Utilizing Electromagnetic Wave Energy During Synthesis (e.g., Visible Light, Etc.) Patents (Class 205/340)
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Patent number: 8840772Abstract: The present teachings are directed to a method of converting water and a carbon-containing compound, such as CO2, into a hydrocarbon through a process of absorbing sunlight on a light-absorbing component to photoelectrochemically oxidize water and reacting the products from that water oxidation reaction over a catalyst with the carbon-containing compound to produce the desired hydrocarbon compound.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ting He
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Publication number: 20140262806Abstract: A method and composition for producing a photoactive material including photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals (PCCN) and plasmonic nanoparticles are disclosed. The PCCN may include a semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis and an exchange of organic capping agents with inorganic capping agents. Additionally, the PCCN may be deposited between the plasmonic nanoparticles, and may act as photocatalysts for redox reactions. The photoactive material may be used in a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications, such as water splitting and CO2 reduction. By combining different semiconductor materials for PCCN and plasmonic nanoparticles, and by changing their shapes and sizes, band gaps may be tuned to expand the range of wavelengths of sunlight usable by the photoactive material. Higher light harvesting and energy conversion efficiency may be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Sunpower Technologies LLCInventor: Sunpower Technologies LLC
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Patent number: 8821700Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a conductor (121), a first n-type semiconductor layer (122) having a nanotube array structure, and a second n-type semiconductor layer (123); a counter electrode (130) connected to the conductor (121); an electrolyte (140) in contact with the second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tomohiro Kuroha, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Noboru Taniguchi, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro
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Publication number: 20140224665Abstract: A semiconductor material of the present invention is a semiconductor material including an oxynitride containing at least one element selected from the Group 4 elements and Group 5 elements. In the oxynitride, part of at least one selected from oxygen and nitrogen is substituted with carbon. Nb is preferable as the Group 5 element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kazuhito Hato, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Takahiro Suzuki, Takaiki Nomura, Kenichiro Ota, Akimitsu Ishihara
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Patent number: 8801915Abstract: In the ammonia synthesis method, an anode and a cathode are arranged in an electrolyte phase at a predetermined interval; water (H2O) is supplied to an anode zone and light is radiated so that water is decomposed by a photoabsorption reaction to generate protons (H+), electrons (e?), and an oxygen gas (O2); a nitrogen gas (N2 ) is supplied to a cathode zone, and the electrons (e?) generated in the anode zone are allowed to transfer to the cathode zone through a lead, thereby generating N3? in the cathode zone; and ammonia (NH3 ) is synthesized through the reaction between the protons (H+) that have moved toward the cathode zone from the anode zone in the electrolyte phase and N3?.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Zosen CorporationInventors: Susumu Hikazudani, Takuma Mori, Sadao Araki
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Publication number: 20140209478Abstract: A photosynthetic system for splitting water to produce hydrogen and using the produced hydrogen for the reduction of carbon dioxide into methane is disclosed. The disclosed photosynthetic system employs photoactive materials that include photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals within their composition, in order to harvest sunlight and obtain the energy necessary for water splitting and subsequent carbon dioxide reduction processes. The photosynthetic system may also include elements necessary to transfer water produced in the carbon dioxide reduction process, for subsequent use in water splitting process. The systems may also include elements necessary to store oxygen and collect and transfer methane, for subsequent transformation of methane into energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: SUNPOWER TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventor: SUNPOWER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
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Publication number: 20140183053Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid (R—SO3—Na). The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the sulfonic acid desulfoxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: CERAMATEC, INC.Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Justin Pendleton
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Patent number: 8764953Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.Inventors: Jacob Karni, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
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Publication number: 20140154766Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products from biomass. The method involves obtaining a lipid or carboxylic acid material from the biomass. This material may be a carboxylic acid, an ester of a carboxylic acid, a triglyceride of a carboxylic acid, or a metal salt of a carboxylic acid, or any other fatty acid derivative. This lipid material or carboxylic acid material is converted into an alkali metal salt. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.Inventors: Mukund Karanjikar, Sai Bhavaraju, Ashok V. Joshi, Pallavi Chitta, David Joel Hunt
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Publication number: 20140131226Abstract: Photo-regenerable oxygen scavenging packaging is generally disclosed. Some example embodiments may comprise tantalum oxide and/or manganese oxide arranged to act as a photo-regenerable oxygen scavenger. The tantalum oxide, if present, may operate as an oxygen scavenger when the tantalum oxide exists as tantalum (IV) oxide. Subjecting the tantalum oxide to light may transform at least a portion of the tantalum oxide existing as tantalum (V) oxide to tantalum (IV) oxide. The manganese oxide, if present, may operate as an oxygen scavenger when the manganese oxide exists as manganese (II) oxide. Subjecting the manganese oxide to light may transform at least a portion of the manganese oxide existing as manganese (III) oxide to manganese (II) oxide. Some example containers may include a structure defining an interior volume and a photo-regenerable oxygen scavenger disposed in fluidic communication with the interior volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventor: Thevasahayam AROCKIADOSS
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Patent number: 8709227Abstract: A method for reducing carbon dioxide utilizes a carbon dioxide reduction device including a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, a solid electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode and anode electrode. The cathode electrode includes copper or copper compound. The anode electrode includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor layer where an AlxGa1-xN (0<x?1) layer and a GaN layer are stacked. The anode electrode is irradiated with a light having a wavelength of not more than 350 nanometers to reduce the carbon dioxide on the cathode electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada, Kazuhiro Ohkawa
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Patent number: 8709132Abstract: In some implementations, a system for disassociating water includes a decomposition chamber, a heating element, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, and a water inlet. The heating element is positioned in the decomposition chamber and configured to generate heat sufficient to dissociate at least a portion of water to hydrogen and oxygen. The plurality of hollow fiber membranes include at least a section of each hollow fiber membrane that passes through the decomposition chamber and has an inner conduit and an outer wall. The inner conduit for each hollow fiber membrane is configured to pass a sweep gas, and the outer wall for each hollow fiber membrane is configured to selectively pass either oxygen or hydrogen. The water inlet connected to the decomposition chamber and configured to pass water vapor into the decomposition chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Stellar Generation, LLCInventor: Jerome Lee Elkind
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Patent number: 8709228Abstract: A method for reducing carbon dioxide utilizes a carbon dioxide reduction device including a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, a solid electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode and anode electrode. The cathode electrode includes indium or indium compound. The anode electrode includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor layer where an AlxGa1-xN (0<x?1) layer and a GaN layer are stacked. The anode electrode is irradiated with a light having a wavelength of not more than 350 nanometers to reduce the carbon dioxide on the cathode electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada, Kazuhiro Ohkawa
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Publication number: 20140102912Abstract: Hybrid thermochemical water splitting cycles are provided in which thermally reduced metal oxides particles are used to displace some but not all of the electrical requirements in a water splitting electrolytic cell. In these hybrid cycles, the thermal reduction temperature is significantly reduced compared to two-step metal-oxide thermochemical cycles in which only thermal energy is required to produce hydrogen from water. Also, unlike the conventional higher temperature cycles where the reduction step must be carried out under reduced oxygen pressure, the reduction step in the proposed hybrid cycles can be carried out in air, allowing for thermal input by a solar power tower with a windowless, cavity receiver.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Robert D. Palumbo, Richard B. Diver, JR., Nathan P. Siegel, James E. Miller
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Patent number: 8696883Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Masahiro Deguchi, Yuka Yamada
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Patent number: 8691068Abstract: Two classes of hybrid/thermochemical water splitting processes for the production of hydrogen and oxygen have been proposed based on (1) metal sulfate-ammonia cycles (2) metal pyrosulfate-ammonia cycles. Methods and systems for a metal sulfate MSO4—NH3 cycle for producing H2 and O2 from a closed system including feeding an aqueous (NH3)4SO3 solution into a photoctalytic reactor to oxidize the aqueous (NH3)4SO3 into aqueous (NH3)2SO4 and reduce water to hydrogen, mixing the resulting aqueous (NH3)2SO4 with metal oxide (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Cunping Huang, Ali T-Raissi, Nazim Muradov
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Publication number: 20140061057Abstract: This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Inventors: Shane Ardo, Nathan S. Lewis
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Publication number: 20140034505Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
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Publication number: 20140004435Abstract: A photoelectrode (100) of the present invention includes a conductive layer (12) and a photocatalytic layer (13) provided on the conductive layer (12). The conductive layer (12) is made of a metal nitride. The photocatalytic layer (13) is made of at least one selected from the group consisting of a nitride semiconductor and an oxynitride semiconductor. When the photocatalytic layer (13) is made of a n-type semiconductor, the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the conductive layer (12) is smaller than the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the photocatalytic layer (13). When the photocatalytic layer (13) is made of a p-type semiconductor, the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the conductive layer (12) is larger than the energy difference between the vacuum level and the Fermi level of the photocatalytic layer (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Satoru Tamura, Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Noboru Taniguchi, Kazuhito Hato, Nobuhiro Miyata
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Patent number: 8574421Abstract: A water-splitting apparatus and method generating hydrogen and oxygen at separate electrodes have a structure enabling a photo catalytic reaction to be efficiently performed. The apparatus includes a photolysis element having an N-type water-splitting electrode surface and a P-type water-splitting electrode surface at the opposite side surface to the N-type water-splitting electrode surface, a hydrogen generating cell holding the N-type water-splitting electrode surface and collecting the hydrogen generated at that water-splitting electrode surface, and an oxygen generating cell holding the P-type water-splitting electrode surface, collecting the oxygen generated at that water-splitting electrode surface, and adjoining the hydrogen generating cell across the photolysis element. The photolysis element has through holes enabling circulation of water between the hydrogen and oxygen generating cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Hidekazu Arikawa
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Patent number: 8568573Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising spaced-apart electrode structural support members extending from a first sidewall to a second sidewall, the spaced-apart electrode structural support members each having at least one photoelectrode and counterelectrode coupled to respective terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to a power supply, and at least one ultraviolet light source between the spaced-apart electrode support members.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: AquaMost, Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Winkie, Terence P. Barry
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Publication number: 20130256147Abstract: The solar fuels generator includes an ionically conductive separator between a gaseous first phase and a second phase. A photoanode uses one or more components of the first phase to generate cations during operation of the solar fuels generator. A cation conduit is positioned provides a pathway along which the cations travel from the photoanode to the separator. The separator conducts the cations. A second solid cation conduit conducts the cations from the separator to a photocathode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Joshua M. Spurgeon
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Publication number: 20130220822Abstract: A catalyst comprising a first conjugated polymer material that forms an interface with a second material, wherein charge is separated from photo excited species generated in one or both of the first and second materials and subsequently participates in a reaction, electro-catalytic reactions or redox reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Bjorn Winther-Jensen, Douglas MacFarlane, Orawan Winther-Jensen
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Patent number: 8501129Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for reduction of the CO2 content of flue and atmospheric gases and equipment for application of the method. The characteristic of the solution according to the invention is, that “hydroxide” ionized water containing (OH?) ions of alkaline characteristics is used as reaction medium for binding carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) gas gets into reaction with alkaline ionized water, and during the reaction from the carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and water, carbonate ion (CO32?) and hydrogencarbonate/bicarbonate (2HCO3?) are formed, and they leave for the outside atmosphere and/or outside water with the bound CO2 content in stable gas or liquid form.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Inventor: Ferenc Meszaros
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Publication number: 20130192999Abstract: A process for oxidizing water using amorphous cobalt tungstate is disclosed. A plurality of amorphous cobalt tungstate nanoparticles are supported on an electrode and are able to catalytically interact with water molecules generating oxygen. The catalyst can be used as part of a electrochemical or photo-electrochemical cell for the generation of electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicants: Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Hongfei Jia, Takeshi Sekito
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Publication number: 20130186768Abstract: The present invention generally relates to articles, devices, systems, and methods relating to the storage of solar energy and/or solar energy utilization. In some embodiments, the articles, devices, and systems may be used to carry out photocatalytic reactions, for example, the photocatalytic production of oxygen and/or hydrogen gases from water.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Publication number: 20130180861Abstract: A Ti02-based photocatalyst is fabricated as a composite of titania with adhered nanostructures which contain a non-noble metal in galvanic contact with a noble metal. The catalyst effectively overcome aging and/or deactivation effects observed in a system free of the non-noble metal. The composite material showed a corrosion protective effect on the photoactivity of fresh catalyst for over 180-240 days, and it enhanced the rate of the water reduction reaction relative to bare Ti02. Variations in porosity and non-noble metal content of the alloy portion of the nanostructures influenced the performance of the catalyst composite. The protective effect of the non-noble metal is through a cathodic corrosion protection mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITYInventors: Elizabeth J. Podlaha-Murphy, Savidra Lucatero
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Publication number: 20130180862Abstract: A hydrogen production device of the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion portion having a light-receiving surface and a back surface, a first electrolysis electrode provided on the back surface, and a second electrolysis electrode provided on the back surface. As a result of reception of light by the photoelectric conversion portion, a potential difference is generated between a first area on the back surface and a second area on the back surface, the first area becomes electrically connected to the first electrolysis electrode, and the second area becomes electrically connected to the second electrolysis electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
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DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INCREASING SOLAR HYDROGEN CONVERSION EFFICIENCY IN PHOTOVOLTAIC ELECTROLYSIS
Publication number: 20130175180Abstract: Devices and methods for photovoltaic electrolysis are disclosed. A device comprises a photovoltaic cell element and an electrolysis compartment. The photovoltaic cell element is configured to convert a portion of solar energy into electrical energy and to pass another portion of the solar energy. The electrolysis compartment includes an aqueous electrolyte positioned to receive the other portion of the solar energy and electrodes electrically connected to receive the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic cell element. A method comprises receiving solar energy with a photovoltaic cell element, converting a portion of the solar energy into electrical energy, passing another portion of the solar energy through the photovoltaic cell element, receiving with an aqueous electrolyte the other portion of the solar energy, transmitting the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic cell element to a pair of electrodes, and electrolyzing the aqueous electrolyte with the pair of electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF DELAWAREInventors: Daniel Esposito, Robert W. Birkmire, Jingguang G. Chen -
Patent number: 8454807Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) is a photoelectrochemical cell for decomposing water by irradiation with light so as to produce hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Tomohiro Kuroha, Noboru Taniguchi, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shuzo Tokumitsu
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Publication number: 20130134046Abstract: A device and method is provided for increasing production of hydrogen during electrolysis. Initially, one of the vibrational modes of an electrolytic fluid is determined. A laser is then tuned to a wavelength near the selected vibrational mode. The tuned laser is then applied to the electrolytic fluid during electrolysis. The application of the laser with a wavelength near the wavelength of a specific vibrational mode of the electrolytic fluid causes an increase in the rate of production of hydrogen, when compared to electrolysis alone. The specific vibrational mode may correspond to a mode that stretches the inter-atomic bonds of hydrogen in the electrolytic fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventor: John R. Fanchi
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Publication number: 20130126359Abstract: A method for reducing carbon dioxide utilizes a carbon dioxide reduction device including a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, a solid electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode and anode electrode. The cathode electrode includes copper or copper compound. The anode electrode includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor layer where an AlxGa1-xN (0<x?1) layer and a GaN layer are stacked. The anode electrode is irradiated with a light having a wavelength of not more than 350 nanometers to reduce the carbon dioxide on the cathode electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Panasonic Corporation
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Publication number: 20130118906Abstract: A system for solar energy conversion includes a photoelectric cell. The photoelectric cell includes a cathode and an anode comprising a nanostructure array. The nanostructure array includes a semiconductor photocatalyst; and a plasmon resonant metal nanostructure film arranged on the semiconductor photocatalyst. The system is used in a method to produce methane by placing a photocatalytic cell in an environment containing CO2; and exposing the photocatalytic cell to visible light thereby allowing the CO2 to be converted to methane.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAInventor: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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Publication number: 20130118907Abstract: A method for reducing carbon dioxide utilizes a carbon dioxide reduction device including a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, a solid electrolyte membrane, a cathode electrode and anode electrode. The cathode electrode includes indium or indium compound. The anode electrode includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor layer where an AlxGa1-xN (0<x?1) layer and a GaN layer are stacked. The anode electrode is irradiated with a light having a wavelength of not more than 350 nanometers to reduce the carbon dioxide on the cathode electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
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Publication number: 20130112568Abstract: In the ammonia synthesis method, an anode and a cathode are arranged in an electrolyte phase at a predetermined interval; water (H2O) is supplied to an anode zone and light is radiated so that water is decomposed by a photoabsorption reaction to generate protons (H+), electrons (e), and an oxygen gas (O2); a nitrogen gas (N2) is supplied to a cathode zone, and the electrons (e?) generated in the anode zone are allowed to transfer to the cathode zone through a lead, thereby generating N3? in the cathode zone; and ammonia (NH3) is synthesized through the reaction between the protons (H+) that have moved toward the cathode zone from the anode zone in the electrolyte phase and N3?.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATIONInventors: Susumu Hikazudani, Takuma Mori, Sadao Araki
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Publication number: 20130098772Abstract: The invention relates to various embodiments of an environmentally beneficial method for reducing carbon dioxide. The methods in accordance with the invention include electrochemically or photoelectrochemically reducing the carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode, e.g., an inert metal counterelectrode, in one cell compartment and a metal or p-type semiconductor cathode electrode in another cell compartment that also contains an aqueous solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst of one or more substituted or unsubstituted aromatic amines to produce therein a reduced organic product.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: PRINCETON UNIVERSITYInventor: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
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Publication number: 20130098771Abstract: In a method for creating polymer arrays through photoelectrochemically modulated acid/base/radical generation for combinatorial synthesis, electrochemical synthesis is guided by a spatially modulated light source striking a semiconductor in an electrolyte solution. A substrate having at its surface at least one photoelectrode that is proximate to at least one molecule bearing at least one chemical functional group is provided, along with a reagent-generating chemistry co-localized with the chemical functional group and capable of generating reagents when subjected to a potential above a threshold. An input potential is then applied to the photoelectrode that exceeds the threshold in the presence of light and that does not exceed the threshold in the absence of light, causing the transfer of electrons to or from the substrate, and creating a patterned substrate. The process is repeated until a polymer array of desired size is created.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Christopher J. Emig, Brian Y. Chow, Joseph M. Jacobson
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Publication number: 20130092549Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Joshua M. Spurgeon, Nathan S. Lewis, Philip Stephen Marcus
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Patent number: 8414758Abstract: A device for reducing carbon dioxide includes a cathode chamber including a cathode electrolyte solution and a cathode electrode, an anode chamber including an anode electrolyte solution and an anode electrode, and a solid electrolyte membrane. The anode electrode includes a nitride semiconductor region on which a metal layer is formed. The metal layer includes at least one of nickel and titanium. A method for reducing carbon dioxide by using a device for reducing carbon dioxide includes steps of providing carbon dioxide into the cathode solution, and irradiating at least part of the nitride semiconductor region and the metal layer with a light having a wavelength of 250 nanometers to 400 nanometers, thereby reducing the carbon dioxide contained in the cathode electrolyte solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada
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Patent number: 8398828Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising spaced-apart electrode structural support members extending from a first sidewall to a second sidewall, the spaced-apart electrode structural support members each having at least one photoelectrode and counterelectrode coupled to respective terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to a power supply, and at least one ultraviolet light source between the spaced-apart electrode support members.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: AquaMost, Inc.Inventors: Douglas S. Winkie, Terence P. Barry
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Publication number: 20130062216Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
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Patent number: 8388818Abstract: Lightweight photoelectrochemical system for real-time hydrogen production from water and sunlight, using lightweight multi-junction photo electrodes made from the highly reliable and efficient copper indium selenide thin films, preferably made by low-cost electrodeposition on flexible foil.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Shalini Menezes
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Publication number: 20130043138Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.Inventors: Jacob KARNI, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
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Publication number: 20130037414Abstract: A monolithic catalyst system for the cleavage of water into hydrogen and oxygen with the aid of light comprises a first photoactive material capable by itself or together with one or more of an auxiliary material and an auxiliary catalyst of generating oxygen and protons from water, when irradiated with light having a wavelength ?420 nm of generating oxygen and protons from water, and a second photoactive material selected from gallium arsenide, copper indium disulphide/selenide, copper indium gallium disulphide/selenide and cadmium sulphide/selenide/telluride and having a water resistant coating transparent to visible light capable of the reducing protons in water to hydrogen, when irradiated with visible light. The first photoactive material and the second photoactive material are supported on at least one substrate and are in electrical contact, particularly in direct electrical contact, exclusively via one or more electron-conducting materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: CFSO GmbHInventors: Sigrid Obenland, Christian Fischer
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Publication number: 20130015076Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen production device which is high in the light use efficiency and can produce hydrogen with high efficiency without decreasing the hydrogen generation rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
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Publication number: 20130011656Abstract: This invention relates to methods of generating NP gallium nitride (GaN) across large areas (>1 cm2) with controlled pore diameters, pore density, and porosity. Also disclosed are methods of generating novel optoelectronic devices based on porous GaN. Additionally a layer transfer scheme to separate and create free-standing crystalline GaN thin layers is disclosed that enables a new device manufacturing paradigm involving substrate recycling. Other disclosed embodiments of this invention relate to fabrication of GaN based nanocrystals and the use of NP GaN electrodes for electrolysis, water splitting, or photosynthetic process applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: YALE UNIVERSITYInventors: Yu Zhang, Qian Sun, Jung Han
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Publication number: 20130001095Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a carboxylic acid. The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane) that separates an anolyte compartment housing the anolyte from a catholyte compartment housing a catholyte. The anolyte includes a first solvent or mixture of solvents and a quantity of the sodium salt of the carboxylic acid. When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the carboxylic acid decarboxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Mukund Karanjikar, Ashok V. Joshi, David Joel Hunt, Pallavi Chitta
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Publication number: 20130001094Abstract: The application generally relates to a process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water. More particularly, the application generally relates to a lanthanide-mediated electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLCInventors: Robert Cable, Anthony J. Perrotta, Carl Hassler, John Burba
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Publication number: 20120295172Abstract: This disclosure relates to electrochemical systems, e.g., a combination of an electrical energy source and an electrical energy storage system having a regenerative fuel cell system, that exhibit operational stability in harsh environments, e.g., both charging and discharging reactions in a regenerative fuel cell in the presence of an acid or a mixture of acids, or a halogen ion or a mixture of halogen ions. The electrochemical systems are capable of conducting both hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs) in the same system. The electrochemical systems have low cost, fast response time, and acceptable life and performance. This disclosure also relates to methods of operating the electrochemical systems containing a regenerative fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Inventors: Emanuel Peled, Arnon Blum
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Publication number: 20120273364Abstract: Systems and methods that employ a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell, to provide electrolysis for water and generate hydrogen and oxygen. Electrical current generated by the VMJ flows through the electrolyte (e.g., salt water) for a decomposition thereof (e.g., hydrogen and oxygen)—whenever threshold voltage of electrolysis operation is reached (e.g., 1.6 volts for water electrolysis).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2012Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: MH SOLAR CO., LTD.Inventor: Bernard L. Sater