Utilizing Electromagnetic Wave Energy During Synthesis (e.g., Visible Light, Etc.) Patents (Class 205/340)
  • Patent number: 8840772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting He
  • Publication number: 20140262806
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sunpower Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Sunpower Technologies LLC
  • Patent number: 8821700
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kuroha, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Noboru Taniguchi, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro
  • Publication number: 20140224665
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhito Hato, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Takahiro Suzuki, Takaiki Nomura, Kenichiro Ota, Akimitsu Ishihara
  • Patent number: 8801915
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Hikazudani, Takuma Mori, Sadao Araki
  • Publication number: 20140209478
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SUNPOWER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: SUNPOWER TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • Publication number: 20140183053
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Justin Pendleton
  • Patent number: 8764953
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob Karni, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
  • Publication number: 20140154766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Mukund Karanjikar, Sai Bhavaraju, Ashok V. Joshi, Pallavi Chitta, David Joel Hunt
  • Publication number: 20140131226
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Thevasahayam AROCKIADOSS
  • Patent number: 8709227
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada, Kazuhiro Ohkawa
  • Patent number: 8709132
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Stellar Generation, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome Lee Elkind
  • Patent number: 8709228
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada, Kazuhiro Ohkawa
  • Publication number: 20140102912
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Robert D. Palumbo, Richard B. Diver, JR., Nathan P. Siegel, James E. Miller
  • Patent number: 8696883
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a method for reducing carbon dioxide with the use of a device for reducing carbon dioxide. The device includes a cathode chamber, an anode chamber and a solid electrolyte membrane. The cathode chamber includes a working electrode which includes a metal or a metal compound. The anode chamber includes a counter electrode which includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor. First and second electrolytic solutions are held in the cathode and anode chamber, respectively. The working electrode and the counter electrode are in contact with the first and second electrolytic solution, respectively. The solid electrolyte membrane is interposed between the cathode and anode chambers. The first electrolyte solution contains the carbon dioxide. An electric source is not interposed electrically between the working electrode and the counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Masahiro Deguchi, Yuka Yamada
  • Patent number: 8691068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Cunping Huang, Ali T-Raissi, Nazim Muradov
  • Publication number: 20140061057
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to photovoltaic and photoelectrosynthetic cells, devices, methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Shane Ardo, Nathan S. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20140034505
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140004435
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Tamura, Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Noboru Taniguchi, Kazuhito Hato, Nobuhiro Miyata
  • Patent number: 8574421
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Hidekazu Arikawa
  • Patent number: 8568573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: AquaMost, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Winkie, Terence P. Barry
  • Publication number: 20130256147
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan S. Lewis, Joshua M. Spurgeon
  • Publication number: 20130220822
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Bjorn Winther-Jensen, Douglas MacFarlane, Orawan Winther-Jensen
  • Patent number: 8501129
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Ferenc Meszaros
  • Publication number: 20130192999
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongfei Jia, Takeshi Sekito
  • Publication number: 20130186768
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Publication number: 20130180861
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Elizabeth J. Podlaha-Murphy, Savidra Lucatero
  • Publication number: 20130180862
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
  • Publication number: 20130175180
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
    Inventors: Daniel Esposito, Robert W. Birkmire, Jingguang G. Chen
  • Patent number: 8454807
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) is a photoelectrochemical cell for decomposing water by irradiation with light so as to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Tomohiro Kuroha, Noboru Taniguchi, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shuzo Tokumitsu
  • Publication number: 20130134046
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Fanchi
  • Publication number: 20130126359
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Panasonic Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130118906
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
  • Publication number: 20130118907
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130112568
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Susumu Hikazudani, Takuma Mori, Sadao Araki
  • Publication number: 20130098772
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
  • Publication number: 20130098771
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christopher J. Emig, Brian Y. Chow, Joseph M. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20130092549
    Abstract: A light-driven electrolytic cell that uses water vapor as the feedstock and that has no wires or connections whatsoever to an external electrical power source of any kind. In one embodiment, the electrolytic cell uses a proton exchange membrane (PEM) with an IrRuOx water oxidation catalyst and a Pt black water reduction catalyst to consume water vapor and generate molecular oxygen and a chemical fuel, molecular hydrogen. The operation of the electrolytic cell using water vapor supplied by a humidified carrier gas has been demonstrated under varying conditions of the gas flow rate, the relative humidity, and the presence or absence of oxygen. The performance of the system with water vapor was also compared to the performance when the device was immersed in liquid water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Joshua M. Spurgeon, Nathan S. Lewis, Philip Stephen Marcus
  • Patent number: 8414758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Yuka Yamada
  • Patent number: 8398828
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: AquaMost, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Winkie, Terence P. Barry
  • Publication number: 20130062216
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides a method for reducing carbon dioxide with the use of a device for reducing carbon dioxide. The device includes a cathode chamber, an anode chamber and a solid electrolyte membrane. The cathode chamber includes a working electrode which includes a metal or a metal compound. The anode chamber includes a counter electrode which includes a region formed of a nitride semiconductor. First and second electrolytic solutions are held in the cathode and anode chamber, respectively. The working electrode and the counter electrode are in contact with the first and second electrolytic solution, respectively. The solid electrolyte membrane is interposed between the cathode and anode chambers. The first electrolyte solution contains the carbon dioxide. An electric source is not interposed electrically between the working electrode and the counter electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8388818
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Shalini Menezes
  • Publication number: 20130043138
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob KARNI, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
  • Publication number: 20130037414
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: CFSO GmbH
    Inventors: Sigrid Obenland, Christian Fischer
  • Publication number: 20130015076
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
  • Publication number: 20130011656
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: YALE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yu Zhang, Qian Sun, Jung Han
  • Publication number: 20130001095
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Mukund Karanjikar, Ashok V. Joshi, David Joel Hunt, Pallavi Chitta
  • Publication number: 20130001094
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cable, Anthony J. Perrotta, Carl Hassler, John Burba
  • Publication number: 20120295172
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Emanuel Peled, Arnon Blum
  • Publication number: 20120273364
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: MH SOLAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Sater