion of coal in air, it does not involve nitrogen and hence generates practically no NOx. Accordingly, there is also no latent heat lost to nitrogen. In this process, the oxygen necessary to oxidize coal is supplied through an ion selective ceramic membrane electrolyte.

Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell is described. The DMFC uses a solid electrolyte that prevents methanol crossover. Optional chemical barriers may be employed to prevent CO2 contamination of the electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of converting carbon-containing materials directly to electrical energy without the need for intermediate processing steps. An embodiment comprises the use of a conductive molten medium with dispersed particles of carbon material as the anode in a fuel cell with a solid oxide electrolyte which enables conversion of carbon-containing materials (such as pulverized coal, charcoal, peat, coke, char, petroleum coke, oil sand, tar sand, waste plastics, biomass, and carbon produced by pyrolysis of carbonaceous substance) directly into electrical energy in a single step process. The anode optionally may have a dispersed second solid phase that getters CO2 and SO2 gases that are produced during the anodic reaction. Hence, this invention facilitates near-zero emissions and dramatically reduces the release of environmentally harmful emissions. More importantly, this direct route to electrical energy eliminates Carnot cycle constraints and offers high thermodynamic efficiency.