Perforated Or Foraminous Electrode Patents (Class 204/283)
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Patent number: 7708867Abstract: The present invention provides a gas diffusion electrode having: an electrode substrate; and a catalyst layer containing a hydrophilic catalyst and a hydrophobic binder, which is carried on the electrode substrate, wherein the electrode substrate contains at least one carbon material selected from a carbon cloth, a carbon paper, a foamed carbon material, and a sintered carbon material.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Yamada, Takeshi Kasuga, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta
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Patent number: 7704355Abstract: The invention describes an improved anode suitable for being installed in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells intercalated to cathode elements provided with a diaphragm. In operation, the anode of the invention is in direct contact with the diaphragm so as to form mutually equivalent vertical channels defined by the surfaces of the plates, of the supporting sheets and of the diaphragm, allowing a predefined and controlled upward motion of the chlorine-brine biphasic mixture.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
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Patent number: 7691242Abstract: The present invention describes an electrochemical half-cell, comprising a gas space, an electrolyte space and a gas diffusion electrode in the form of a cathode or anode. The gas diffusion electrode separates the gas space from the electrolyte space and comprises an electrically conductive substrate and an electrochemically active coating. The gas diffusion electrode includes a coating-free edge region and is connected to a support structure in the coating-free edge region via an electrically conductive plate, which covers at least the coating-free edge region as well as a coated edge region.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Andreas Bulan, Fritz Gestermann, Peter Fabian
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Publication number: 20100038243Abstract: Nanopore based ion-selective electrodes and methods of their manufacture as well as methods for their use are disclosed and described. The nanopore based ion-selective electrode can include a pore being present in a solid material and having a nanosize opening in the solid material, a metal conductor disposed inside the pore opposite the opening in the solid material, a reference electrode material contacting said metal conductor and disposed inside the pore, a conductive composition in contact with the reference electrode and disposed in the pore, and an ion-selective membrane. The ion-selective membrane can be configured to isolate the metal conductor, reference electrode material, and conductive composition together within the pore.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2007Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Henry S. White, Ryan J. White, Richard B. Brown, Hakhyun Nam, Jun Ho Shim
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Publication number: 20090301871Abstract: The present techniques provide electrochemical devices having enhanced electrodes with surfaces that facilitate operation, such as by formation of a porous nickel layer on an operative surface, particularly of the cathode. The porous metal layer increases the surface area of the electrode, which may result in increasing the efficiency of the electrochemical devices. The formation of the porous metal layer is performed in situ, that is, after the assembly of the electrodes into an electrochemical device. The in situ process offers a number of advantages, including the ability to protect the porous metal layer on the electrode surface from damage during assembly of the electrochemical device. The enhanced electrode and the method for its processing may be used in any number of electrochemical devices, and is particularly well suited for electrodes in an electrolyzer useful for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Guillermo Daniel Zappi, Kenneth Paul Zarnoch, Christian Andrew Huntley, Dana Ray Swalla
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Patent number: 7601216Abstract: A method for forming a patterned noble metal coating on a gas diffusion medium substantially free of ionomeric components comprising subjecting an electrically conductive web with a patterned mask overlaid thereto to a first ion beam having an energy not higher than 500 eV, and to a second beam having an energy of at least 500 eV, containing the ions of at least one noble metal and a gas diffusion electrode.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbHInventors: Andrea F. Gulla, Robert J. Allen
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Publication number: 20090242391Abstract: The invention relates to a porous electrode used in an electrochemical cell, containing a carrier and/or catalytic agent, which is characterised by that it consists of two or more layers with different average pore sizes, out of which layers the contact layer with the smallest average pore size is in contact with the membrane, and one or more supporting layers with a greater average pore size are linked to the other side of this contact layer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a procedure for the manufacturing of such electrodes and to electrochemical cells containing such electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Ferenc Darvas, Daniel Szalay, Lajos Godorhazy
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Patent number: 7569083Abstract: In a gas diffusion electrode assembly, and in an electrolyzer using the same, a bonding piece having on at least one surface a perfluorosulfonic acid layer, a perfluorosulfonyl fluoride layer or an alkyl ester of perfluorocarboxylic acid layer is positioned at its perfluoro compound layer surface with respect to the gas diffusion electrode assembly. Adjacent gas diffusion electrodes are heat fusion bonded together, or heat fusion bonding is carried out using the bonding piece in a frame form. Adjacent gas diffusion electrodes are sealed up by heat fusion bonding, using a material that is similar to the material that forms the gas diffusion electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp. Ltd., Tosoh Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Toagosei Co., Ltd., Kaneka Corporation, Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, Daiso Co., Ltd., Tokuyama CorporationInventors: Shinji Katayama, Kiyohito Asaumi, Hiroaki Aikawa, Tsugiyoshi Osakabe, Mitsuharu Hamamori, Tatsuhito Kimura, Koji Saiki, Kenji Nonomura, Naoya Okada, Osamu Ichinose
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Patent number: 7566388Abstract: An electrode catalyst comprising a conductive carrier, and a mixture containing a particulate noble metal and at least one particulate rare-earth oxide, the mixture being supported on the conductive carrier wherein the particulate rare-earth oxide has an alkaline-earth metal as solid solution therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals CorporationInventors: Takeaki Sasaki, Toshinori Hachiya, Isao Morimoto
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Patent number: 7566514Abstract: A catalyst particle having high oxygen reduction reactivity and low methanol oxidation reactivity, a supported catalyst comprising the catalyst particle, and a fuel cell using a cathode comprising the supported catalyst are provided. The whole catalyst particle or at least the surface of the catalyst particle includes an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, and Cd. The alloy has a stronger oxygen-binding force than platinum or a weaker hydrogen-binding force than platinum.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-hoon Lee, Chan-ho Pak, Hyuk Chang, Jai-kwang Shin
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Patent number: 7553580Abstract: An electrode substrate for a fuel cell including a diffusion layer, a first microporous layer that embeds into the diffusion layer, with the first microporous layer having a thickness in the range of 10 to 30 ?m, and a second microporous layer that forms a boundary with the diffusion layer on the surface of the first microporous layer. The electrode substrate has improved performance such as increased diffusion properties of a fuel or an oxidant, increased properties of releasing moisture, and enhanced electron conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Yong Cho, Jong-Ki Lee, Yeong-Chan Eun, Ho-Jin Kweon
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Patent number: 7455928Abstract: A diffusion media is provided for implementation with a PEM fuel cell. The diffusion media is a permeable sheet that is rigid along a transverse axis, flexible along a lateral axis and has a substantially incompressible thickness. The diffusion media is able to be mass produced in large sheets and rolled along the lateral axis for transport and storage. The rigidity of the transverse axis is provided by either inclusion of larger fibers or metallic strips aligned in the transverse direction and prevents tenting of the diffusion media into flow channels of the PEM fuel cell. The diffusion media is water and gas permeable and electrically conductive.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark F Mathias, Jörg Roth, Michael K Budinski
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Patent number: 7419546Abstract: A method for forming a noble metal coating on a gas diffusion medium substantially free of ionomeric components comprising subjecting an electrically conductive web to a first ion beam having an energy not higher than 500 eV, then to a second beam having an energy of at least 500 eV, containing the ions of at least one noble metal and electrodes provided by the method.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbHInventors: Andrea F. Gulla, Robert J. Allen, Emory De Castro, Enrico Ramunni
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Patent number: 7404878Abstract: In a gas diffusion electrode assembly, and in an electrolyzer using the same, a bonding piece having on at least one surface a perfluorosulfonic acid layer, a perfluorosulfonyl fluoride layer or an alkyl ester of perfluorocarboxylic acid layer is positioned at its perfluoro compound layer surface with respect to the gas diffusion electrode assembly. Adjacent gas diffusion electrodes are heat fusion bonded together, or heat fusion bonding is carried out using the bonding piece in a frame form. Adjacent gas diffusion electrodes are sealed up by heat fusion bonding, using a material that is similar to the material that forms the gas diffusion electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Tosoh Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Toagosei Co., Ltd., Kaneka Corporation, Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, Daiso Co., Ltd., Tokuyama CorporationInventors: Shinji Katayama, Kiyohito Asaumi, Hiroaki Aikawa, Tsugiyoshi Osakabe, Mitsuharu Hamamori, Tatsuhito Kimura, Koji Saiki, Kenji Nonomura, Naoya Okada, Osamu Ichinose
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Publication number: 20080116081Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical processes for gas production, which in the installed state is located parallel and opposite to an ion exchange membrane and consists of a multitude of horizontal lamellar elements which are structured and three-dimensionally shaped and are in contact with only one surface with the membrane, wherein the lamellar elements have grooves and holes, the major part of the holes being placed in the grooves and the surfaces of such holes or part thereof are located in the grooves or extend into the grooves whereby the holes are ideally placed in the contact area of the respective lamellar element with the membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Karl Heinz Dulle, Roland Beckmann, Randolf Kiefer, Peter Woltering
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Patent number: 7329332Abstract: Describes a cathode assembly for electrolytic cells, e.g., chlor-alkali electrolytic cells, comprising a foraminous cathode substrate, a deposited erodible mat comprising synthetic (man-made) fibers, e.g., polyamide (nylon) fibers, on the foraminous surface of said cathode substrate, and a synthetic diaphragm on said erodible mat. Also described is a method for preparing the cathode assembly that comprises depositing a mat of erodible synthetic fibers on the active surface of the foraminous cathode, e.g., by drawing an aqueous slurry of the erodible synthetic fibers through the foraminous cathode, and subsequently forming, e.g., by vacuum deposition, a synthetic diaphragm on the erodible mat.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventor: Henry W. Schussler
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Publication number: 20070278095Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer comprises electrodes at least either of which is held in contact with leaf springs formed integrally with a leaf spring holding member arranged in an electrode chamber so as to extend toward the electrode and remain electrically energized at the respective electrode touching sections thereof, each of the leaf springs having a crooked section arranged at a position separated from its connecting section connecting itself to the leaf spring holding member and adapted to be bent toward the leaf spring holding member when the electrode touching section is pressed toward the leaf spring holding member side.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: CHLORINE ENGINEERS CORP., LTD.Inventor: Kiyohito Asaumi
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Patent number: 7303661Abstract: A metal coil or an elastic cushion formed by winding the metal coil around a corrosion-resistant frame is sandwiched between an electrode and an electrode collector or a cell wall or is used as an electrode. The elasticity of the metal coil or the elastic cushion enables the easy handling and the uniform contact between the electrode and another electrolysis element. The metal coil or the elastic cushion can be also used as an elastic cathode. The elasticity of the elastic cathode also enables the easy handling of the electrode itself and the uniform contact between the ion exchange membrane and the current collector.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Katayama, Kiyohito Asaumi
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Patent number: 7291191Abstract: Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: UltraCell CorporationInventor: Ian W. Kaye
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Patent number: 7261798Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure has a first fluid chamber and a resilient member disposed in the first fluid chamber. An opening permits communication of fluid into the first fluid chamber. An anode cavity and a cathode cavity are in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: John Calvin Mann
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Patent number: 7229536Abstract: An electrode for use in hydrogen generation comprising a conductive base and a coating layer formed thereon of a composition obtainable by thermally decomposing, in the presence of an organic acid, a mixture comprising at least one type of platinum compound.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyoshi Houda, Yasuhide Noaki, Kentaro Sako
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Patent number: 7217472Abstract: A support member is useful for supporting membranes such as solid polymer electrolyte ion exchange membranes such as those used in electrochemical cell applications. The support member has a first lattice pattern on a first side of a single piece of material. A second lattice pattern on a second side of the single piece of material cooperates with the first lattice pattern to establish a plurality of flow passages across the material. Each lattice pattern has a corresponding plurality of recesses that extend partway through the material and overlapping portions of the recesses define the flow passages. In a disclosed example, the monolithic support member lattice patterns are established using chemical etching.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Andrei Leonida
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Patent number: 7214296Abstract: Object of the invention is an anodic structure for mercury cathode cells for the industrial electrolysis of sodium chloride. The new structure is constituted by a grid array comprising a multiplicity of vertically disposed and mutually parallel titanium blades, covered by an electrocatalytic coating specific for the discharge of chlorine. The ratio between the thickness and the height of the blades is comprised between 1:16 and 1:100 and the ratio between the surface of free passage between the blades and the projected surface is comprised between 15:17 and 25:30. The new grid array is perpendicularly fixed to new or existing frames having the function of mechanical support and current conduction to the grid array. Scope of the invention is simultaneously reducing the energetic consumption of the cell and the costs for restoring the exhausted electrocatalytic coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi, S.p.A.Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
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Patent number: 7138210Abstract: The present invention relates to a punched electrode and a rechargeable lithium battery using the same, and more particularly to a punched electrode and a rechargeable lithium battery using the same that can improve cycle life, capacity, and safety characteristics of the battery. The present invention can improve cycle life, capacity, and rate characteristics etc. of the battery by making the impregnation rate of an electrolyte higher and by uniformly controlling the impregnation degree, and it can improve safety properties of the battery by preventing lithium deposition such that a uniform electrode reaction occurs, through punching out a hole in an anode, an anode/cathode, or an anode/cathode/separator of an electrode group that comprises the inner part of the lithium secondary battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Soo-Ryoung Kim, Jee-Ho Kim, Ho-Kyung Byun, Yong-Rae Kim
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Patent number: 7074306Abstract: An oxygen-depolarized cathode for aqueous hydrochloric acid electrolysis membrane cells is described, the cathode being in contact with the membrane and capable of preventing the release of hydrogen into oxygen even at the highest current densities. Hydrochloric acid may also be of technical grade with a concentration limited to 15%, whereas the operating temperature must not exceed 60° C. The cathode contains a mixture of rhodium sulphide and a metal of the platinum group applied in a single layer or alternatively applied separately in two distinct layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: De Nora Electtrodi S.p.A.Inventors: Gian Nicola Martelli, Fulvio Federico
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Patent number: 7070878Abstract: A layered oxygen electrode incorporating a peroxide decomposition catalyst. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLCInventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar
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Patent number: 7056424Abstract: In order to regenerate permanganate solutions being utilized for the etching and roughening of plastics surfaces electrolytic methods are known. Though relatively small quantaties of by-products are produced with these methods as compared to chemical regeneration methods, large quantaties of manganese dioxide are produced when printed circuit boards are treated. In order to avoid formation of manganese dioxide during the regeneration method a novel cathode 2 has been found which is provided with a porous, electrically nonconducting layer 7 on the cathode body 3. The layer 7 preferably consists of a plastics material being resistant to acid and/or alkali.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbHInventors: Reinhard De Boer, Sebastian Dünnebeil
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Patent number: 7014943Abstract: This specification discloses a thin-film gas diffusion electrode (GDE) and the method for making the same. The thin-film GDE is formed in a unitary way. A dual-nature porous thin film is used as the substrate. A surface processing is performed to make one surface of the thing film hydrophlic while the other surface hydrophobic. The hydrophlic area serves as the active layer for electrochemical reactions after chemical processing. The hydrophobic area is kept dry to form a smooth gas channel, functioning as a gas diffusion layer. In this method, the thin-film GDE is free from the use of binders and high-temperature high-pressure manufacturing processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Wen-Chin Li, Shu-Chin Chou, Shinn-Horng Yeh, Kuan-Liang Chen, Kun-Lung Hsien, Min-Lun Chen
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Patent number: 6913850Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film electrochemical apparatus is disclosed. A near net shape ceramic element is molded including a planar base region and a plurality of tubular regions. The planar base region is infiltrated with a non-conductive material. Each of the tubular regions is infiltrated with a porous conductive material. A porous catalytic electrode material is applied onto the infiltrated regions to form one of a cathodic and anodic surface. A ceramic electrolyte coating is deposited onto the porous catalytic electrode material. A porous catalytic electrode material is applied onto the deposited ceramic electrolyte coating. A porous conductive material is deposited onto the porous catalytic electrode to form the other of the cathodic and anodic surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Sehlin, Vincent L. Sprenkle
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Patent number: 6881511Abstract: Gas-diffusion electrodes containing modified carbon products are described wherein the modified carbon product is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group. The modified carbon product can be used for at least one component of the electrodes such as the active layer and/or the blocking layer. Methods to extend the service life of electrodes as well as methods to reduce the amount of fluorine containing compounds are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignees: Cabot Corporation, Edison Termoelettrica, S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Tosco, Laurent Kosbach, Yuan Yu, Claudio Orecchia
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Patent number: 6855660Abstract: A rhodium sulfide electrocatalyst formed by heating an aqueous solution of rhodium salt until a steady state distribution of isomers is obtained and then sparging hydrogen sulfide into the solution to form the rhodium sulfide and a membrane electrode assembly with the said electrode and a process for electrolyzing hydrochloric acid.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi S.p.A.Inventors: Yu-Min Tsou, Hua Deng, Gian Nicola Martelli, Robert J. Allen, Emory S. De Castro
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Patent number: 6846392Abstract: A plating tool cell anode for venting unwanted gases from a fluid plating solution. In a first embodiment, the solution is introduced into a chamber, defined by the plating tool cell (10), by fluid inlet (12) and contacts the anode (50). The fluid encounters a hydrophobic membrane (14) and a hydrophilic membrane (15) spaced from the hydrophobic membrane. A driving force, such as a vacuum, is applied to the gap (16) between the membranes to remove unwanted gases therein. In a second embodiment, a single membrane is used that is both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Preferably, the hydrophobic portion of the membrane is located at or near the perimeter of the chamber and gas to be vented is directed toward the hydrophobic portion(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Mykrolis CorporationInventor: David W. Stockbower
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Patent number: 6838408Abstract: A method for producing gas diffusion electrodes, in particular for use in electrolysis cells, as well as electrodes and their uses are described. A method of the present invention involves first, a sheet-like structure is produced by means of a pair of rolls by rolling a powder mixture containing at least one catalyst or a catalyst mixture and a binder, and then the sheet-like structure is connected to an electrically conductive catalyst support by rolling by means of a pair of rolls. In one embodiment the clamping force of the rolls is preferably kept constant in the range from 0.2 kN/cm to 15 kN/cm.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Andreas Bulan, Fritz Gestermann, Hans-Dieter Pinter, Peter Weuta, Walter Klesper
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Patent number: 6824656Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas generator including a substrate for providing a surface for electrode deposition, a first electrode deposited on the surface for providing an electrical connection with a conducting medium, a second electrode deposited on the substrate for generating a gas, and a plurality of members extending from at least one side of the first electrode placed alternately with a plurality of extensions protruding from at least one side of the second electrode for improving generator efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: PerkinElmer Instruments LLCInventors: Avinash Dalmia, Otto J. Prohaska
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Patent number: 6811903Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is comprised of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode electrically isolated from the second electrode. The cell system may be discharged upon application of a load across a discharge circuit, which is formed from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The cell may be recharged upon application of a voltage across a recharging circuit, which is formed of at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the third electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: Evlonyx, Inc.Inventors: Aditi Vartak, Tsepin Tsai
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Patent number: 6803143Abstract: A gas diffusion structure for polymer electrolyte fuel cells having a sheet-like carbon substrate made hydrophobic and having two main opposing surfaces and a contact layer on one of these surfaces. The contact layer is formed of an intimate mixture of at least one hydrophobic polymer, which can be polyethylene, polypropylene or polytetrafluoroethylene, and finely divided carbon particles, wherein the weight percentage of the carbon particles relative to the total weight of the contact layer amounts to 40 to 90 wt. %. The gas diffusion structure is a carbon substrate made hydrophobic by at least one hydrophobic polymer and the hydrophobic polymers are restricted to two layers extending from both opposing surfaces into the carbon substrate down to a depth of from 5 to 40 &mgr;m and the hydrophobic polymers fill of from 20 to 60% of the pore volume within those layers.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Armin Bayer, Knut Fehl, Volker Bänisch, Thomas Lehmann
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Publication number: 20040182695Abstract: A method for producing gas diffusion electrodes, in particular for use in electrolysis cells, as well as electrodes and their uses are described. A method of the present invention involves first, a sheet-like structure is produced by means of a pair of rolls by rolling a powder mixture containing at least one catalyst or a catalyst mixture and a binder, and then the sheet-like structure is connected to an electrically conductive catalyst support by rolling by means of a pair of rolls. In one embodiment the clamping force of the rolls is preferably kept constant in the range from 0.2 kN/cm to 15 kN/cm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Fritz Gestermann, Hans-Dieter Pinter, Peter Weuta, Walter Klesper
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Patent number: 6733913Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved. In the present design, an adjacent anode and cathode pair are fabricated using a common conductive element, with that conductive element serving to conduct the current from one cell to the adjacent one. This produces a small and simple system suitable for operating with gas fuels or alternatively directly with liquid fuels, such as methanol, dimethoxymethane, or trimethoxymethane. The use of these liquid fuels permits the storage of more energy in less volume while at the same time eliminating the need for handling compressed gases which further simplifies the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Dacong Weng, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6733639Abstract: The invention relates to a gas diffusion electrode (1) comprising a hydrophobic gas diffusion layer (3b), a reaction layer (3a), and a hydrophilic layer (5) arranged in the mentioned order wherein the reaction layer (3a) is arranged to a barrier layer (4), which barrier layer (4), on its opposite side, is arranged to the hydrophilic layer (5). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a gas diffusion electrode (1), and to an electrolytic cell, and use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.Inventors: Bernd Busse, Lars-Erik Bergman
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Publication number: 20040084303Abstract: An electrochemical device (18) for generating a desired gas of the type includes an ionically conductive electrolyte layer (20), a porous electrode layer (22), and a current collector layer (16) that has a high electrical conductivity and is porous to a desired gas (24) generated by the electrochemical device (18). The current collector layer (16) is substantially formed as a film comprised of a layer of spherical refractory material objects (26) having a conductive coating (12) of a precious metal. The coated spherical objects (26) have a desired diameter (28) making them suitable for forming into the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Sehlin, Courtney J. Monzyk
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Patent number: 6685806Abstract: Membrane-electrode assembly consisting of a cationic exchange membrane which contains fluorine (made of hydrolyzed copolymer of tetrafluoro-ethylene and vinyl ether which contains perfluorosulfur with PE=900-1300) and porous layers of electrode material (made of electrocatalyst), inactive electroconductor material and fluoropolymer agglutinating material arranged on both surfaces of the cationic exchange membrane. The cationic exchange membrane which contains the fluorine is made of hydrolyzed copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with vinyl ether which contains perfluorosulfur, having a crystallinity grade between 2 and 8%; porous layers of the electrode material are obtained which have a porosity comprised between 40 and 70% and decreasing in the direction of the cationic exchange membrane surface with a porosity gradient from 5 to 15% par 1&mgr;. Said membrane-electrode assembly is used in fuel cells, in water electrolysis and in other electrochemical process.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: David Fuel Cell Components, S.L.Inventors: Alfonso Carlos Cadaval Fernandez De Leceta, Ricardo Blach Vizoso
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Patent number: 6656870Abstract: A tungsten-containing fuel cell catalyst having high electrochemical activity and its method of making are described. The tungsten-containing catalyst may be formed in situ in a fuel cell after the fuel cell is assembled.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventors: Joel B. Christian, Robert G. Mendenhall
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Patent number: 6649300Abstract: An electrode catalyst for fuel cells which comprises a conductive carbon, platinum supported on the conductive carbon in an amount of from 20% by mass to 70% by mass based on the mass of the catalyst, and oxygen bonded chemically to the conductive carbon and present in the range of from 0.7 to 3 in atomic ratio to the platinum. The present electrode catalyst can attain a high activity because the platinum crystallite diameter has been kept small even when the platinum is supported in a large quantity in the amount more than 20% by mass. The catalyst is useful in fuel cells, e.g., solid polymer electrolyte fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: N.E. Chemcat CorporationInventors: Takashi Ito, Masahai Endou
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Patent number: 6630081Abstract: A process for producing a reaction layer material or gas feed layer material for a gas diffusion electrode, which comprises the steps of: dispersing a gas diffusion electrode raw material excluding polytetrafluoroethylene in to an organic solvent to prepare a dispersion; adding polytetrafluoroethylene to the dispersion to prepare a mixture; and mixing the mixture. In the process, polytetrafluoroethylene is added in the form of dispersion or fine powder.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignees: Toagosei Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Kaneka CorporationInventor: Nagakazu Furuya
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Patent number: 6630268Abstract: Gas-diffusion electrodes containing modified carbon products are described wherein the modified carbon product is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group. The modified carbon product can be used for at least one component of the electrodes such as the active layer and/or the blocking layer. Methods to extend the service life of electrodes as well as methods to reduce the amount of fluorine containing compounds are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignees: Cabot Corporation, Edison Termoelettrica S.p.A.Inventors: Paolo Tosco, Laurent Kosbach, Yuan Yu, Claudio Orecchia
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Patent number: 6576110Abstract: An anode is configured to be used within a metal film plating apparatus. The anode has a substantially planar electric field generating portion and an electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion. The planar electric field generating portion is coated with an inert material that is impervious to the electrolyte solution. In one embodiment, the anode is formed as a perforated anode. In one aspect, the electric field generating portion is formed contiguous with the electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion. In another aspects, the planar electric field generating portion is formed as a distinct member from the electrolyte solution chemical reaction portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Dan Maydan
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Patent number: 6569299Abstract: An anode includes an anode cup, a membrane and ion source material, the anode cup and membrane forming an enclosure in which the ion source material is located. The anode cup includes a base section having a central aperture and the membrane also has a central aperture. A jet is passed through the central apertures of the base section of the anode cup and through the membrane allowing plating solution to be directed at the center of a wafer being electroplated.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignees: Novellus Systems, Inc., International Business Machines, Corp.Inventors: Jonathan David Reid, Robert J. Contolini, John Owen Dukovic
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Publication number: 20030079992Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating suitable for use in anode or cathode service. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes are formed by slitting a sheet of metal and pulling its sides in a direction perpendicular to the slits. The fabricated mesh may be flattened after stretching. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The mesh size typically has a long-wise dimension and a short-wise dimension. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Li-Shiang Liang, Anthony Giuffrida
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Patent number: 6551472Abstract: An electroforming apparatus comprising a container unit for storing the plating solution, a cathode part placed in the container unit and for holding an object to-be-plated and an anode part placed in the container unit face-to-face with the cathode part, wherein a current-conductive opening of the anode part is formed to have an area larger than that of a current-conductive opening of the cathode part.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Eiji Saito, Masatoshi Suzuki, Minoru Tazoe, Makoto Ito, Yuji Segawa
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Patent number: RE38066Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus has a number of membrane electrolysis cells. Each of the cells has a membrane formed on both sides with a contact layer. The apparatus, while it is compact in its design, is also suitable for comparatively high hydrogen production rates and can consequently be used particularly flexibly. A contact plate is respectively arranged on each contact layer. Each of the contact plates is formed, on its surface facing the contact layer assigned to it, with a system of ducts for the transport of water and/or gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Framatome ANP GmbInventor: Anwer Puthawala