Abstract: Provided are an electrolyte additive represented by the following formula (1), an electrolyte solution containing the electrolyte additive, and a lithium secondary battery including the electrolyte solution: The electrolyte solution containing the electrolyte additive can enhance the normal-temperature and high-temperature lifetime characteristics of the battery to be equivalent or superior to the characteristics of conventional batteries, and can extend the service life of the battery.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is provided that uses as a positive electrode active material a low-cost lithium-containing transition metal composite oxide containing Ni and Mn as its main components, to improve the output power characteristics so that it can be used suitably for an electric power source for, for example, hybrid electric vehicles. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode (11) containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode (12) containing a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution (14) in which a solute is dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent. In the positive electrode active material, Nb2O5 in which the amount of niobium is 0.5 mol % with respect to the total amount of the transition metals and TiO2 in which the amount of titanium is 0.5 mol % with respect to the total amount of the transition metals are disposed on a surface of Li1.06Ni10.56Mn10.38O2.

Abstract: Novel imidazolium salts of formula (I) are described in which R is a C1-C14 alkyl group, optionally substituted by one or more fluorine atoms, or a C2-C18 alkoxyalkyl group, R? is an alkyl group containing at least 8 carbon atoms, at least 6 of which are partially or entirely fluorinated, R? is hydrogen or C1-C3 alkyl, Z is an organic or inorganic anion, and Q is further defined. The compounds of formula (I) are liquid crystals over a wide temperature range, and are characterised by high conductivity, hydrophobicity and stability. These properties made them ideally suitable for use in devices based on electrochemical reactions, such as solar cells, fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, lithium batteries and capacitors, etc.

Abstract: A subject for the invention is to improve the cycle characteristics of a high-capacity secondary battery containing an active material packed at a high density, by using a particulate active material having a low aspect ratio. The invention relates to a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery comprising a negative electrode and a positive electrode each capable of occluding/releasing lithium, a separator, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising a nonaqueous solvent and a lithium salt, characterized in that the separator comprises a porous film made of a thermoplastic resin containing an inorganic filler, and at least either of the following is satisfied: the active material contained in the negative electrode is a particulate active material having an aspect ratio of from 1.02 to 3; and the active material contained in the positive electrode is a particulate active material having an aspect ratio of from 1.02 to 2.2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, which includes an active material capable of reversibly intercalating/deintercalating lithium and lithium polysulfide.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material comprising sodium oxide, is characterized in that the sodium oxide contains lithium, and the molar amount of the lithium is less than the molar amount of the sodium.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a cathode electrode including: (1) mixing a polymerizable electrolyte precursor having an alkylsulfonic acid group and a group represented by (R1O)3Si—, with a first solvent to prepare a platinum elution-preventing material; (2) preparing a first liquid by mixing catalyst powders having catalyst particles, the platinum elution-preventing material and a second solvent; (3) polymerizing the platinum elution-preventing material in the first liquid by carrying out a drying treatment under reduced pressure or a heat drying treatment to form a platinum elution-preventing layer containing the polymer of the platinum elution-preventing material on the catalyst powder surfaces to obtain a preventing layer-covered catalyst; (4) mixing the preventing layer-covered catalyst, a third solvent, and an electrolyte to prepare a second liquid; and (5) applying the second liquid on a substrate, and removing the third solvent to obtain the cathode electrode.

Abstract: A boiler unit (100) housed in an enclosure, the boiler unit (100) configured to receive a solid state combined heat and power generating device (130). The boiler unit (100) comprises a heating device (110) to produce heat; and a control unit (120) to independently control each of the heating device (110) and the solid state combined heat and power generating device (130). The boiler unit (100) is operable without the solid state combined heat and power generating device (130) being present.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell module, a water supply apparatus for supplying water to the fuel cell module, a water container for supplying the water to the water supply apparatus, a condenser for condensing water vapor in an exhaust gas discharged from the fuel cell module and supplying the condensed water to the water container. The water container has a supply port for supplying the water from the condenser to the water container, and a discharge port for sending the water to the water supply apparatus, and a water channel having a serpentine pattern as a passage of the water from the supply port to the discharge port. An ion exchanger section is provided in the water channel.

Abstract: A low-temperature fuel cell having an integrated water management system for passive discharge of product water includes at least one membrane-electrode assembly having at least one anode-side and one cathode-side electrode and at least one membrane disposed between the electrodes, current collector structures disposed on the anode-side and cathode-side and distribution structures for fuel and oxidant disposed on the anode-side and cathode-side. The cathode-side distribution structure hereby has a capillary structure for transporting away the product water and also gas supply channels.

Abstract: Generated water is quickly and surely removed from a generated water discharge face of equipment which discharges generated water. There are provided equipment 12 having a discharge face 11 for discharging generated water, and a diaphragm 14 disposed so as to be face the discharge face 11 of the equipment 12 through a predetermined gap 13. The diaphragm 14 has plural projections 15 projecting into the gap 13, and by vibrating the diaphragm 14, generated water is atomized or vaporized and removed to the outside of the gap 13.

Abstract: Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell electric generator designed for back-up in the absence of network electricity supply. The generator comprises a fuel cell stack, means for supplying the stack with a first and a second reagent flow comprising, in turn, pressure reducing means, and a manifold body to communicate with the stack said first and second reagent flows and at least a flow of coolant fluid via a respective coolant loop. The manifold body comprises inside chambers for the mixing of said reagent flows with corresponding re-circulated product flows and a coolant fluid expansion chamber within which said pressure reducing means of said first and second reagent flows are positioned at least partially drowned by said coolant. Method for the start-up and shut-down of the generator, and a method for detecting the flooding of a fuel cell and a method for detecting the presence of gas leakages in the generator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique is described herein for monitoring the operational state of a fuel cell stack by the detection of nonlinearity in such a manner that an external test signal for frequency response is generated and applied to the fuel cell stack during operation, the resulting signal output from the fuel cell stack is measured, and the harmonic content of the measured signal is analyzed, the method including: applying a multiple frequency test signal comprising at least two sinusoidal waves as the test signal for frequency response to the fuel cell stack; and analyzing the resulting current or voltage signal output from the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fuel cell includes an electric-power generator, a fuel distribution mechanism, and a pump. The electric-power generator includes a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolytic membrane. The fuel distribution mechanism includes a container and a thin tube. The container includes a fuel discharge surface, and contains the electric-power generator inside. The thin tube is formed in the container in a manner that a fuel outlet and a fuel inlet communicate with each other. The pump is connected directly to the fuel inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen fed power system comprising: a high-pressure hydrogen container (150), at least one hydrogen driven energy converter such as a fuel cell (159) connecting to the hydrogen container (150), pressure converter (158) for hydrogen gas, located between the high-pressure hydrogen container (150) and the lower pressure energy converter (159). The invention also relates to a vehicle as well as to a stand-alone electric power unit provided with such an hydrogen fed power system. Furthermore the present invention relates a method for use of the hydrogen fed power system and to a method for filling up the high-pressure hydrogen container of the hydrogen fed power system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst-coated ion-conducting membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for electrochemical devices, in particular for fuel cells. The catalyst-coated, ion-conducting membrane is provided with a sealing material which is applied in the edge region to one side of the membrane and has a thickness which corresponds to at least the total thickness of the catalyst-coated membrane. Owing to their simple, material-conserving construction, the catalyst-coated ion-conducting membranes and the membrane-electrode assemblies produced therefrom can be manufactured inexpensively. They are used in PEM fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), electrolysers and other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cathode composed of a perovskite-type or fluorite-type mixed metal oxide containing molybdenum, to a composite comprising the mixed metal oxide and to a solid oxide fuel cell comprising the cathode. The cathode mixed metal oxide has an empirical formula unit: EaTbMocOn wherein: T is one or more transition metal elements other than Mo; E is one or more metal elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanide metal elements, alkali metal elements, alkaline earth metal elements, Pb and Bi; and a, b, c, and n are non-zero numerals which may be the same or different for each element.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite blend membranes formed from blends of one or more polyelectrolytes, and one or more types of nanoparticles. Preferably the blend also includes one or more fluoropolymers. The addition of the nanoparticles was found to enhance the conductivity and mechanical properties of the membranes.

Abstract: A partial flow cell may include a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, and a separator arrangement sandwiched between the cathode and anode chambers. The separator arrangement may be configured to permit ionic flow between electroactive materials disposed within the cathode and anode chambers. One of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to permit an electroactive material to flow through the chamber during operation. The other of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to hold an electroactive material fixed within the chamber during operation.

Abstract: A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact element for an electrically conductive connection between an anode and an interconnector of a high-temperature fuel cell. It is the object of the invention to achieve a more reliable electrically conductive connection with long-term stability between an anode and the associated interconnector of a high-temperature fuel cell. The contact element in accordance with the invention is arranged between an anode and an interconnector of a high-temperature fuel cell. It is formed with two areal electrically conductive part elements. In this respect, one respective part element is in touching contact with the anode and the other part element is in touching contact with the respective interconnector. Openings are formed in the part elements and the part elements are formed from materials having mutually different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods for testing a fuel cell interconnect including the steps of providing a fuel cell interconnect and performing a non-destructive test on the fuel cell interconnect comprising at least one of detecting a magnetic response of the interconnect, calculating a volume by optically illuminating the interconnect, detecting an acoustic response of the interconnect, and detecting a thermal response of the interconnect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, as well as articles and holographic recording medium comprising the system, where the system comprises: a polymerizable component comprising at least one photoactive polymerizable material; and a photoinitiator component comprising at least one photoinitiator for causing the polymerizable component to polymerize to thereby form a plurality of holographic gratings when activated by exposure to a photoinitiating light source; wherein when a portion of the polymerizable component has been polymerized to form at least one holographic grating, the unpolymerized portion of the polymerizable component is resistant to further polymerization when not exposed to the photoinitiating light source. The present invention also provides methods for forming at least one holographic grating in a holographic recording medium having such a photopolymerizable system.

Abstract: A reflective extreme ultraviolet mask includes a mask substrate having an exposing region and a peripheral region, the mask substrate including a light-scattering portion in the peripheral region, a reflective layer on an upper surface of the mask substrate, the reflective layer having a first opening exposing the light-scattering portion, and an absorbing layer pattern on the reflective layer, the absorbing layer pattern having a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening.

Abstract: A method for forming a photomask includes detecting a defect of the photomask which has a mirror layer formed on a first surface of a substrate, and forming a recess groove on a first layer which is formed on a second surface of the substrate, wherein the coordinate of the recess groove corresponds to the coordinate of the defect.

Abstract: A method for double patterning lithography which is applied to a semiconductor substrate to form a plurality of trenches, includes a pattern formation process. In the pattern formation process, a plurality of predetermined patterns corresponding to the trenches are formed by using a graphic data system. A first pattern file and second pattern file are respectively formed. The first pattern file and the second pattern file respectively include a plurality of first patterns and a plurality of second patterns. The first patterns and the second patterns are intersected with each other to define a plurality of overlapped regions corresponding to the predetermined patterns. At least one of the first pattern file and the second file includes a plurality of dummy patterns therebeside. A photomask layout for double patterning lithography is also provided.

Abstract: To provide a fixing solution for fixing fine resin particles to a recording medium, the fixing solution including: a diluent which contains water; a foaming agent which allows the fixing solution to be in the form of foam; and plasticizers which soften or swell at least part of the fine resin particles, wherein the plasticizers contain a liquid plasticizer which is liquid at normal temperature and soluble in the diluent, and a solid plasticizer which is solid at normal temperature and soluble in the diluent.

Abstract: Provided is a toner for an electrostatic charge image development having toner particles which contain: a binder resin; a colorant; and a compound represented by Formula (1) in an amount of 0.1 to 65 ppm based on the total weight of the toner particles: wherein R1 and R2 each respectively represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl group.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a toner for developing electrostatic images having a low minimum fixing temperature, and high hot offset resistance and high heat-resistant shelf stability, and a method for producing the toner. Also, the present invention is to provide a toner for developing electrostatic images, comprising a binder resin, a colorant, a release agent and a retention aid, wherein the retention aid is a copolymer of 70 to 98% by weight styrene and 2 to 30% by weight (meth)alkyl acrylate, and the copolymer has a glass transition temperature of 5 to 60° C.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a developer includes a toner which contains toner particles containing a binder resin and a coloring agent and also contains inorganic fine particles added to the surfaces of the toner particles, and is obtained through sieving after adding the inorganic fine particles to the toner particles, wherein a first adhesion force Fa1 (%) of the inorganic fine particles to the toner particles before sieving and a second adhesion force Fa2 (%) of the inorganic fine particles to the toner particles after sieving satisfy the following formulae (1) and (2).

Abstract: A process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner composition includes contacting at least one polyester resin with a bio-based solvent to form a resin mixture, adding a neutralizing agent and deionized water to the resin mixture, removing the solvent from the formed latex, and recovering the emulsion. The solvent removed from the formed latex may be re-used, making the process very environmentally friendly.

Abstract: There are provided a resist composition, a method of forming a resist pattern using the resist composition, a novel polymeric compound and a compound useful as a monomer for the polymeric compound, the resist composition including a base component (A) that exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) contains a resin component (A0) including a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0) shown below [wherein A represents a divalent linking group; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

Abstract: Provided are an actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition which has improved development defect and is capable of forming a good pattern shape, an actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive film formed using the composition, and a pattern forming method using the composition. The actinic-ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes (A) a compound which generates an acid represented by the following general formula (I) or (I?) upon irradiation with an actinic-ray or a radiation, and (B) a resin which decomposes by an action of an acid to increase a solubility of the resin in an alkaline developer [each of the symbols in the general formulae (I) and (I?) indicates the meaning described in Claims].

Abstract: A polymer obtained from copolymerization of a recurring unit having a carboxyl group and/or phenolic hydroxyl group substituted with an acid labile group with a methacrylate having a phenolic hydroxyl-bearing pyridine is useful as a base resin in a positive resist composition. The resist composition comprising the polymer is improved in contrast of alkali dissolution rate before and after exposure, acid diffusion control, resolution, and profile and edge roughness of a pattern after exposure.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising (A) a polymer comprising recurring units of a specific structure adapted to generate an acid in response to high-energy radiation and acid labile units, the polymer having an alkali solubility that increases under the action of an acid, and (B) a sulfonium salt of a specific structure exhibits a high resolution in forming fine size patterns, typically trench patterns and hole patterns. Lithographic properties of profile, DOF and roughness are improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a salt represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 independently each represent a C1-C6 alkyl group or R1 and R2 are bonded each other to form a C5-C20 aliphatic ring together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, R3 and R4 independently each represent a fluorine atom or a C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl group, X1 represents a C1-C17 divalent saturated hydrocarbon group in which one or more —CH2— can be replaced by —O— or —CO— and which may be substituted with one or more fluorine atoms, and Z1+ represents an organic counter ion.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide for norbornane-type ballast materials, norbornane-type photoactive compounds derived from such ballast materials and alkali-soluble positive-tone polymer compositions that encompass such norbornane-type photoactive compounds and one of a PBO or PNB resin.

Abstract: A functionally gradient inorganic resist that changes in its state by heat, having a main surface irradiated with laser beams and a rear surface opposed to the main surface; the functionally gradient inorganic resist including a single layer resist, wherein at least a composition of the single layer resist is continuously varied from the main surface side to the rear surface side, and anisotropy of an area in which a temperature reaches a fixed temperature when being irradiated with laser beams locally, is continuously increased from the main surface side to the rear surface side in the single layer resist.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method for making a relief image. A film that includes a carrier sheet and an imageable material is used to form a mask image that is opaque to a curing radiation. In one embodiment, the mask image is formed on the carrier sheet while in another embodiment, the mask image is formed on a receptor sheet. The mask image is then transferred to a photosensitive material, such as a flexographic printing plate precursor. The resulting assembly is exposed to the curing radiation resulting in exposed and unexposed areas of the photosensitive material. The carrier sheet or the receptor sheet may be removed from the mask image either before or after exposure to the curing radiation. Finally, the photosensitive material and mask image assembly is developed with a suitable developer to form a relief image.

Abstract: A method of forming patterns includes (a) coating a substrate with a resist composition for negative development to form a resist film having a receding contact angle of 70 degrees or above with respect to water, wherein the resist composition for negative development contains a resin capable of increasing the polarity by the action of an acid and becomes more soluble in a positive developer and less soluble in a negative developer upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, (b) exposing the resist film via an immersion medium, and (c) performing development with a negative developer.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a memory cell array area, a peripheral circuit area on a periphery of the memory cell array area, and a boundary area having a specific width between the memory cell array area and the peripheral circuit area, the memory cell array area including a cell area including nonvolatile semiconductor memory cells, linear wirings extending from inside of the cell area to an area outside the cell area, and lower layer wirings in a lower layer than the linear wirings in the boundary area and electrically connected to the linear wirings, and wiring widths of the lower layer wirings being larger than widths of the linear wirings, the peripheral circuit area including a patterns electrically connected to the linear wirings via the lower layer wirings, the boundary area failing to be provided with the linear wirings and a wiring in same layer as the linear wirings.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising a polymer comprising recurring units of a specific structure adapted to generate an acid upon exposure to high-energy radiation, recurring units of a lactone ring-containing structure, and acid labile units, all the recurring units being free of hydroxyl, can form a fine size pattern having a rectangular profile and improved collapse resistance.

Abstract: A substrate is first rotated at a first rotation speed, and a resist solution is applied. Rotation of the substrate is decelerated to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed so that the substrate is rotated at the low speed to smooth the resist solution on the substrate. Rotation of the substrate is then accelerated to a third rotation speed higher than the second rotation speed, and a solvent for the coating solution and/or a dry gas are/is supplied to the resist solution on the substrate. The solvent gas is supplied to a portion of the resist solution on the substrate thicker than a set thickness, and the dry gas is supplied to a portion of the coating solution on the substrate thinner than the set thickness. This thins the thicker portion of the resist solution and thickens the thinner portion to uniform the resist solution.

Abstract: A non consuming/reusable candle includes a wick that is a made of a porous sintered metal or alloy or of ceramic. The wick is conducive to wicking, via capillary action, any candle fuel for the purpose of combustion. The wick shape may be of any multiple geometrical shapes, and may be straight or curved, and provide either a narrow or broad flame.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a furnace structure defining a combustion zone, and a tube that discharges fuel-oxidant premix into the combustion zone through an outlet from the tube. A reactant supply system provides the tube with unmixed fuel and oxidant for forming the premix. A flashback control means inhibits or extinguishes flashback in the tube.

Abstract: A grate cooler plate including an air inlet and air passage openings through which the air flows for cooling the cooling goods present on the grate cooler plate. A rotatable insert having air passage openings is located in an upper surface of the grate cooler plate. The effect of the grate plate is that bulk goods placed in the inlet region of a grate plate cooler expand out to a flat cone of bulk goods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a furnace (12) for melting heated glass using burners (13), wherein the combustion energy is at least partially produced by oxy-fuel combustion, and wherein at least a portion of the oxygen used is produced by separation, on a ceramic separation membrane (18), from a gaseous mixture including oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a furnace (12) for melting heated glass using burners (13), wherein the combustion energy is at least partially produced by oxy-fuel combustion, and wherein at least a portion of the oxygen used in the burners (13) is produced by separation, on a ceramic separation membrane (18), from a gaseous mixture including oxygen, the oxygen from the separation being directly channeled into at least one burner (13).