Oxygen Produced Patents (Class 205/633)
  • Patent number: 11824243
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for a flow battery is disclosed comprising a porous electrode material, a frame surrounding the porous electrode material, at least a distributor tube embedded in the porous electrode material having an inlet for supplying electrolyte to the porous electrode material and at least another distributor tube embedded in the porous electrode material having an outlet for discharging electrolyte out of the porous material. The walls of the distributor tubes are preferably provided with holes or pores for allowing a uniform distribution of the electrolyte within the electrode material. The distributor tubes provide the required electrolyte flow path length within the electrode material to minimize shunt current flowing between the flow cells in the battery stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: INVINITY ENERGY SYSTEMS (CANADA) CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew Klassen, Ricky Blacker
  • Patent number: 11414766
    Abstract: Provided are electrochemical cells and methods for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
    Inventors: Gideon Grader, Gennady Shter, Hen Dotan, Avner Rothschild, Avigail Landman
  • Patent number: 11298447
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorption medium. The absorption medium includes a plurality of hollow fibers and a plurality of binder particles. The hollow fibers have walls comprising a selectively permeable membrane that is configured to permit passage of gaseous carbon dioxide but not liquids. The plurality bind particles are dispersed between the hollow fibers and comprise an absorbent material configured to absorb gaseous carbon dioxide and to bind the carbon dioxide in a solid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Ian J. Stewart, Jeremy W. Cannon
  • Patent number: 11161762
    Abstract: Methods of treating contaminated groundwater having recalcitrant organic contaminants are disclosed. The methods include pretreating the contaminated groundwater to remove iron, introducing a persulfate to the contaminated groundwater, and exposing the contaminated groundwater to irradiation. The methods may also include extracting the contaminated groundwater from a feed stream. The methods may also include preparing the persulfate with high purity water. Systems for treating contaminated groundwater having recalcitrant organic contaminants are also disclosed. The systems include a pretreatment subsystem, a source of persulfate, and an irradiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan H Wood, Sevang Doung
  • Patent number: 11130684
    Abstract: A water softening device includes a filter configured to decrease hardness of a first stream of raw water to produce a second stream of water with decreased hardness, a first sensor that measures an electrical property of the first stream, a second sensor that measures an electrical property of the second stream, and optionally, a third sensor that detects a water flow through the filter, wherein the filter includes an ion exchange resin operated in H+-mode, and the filter is buffered with at least one salt selected from the group of a potassium salt (K+), a sodium salt (Na+) and a lithium salt (Li+).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: BWT Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Pierre Balidas, Christian Brand, Jürgen Johann, Andrea Pavan
  • Patent number: 10538436
    Abstract: An electrolytic reduction module and a water purification device are provided. The electrolytic reduction module includes an electrode set, a first baffle, and a second baffle. The electrode set includes an anode, a first cathode, and a second cathode. The anode is disposed between the first cathode and the second cathode. The first cathode is disposed between the first baffle and the anode. The second cathode is disposed between the second baffle and the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Po-Yu Hu, Teh-Ming Liang
  • Patent number: 10533257
    Abstract: A photochemical electrode includes a conductive oxide. Fermi energy of the conductive oxide is higher than a first energy minimum of a first band having a lowest energy and is lower than a second energy minimum of a second band having a higher energy than the first band among bands whose curvatures are positive in reciprocal space. The first energy minimum and the second energy minimum are at the same point of wave vector. A difference between the second energy minimum and the first energy minimum is not less than 1 eV nor more than 3 eV, and is smaller than a difference between the first energy minimum and an energy maximum of a band having a highest energy among bands whose curvatures are negative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: John David Baniecki, Toshihisa Anazawa, Yoshihiko Imanaka
  • Patent number: 10077500
    Abstract: Provided is a catalyst that exhibits a high catalyst activity in a water oxidation reaction within a neutral range. A water splitting catalyst comprises at least one 3d-block transition metal element selected from manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper or a compound containing the element, and a base and/or a carbonate having a pKa of 8 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: RIKEN
    Inventors: Ryuhei Nakamura, Kazuhito Hashimoto, Akira Yamaguchi, Hirotaka Kakizaki, Toru Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9534303
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a method or apparatus for improving the electrolysis efficiency of high-pressure electrolysis cells by decreasing the current density at the anode and reducing an overvoltage at the anode while decreasing the amount of hydrogen permeation through the cell membrane from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber as the high-pressure electrolysis cell is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nelson A. Kelly, Thomas L. Gibson, David B. Ouwerkerk
  • Patent number: 9469908
    Abstract: Provided are systems that comprises an oxygen-metal catalyst, which systems can be used to perform water-splitting or other reactions. The systems can be operated in a photochemical manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Andrew Marshall Rappe, John Mark Martirez, Seungchul Kim
  • Patent number: 9200136
    Abstract: The present invention deals with the use of pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene for transporting water containing chlorine dioxide. Cross-linked polyethylene has a resistance of more than 3500 hours against water treated with chlorine dioxide when tested according to a modified method of ASTM F2263-03. Especially, the pipes made of cross-linked polyethylene can be used for transporting drinking water which had been disinfected by using chlorine dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Borealis AG
    Inventors: Tanja Piel, Martin Anker, Jeroen Oderkerk, Per-Ola Hagstrand
  • Patent number: 8940151
    Abstract: Membrane-less electrolysis systems including an electrolysis chamber having an inlet for water, a cathode associated with the electrolysis chamber that includes a plurality of apertures within the cathode that fluidly couple the chamber with a cathode fluid pathway that is fluidly coupled to a hydrogen gas collector, an anode associated with the electrolysis chamber that similarly includes a plurality of apertures fluidly coupling the chamber with an anode fluid pathway that is fluidly coupled to an oxygen gas collector, a power source electrically coupled to the cathode and anode, and a pump fluidly coupled with the water reservoir and electrolysis chamber so that the pump is configured to pump water into the electrolysis chamber, through the cathode and anode apertures, into the cathode and anode fluid pathways, respectively, and into the product gas collectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Hydrogen Products, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy L. Hartvigsen, Aaron J. Hartvigsen, Andrew J. Hartvigsen
  • Patent number: 8940152
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing electrolytic decomposition products of water by effecting a DC potential across a membrane comprising ripstop nylon interposed between an anode and a cathode. In electrolyzer mode, the electrochemical process produces hydrogen as well as oxygen products. In fuel-cell mode, the electrochemical process produces electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. McWhinney, David C. Erbaugh
  • Publication number: 20140367275
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for enriching air with hydrogen for subsequent use by internal combustion engines, the method comprising supplying a modified form of water; electrolyzing the water to produce hydrogen gas; mixing the gas with air to produce a hydrogen-air mixture; and injecting the mixture into the air intake of a combustion engine. Also provided is a system for enriching internal combustion engine air intake with hydrogen gas, the system comprising modified water; an electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water; and process for mixing the gas with ambient air to create a mixture, and a venturi-based injector for inserting the mixture into the air intake system of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: GO GREEN HYBRID FUEL SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Chris MINGILINO, Leo BAILLEAUX, Charlie CORRY, Thomas FORNARELLI, Timothy TUTT
  • Publication number: 20140318979
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing hydrogen and oxygen, comprising the steps of: (i) oxidising a mediator at a working electrode to yield an oxidised mediator, and reducing protons at a counter electrode to yield hydrogen; and (ii) reducing an oxidised mediator at a working electrode to yield a mediator, and oxidising water at a counter electrode to yield oxygen. wherein the oxygen generation step is performed non-simultaneously to the hydrogen generation step, and the oxidised mediator of step (i) is used as the oxidised mediator of step (ii), or the mediator of step (ii) is used as the mediator of step (i), and the mediator has a reversible redox wave lying between the onset of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Leroy Cronin, Mark Symes
  • Publication number: 20140261252
    Abstract: A combination air pressure system and a gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a solution reservoir tank for supplying a fluid mixture to a gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality concentric tubular electrodes consisting of both anode and cathode tubular electrodes with a series of interposed bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CFT Global, LLC.
    Inventor: Kenny Kerstiens
  • Publication number: 20140242478
    Abstract: A redox device, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox device, has at least one redox unit, in particular a hydrogen-oxygen redox unit, which is intended for carrying out at least one redox reaction with consumption and/or production of a first gas, in particular hydrogen gas, and/or of a second gas, in particular oxygen gas. The redox device includes at least one residual gas purification unit which frees at least one residual gas in the redox unit of at least one gas impurity at least in at least one rest mode of the redox unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBH
    Inventors: Walter JEHLE, Joachim LUCAS, Sebastian MARKGRAF
  • Publication number: 20140234193
    Abstract: Systems are described for dissolving metal silicates to: produce metal hydroxide; remove carbon dioxide or other acid gases from the atmosphere or other gas mixture by reacting such gases with the metal hydroxide; penetrate or excavate metal silicates; extract metals or silicon-containing compounds from metal silicates; and produce hydrogen and oxygen or other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Hudson Rau
  • Patent number: 8741123
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus including an electrolyte membrane. The electrolyte membrane is provided between an anode and a cathode. The water electrolysis apparatus is configured to generate oxygen on a side of the anode and hydrogen on a side of the cathode at a pressure higher than a pressure of the oxygen through electrolysis of water. A gas-liquid separation apparatus separates unreacted water and produced gas discharged from a water outlet of the water electrolysis apparatus. A water circulation apparatus circulates the water between the water electrolysis apparatus and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water circulation apparatus includes a return pipe having an on-off valve and connecting the water outlet and the gas-liquid separation apparatus. A hydrogen exhaust pipe is connected to the return pipe between the water outlet and the on-off value and extends upward from the water electrolysis apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Masanori Okabe, Hisashi Nagaoka, Koji Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20140131217
    Abstract: The electrochemical reactors disclosed herein provide novel oxidation and reduction chemistries and employ increased mass transport rates of materials to and from the surfaces of electrodes therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: CLEAN CHEMISTRY, LLC
    Inventor: Wayne Buschmann
  • Patent number: 8709221
    Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method provides a current regulating device that controls or regulates the current provided to electrolysis chambers that produce hydrogen and oxygen gases. One embodiment of the current regulating device uses the temperature of the fluid in the electrolysis chambers to control the widths of the pulses delivered to the electrolysis chambers to regulate production. Another embodiment of the current regulating device regulates and limits the average current delivered to the electrolysis chambers by adjusting the pulse widths, according to the current demanded during each conduction pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8702915
    Abstract: Small, autonomous, low cost electrochemical gas generators containing an electrochemical cell assembly, a commercially available battery and a current controlling mechanism. Current control, which defines the gas generation rate, is achieved either electronically by means of a resistor or through mass transfer control by means of a gas permeable film of known permeability. In either case, the gas generation rates are generally from 0.1 to 10 cc/day. The gas source must contain an electrochemically active gas such as oxygen or hydrogen. Air is the preferred source for oxygen. These miniature gas generators, generally are less than 1.5 cm in diameter and length, require novel, compact, electrochemical cell assemblies. Various cell assemblies, generally 1 cm in diameter and less than 0.5 mm thick, are described. These miniature gas generators are used for the controlled release of fluids such as pheromones, fragrances, insect repellents, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: M & R Consulting Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Henri Maget
  • Publication number: 20140076736
    Abstract: A high purity ceramic oxygen generator incorporating a module utilizing a plurality of tubular ceramic membrane elements and configured to operate in: (i) a pressurizing mode to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed stream when an electric potential difference is applied to induce oxygen ion transport in an electrolyte thereof; and (ii) an idle mode when the electric potential difference is removed. The ceramic oxygen generator further includes one or more manifolds as well as one or more automatic purge valves located upstream of the oxygen receiving tank. The purge valve is opened for a pre-set duration upon initiation of the pressurization mode to purge any nitrogen or other contaminating gas that diffuses into the ceramic oxygen generator during idle mode thereby ensuring the desired purity level of oxygen is received by the oxygen receiving tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jerome T. Jankowiak, David F. Suggs, Sadashiv M. Swami, Lane A. Keser, Arthur C. Selover
  • Patent number: 8591718
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a carbon monoxide containing product in which cathode and anode sides of an electrically driven oxygen separation device are contacted with carbon dioxide and a reducing agent, respectively. The carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide through ionization of oxygen and the reducing agent lowers the partial pressure of oxygen at the anode side to partially drive oxygen ion transport within the device through the consumption of the oxygen and to supply heat. The lowering of oxygen partial pressure reduces voltage and therefore, electrical power required to be applied to the device and the heat is supplied to heat the device to an operational temperature and to the reduction of the carbon dioxide occurring at the cathode side. The device can be used as part of an integrated apparatus in which the carbon dioxide is supplied from a waste stream of a process plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Lane, Gervase Maxwell Christie, Dante Patrick Bonaquist
  • Publication number: 20130243883
    Abstract: Described herein are aqueous formulations with stabilized reactive and/or radical species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Reoxcyn Discoveries Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Verdis Norton, Gary L. Samuelson
  • Publication number: 20130220825
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition according to the following general formula: [(BL)-(M)-(Ar)-(X)]n+ (A)n-5 wherein M is a metal ion, BL is a bidentate ligand having two nitrogen atoms coordinating with a metal ion M, Ar is an, optionally substituted, conjugated cyclic hydrocarbon compound, X is H2O and A is an anion and n in n+ and n? are individually chosen from 1,2,3,4 or 5. The invention is also directed to its precursors and its use as multi-electron catalyst in a water splitting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
    Inventors: Khurram Saleem Joya, Hubertus Johannes Maria De Groot
  • Publication number: 20130206608
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for generating oxygen via an electrolysis reaction. One places an anode and a cathode in aqueous solution, and uses an external source of electricity to drive the electrolysis reaction from the anode and cathode. The anode has at least three metal oxides, preferably with nickel oxide or cobalt oxide as at least one of the oxides. Also disclosed are electrodes designed for catalyzing oxygen consumption or formation reactions, where the electrodes have a mix of such three metal oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventor: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
  • Patent number: 8491763
    Abstract: An oxygen recovery system configured to recover evolved oxygen from a regenerative electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an oxygen reduction cathode, a fuel electrode configured to be a fuel anode when the cell is operated to generate electricity and a cathode for reducing fuel thereon when the cell is operated to regenerate the fuel, and an oxygen evolution anode that is configured to evolve oxygen from an electrolyte solution when the cell is operated to regenerate the fuel. The oxygen recovery system includes an oxygen separator located downstream of the oxygen evolution anode in a recharge direction of flow. The oxygen separator is configured to separate the evolved oxygen from the electrolyte solution. An oxygen recovery path is disposed between the oxygen separator and the oxygen reduction cathode. The oxygen recovery path is configured to direct the evolved oxygen separated from the electrolyte solution to the oxygen reduction cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Fluidic, Inc.
    Inventor: Cody A. Friesen
  • Publication number: 20130153434
    Abstract: An electrolytic extraction method wins a target element from an oxide feedstock compound thereof. The feedstock compound is dissolved in an oxide melt in contact with a cathode and an anode in an electrolytic cell. During electrolysis the target element is deposited at a liquid cathode and coalesces therewith. Oxygen is evolved on an anode bearing a solid oxide layer, in contact with the oxide melt, over a metallic anode substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Patent number: 8444847
    Abstract: A method is provided for conducting electrolysis at or below 1.23 V. The method comprises filling an electrolysis reactor having an aluminum anode and a copper cathode with a sufficient amount of solution such that at least a portion of the anode and the cathode are immersed in the solution; the solution comprising water, an electrolyte and a catalyst; and applying a voltage across the reactor of less than or equal to 1.23 V. The solution is comprised of water, aluminum sulfate and an ammonium salt. The method allows for total gas to be produced at a rate in excess of the theoretical maximum 1.06 l/min at a current of 93 amps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventors: Craig Evans, Brian Evans, John Evans, Sr., Randy Evans, John Evans, Jr., Todd E. Starner
  • Publication number: 20130118912
    Abstract: Compositions, electrodes, systems, and/or methods for water electrolysis and other electrochemical techniques are provided. In some cases, the compositions, electrodes, systems, and/or methods are for electrolysis which can be used for energy storage, particularly in the area of energy conversion, and/or production of oxygen, hydrogen, and/or oxygen and/or hydrogen containing species. In some embodiments, the water for electrolysis comprises at least one impurity and/or at least one additive which has little or no substantially affect on the performance of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SUN CATALYTIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sun Catalytix Corporation
  • Patent number: 8409422
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis of water. The process involves forming an electrolyte including alkaline ions and the water and generating plasma between electrodes immersed in the electrolyte by applying an electrical potential between the electrodes. The plasma ionizes the electrolyte, thereby generating hydrogen and oxygen gas. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hope Cell Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Vancina
  • Publication number: 20120325678
    Abstract: Porous substrates and associated structures for solid-state electrochemical devices, such as solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), are low-cost, mechanically strong and highly electronically conductive. Some preferred structures have a thin layer of an electrocatalytically active material (e.g., Ni-YSZ) coating a porous high-strength alloy support (e.g., SS-430) to form a porous SOFC fuel electrode. Electrode/electrolyte structures can be formed by co-firing or constrained sintering processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Steven J. Visco, Craig P. Jacobson, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
  • Patent number: 8287716
    Abstract: The desalination system and method places water from the sea under electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. The system has a chamber that is filled with the hydrogen gas displacing other gases. Once the chamber is filled with only hydrogen gas, the oxygen is introduced to form water vapor within the chamber. Liquid water collects on the lower surface of the chamber, and water vapor condenses on the sidewalls. The condensation creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, causing further water to evaporate from the liquid water on the lower end of the chamber. The condensate is desalinated water, which may be collected. Condensation may be assisted through cooling the wall. The hydrogen and oxygen mix in the chamber undergoes a reaction through electrical spark generation from a spark plug to create the water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Jihad Hassan Al-Sadah
  • Publication number: 20120183462
    Abstract: Systems are described for dissolving metal silicates to: produce metal hydroxide; remove carbon dioxide or other acid gases from the atmosphere or other gas mixture by reacting such gases with the metal hydroxide; penetrate or excavate metal silicates; extract metals or silicon-containing compounds from metal silicates; and produce hydrogen and oxygen or other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Hudson Rau
  • Patent number: 8221599
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an anode, devices and systems including the anode (e.g., electrochemical devices and photo-electrochemical devices), methods of using the anode, methods of producing H2 and O2 from H2O, Cl2, oxidixed organic feedstocks, oxidation for the detection and quantification of chemical species, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Christopher E. D. Chidsey, Paul C. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20120156577
    Abstract: Methods of forming electrodes for electrolysis of water and other electrochemical techniques are provided. In some embodiments, the electrode comprising a current collector and a catalytic material. The method of forming the electrode may comprising immersing a current collector comprising a metallic species in an oxidation state of zero in a solution comprising anionic species, and causing a catalytic material to form on the current collector by application of a voltage to the current collector, wherein the catalytic material comprises metallic species in an oxidation state greater than zero and the anionic species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Vladimir Bulovic, Daniel G. Nocera, Elizabeth R. Young, Ronny Costi, Sarah Paydavosi
  • Publication number: 20120125785
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for electrolytic applications, optionally an oxygen-evolving anode, obtained on a titanium substrate and having a highly compact dual barrier layer comprising titanium and tantalum oxides and a catalytic layer. A method for forming the dual barrier layer comprises the thermal decomposition of a precursor solution applied to the substrate optionally followed by a quenching step and a lengthy thermal treatment at elevated temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Francesco Gullá, Sobha Abraham
  • Publication number: 20120118754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic coating suitable for oxygen-evolving anodes in electrochemical processes. The catalytic coating comprises an outermost layer with an iridium and tantalum oxide-based composition modified with amounts not higher than 5% by weight of titanium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alice Calderara, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi, Ruben Ornelas Jacobo
  • Patent number: 8173005
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogen production using combined heat pumps and a thermochemical cycle. Low grade waste heat can be upgraded to higher temperatures via salt/ammonia and/or MgO/vapor chemical heat pumps, which release heat at successively higher temperatures through exothermic reactions, or vapor compression heat pumps that upgrade thermal energy with phase change fluids. Using this new approach, low grade heat or waste heat from nuclear or other industrial sources can be transformed to a useful energy supply for thermochemical hydrogen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: University of Ontario Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Greg F. Naterer, Richard Marceau
  • Patent number: 8157972
    Abstract: An electrolytic water treatment system improving upon the electrode life of electrolytic oxygen generators by reducing mineral precipitation and fouling that typically occurs in water treatment systems. The electrolytic water treatment system can include a softened water bypass stream into which a flow-through electrolytic element can be positioned. By eliminating exposure of the electrolytic element to hard water, scale formation on electrodes can be significantly reduced such that polarity reversal cycles of the electrolytic element decrease in frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph R. Hegel, Karl J. Fritze
  • Patent number: 8147792
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a potentially economically viable method for the preparation of reactive superoxide ion in deep eutectic solvents (DES). The superoxide ion can be used for many applications, e.g. the degradation of hazardous chemicals at ambient conditions or in the synthesis of some special chemicals, e.g. carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones from the corresponding alcohols. The superoxide ion can be formed by either the electrochemical reduction of oxygen in DES or by dissolving Group 1 (alkali metals) or Group 2 (alkaline earth metals) superoxides, e.g. potassium superoxide, in DES, with/without chemicals used for the enhancement of the solubility of the metal superoxide in the DES, e.g. crown ethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventors: Inas Muen Al Nashef, Saeed M. Al Zahrani
  • Patent number: 8138380
    Abstract: An environmentally beneficial method of producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning power plants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by an electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode in one compartment and a metal cathode electrode in a compartment that also contains an aqueous solution comprising methanol and an electrolyte. An anion-conducting membrane can be provided between the anode and cathode to produce at the cathode therein a reaction mixture containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be subsequently used to produce methanol while also producing oxygen in the cell at the anode. The oxygen produced at the anode can be recycled for efficient combustion of fossil fuels in power plants to exclusively produce CO2 exhausts for capture and recycling as the source of CO2 for the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: George A. Olah, G. K. Surya Prakash
  • Publication number: 20120043220
    Abstract: An electrolytic extraction method wins a target element from an oxide feedstock compound thereof. The feedstock compound is dissolved in an oxide melt in contact with a cathode and an anode in an electrolytic cell. During electrolysis the target element is deposited at a liquid cathode and coalesces therewith. Oxygen is evolved on an anode bearing a solid oxide layer, in contact with the oxide melt, over a metallic anode substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Antoine Allanore, Donald R. Sadoway
  • Patent number: 8114266
    Abstract: Basically, I want to use soft, shredded, rusty metal as a sacrificial anode to CO2 and H2SO4. The metal is then grounded by an earth ground. The sulfuric acid (powder/gas) will increase the conductivity of a Galvanic Cell/Battery (Rust) and conscript oxygen to do so. The galvanic cell itself (Rust) also conscripts oxygen in its attraction to less noble and dissimilar materials (ferrous metal) and will be forced to do work in the galvanic cell. As oxygen is conducted between the difference of two potentials (Battery/Galvanic Cell), sulfuric acid (a bond breaker) will both contribute to un-fusing oxygen from its carbon in the galvanic cell (Rust), and depositing that carbon onto the carbon-iron found in mild steel. Oxygen is released through its' “work” in the sacrificial anode (mild steel) during the rust process and binding the carbon both by acid deposition and electrolysis to the remaining iron and carbon of rust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: John Edward Benton
  • Publication number: 20120028159
    Abstract: A fuel cell or electrolysis cell stack has force distribution members with one planar and one convex shape applied to at least its top and bottom face and in one embodiment further to two of its side faces. A compressed mat and further a rigid fixing collar surrounds the stack and force distribution members, whereby the stack is submitted to a compression force on at least the top and bottom face and potentially also to two side faces. The assembly is substantially gas tight in an axial direction of the primarily oval or circular shape and can be fitted with gas tight end plates to form robust gas inlet and outlet manifolds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: TOPSOE FUEL CELL A/S
    Inventors: Martin Refslund Nielsen, Niels H.B. Erikstrup
  • Patent number: 8070852
    Abstract: The oxygen partial pressure control unit includes a gas purification section for purifying the gas having the oxygen partial pressure controlled within a range of from 0.2 to 10?30 atm, and a tank for storing the purified gas produced by the gas purification section. The purified gas stored within the tank is supplied to the another unit. The oxygen partial pressure control unit includes a circulation circuit including the tank and the gas purification section. The gas filled in the tank 20 is caused to circulate along the circulation circuit, and the purified gas produced by the gas purification section is stored in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nishimura, Toru Nagasawa, Haruhiko Matsushita, Ryusuke Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8021525
    Abstract: A PEM based water electrolysis stack consists of a number of cells connected in series by using interconnects. Water and electrical power (power supply) are the external inputs to the stack. Water supplied to the oxygen electrodes through flow fields in interconnects is dissociated into oxygen and protons. The protons are transported through the polymer membrane to the hydrogen electrodes, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas. If the electrolysis stack is required to be used exclusively as an oxygen generator, the hydrogen gas generated would have to be disposed off safely. The disposal of hydrogen would lead to a number of system and safety related issues, resulting in the limited application of the device as an oxygen generator. Hydrogen can be combusted to produce heat or better disposed off in a separate fuel cell unit which will supply electricity generated, to the electrolysis stack to reduce power input requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh Giddey, Fabio T. Ciacchi, Sukhvinder P. S. Badwal
  • Publication number: 20110214996
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen production device high in light use efficiency and capable of producing hydrogen with high efficiency. The hydrogen production device according to the present invention includes a photoelectric conversion part having a light acceptance surface and a back surface, a first gas generation part provided on the back surface, and a second gas generation part provided on the back surface, in which one of the first gas generation part and the second gas generation part is a hydrogen generation part to generate H2 from an electrolytic solution, another one thereof is an oxygen generation part to generate O2 from the electrolytic solution, the first gas generation part is electrically connected to the back surface, and the second gas generation part is electrically connected to the light acceptance surface via a first conductive part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
  • Publication number: 20110100836
    Abstract: Basically, I want to use soft, shredded, rusty metal as a sacrificial anode to CO2 and H2SO4. The metal is then grounded by an earth ground. The sulfuric acid (powder/gas) will increase the conductivity of a Galvanic Cell/Battery (Rust) and conscript oxygen to do so. The galvanic cell itself (Rust) also conscripts oxygen in its attraction to less noble and dissimilar materials (ferrous metal) and will be forced to do work in the galvanic cell. As oxygen is conducted between the difference of two potentials (Battery/Galvanic Cell), sulfuric acid (a bond breaker) will both contribute to un-fusing oxygen from its carbon in the galvanic cell (Rust), and depositing that carbon onto the carbon-iron found in mild steel. Oxygen is released through its' “work” in the sacrificial anode (mild steel) during the rust process and binding the carbon both by acid deposition and electrolysis to the remaining iron and carbon of rust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: John Edward Benton