Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane comprising a poly(dialkylene ester) thermoplastic polyurethane composition. The invention also provides an electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and (I) a separator membrane disposed between said positive and negative electrodes, wherein the said membrane comprises (A) the described poly(dialkylene ester) thermoplastic polyurethane composition.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide electrolyte-coated cathode active material particles capable of increasing the discharge capacity of an all solid state battery and of enhancing the battery efficiency. In the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing electrolyte-coated cathode active material particles including cathode active material particles, and a sulfide solid electrolyte layer formed on the surface of the cathode active material particles.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolytic solution prepared by dissolving an electrolyte salt in a nonaqueous solvent, wherein the nonaqueous electrolytic solution contains at least one kind of an isocyanate compound having an ester structure represented by the following general formula (I): (wherein R represents an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a C6 to C12 aryl group, an alkyloxy group, an alkenyloxy group, an isocyanatoalkyloxy group, or an aryloxy group in which at least one of the hydrogen atom may be substituted with a halogen atom. X represents a linear or branched alkylene group in which at least one of the hydrogen atom may be substituted with a halogen atom, or a bivalent linking group comprising at least one ether bond.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising a lithium anode and a sulfur-containing cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cell exhibits high utilization of the electroactive sulfur-containing material of the cathode and a high charge-discharge efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating a substrate for a lithium secondary battery with inorganic particles, comprising charging the inorganic particles to form charged inorganic particles; transferring the charged inorganic particles on the substrate for a lithium secondary battery to form a coating layer; and fixing the coating layer with heat and pressure. Such a coating method according to one embodiment of the present invention uses electrostatic force without the addition of a solvent, and therefore, non use of a solvent can result in cost-reducing effects since there is no burden on the handling and storing of the solvent, and since a drying procedure after slurry coating is not needed, it allows for the preparation of a lithium secondary battery in a highly effective and rapid manner.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a fuel battery in which an oxidoreductase has been fixed as a catalyst on at least one electrode of a negative electrode or a positive electrode, including conducting at least a step of preparing an electrode pattern, in which an electrode material containing at least electroconductive particles is printed on the surface of a bendable non-electroconductive sheet, and a step of preparing a negative electrode and a positive electrode, in which a negative electrode and a positive electrode are made by printing a predetermined oxidoreductase on the electrode pattern prepared in the step of preparing an electrode pattern.

Abstract: In an air battery system, a decrease in power output and an increase in inner pressure during discharge are prevented even when deposition of the reaction product increases with the discharge and the volume of the electrolytic solution increases with progress of the reaction. The air battery system includes an air battery a reservoir tank to reserve electrolytic solution to be supplied to the air battery and a reaction product sump to store reaction product produced in the air battery, the reaction product sump provided between the air battery and the reservoir tank.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates generally to redox flow batteries and, more specifically, to flow batteries that employ electron-ferrying redox compounds made from polyoxometalates (“POMs”). Embodiments of the present invention employ flow-battery technology that combines the fast electrochemical reaction of a battery with the fuel flexibility of a fuel cell to meet next-generation energy needs of a variety of power applications, including portable electronics used in military and commercial applications and large power modules that provide 550 W or more. To obtain a high-power-density stack, a reduced form of liquid POM is fed to the stack of cells, in certain embodiments of the present invention, where the reduced form of liquid POM is efficiently oxidized into liquid products at the anodes. Air is fed and reduced at the cathodes, generating water as a byproduct.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a fuel-cell system, which is attached to at least one further component via a cooling and/or lubricating circuit. A water-based, oil-free coolant and lubricant is used, and a flushing procedure for the fuel cell is initiated when a contamination of the fuel cell by the water-based, oil-free coolant and lubricant is detected.

Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a first area where an exhaust gas combustor and a start-up combustor are provided, an annular second area disposed around the first area where a heat exchanger is provided, an annular third area disposed around the second area where a reformer is provided, and an annular fourth area disposed around the third area where an evaporator is provided, and a condensed water collecting mechanism for collecting condensed water produced by condensation of water vapor in a combustion gas by allowing the condensed water to flow through the fourth area, then, the third area, then, the second area, and then, the first area.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating electrical power from a compound comprising carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Water is combined with the compound to produce a wet form of the compound. The wet form of the compound is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the compound dissociate and react, with one reaction product comprising hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is processed to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes an air manifold through which air is supplied or exhausted, a fuel gas manifold through which fuel gas is supplied or exhausted, a stack portion that generates electricity by using air and fuel that are supplied by the air manifold and the fuel gas manifold, and an injection array that is disposed along an inside of the air manifold or the fuel gas manifold to inject air or fuel gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shunt current and mechanical loss mitigation in electrochemical systems include a conduit providing at least a portion of an electrically conductive pathway between the first and second electrochemical cells, wherein the conduit includes at least one shunt current suppression device configured as a loop, and/or a connector assembly for maintaining first and second connecting portions in adjacent positioning.

Abstract: A nanoconverter or nanosensor is disclosed capable of directly generating electricity through physisorption interactions with molecules that are dipole containing organic species in a molecule interaction zone. High surface-to-volume ratio semiconductor nanowires or nanotubes (such as ZnO, silicon, carbon, etc.) are grown either aligned or randomly-aligned on a substrate. Epoxy or other nonconductive polymers are used to seal portions of the nanowires or nanotubes to create molecule noninteraction zones. By correlating certain molecule species to voltages generated, a nanosensor may quickly identify which species is detected. Nanoconverters in a series parallel arrangement may be constructed in planar, stacked, or rolled arrays to supply power to nano- and micro-devices without use of external batteries. In some cases breath, from human or other life forms, contain sufficient molecules to power a nanoconverter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon fiber web including polymer nanofibers. Specifically, the carbon fiber web includes: a dispersed structure of carbon fibers; and polymer nanofibers distributed among and bonding the constituent carbon fibers of the dispersed structure. The carbon fiber web exhibits excellent characteristics in terms of flexural strength, gas permeability and electrical properties while possessing a tensile strength sufficient to undergo continuous processes for mass production. Also disclosed are a gas diffusion medium using the carbon fiber web, a gas diffusion layer including the gas diffusion medium, a membrane electrode assembly including the gas diffusion layer, and a fuel cell including the membrane electrode assembly. The use of the carbon fiber web ensures high performance of the membrane electrode assembly and the fuel cell.

Abstract: A resin frame member of a resin frame equipped membrane electrode assembly includes a recess where adhesive is provided. An inner protrusion on an inner side of the recess abuts against an electrode catalyst layer protruding outward beyond a gas diffusion layer of a membrane electrode assembly. An outer protrusion on an outer side of the recess abuts against the outermost portion of a gas diffusion layer of the membrane electrode assembly such that a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the outer protrusion and the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane electrode assembly and a resin frame member. The electrolyte membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode and a second electrode. The resin frame member has a recess in which the first electrode, the electrolyte membrane, and a portion of a second electrode catalyst layer protruding from a second gas diffusion layer are disposed, and an insertion hole which is in communication with the recess and in which the second gas diffusion layer is inserted. A filling layer covering an outer edge portion of the second electrode catalyst layer and having an oxygen permeability of 2×105 ml/m2·24 hr·atm or less is formed at least in a space between an inner wall of the insertion hole and the second gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A rubber composition which does not foul molds, requires low production costs and is excellent in mass productivity, and has high adhesion reliability, can be used in an adhesive layer for bonding a constituting member for a fuel cell and a rubber member for sealing and/or two rubber members together, is any one of (?) a liquid rubber composition containing (B) and (C) together with the following (A1), and (?) a solvent-based rubber composition containing a solvent together with the following (A2), (B) and (C). (A1) is a rubber component containing at least liquid rubber. (A2) is at least one selected from the group consisting of EPM, EPDM, NBR and H-NBR. (B) is a crosslinking agent composed of an organic peroxide. (C) is at least one selected from the group consisting of a resorcinol-based compound, a melamine-based compound, an aluminate-based coupling agent and a silane coupling agent.

Abstract: A novel modified anode/electrolyte structure for a solid oxide electrochemical cell is an assembly comprising (a) an anode consisting of a backbone of electronically conductive perovskite oxides selected from the group of doped strontium titanates and mixtures thereof, (b) a scandia and yttria-stabilised zirconium oxide electrolyte and (c) a metallic and/or a ceramic electrocatalyst in the shape of interlayers incorporated in the interface between the anode and the electrolyte. This assembly is first sintered at a given temperature and then at a lower temperature in reducing gas mixtures. These heat treatments resulted in a distribution of the metallic and/or ceramic interlayers in the electrolyte/anode backbone junction taking place.

Abstract: A high performance anode (fuel electrode) for use in a solid oxide electrochemical cell is obtained by a process comprising the steps of (a) providing a suitably doped, stabilized zirconium oxide electrolyte, such as YSZ, ScYSZ, with an anode side having a coating of electronically conductive perovskite oxides selected from the group consisting of niobium-doped strontium titanate, vanadium-doped strontium titanate, tantalum-doped strontium titanate and mixtures thereof, thereby obtaining a porous anode backbone, (b) sintering the coated electrolyte at a high temperature, such as 1200° C.

Abstract: A fuel cell electrode catalyst layer (13) of the preset invention includes: a catalyst (131b); a support (131a) that supports the catalyst; and two or more proton-conductive materials (133) different in dry mass value per mole of a proton-donating group, the proton-conductive materials being in contact with at least a part of the catalyst and at least a part of the support. Then, a proton-conductive material in which a dry mass value per mole of the proton-donating group is highest among the proton-conductive materials is in contact with at least a part of the catalyst, and has a largest contact ratio with a surface of the catalyst.

Abstract: To provide a catalyst layer for a fuel cell, which exhibits excellent power generation performance even in the case of reducing the used amount of a catalyst. It is an electrode catalyst layer for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst, a porous carrier for supporting the above-mentioned catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte, in which a mode diameter of the pore distribution of the above-mentioned porous carrier is 4 to 20 nm, and the above-mentioned catalyst is supported in a pore with a pore diameter of 4 to 20 nm of the above-mentioned porous carrier.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell is described. The method includes synthesizing a composition comprising perovskite and applying the composition on an electrolyte support to form both an anode and a cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroconductive tungsten oxide catalyst carrying a platinum dendrite and to a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a method for manufacturing an electroconductive tungsten oxide carrying a platinum nanodendrite applicable as an anode catalyst having a strong resistance to carbon monoxide poisoning in a direct methanol fuel cell. The platinum nanodendrite-electroconductive tungsten oxide nanowire catalyst according to the present invention illustrates remarkably improved resistance to carbon monoxide poisoning when compared with a common platinum nanoparticle carbon catalyst, and so, may be used as a highly efficient DMFC anode catalyst.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a membrane-electrode assembly having a proton-exchange membrane includes supplying a proton-exchange membrane, depositing cathodic electrocatalytic ink on a first face of a first gas diffusion layer, assembling the proton-exchange membrane with the first gas diffusion layer, including securing the first face of the first gas diffusion layer with a first face of the proton-exchange membrane, depositing anodic electrocatalytic ink on a second face of the proton-exchange membrane, the second face being opposite the first face, and assembling the second gas diffusion layer with the membrane, including securing a second face thereof with a first face of the second gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing unit cells of a solid oxide fuel cell through a process of attaching a fuel electrode reaction layer/electrolyte layer film assembly, manufactured using a tape casting method, onto a fuel electrode support (sintered body) which consists of the unit cells of the solid oxide fuel cell and which is manufactured using a tape casting method, a pressure method, a discharge plasma method, or the like.

Abstract: A thiosulfate polymer composition includes an electron-accepting photosensitizer component, either as a separate compound or as an attachment to the thiosulfate polymer. The thiosulfate polymer composition can be applied to various articles, or used to form a predetermined polymeric pattern after photothermal reaction to form crosslinked disulfide bonds, removing non-crosslinked polymer, and reaction with a disulfide-reactive material. Such thiosulfate polymer compositions can also be used to sequester metals in nanoparticulate form, and as a way for shaping human hair in hairdressing operations.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an exposure tolerance estimation method is disclosed. The method can include setting a plurality of regions along a first surface of a substrate. The method can form a plurality of patterns for estimation by performing exposure on each of the regions using at least three levels of exposure condition using an exposure mask. The method can measure dimensions of the patterns for estimation and find relationships between the exposure condition and the dimensions. The method can select a first region from the regions. In the first region, a first dimension of a first pattern for estimation formed by exposure using a first exposure condition of an intermediate level out of the at least three levels falls within a previously set range. In addition, the method can calculate an exposure tolerance from a relationship between the first exposure condition and the first dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electrophotographic photoreceptor which has high durability and high potential characteristics and can suppress the occurrence of stick-slip and turning up of a blade and the abrasion of the blade even when the blade is used as a cleaning unit. The surface layer contains barium sulfate composite fine particles, in which a conductive metal oxide is adhered to the surface of a core material made from barium sulfate, in a cured resin. The 10 point average roughness RzJIS of the surface layer is not less than 0.2 ?m and not more than 1.5 ?m, and a value obtained by an equation n×d, wherein n represents the peak count of the surface layer and d represents the number average primary particle diameter of the barium sulfate composite fine particles, is not less than 10,000 (pieces•nm) and not more than 200,000 (pieces•nm).

Abstract: An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles, and an external additive containing titanate compound particles having an iron content of from greater than 1200 ppm to 6000 ppm.

Abstract: An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes an amorphous polyester resin and a crystalline polyester resin as a binder resin, and by differential scanning calorimetry, which undergoes processes of a first temperature rise, cooling at a rate of ?10° C./min and a second temperature rise, an endothermic peak (1) derived from a resin in which at least the amorphous polyester resin and the crystalline polyester resin are compatible is present in the first temperature rise, an exothermic peak having an intensity of 0.1 J/g or more is not present during the first temperature rise, and at least one exothermic peak (2) is present in a temperature range which is lower than that of the endothermic peak (1) by from 5° C. to 15° C. during the second temperature rise.

Abstract: Provided is a toner for electrostatic image development, having low-temperature fixability and long-term stable charge property and also having heat-resistant storage stability. The toner for electrostatic image development includes toner particles containing a binder resin. The binder resin has a domain-matrix structure in which a crystalline polyester resin is dispersed as a domain phase in a matrix phase formed of an amorphous vinyl polymer formed using at least a vinyl-based monomer. The amorphous vinyl polymer has a carboxy group concentration of not less than 0.2 mmol/g and not more than 1.0 mmol/g, and the crystalline polyester resin has an ester group concentration of not less than 0.1 mmol/g and not more than 7.1 mmol/g.

Abstract: Disclosed are a resin-filled ferrite carrier core material for an electrophotographic developer, including a porous ferrite particle having an average compression strength of 100 mN or more and a coefficient of variation of the compression strength of 50% or less, a ferrite carrier obtained by filling a resin in the voids of the ferrite carrier core material, and an electrophotographic developer using the ferrite carrier.

Abstract: A liquid developer includes a toner that contains a binder resin and a release agent, and a carrier liquid that has a difference (?SP (tc)) in SP value from the binder resin of from 1.5 to 7.0, wherein the release agent is not eluted in the carrier liquid at a temperature lower than a glass transition temperature of the binder resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for compositions, methods, and systems directed towards a liquid electrophotographic ink comprising a carrier fluid, a pigment, a first resin, and a stable cross-linkable resin that is solvated or swellable with the carrier fluid, where the stable cross-linkable resin does not undergo cross-linking until a temperature of at least 110° C. and, once cross-linked, does not melt until a temperature of at least 300° C.

Abstract: In producing an electrostatic latent image developing toner, fine particle aggregates are formed by aggregating fine particles containing a binder resin and fine particles containing a release agent in an aqueous medium in the presence of an aggregating agent containing an alkali metal sulfate, and toner particles are formed by coalescing components contained in the fine particle aggregates in an aqueous medium in the presence of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a fluorine-containing sulfonate resin having a repeating unit of the following general formula (3). In order to prevent deficiency such as roughness after pattern formation or failure in pattern formation, the fluorine-containing sulfonate resin incorporates therein a photoacid generating function and serves as a resist resin in which “a moiety capable of changing its developer solubility by the action of an acid” and “a moiety having a photoacid generating function” are arranged with regularity.

Abstract: A resist composition contains a high-molecular weight compound which has a partial structure represented by a general formula (a0-r-1) and has a constituent unit represented by a general formula (a0-1). In the formula (a0-r-1), Y1 represents a divalent linking group; each of R2 and R3 represents a group having 0 to 20 carbon atoms, which is not a fluorine atom, and either R2 or R3 may form a ring with Y1; m represents an integer of 1 or more; and Mm+ represents an m-valent organic cation. In the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a halogenated alkyl group; Ya01 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; X01 represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; and Ra01 represents an optionally substituted cyclic group, chain alkyl group or chain alkenyl group.

Abstract: A resist composition includes a high-molecular weight compound having a constituent unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1), an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, and a photodegradable base (D1) which is decomposed upon exposure to lose acid diffusion controlling properties, and a mixing ratio of the component (D1) to the component (B) is 0.5 or more in terms of a molar ratio represented by (D1)/(B). In the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Ya01 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; X01 represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; and Ra01 represents an optionally substituted cyclic group, an optionally substituted chain alkyl group, or an optionally substituted chain alkenyl group.

Abstract: A resist composition which generates an acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution by the action of the acid contains a high-molecular weight compound (A1) having a constituent unit (a0) represented by a general formula (a0-1) and a constituent unit (a1-1) including a monocyclic group-containing acid decomposable group whose polarity increases by the action of an acid. In the formula (a0-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Ya01 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group; X01 represents a sulfur atom or an oxygen atom; and Ra01 represents an optionally substituted cyclic group, chain alkyl group, or chain alkenyl group.

Abstract: Disclosed are an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition including (A) a compound capable of generating an acid by irradiation of actinic rays or radiation, and (B) a resin of which solubility in an alkali developer increases by being decomposed by the action of an acid, and, a resist film, a pattern forming method, an electronic device manufacturing method, and an electronic device, each using the composition, wherein the actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition contains at least one type of a specific compound represented by General Formula (A-I) and at least one type of a specific compound represented by General Formula (A-II) as the compound (A).

Abstract: A thiosulfate polymer composition includes an electron-accepting photosensitizer component, either as a separate compound or as an attachment to the thiosulfate polymer. The thiosulfate polymer composition can be used in methods to form predetermined patterns of metal nanoparticles.

Abstract: A thiosulfate polymer composition includes an electron-accepting photosensitizer component, either as a separate compound or as an attachment to the thiosulfate polymer. The thiosulfate polymer composition can be applied to various articles and used to form a predetermined polymeric pattern after photothermal reaction to form crosslinked disulfide bonds, removing non-crosslinked polymer, and reaction with a disulfide-reactive material.

Abstract: A thiosulfate polymer composition includes an electron-accepting photosensitizer component, either as a separate compound or as an attachment to the thiosulfate polymer. The thiosulfate polymer composition can be applied to various articles, or used to form a predetermined polymeric pattern after photothermal reaction to form crosslinked disulfide bonds, removing non-crosslinked polymer, and reaction with a disulfide-reactive material. Such thiosulfate polymer compositions can also be used to sequestering metals.

Abstract: A system for operating a combustor includes a sensor that measures an operating parameter associated with the combustor and generates a signal reflective of the operating parameter. The operating parameter is reflective of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup. A controller receives the signal, compares the signal to a predetermined limit, and generates a control signal. A method for operating a combustor includes operating the combustor at a first power level that produces a first temperature that is less than or equal to a first predetermined temperature and creating a layer of ash. The method further includes measuring an operating parameter reflective of an ash deposition rate or an accumulated ash buildup, comparing the operating parameter to a limit, and operating the combustor at a second power level that produces a second temperature that is greater than or equal to the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A premixed combustion system includes a charge electrode, and an anchoring electrode positioned adjacent to a fuel nozzle. A charge having a first polarity is applied to the flame via the charge electrode and an electrical potential having a polarity opposite the first polarity is applied to the anchoring electrode. The oppositely-charged flame is attracted to the anchoring electrode, thereby anchoring the flame.

Abstract: Two UV tubes are contained in one ultraviolet sensor to monitor one burner flame. Each UV tube is powered during a different time cycle to eliminate interference between the two UV tubes. This is made possible by two rectifier circuits being powered by two transformers that are 180° out of phase with each other. Self check is accomplished by the redundancy of two amplifiers providing output to two flame relays so that if one UV tube was to fail in the conducting mode, the combustion safeguard control will continue to safely monitor the flame by powering the fuel valve when the flame is present and removing power to the fuel valve when the flame goes out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit, specifically a candle wick kit and methods of using the same. More specifically, the present invention comprises a kit including a number of components to utilize a candle after a wick inside the candle becomes unusable. For example, the present invention comprises one or more boring tools for creating a borehole through a quantity of candle wax, and one or more lengths of wick, one of which may fit within the borehole created by the boring tool. Thus, a candle having an unusable wick may be provided with a replacement wick for continued utilization of the candle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-saving fuel gas system, which provides a two coexisted mechanisms comprising a premixing mode of a premixing module and a diffuse-blend mode of a diffuse-blend module. A suitable fuel, which is produced by the mixing reaction of fuel molecule and oxidative molecule to be completed by a helical or scroll type premixing module, is guided to flow into the diffuse-blend module via a fairing hood for a secondary scroll air-mixing treatment and then is performed with a combustion chemical reaction by the flames on the fire board. The combustion reaction temperature of the suitable fuel is effectively increased by the heat accumulation effect of the fire board to heat up and expand the subsequent suitable fuel, thereby thinning flammable molecule to have a maximum air-fuel ratio and breaking down minute quantity of water molecule in air into supplemental fuel and combustion assistant to attain an optimum energy-saving efficiency.

Abstract: A post-heat-treatable substrate with a thermochromic film. The post-heat-treatable substrate includes a base substrate, a thermochromic film coating the base substrate, an auxiliary film formed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the thermochromic film, and a sacrificial film formed between the thermochromic film and the auxiliary film. The sacrificial film is made of metal. Accordingly, the thermochromic material is prevented from agglomerating during post-heat-treatment of the substrate. The auxiliary film prevents oxygen and nitrogen from diffusing into the thermochromic film, so that high-temperature heat treatment, such as a process for tempering the substrate, a process for heat-strengthening the substrate and a process for forming the substrate to become curved, can be conducted on the substrate.