With Diaphragm Patents (Class 204/282)
  • Patent number: 11302950
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells. The method includes preparing an electrolyte layer including one or more ion conductive polymers that form a proton movement channel, and permeating a gas from a first surface of the electrolyte layer to a second surface of the electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sukhwan Yun, Bo Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 10992003
    Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus includes a catholyte, an anolyte, and a separator disposed between the catholyte and the anolyte. The catholyte includes metal salt dissolved in water, thereby providing at least one metal ion. The anolyte includes a polysulfide solution. The separator is permeable to the at least one metal ion. During a charging process of the electrochemical apparatus, oxygen is generated in the catholyte, the polysulfide in the polysulfide solution undergoes a reduction reaction in the anolyte, and the at least one metal ion moves from the catholyte to the anolyte. During a discharging process of the apparatus, the oxygen is consumed in the catholyte, the polysulfide oxidizes in the anolyte, and the at least one metal ion moves from the anolyte to the catholyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Liang Su, Zheng Li, Yet-Ming Chiang, Menghsuan Sam Pan
  • Patent number: 10962499
    Abstract: A sensor for hydrogen in a fluid medium has a chamber for electrolyte with a window which is selectively permeable to hydrogen to allow hydrogen to pass from the fluid medium under test into the electrolyte in the chamber. A plurality of electrodes in contact with the ionic liquid electrolyte are used to observe hydrogen concentration by voltammetry. The electrolyte is an ionic liquid. Applications where such a sensor may be used include a wellbore tool for measuring the content of hydrogen in a subterranean fluid, monitoring of fiber-optic cables for damage by hydrogen, corrosion monitoring, and small-scale process plant where hydrogen is part of a gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Debbie S. Silvester, Nathan Scott Lawrence, Richard Compton, Timothy Jones, Li Jiang, Hanpu Liang
  • Patent number: 10873097
    Abstract: An electrode for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of an embodiment includes: a catalyst layer having a noble metal catalyst unit that has a porous structure or a layer-by-layer structure including void layers and a hydrophilic material; a porous water management layer arranged adjacent to the catalyst layer and including a hydrophilic material and a conductive material; and a gas diffusion layer arranged adjacent to the porous water management layer, where a size of the noble metal catalyst unit is equal to or more than 0.05 ?m and equal to or less than 2 ?m, the porosity of the porous water management layer is equal to or more than 30 vol % and equal to or less than 85 vol %, and the hydrophilicity thereof is equal to or more than 0.05 and equal to or less than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tianyi Yang, Wu Mei, Taishi Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 10870875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising: a polypeptide, wherein at least a portion of the polypeptide has a coiled coil structure; and a chelate comprising a chelating agent and a metal ion; and wherein the chelate is bound to at least one amino acid of the polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment the polypeptide is a silk fibroin, wherein at least a portion of the silk fibroin has a coiled coil structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Tara Sutherland, Trevor Rapson
  • Patent number: 10865487
    Abstract: An electrochemical conversion method for converting at least a portion of a first mixture comprising hydrocarbon to C2+ unsaturates by repeatedly applying an electric potential difference, V(?1), to a first electrode of an electrochemical cell during a first time interval ?1; and reducing the electric potential difference, V(?1), to a second electric potential difference, V(?2), for a second time interval ?2, wherein ?2??1. The method is beneficial, among other things, for reducing coke formation in the electrochemical production of C2+ unsaturates in an electrochemical cell. Accordingly, a method of reducing coke formation in the electrochemical conversion of such mixtures and a method for electrochemically converting carbon to C2+ unsaturates as well as an apparatus for such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Weissman, Sumathy Raman, Mark A. Greaney
  • Patent number: 10458027
    Abstract: Electrode-supported tubular solid-oxide electrochemical cells suitable for use in electrochemical chemical synthesis and processes for manufacturing such are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Low Emission Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Fernando Alvarez, Lauren Beverly Sammes
  • Patent number: 10367217
    Abstract: A method of making a component of a membrane electrode assembly comprising the steps of forming an electrode on an air-permeable backer comprising ePTFE, depositing a mixture comprising ionomer and a water-insoluble alcohol onto said electrode, drying said mixture to form a protective ionomer layer, and depositing an ePTFE-reinforced ionomer layer onto said protective ionomer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald T. Freese, F. Colin Busby
  • Patent number: 10309022
    Abstract: An element recovery method and an element recovery apparatus are provided by which an element containing a high-purity rare earth element can be recovered at low cost. The element recovery method includes the steps of: preparing molten salt containing a rare earth element; and controlling electric potentials in a pair of electrode members at prescribed values while keeping the pair of electrode members in contact with the molten salt, thereby depositing the rare earth element existing in the molten salt on one of the pair of electrode members. In this way, as compared with the conventional wet separation method, an element such as a rare earth element that is to be recovered can be directly recovered from the molten salt in which the element is dissolved, so that the steps of the recovery method can be simplified and reduced in cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Kyoto University
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Awazu, Takayasu Sugihara, Masatoshi Majima, Toshiyuki Nohira, Rika Hagiwara, Seitaro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10256491
    Abstract: The invention includes a catalysed membrane and membrane electrode assembly. The membrane and membrane electrode assembly comprise an ion-conducting membrane component comprising an ion-conducting membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer. The anode catalyst layer comprises a first electrocatalyst component comprising a first platinum-containing electrocatalyst and a first carbon support. The first carbon support supports the first platinum-containing electrocatalyst, and the electrochemical platinum surface area in the anode catalyst layer is 5-100 cm2Pt/cm2 of the geometric electrode area of the anode catalyst layer. The cathode catalyst layer comprises a second electrocatalyst component and a second oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst. The second electrocatalyst component comprises a second platinum-containing electrocatalyst and a second carbon support, wherein the second carbon support supports the second platinum-containing electrocatalyst component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells Limited
    Inventor: Rachel Louise O'Malley
  • Patent number: 10222339
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical H+-sensor, comprising an H+-indicator material, wherein the H+-indicator material is present between a support material and a H+-permeable layered structure, the layered structure comprising an H+-permeable hydrophilic layer and an H+-permeable cation exchange layer. Further, the invention relates to a method for determining the H+-concentration, e.g. expressed as pH, in a product or sample thereof, the method comprising contacting the product or sample with an optical H+-sensor according to the invention, measuring an optical property of the indicator material, and determining the H+-concentration of the product or sample based on said optical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPAST-NATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK ONDERZOEK TNO
    Inventors: Jacobus Johannes Frederik van Veen, Cornelis Gerardus Josephus Koopal
  • Patent number: 9932679
    Abstract: An electrochemical conversion method for converting at least a portion of a first mixture comprising hydrocarbon to C2+ unsaturates by repeatedly applying an electric potential difference, V(?1), to a first electrode of an electrochemical cell during a first time interval ?1; and reducing the electric potential difference, V(?1), to a second electric potential difference, V(?2), for a second time interval ?2, wherein ?2??1. The method is beneficial, among other things, for reducing coke formation in the electrochemical production of C2+ unsaturates in an electrochemical cell. Accordingly, a method of reducing coke formation in the electrochemical conversion of such mixtures and a method for electrochemically converting carbon to C2+ unsaturates as well as an apparatus for such methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Weissman, Sumathy Raman, Mark A. Greaney
  • Patent number: 9510780
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: James H. Silver
  • Patent number: 9316211
    Abstract: Provided are an actuator that is small, superior in terms of high-speed response, and capable of large displacement, and a manufacturing method that can easily manufacture the actuator. The actuator is configured by a laminated body including multiple electrodes, multiple cation-exchange resin films, and multiple anion-exchange resin films. The cation-exchange resin films and the anion-exchange resin films are stacked alternately, and each of the cation-exchange resin films and the anion-exchange resin films is sandwiched between two of the electrodes. A voltage is applied such that the electrodes between adjacent ones of the cation-exchange resin films and anion-exchange resin films have the same polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9017529
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GTA, Inc.
    Inventor: Elias Stanley Greenbaum
  • Publication number: 20150111129
    Abstract: A proton conductor includes an electrolytic layer having first and second main surfaces; and a plurality of catalyst particles. The first main surface of the electrolytic layer includes a flat portion and a plurality of recessed portions. The plurality of catalyst particles are respectively located in the plurality of recessed portions. The flat portion of the first main surface and parts of surfaces of the plurality of catalyst particles exposed from the plurality of recessed portions form a third main surface. The electrolytic layer is formed of a single crystal of a perovskite-type oxide having a proton conductivity. The catalyst particles are formed of a single crystal of a noble metal material. The perovskite-type oxide of the electrolytic layer) has a crystal orientation that matches a crystal orientation of the noble metal material of the plurality of catalyst particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Tomoyuki KOMORI, Yuji ZENITANI, Takashi NISHIHARA
  • Patent number: 9011651
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and/or oxygen, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least one lithographically-patternable substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes embedded in said surface; (iii) at least one counter electrode in proximity to but not on said surface; (iv) means for collecting evolved hydrogen and/or oxygen gas; (v) electrical powering means for applying a voltage across said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode; and (vi) a container for holding an aqueous electrolyte and housing said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode. Electrolytic processes using the above electrolytic apparatus or functional mimics thereof are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 8999119
    Abstract: The hydrogen production device of the present invention includes: a first electrode including a conductive substrate and a photocatalytic semiconductor layer; a second electrode that is electrically connected to the first electrode and disposed in a second region opposite to a first region relative to the first electrode; the first region is defined as a region on a side of a surface of the first electrode in which the photocatalytic semiconductor layer is provided; a water-containing electrolyte solution; and a housing containing these. The first electrode is provided with first through-holes and the second electrode is provided with second through-holes; and the first through-holes and second through-holes form a communicating hole for allowing the first region and the second region to communicate with each other. An ion exchange membrane having substantially the same shape as the communicating hole is disposed in the communicating hole to close the communicating hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Tokuhiro, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Noboru Taniguchi, Takahiro Suzuki, Satoru Tamura
  • Patent number: 8968963
    Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is 0.1 to 1.5. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV
    Inventors: Bastiaan Van Berchum, Jacko Hessing, Harro Antheunis
  • Patent number: 8968964
    Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 10 to 70 wt % solvent; (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) lithium and/or calcium salt. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV
    Inventors: Harro Antheunis, Jacko Hessing, Bastiaan Van Berchum
  • Patent number: 8956782
    Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the composition has a pH of 0.8 to 12. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV
    Inventors: Bastiaan Van Berchum, Jacko Hessing, Harro Antheunis
  • Patent number: 8956783
    Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 15 to 70 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) 2 to 50 wt % of non-curable salt; wherein the composition has a pH of 1 to 12. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe BV
    Inventors: Harro Antheunis, Jacko Hessing, Bastiaan Van Berchum
  • Publication number: 20140374248
    Abstract: A method for the dry production of a membrane-electrode unit includes assembling a layered configuration including a centrally positioned membrane produced by extrusion and pre-dried at a temperature between 80° C. and 100° C. for 15 min to 30 min, a substrate-electrode unit on each side of the membrane having an electrode layer applied to a substrate, an optional frame around each substrate-electrode unit for fixing the substrate-electrode unit, and two separating films on outer sides. The configuration is pressed together between two laminating rollers so that a pressure connection is produced at least between the membrane and the electrode layers. A short production time is achieved because it is not necessary to keep the membrane moist at high temperatures under pressure. A membrane electrode unit and a roller configuration are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Armin Datz, Klaus Dennerlein, Carola Kuehn, Andreas Reiner, Werner Straub
  • Publication number: 20140356755
    Abstract: A method of forming a catalyst ink is disclosed. The method can include: polymerising an ionic monomer and at least one non-ionic monomer to form a hydrophilic polymer; dissolving the hydrophilic polymer in a suitable solvent to form a polymer solution; and mixing a catalyst with the polymer solution to make a catalyst ink. Also disclosed are catalyst inks formed from this method, as well as membranes including the catalyst inks and methods for forming the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ITM Power (Research) Limited
    Inventors: Nick Van Dijk, Kevin Yeomans
  • Patent number: 8888968
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GTA, Inc.
    Inventor: Elias Stanley Greenbaum
  • Publication number: 20140318978
    Abstract: A photoactive article includes a substrate including a semiconductor to absorb light and to produce a plurality of charge carriers; a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate; a conductive member disposed on the dielectric layer and opposing the substrate such that the dielectric layer is exposed by the conductive member, the conductive member to receive a portion of the plurality of charge carriers from the substrate; and an electrolyte disposed on the dielectric layer and the conductive member. Making a photoactive article includes forming a dielectric layer on a substrate by rapid thermal oxidation, the dielectric layer comprising an oxide of a semiconductor; and forming a conductive member disposed on the dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: DANIEL V. ESPOSITO, THOMAS P. MOFFAT, ALBERT ALEC TALIN
  • Publication number: 20140284219
    Abstract: A room temperature method and electrode for producing sodium metal in situ is disclosed. The electrode has a sodium hydroxide, or another easily electrolyzible sodium containing material, solution on the anode side, a membrane which permits sodium ions to pass through to the cathode where the sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal. This sodium metal is then available to react with other components of the solution on the cathode side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Dru L. DeLaet
  • Patent number: 8778149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic diaphragm for chlor-alkali cells with improved energy consumption and gas separation characteristics. The diaphragm comprises a network of polymer fibers bound to a hydrophilic ceramic material containing zirconium chemically bound to hydroxyl groups. The ceramic material is obtained starting from ZrO2 by a process of hydration under vacuum which can be carried out directly in the cell by means of suitable equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Publication number: 20140171774
    Abstract: Provided is a biological membrane including at least one ring-like polypeptide, where the at least one of the ring-like polypeptide is not a membrane protein, a surface being associated with at least one ring-like polypeptide capable of integration into a cell membrane, an electrode including said surface and electronically and biomedical devices including the electrodes for recording and stimulating cell activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd.
    Inventors: Micha Spira, Oded Shoseyov
  • Publication number: 20140158527
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode module for recovery of metal ions, an electrode module for recovery of metal ions, and an apparatus for recovery of metal ions including the same. the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode module for recovery of metal ions, the method including the steps of: a) preparing a first electrode part and a second electrode part for electrically adsorbing or desorbing metal ions contained in a liquid; and b) interposing an insulating layer, through which the liquid passes, between the first electrode part and the second electrode part, an electrode module for recovery of metal ions manufactured by the method, and an apparatus for recovery of metal ions including the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Kang-Sup Chung, Tae Gong Ryu, Jae Chun Ryu
  • Patent number: 8722146
    Abstract: A method for making a liquid separation membrane, including: (1) providing a polyvinylidene fluoride liquid separation membrane or polypropylene liquid separation membrane prepared by a thermally induced phase separation method as a substrate membrane, soaking the substrate membrane with water or a weak polar organic liquid to make membrane pores of the substrate membrane filled with the liquid, the soaking time being between 0.5 s and 1 min, and the weak polar organic liquid being indissolvable and compatible with the polyvinylidene fluoride liquid separation membrane or polypropylene liquid separation membrane; (2) coating a casting solution of polyvinylidene fluoride on the surface of the soaked substrate membrane obtained in step (1), and quickly soaking the substrate membrane in a coagulating bath heated to a temperature of 60-100° C. for curing to yield the liquid separation membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tianjin Motimo Membrane Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianli Liu, Changfa Xiao, Xiaoyu Hu, Wujiang Zhang, Ruobing Hou
  • Publication number: 20140116877
    Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for an electrolysis device includes a proton-exchange membrane, an anode and a cathode disposed on either side of the proton-exchange membrane, a first conductive catalyst disposed within the proton-exchange membrane, and a first conductive junction linking the first conductive catalyst and the cathode. The first conductive junction has an electrical resistance greater than a proton resistance of the membrane between the first conductive catalyst and the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: Nicolas Guillet, Eric Mayousse
  • Patent number: 8702935
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes a housing, a first working electrode within the housing and having a first section of gas transfer medium and a first layer of catalyst on the first section of gas transfer medium, and at least a second working electrode within the housing and having a second section of gas transfer medium and a second layer of catalyst on the second section of gas transfer medium. At least one of the first section of gas transfer medium and the second section of gas transfer medium includes at least one area in which the structure thereof has been irreversibly altered to limit diffusion of gas through the at least one of the first section of gas transfer medium or the second section of gas transfer medium toward the other of the at least one of the first section of gas transfer medium and the second section of gas transfer medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Brian Keith Davis, Towner Bennett Scheffler, Michael Alvin Brown
  • Patent number: 8702915
    Abstract: Small, autonomous, low cost electrochemical gas generators containing an electrochemical cell assembly, a commercially available battery and a current controlling mechanism. Current control, which defines the gas generation rate, is achieved either electronically by means of a resistor or through mass transfer control by means of a gas permeable film of known permeability. In either case, the gas generation rates are generally from 0.1 to 10 cc/day. The gas source must contain an electrochemically active gas such as oxygen or hydrogen. Air is the preferred source for oxygen. These miniature gas generators, generally are less than 1.5 cm in diameter and length, require novel, compact, electrochemical cell assemblies. Various cell assemblies, generally 1 cm in diameter and less than 0.5 mm thick, are described. These miniature gas generators are used for the controlled release of fluids such as pheromones, fragrances, insect repellents, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: M & R Consulting Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Henri Maget
  • Patent number: 8685594
    Abstract: A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier, and an active material including M selected from the group consisting of Ru, Pt, Rh, and combinations thereof, and Ch selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof, with the proviso that the active material is not RuSe when the carrier is C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alexey AlexandrovichSerov, Chan Kwak, Myoung-Ki Min, Si-Hyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20140076734
    Abstract: An efficient and low environmental impact method is disclosed for the recovery of lithium from aqueous solution, for example, brines from high altitude salt lakes. The method comprises the use of an electrochemical reactor with electrodes which are highly selective for lithium, where lithium ions are inserted in the crystal structure of manganese oxide in the cathode, and extracted from the crystal structure of manganese oxide in the anode. Also disclosed are three-dimensional carbon electrodes embedded in manganese oxides formed by impregnating a porous support, for example a carbon felt, with a manganese oxide/carbon black slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Ernesto Julio CALVO, Florencia MARCHINI
  • Publication number: 20140069808
    Abstract: A structural plate with external reinforcing means is provided for an electrolyser module. The structural plate defines at least one degassing chamber and a half cell chamber opening. The external reinforcing means contact the structural plate for mitigating outward displacement of the structural plate in response to fluid pressure within the structural plate. The structural plate and the external reinforcing means define interlocking features for achieving contact and corresponding mechanical reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chris WILSON, Michael STEMP, James HINATSU
  • Publication number: 20140069807
    Abstract: A structural plate is provided for an electrolyser module. The structural plate defines at least one degassing chamber and a half cell chamber opening. The structural plate is reinforced with at least one internal reinforcing means mounted to the structural plate for mitigating outward displacement of the structural plate in response to fluid pressure within the structural plate. The structural plate defines holding features for locating and holding the internal reinforcing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chris WILSON, Michael STEMP, James HINATSU
  • Publication number: 20130264215
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode system for conventional electrolysis cells, a process for the production thereof and its use for the deposition of electrolytic coatings. The anode system is characterized in that the anode (2) is in direct contact with a membrane (3) which completely separates the anode space from the cathode space. This anode system is therefore a direct-contact membrane anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: UMICORE GALVANOTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Weyhmueller, Franz Kohl, Uwe Manz, Klaus Bronder, Frank Oberst, Mario Tomazzoni
  • Publication number: 20130256124
    Abstract: The electrocatalyst for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide includes a copper material supported on titania nanotubes. The copper material may be pure copper, copper and ruthenium, or copper and iron supported on the titania nanotubes. The electrocatalyst is prepared by first dissolving copper nitrate trihydrate in deionized water to form a salt solution. Titania nanotubes are then added to the salt solution to form a suspension, which is then heated. A urea solution is added to the suspension to form the electrocatalyst in solution. The electrocatalyst is then removed from the solution. In addition to dissolving the copper nitrate trihydrate in the volume of deionized water, either iron nitrate to monohydrate or ruthenium chloride may also be dissolved in the deionized water to form the salt solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: SALEEM UR RAHMAN, SYED MOHAMMED JAVAID ZAIDI, SHAKEEL AHMED, SK SAFDAR HOSSAIN
  • Publication number: 20130256123
    Abstract: An electrocatalyst for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbons is provided. The electrocatalyst for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide includes copper material supported on carbon nanotubes. The copper material may be pure copper, copper and ruthenium, copper and iron, or copper and palladium supported on the carbon nanotubes. The electrocatalyst is prepared by dissolving copper nitrate trihydrate in deionized water to form a salt solution. Carbon nanotubes are then added to the salt solution to form a suspension, which is then heated. A urea solution is added to the suspension to form the electrocatalyst in solution. The electrocatalyst is then removed from the solution. In addition to dissolving the copper nitrate trihydrate in the deionized water, either iron nitrate monohydrate, ruthenium chloride or palladium chloride may also be dissolved in the deionized water to form the salt solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: SALEEM UR RAHMAN, SYED MOHAMMED JAVAID ZAIDI, SHAKEEL AHMED, SK SAFDAR HOSSAIN
  • Publication number: 20130236797
    Abstract: An oxygen-consuming electrode, in particular for use in chloralkali electrolysis, having a novel catalyst coating and also an electrolysis apparatus are described. Furthermore, its use in chloralkali electrolysis, fuel cell technology or metal/air batteries is described. The oxygen-consuming electrode comprises at least a support which in particular is electrically conductive, a layer containing a catalyst and a hydrophobic layer, characterized in that it contains gallium in addition to silver as catalytically active component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Norbert Wagner, Gregor Polcyn, Lisa Rossrucker, Michael Marx
  • Publication number: 20130224612
    Abstract: Provided are a gas decomposition component, a power generation apparatus including the gas decomposition component, and a method for decomposing a gas. A gas decomposition component includes a cylindrical MEA including a first electrode layer, a cylindrical solid electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer in order from an inside toward an outside, in a layered structure; a first gas channel through which a first gas that is decomposed flows, the first gas channel being disposed inside the cylindrical MEA; and a second gas channel through which a second gas flows, the second gas channel being disposed outside the cylindrical MEA, wherein the gas decomposition component further includes a heater for heating the entirety of the component; and a preheating pipe through which the first gas to be introduced into the first gas channel passes beforehand to be preheated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Naho Mizuhara, Toshio Ueda, Hideyuki Doi, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 8480917
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte polymer including a cross-linked polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based polymer, and a polymer actuator including the cross-linked PVDF-based polymer and an electrolytic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Jong-oh Kwon, Seung-tae Choi, Young-kwan Lee, Ja-Choon Koo, Su-jin Park
  • Publication number: 20130105308
    Abstract: A reference electrode includes a reference electrolyte and a proton exchange membrane arranged to separate the reference electrolyte from a medium external to the electrode. The proton-exchange membrane comprises acid-doped polyaniline. The acid-doped polyaniline is in the form of particles distributed in a bonding polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Angel Zhivkov Kirchev, Bernard Diem, Florence Mattera
  • Publication number: 20130087451
    Abstract: There is provided a membrane electrode assembly and an organic hydride manufacturing device capable of obtaining higher energy efficiency even if manufacturing organic hydride in one step with a single device. A membrane electrode assembly in which a cathode catalyst layer and an anode catalyst layer are placed to sandwich a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the cathode catalyst layer includes catalytic metal which causes hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons to organic hydrides, and a carrier of the catalytic metal, and the carrier provides on its surface a functional group which decreases wettability of the unsaturated hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitachi, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130087462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spacer textile (1) including a top textile (2), a bottom textile (3) and a spacer layer (5), wherein the top textile (2) and the bottom textile (3) are connected together by the spacer layer (5). The top textile (2), the bottom textile (3) and the spacer layer (5) are monofilament fibers from inert fluorocarbons. The invention relates additionally to the use of the spacer textile (1) according to the invention as at least in part sheathing of an electrode (13, 14) in an electroplating bath (11), as a lining of operating, bearing and/or transport surfaces (31), or as filter or support material in chemically aggressive media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Hendrik Rabe, Richard Zimmermann, Martin Olesch, Joerg Zschetzsche, Katerina Machova
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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