Diaphragm Type Patents (Class 204/252)
  • Publication number: 20130228450
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for evolution of gaseous products in electrolysis cells comprising e metal substrate coated with at least two catalytic compositions, the outermost catalytic composition being deposited by means of chemical or physical phase vapour deposition technique and having a composition comprising noble metals selected from the group of platinum group metals or oxides thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIE DE NORA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Christian Urgeghe, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi
  • Publication number: 20130228458
    Abstract: Electroplating systems that include a plurality of electrodes, a power supply operably coupled to the plurality of electrodes, a platen for bearing a substrate on which metal features are to be formed, and an electrode support are disclosed. The electrode support may be configured for suspending the electrode assembly over an upper surface of the substrate disposed on the platen in spaced relation to and in alignment with the substrate or for supporting the electrode assembly in a stationary position over the substrate when the voltage is applied across the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be adjacent, mutually spaced and electrically isolated and connected in series so as to be oppositely polarized when the voltage is applied thereacross or may be connected so as to have alternating polarities when the voltage is applied thereacross.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Suresh Ramarajan, Whonchee Lee
  • Patent number: 8518225
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing in the home hydrogen-dissolved drinking water that is suitable for drinking, has a high dissolved hydrogen concentration, and a long dissolved hydrogen life. A hydrogen-dissolved drinking water production apparatus includes an electrolytic cell through which water can pass for producing drinking water having a pH in a range of 2.5 to 8.5, and in particular, in a range of 5.8 to 8.5, and a dissolved hydrogen concentration of 0.1 ppm or more by supplying high-purity water having a conductivity of 50 ?S/cm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osao Sumita, Shin Gyo Yim
  • Patent number: 8506790
    Abstract: Disclosed are electrolytic cells for making solutions of metal alcoholates in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In one embodiment, sodium methylate in methanol is made from methanol and sodium hydroxide solution. The sodium hydroxide solution is placed in the anolyte compartment and the methanol is placed in the catholyte compartment, and the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium under the influence of current. In preferred embodiments, the process is cost-effective and not environmentally harmful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Shekar Balagopal, Vigod Matheda
  • Publication number: 20130186770
    Abstract: A method for converting carboxylic acids (including carboxylic acids derived from biomass) into hydrocarbons. The produced hydrocarbons will generally have at least two oxygen containing substituents (or other substituents). In one example of application, the electrolysis converts alkali salts of carboxylic acids into diols which can then be used as solvents or be dehydrated to produce dienes, which can then be used to produce elastic polymeric materials. This process allows custom synthesis of high value chemicals from renewable feed stocks such as carboxylic acids derived from biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventor: Ceramatec, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8491771
    Abstract: A three-electrode electrolyzer cell is described that can produce either alkaline water or acid water, by selecting polarity and ion exchange membrane type. The cell has a middle chamber and two side electrolysis chambers bordering the middle chamber. Each of the side electrolysis chambers is separated from the middle chambers by a membrane, which is the same on both sides. Porous electrodes are placed on the electrolysis side of each membrane. The electrolysis chamber electrodes are placed next to the membranes, and they are both charged with either positive or negative polarity at the same time. The electrode in the middle chamber is charged with the opposite polarity to the electrolysis chamber electrodes. Each of the electrolysis chambers has inlets and outlets for flowing a solution to be electrolyzed through the cells. The electrolyte solution is in the middle chamber. It is not circulated, or is only circulated to replenish electrolytes or remove gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Yoichi Sano
  • Publication number: 20130180849
    Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Marc Daniel Moncion
  • Publication number: 20130180865
    Abstract: A method reducing carbon dioxide to one or more organic products may include steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce an anolyte to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell, said first compartment including an anode. Step (B) may introduce a catholyte and carbon dioxide to a second compartment of said electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a tin cathode and a catalyst. The catalyst may include at least one of pyridine, 2-picoline or 2,6-lutidine. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between said anode and said cathode sufficient for said cathode to reduce said carbon dioxide to at least one of formate or formic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: Liquid Light, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130183546
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by the composite alkali ion-conductive electrolyte membrane. The composite electrolyte membrane includes a layer of alkali ion-conductive material and one or more layers of alkali intercalation compound which is chemically stable upon exposure to a chemically reactive anolyte solution or catholyte solution thereby protecting the layer of alkali ion-conductive material from unwanted chemical reaction. The layer of alkali intercalation compound conducts alkali ions. The cell may operate and protect the alkali ion-conductive material under conditions that would be adverse to the material if the intercalation compound were not present. The composite membrane may include a cation conductor layer having additional capability to protect the composite electrolyte membrane from adverse conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventor: Ceramatec, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8486235
    Abstract: The anode is separated from the alkaline electrode to avoid undesirable secondary reactions in an alkali zinc nickel electroplating bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: EWH Industrieanlagen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ernst-Walter Hillebrand
  • Publication number: 20130175163
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus is capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water containing little or no electrolyte. The apparatus includes a container and at least one electrolysis assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets which are covered with at least one pair of porous conductive electrodes separated by a non conductive insulator. The assembly is connected to the leads of a direct current power supply. After the container is filled with water to cover the electrodes, application of voltage from the power supply results in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This apparatus and method provides a means of producing and distributing hydrogen on-site, simply and inexpensively, since it uses very little energy and liquefaction, transportation, and delivery costs can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HYDROX ENERGY CORP LLC
    Inventor: Hydrox Energy Corp LLC
  • Patent number: 8470143
    Abstract: A chlorine-generating apparatus is herein disclosed which uses softened household water and salt. The apparatus includes a freestanding brine tank to hold salt and softened household water. The brine tank includes a submerged chlorine-generating cell, an improved chlorine-generating cell container, and a cell-cleaning reservoir. The brine tank also includes a precipitation tank to help remove minerals from the incoming household water. The chlorine-generating apparatus generates sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, as well as other sanitizing chemicals. The chlorine-generating apparatus also incorporates an improved method for controlling pH. A water-cooled power supply independently delivers power to the chlorine-generating cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Moroni Tucker
  • Publication number: 20130153433
    Abstract: There is provided a method of production of chlorine.sodium hydroxide capable of being operated stably and economically by preventing calcium from being deposited in an ion exchange membrane. The liquid retention layer 3 having a liquid retention amount per unit volume of the liquid retention layer of 0.10 g-H2O/cm3 or more and 0.80 g-H2O/cm3 or less is put between the ion exchange membrane 12 and the gas diffusion electrode 16. Calcium ions transferred through the ion exchange membrane 12 easily diffuse, thereby making it possible to suppress increase in an electrolytic voltage and drop in current efficiency generated by deposition of the calcium ions inside the ion exchange membrane 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Tomonori Idutsu, Koji Saiki, Yukinori Iguchi, Kiyohito Asaumi
  • Publication number: 20130153437
    Abstract: A cathode assembly, a system including the cathode assembly, and method of using the assembly and system are disclosed. The cathode assembly includes a conductive element and a barrier element proximate the conductive element. The assembly, system and method provide for improved metal powder formation. The system may be stationary or portable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scot P. Sandoval, Gerald Moen, Jason M. Morgan, Mark Peabody
  • Patent number: 8465630
    Abstract: An electrically driven oxygen separation assembly and method for applying an electrical potential in which the assembly has one or more tubular membrane elements. The potential is applied at two central spaced locations of a tubular membrane element and at least at opposite end locations thereof. As a result the electric current flow through the tubular membrane element is divided into two parts flowing between the two central spaced locations and the opposite end locations. Additionally, the present invention also provides an end seal to be used in connection with tubular membrane elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reed, David Frisbee Suggs, Michael J. Collins, Richard Martin Kelly, Gervase Maxwell Christie
  • Patent number: 8465629
    Abstract: A membrane for use with an electrochemical apparatus is provided. The electrochemical apparatus may include a fuel cell or electrolyzer, for example, an electrolyzer adapted to produce hydrogen. The membrane comprises a fabric made from a synthetic fiber such as nylon where the nylon, in an exemplary embodiment, is woven into ripstop nylon fabric. The electrochemical apparatus is constructed with frames comprising high-density polyethylene (HDPE) which provide support and structure to the membranes as well as to internal electrodes. A method of making an electrochemical apparatus, such as an electrolyzer, containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon is also disclosed, as is a method for producing hydrogen gas with an electrolyzer containing a membrane comprising ripstop nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher M. McWhinney, David C. Erbaugh
  • Publication number: 20130146448
    Abstract: A membrane reactor used for electrochemically converting a carbon dioxide gas into an expected product includes a cavity, a solid electrolyte membrane separator, a cathode, an anode, and a power source. The solid electrolyte membrane separator is disposed in the cavity and divides the cavity into two chambers defined as a cathode chamber and an anode chamber. The cathode is disposed in the cathode chamber, and the anode is disposed in the anode chamber. The cathode is a trickle bed structure including a porous conductive layer and cathode particles disposed on the porous conductive layer. The power source is disposed outside the cavity to provide an electrolytic voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: CHENG WANG, CHEN-CHEN ZHAO, ZHI-XIANG LIU, JIAN-WEI GUO, XIANG-MING HE
  • Patent number: 8454808
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Owens
  • Publication number: 20130134045
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for plating a metal onto a work piece are described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a plating chamber, a substrate holder, an anode chamber housing an anode, and an ionically resistive ionically permeable element positioned between a substrate and the anode chamber during electroplating. The anode chamber may be movable with respect to the ionically resistive ionically permeable element to vary a distance between the anode chamber and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element during electroplating. The anode chamber may include an insulating shield oriented between the anode and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element, with opening in a central region of the insulating shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: David W. PORTER, Jonathan D. REID, Frederick D. WILMOT
  • Publication number: 20130137242
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for plating a metal onto a work piece are described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a plating chamber, a substrate holder, an anode chamber housing an anode, an ionically resistive ionically permeable element positioned between a substrate and the anode chamber during electroplating, an auxiliary cathode located between the anode and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element, and an insulating shield with an opening in its central region. The insulating shield may be movable with respect to the ionically resistive ionically permeable element to vary a distance between the shield and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element during electroplating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Zhian HE, David W. PORTER, Jonathan D. REID, Frederick D. WILMOT
  • Patent number: 8449734
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO GreenFuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449736
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449733
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449735
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8449754
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is powered by the vehicle battery. The system utilizes an engine sensor that permits power to the system only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Publication number: 20130105304
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to organic products including formate and formic acid are provided. A system may include an electrochemical cell including a cathode compartment containing a high surface area cathode and a bicarbonate-based catholyte saturated with carbon dioxide. The high surface area cathode may include an indium coating and having a void volume of between about 30% to 98. The system may also include an anode compartment containing an anode and an acidic anolyte. The electrochemical cell may be configured to produce a product stream upon application of an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: Liquid Light, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130092549
    Abstract: A light-driven electrolytic cell that uses water vapor as the feedstock and that has no wires or connections whatsoever to an external electrical power source of any kind. In one embodiment, the electrolytic cell uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) with an IrRuOx water oxidation catalyst and a Pt black water reduction catalyst to consume water vapor and generate molecular oxygen and a chemical fuel, molecular hydrogen. The operation of the electrolytic cell using water vapor supplied by a humidified carrier gas has been demonstrated under varying conditions of the gas flow rate, the relative humidity, and the presence or absence of oxygen. The performance of the system with water vapor was also compared to the performance when the device was immersed in liquid water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Joshua M. Spurgeon, Nathan S. Lewis, Philip Stephen Marcus
  • Publication number: 20130092530
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytic reduced water capable of electrolyzing purified water, which is filtered through reverse osmosis, by use of concentrated water that remains after the purification. The apparatus includes a water purifying apparatus, and an electrolytic cell provided with a first chamber having a cathode, a second chamber having an anode, and a third chamber disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber to receive concentrated water from the water purifying apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8419926
    Abstract: Electrolyzed water producing method and apparatus are provided which are capable of producing electrolyzed water having a desired property irrespective of the quality of raw water supplied and the like while allowing the size and weight of the apparatus and the cost to be reduced by limiting the capacity of an electrolysis power source. The electrolyzed water producing method includes: circulating an aqueous electrolyte solution to a first electrolytic chamber of a pair of electrolytic chambers opposed to each other across an intervening ion permeable diaphragm while supplying raw water to the second electrolytic chamber; and applying a predetermined voltage to a pair of electrodes disposed in the respective electrolytic chambers with the diaphragm intervening there between, to electrolyze the raw water and the aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby producing electrolyzed water in the second electrolytic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohichi Miyashita, Ryuichi Kimata, Makoto Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20130089810
    Abstract: Provided is a gas decomposition component that employs an electrochemical reaction to reduce the running cost and can have high treatment performance. A gas decomposition component includes a cylindrical-body MEA 7 including an anode 2 on an inner-surface side, a cathode 5 on an outer-surface side, and a solid electrolyte 1; and a porous metal body 11s that is inserted on the inner-surface side of the cylindrical-body MEA and is electrically connected to the anode 2, wherein a metal mesh sheet 11a is disposed between the anode 2 and the porous metal body 11s. Another gas decomposition component includes the cylindrical MEA 7 and silver-paste-coated wiring 12g formed on the cathode 5, wherein the silver-paste-coated wiring 12g is a porous body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Toshiyuki Kuramoto, Toshio Ueda, Tomoyuki Awazu
  • Patent number: 8414748
    Abstract: A cell design for systems of mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) of materials includes inactive surface coatings, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene polymers or a glass glaze or metallic oxide, on all interior surfaces of the electrochemical cell to prevent . A further cell design for systems of mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) included conduits for connecting plural catholyte chambers or for connecting plural anolyte chambers which are embedded within walls of a molded unibody constructed box and slots for parallel arrangement of membranes and porous electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer, Michael L. Mastracci, Kent E. Maggard
  • Publication number: 20130075250
    Abstract: The hydrogen production device of the present invention includes: a first electrode (120) including a conductive substrate (101) and a photocatalytic semiconductor layer (102); a second electrode (103) that is electrically connected to the first electrode (120) and disposed in a second region (123) opposite to a first region (122) relative to the first electrode (120), when the first region (122) is defined as a region on a side of a surface of the first electrode (120) in which the photocatalytic semiconductor layer (102) is provided; a water-containing electrolyte solution (106); and a housing (105) containing these. The first electrode (120) is provided with a through-hole (131) at a position and the second electrode (103) is provided with a through-hole (132) at a position corresponding to the position, and the through-holes form a communicating hole (130) for allowing the first region (122) and the second region (123) to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Tokuhiro, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Noboru Taniguchi, Takahiro Suzuki, Satoru Tamura
  • Patent number: 8398843
    Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid comprising: a cathode substrate; an anode substrate facing the cathode substrate and forming a reaction chamber with the cathode substrate; and a nonconductor which forms a boundary between the portions of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate that are capable of contacting one another, wherein at least one of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate is a semiconductor doped with impurities and the other is a metal electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-im Han, Joon-ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20130062212
    Abstract: A technique for embedding a nanotube in a nanopore is provided. A membrane separates a reservoir into a first reservoir part and a second reservoir part, and the nanopore is formed through the membrane for connecting the first and second reservoir parts. An ionic fluid fills the nanopore, the first reservoir part, and the second reservoir part. A first electrode is dipped in the first reservoir part, and a second electrode is dipped in the second reservoir part. Driving the nanotube into the nanopore causes an inner surface of the nanopore to form a covalent bond to an outer surface of the nanotube via an organic coating so that the inner surface of the nanotube will be the new nanopore with a super smooth surface for studying bio-molecules while they translocate through the nanotube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ali Afzali-Ardakani, Binquan Luan, Hongbo Peng
  • Publication number: 20130062216
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a method for reducing carbon dioxide with the use of a device for reducing carbon dioxide. The device includes a cathode chamber, an anode chamber and a solid electrolyte membrane. The cathode chamber includes a working electrode which includes a metal or a metal compound. The anode chamber includes a counter electrode which includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor. First and second electrolytic solutions are held in the cathode and anode chamber, respectively. The working electrode and the counter electrode are in contact with the first and second electrolytic solution, respectively. The solid electrolyte membrane is interposed between the cathode and anode chambers. The first electrolyte solution contains the carbon dioxide. An electric source is not interposed electrically between the working electrode and the counter electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130052563
    Abstract: A reinforced membrane comprises: (I) a planar reinforcing component made from metal, carbon, polymer or a composite thereof, and (ii) an ion-conducting material, wherein the planar reinforcing component is a cellular structure, comprising a plurality of discrete cells, wherein the wall of each cell extends through the thickness of the component such that the cell wall is impermeable to the proton-conducting material and wherein the proton-conducting material fills the cells of the planar reinforcing component. Such a membrane is of use in a fuel cell or an electrolyser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan David Brereton Sharman, Michael Ian Petch
  • Publication number: 20130048493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolysis device comprising an elementary assembly (10) made up of a membrane element (12) surrounded on either side by an electrode (11, 13), a rigid conducting plate (30), at least one electric conductor (21, 31) inserted between said elementary assembly (10) and said rigid conducting plate (30), said electric conductor (21, 31) being made up of a corrugated plate suitable for deforming and ensuring electric contact between said elementary assembly (10) and said rigid conducting plate (30). The device (100) also comprises a peripheral element (28, 38) at least partially surrounding said electric conductor (21, 31), said peripheral element (28, 38, 48, 58) being made of a material with a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of said electric conductor (21, 31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Samuel Tissot, Thomas Salles
  • Patent number: 8377283
    Abstract: An apparatus (12) for applying a zinc or zinc-alloy electroplate to a workpiece comprises an electroplating bath (16) having a pH more than about 14. The electroplating bath includes zinc ions and an additive. A cathode workpiece (18) is in the bath. An anode assembly (20) contacts the bath. The anode assembly includes an anolyte and an insoluble metal anode in the anolyte. The additive is capable of electrolytically breaking down upon contact with the anode. The anode assembly inhibits the electrolytic breakdown of the additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Coventya, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Eckles, Robert E. Frischauf, Frederic Raulin, Lionel Thiery, Jean-Jacques Duprat
  • Publication number: 20130032491
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a membrane-electrode assembly, an electrolytic cell using the same, a method and an apparatus for producing ozone water, a method for disinfection and a method for wastewater or waste fluid treatment, by using which allow electrolysis reaction products or decomposition products to be produced at a high efficiency, channel pressure drop to be minimized, and the apparatus to be designed compact in size without sacrificing the production capacity. This invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly, comprising an anode having a plurality of through-holes of 0.1 mm or more in diameter; a cathode having a plurality of through-holes of 0.1 mm or more in diameter at the same sites as in the anode; and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane coated on one face or the entire face of at least one of the anode and the cathode with the through-holes being maintained, wherein the anode, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the cathode are tightly adhered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: PERMELEC ELECTRODE LTD., AQUAECOS LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo Nitta, Masashi Hosonuma
  • Patent number: 8366890
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode formulation comprising a catalytic layer containing tin, ruthenium, iridium, palladium and niobium oxides applied to a titanium or other valve metal substrate. A protective layer based on titanium oxide modified with oxides of other elements such as tantalum, niobium or bismuth may be interposed between the substrate and the catalytic layer. The thus obtained electrode is suitable for use as an anode in electrolysis cells for chlorine production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Christian Urgeghe, Alexander Morozov, Alice Calderara, Dino Floriano Di Franco, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi
  • Publication number: 20130026096
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a membrane-electrode assembly, an electrolytic cell using the same, a method and an apparatus for producing ozone water, a method for disinfection and a method for wastewater or waste fluid treatment, by using which electrolysis reaction products or decomposition products obtained at the anode are produced at a high efficiency; channel pressure drop is minimized; and the apparatus is designed in compact size without sacrificing the production capacity. This invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane having a cation exchange membrane, an anode and a cathode tightly adhered to the respective surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, with a plurality of through-holes with 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: PERMELEC ELECTRODE LTD., AQUAECOS LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo Nitta, Masashi Hosonuma
  • Patent number: 8361304
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for producing high-pressure hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water and a casing. The casing defines therein an accommodating chamber accommodating the water electrolysis apparatus etc. therein, first electric component compartments separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a controller and an electrolysis power supply therein, the first electric component compartments having first fans for introducing external air, and a second electric component compartment separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a relay, the second electric component compartment being connected to the first electric component compartments by a pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Yoshida, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe, Jun Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8361289
    Abstract: An electrode comprising an electrically conducting diamond plate wherein the diamond plate comprises at least one elongate aperture and having an aperture edge length per unit working area of the diamond plate of greater than about 4 mm/mm2, electrolysis cells comprising such electrodes, methods of treating water using such electrolysis cells and a method of production of ozone are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew John Whitehead, Christopher John Wort, Geoffrey Alan Scarsbrook, William Joseph Yost
  • Publication number: 20130020206
    Abstract: A support member for an improved three-chambered electrolytic cell is disclosed. A porous synthetic support system for exchange membranes in electrolytic cells is used for exchange membrane protection in electrolytic cells for the in situ generation of electrolysis solutions, such as bleach or hypochlorous acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Wuebben, Scott R. Limback, Barry R. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130017414
    Abstract: A bioelectrochemical system includes an anode, a saline solution chamber, and a cathode. The anode is at least partially positioned within an anode chamber containing an aqueous reaction mixture including one or more organic compounds and one or more bacteria for oxidizing the organic compounds. The saline solution chamber contains a draw solution and is separated from the anode chamber by a forward osmosis membrane. Water diffuses across the forward osmosis membrane from the aqueous reaction mixture to the draw solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: UWM RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventor: Zhen He
  • Patent number: 8354011
    Abstract: An electrolyzer cell is disclosed which includes a cathode to reduce an oxygen-containing molecule, such as H2O, CO2, or a combination thereof, to produce an oxygen ion and a fuel molecule, such as H2, CO, or a combination thereof. An electrolyte is coupled to the cathode to transport the oxygen ion to an anode. The anode is coupled to the electrolyte to receive the oxygen ion and produce oxygen gas therewith. In one embodiment, the anode may be fabricated to include an electron-conducting phase having a perovskite crystalline structure or structure similar thereto. This perovskite may have a chemical formula of substantially (Pr(1-x)Lax)(z-y)A?yBO(3-?), wherein 0<x<1, 0?y?0.5, and 0.8?z?1.1. In another embodiment, the cathode includes an electron-conducting phase that contains nickel oxide intermixed with magnesium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Elangovan, Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Feng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8349152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a structure of a cathodic finger for diaphragm electrolysis cells consisting of an external mesh and an internal reinforcing and current-distributing structure provided with protrusions suitable for maximizing the contact points with the external mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Salvatore Peragine
  • Patent number: 8349155
    Abstract: A cation exchange membrane which shows suppressed deterioration of the strength of the membrane in the upper portion of an electrolytic cell when the membrane is employed in the electrolytic cell and used for a long term, which can perform electrolysis with good production efficiency, and which can be produced simply with low cost; its production process and; such an electrolytic cell; are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kazuo Umemura, Hiromitsu Kusano
  • Patent number: 8349165
    Abstract: Soluble nickel and tin contained in a coating layer are eluted into an aqueous solution by bringing a cathode coated with a nickel-tin alloy into contact with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydrogen carbonate such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, thereby reducing the amounts of these metals eluted during electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Tokuyama Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tanaka, Kenji Aoki
  • Patent number: 8343321
    Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland