Abstract: A tea bag device is described which is for use with a beverage container having a lid. Method of forming a beverage container containing the tea bag device and for steeping tea are also provided. The tea bag device includes (a) a tea bag enclosing a volume of tea and (b) a snap-fit attachment comprising male and female snap portions. The snap-fit attachment is configured so that when the male and female portions are reversibly engaged with each other, and the snap-fit attachment is engaged with the tea bag and the lid the tea bag is biased against an undersurface of the lid.

Abstract: An infuser device for use with a beverage drinking container comprises a rigid post extending a length from an attachment point with a lid disposed over a drinking container opening. An infuser container is attached adjacent an end of the post opposite the lid, wherein the infuser container includes a chamber to accommodate a volume of infusant therein. The infusant container may have a rigid or movable body and is removably attached to the post. At least a portion of the infuser container is porous to facilitate passage of liquid into and out of the chamber. An axial position of the post relative to a sidewall of the drinking container remains constant independent of a tilt angle of the drinking container. In an example, the infuser post and infuser container are disposable for use with a disposable beverage drinking container and lid.

Abstract: A combined hydrogen and electrical power generation system includes a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a cathode and an anode and a protonic ceramic hydrogen separation membrane (PSM) having a cathode and an anode. The SOFC and the PSM are connected in electrical series having a common current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protonic ceramic fuel cell and a method of making the same. More specifically, the method relates to a cost-effective route which utilizes a single moderate-temperature (less than or equal to about 1400° C.) sintering step to achieve the sandwich structure of a PCFC single cell (dense electrolyte, porous anode, and porous cathode bone). The PCFC layers are stably connected together by the intergrowth of proton conducting ceramic phases. The resulted PCFC single cell exhibits excellent performance (about 450 mW/cm2 at about 500° C.) and stability (greater than about 50 days) at intermediate temperatures (less than or equal to about 600° C.). The present invention also relates to a two step method for forming a PCFC, and the resulting PCFC.

Abstract: Reactor/separator elements for performing the generation and/or separation of hydrogen gas with improved efficiency have a central core and a separation layer that, in combination, define at least one spiral gas flow channel extending from one end of the central core to the opposite end of the central core. In use, the reactor/separator element may be placed in a housing which constrains gas on the outside of the reactor/separator element into the spiral channel defined by the outside of the separation layer.

Abstract: Reactor/separator elements for performing the generation and/or separation of hydrogen gas with improved efficiency have a central core and a separation layer that, in combination, define at least one spiral gas flow channel extending from one end of the central core to the opposite end of the central core. In use, the reactor/separator element may be placed in a housing which constrains gas on the outside of the reactor/separator element into the spiral channel defined by the outside of the separation layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing electrical potential from a solid-state sodium-based secondary cell (or rechargeable battery). A secondary cell is provided that includes a solid sodium metal negative electrode that is disposed in a non-aqueous negative electrolyte solution that includes an ionic liquid. Additionally, the cell comprises a positive electrode that is disposed in a positive electrolyte solution. In order to separate the negative electrode and the negative electrolyte solution from the positive electrolyte solution, the cell includes a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane. The cell is maintained and operated at a temperature below the melting point of the negative electrode and is connected to an external circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C. Indeed, in some instances, the molten sodium secondary cell is functional between about 110° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing electrical potential from a solid-state sodium-based secondary cell (or rechargeable battery). A secondary cell is provided that includes a solid sodium metal negative electrode that is disposed in a non-aqueous negative electrolyte solution that includes an ionic liquid. Additionally, the cell comprises a positive electrode that is disposed in a positive electrolyte solution. In order to separate the negative electrode and the negative electrolyte solution from the positive electrolyte solution, the cell includes a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane. The cell is maintained and operated at a temperature below the melting point of the negative electrode and is connected to an external circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state sodium-based secondary cell (or rechargeable battery). While the secondary cell can include any suitable component, in some cases, the secondary cell comprises a solid sodium metal negative electrode that is disposed in a non-aqueous negative electrolyte solution that includes an ionic liquid. Additionally, the cell comprises a positive electrode that is disposed in a positive electrolyte solution. In order to separate the negative electrode and the negative electrolyte solution from the positive electrolyte solution, the cell includes a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane. Because the cell's negative electrode is in a solid state as the cell functions, the cell may operate at room temperature. Additionally, where the negative electrolyte solution contains the ionic liquid, the ionic liquid may impede dendrite formation on the surface of the negative electrode as the cell is recharged and sodium ions are reduced onto the negative electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first electrode containing a first phase intermixed with a second phase and a network of interconnected pores. The first phase contains a ceramic material and the second phase contains an electrically conductive material providing an electrically contiguous path through the first electrode. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode containing an alkali metal. A substantially non-porous alkali-metal-ion-selective ceramic membrane, such as a dense Nasicon, Lisicon, Li ??-alumina, or Na ??-alumina membrane, is interposed between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state sodium-based secondary cell (or rechargeable battery). While the secondary cell can include any suitable component, in some cases, the secondary cell comprises a solid sodium metal negative electrode that is disposed in a non-aqueous negative electrolyte solution that includes an ionic liquid. Additionally, the cell comprises a positive electrode that is disposed in a positive electrolyte solution. In order to separate the negative electrode and the negative electrolyte solution from the positive electrolyte solution, the cell includes a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane. Because the cell's negative electrode is in a solid state as the cell functions, the cell may operate at room temperature. Additionally, where the negative electrolyte solution contains the ionic liquid, the ionic liquid may impede dendrite formation on the surface of the negative electrode as the cell is recharged and sodium ions are reduced onto the negative electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first electrode containing a first phase intermixed with a second phase and a network of interconnected pores. The first phase contains a ceramic material and the second phase contains an electrically conductive material providing an electrically contiguous path through the first electrode. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode containing an alkali metal. A substantially non-porous alkali-metal-ion-selective ceramic membrane, such as a dense Nasicon, Lisicon, Li ??-alumina, or Na ??-alumina membrane, is interposed between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method of making a solid electrolyte-YSZ product, where the method includes the step of providing a powdered mixture of zirconia, yttria and about 2%, by wt., or less of a metal oxide, where yttria-stabilized zirconia is not added to the mixture. The method also includes sintering the powdered mixture at about 1500° C. or less, for about 5 hours or less, to form a reaction sintered YSZ. Also, a method of making a fuel cell electrolyte that includes the step of forming a green body that includes zirconia, yttria and about 2%, by wt., or less of a metal oxide, where yttria-stabilized zirconia is not added to the green body. The method also includes shaping the green body into a form of the electrolyte, and sintering the green body at about 1500° C. or less to form a reaction sintered yttria-stabilized zirconia and metal oxide electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of making a solid electrolyte-YSZ product, where the method includes the step of providing a powdered mixture of zirconia, yttria and a metal oxide, where yttria-stabilized zirconia is not added to the mixture. The method also includes sintering the powdered mixture at about 1500° C. or less, for about 5 hours or less, to form a two-phase composite that includes cubic YSZ and the metal oxide. Also, a method of making a fuel cell electrode that includes the step of forming a green body that includes zirconia, yttria and a metal oxide, where yttria-stabilized zirconia is not added to the green body. The method also includes shaping the green body into a form of the electrode, and sintering the green body at about 1500° C. or less to form a two-phased sintered body that includes cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia and the metal oxide. The method may further include reducing the sintered body to form the electrode.

Abstract: A process for converting a carbon containing fuel and water vapor into a reformate gas that includes hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, using water molecules that diffuse through a membrane by steam permeation reforming.

Abstract: A hydrogen and electrical power generating system that includes a hydrogen source to generate a mixture having hydrogen gas, a ceramic fuel cell to generate power from a first portion of the mixture and a hydrogen separator to generate purified hydrogen gas from a second portion of the mixture using a protonic ceramic membrane. Additionally, a hydrogen and electrical power generating system that includes a hydrogen source to generate a mixture having hydrogen gas, and a reversible fuel cell capable of generating electrical power and purified hydrogen gas from the mixture, where the reversible fuel cell has a protonic ceramic electrolyte. Also, a method of generating hydrogen and electrical power that includes generating electric power from a first portion of a hydrogen gas mixture with a protonic ceramic fuel cell, and generating purified hydrogen gas from a second portion of the mixture with a hydrogen separator.

Abstract: A process for converting hydrocarbons and water vapor into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; a fuel cell device; and a process of utilizing the fuel cell to convert chemical energy to electrical energy is described. The fuel cell comprises a metallic and/or mixed conducting anode, a metallic and/or mixed conducting cathode, a proton-conducting ceramic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and an external load connecting the anode and the cathode. The fuel cell also includes systems for bringing gaseous hydrocarbon fuels into contact with the anode and for bringing oxygen and water vapor into contact with the cathode. Water vapor in the fuel cell passes through the ceramic electrolyte membrane from the cathode side to the anode side by ambipolar diffusion, called “steam permeation” without conducting current, under the influence of a water vapor concentration gradient.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for converting hydrocarbons and water vapor into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide; a fuel cell device; and a process of utilizing the fuel cell to convert chemical energy to electrical energy. The fuel cell comprises a metallic and/or mixed conducting anode, a metallic and/or mixed conducting cathode, a proton-conducting ceramic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode, and an external load connecting the anode and the cathode. The fuel cell also includes systems for bringing gaseous hydrocarbon fuels into contact with the anode and for bringing oxygen and water vapor into contact with the cathode. Water vapor in the fuel cell passes through the ceramic electrolyte membrane from the cathode side to the anode side by ambipolar diffusion, called “steam permeation” without conducting current, under the influence of a water vapor concentration gradient.