Utilizing Specified Electrode Patents (Class 205/638)
  • Patent number: 11105004
    Abstract: An electrolysis heating system includes: A) a generator containing distilled water and connected to a direct electrical current power supply unit for creating a gas electrolytic dissociation; B) a duct conveying the gas from the generator to a first sparger containing distilled water and provided with a replenishment duct for maintaining the level of distilled water; C) a duct conveying the gas to a second sparger containing distilled water; D) a duct conveying the gas from the second sparger to a safety solenoid valve; E) ducts conveying the gas from a safety filter towards a final duct; F) tangential fans along the path of the ducts; G) check valves between the tangential fans and the safety filter; H) a final duct conveying the gas towards an appliance; I) a pressure sensor monitoring outflow pressure; J) a temperature sensor monitoring outflow temperature; K) a control unit with a microprocessor/display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventors: Aurelio Pucci, Umberto De Luca
  • Patent number: 10844498
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coatings. For example, some embodiments may include methods for producing a coating comprising: depositing a metallic matrix on a substrate by electrochemical deposition using a deposition bath including carbon comprising particles and oxide particles dispersed therein; wherein the carbon comprising particles are embedded into the metallic matrix and pores are distributed in the coating; wherein at least 80% of the pores have a pore diameter in a range from 3 to 30 ?m; wherein oxide particles are incorporated into and fixed in the pores during deposition and the oxide particles remain partially uncoated by the material of the metallic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Caspersen, Sune Daaskov Egelund, Per Moeller
  • Patent number: 10541132
    Abstract: The current disclosure describes semiconductor devices, e.g., transistors, include a substrate, a semiconductor region including, at the surface, MoS2 and/or other monolayer material over the substrate, and a terminal structure at least partially over the semiconductor region, which includes a different monolayer material grown directly over the semiconductor region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Shih-Yen Lin, Hsuan-An Chen, Si-Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 9340882
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the electrolytic production of hydrogen which can operate discontinuously or associated to strong power fluctuations and provide dry pressurized directly hydrogen, with high purity. The device for the electrolytic production of hydrogen from an alkaline aqueous solution, starting from dry cathode, comprises two half-cell, anodic and cathodic, separated by an anionic exchange membrane whose surface in contact with the cathodic half-cell is a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), and the alkaline solution is present only in the anodic half-cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ACTA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Tampucci, Paolo Bert
  • Publication number: 20150122666
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method which, with the use of dopamine in an alkaline aqueous medium, can be used to obtain nitrogen from moist air and to generate other gases, hydrogen in the free or combined state, such as ammonium. The reaction medium is ionic and reinforced by means of electrolysis, using electrodes of different metals and at a temperature and pressure close to ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Marcelo Acosta Estrada
  • Patent number: 8999134
    Abstract: Provided is a method for the electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels. The method employs reducing CO2 in an electrochemical cell using an aerogel carbon electrode and an ionic liquid membrane, thereby providing a carbon-based combustible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research & Development Authority, Ltd.
    Inventors: Armand Bettelheim, Eli Korin
  • Publication number: 20150090604
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the preparation of a catalyst onto a solid support of a (semi-)conductive material consisting in depositing said catalyst onto said support from a near-neutral aqueous solution containing at least one nickel or cobalt organic complex and at least one basic oxoanion, by a method selected in the group consisting of reductive electrodeposition, photochemical electrodeposition and photoelectrochemical deposition. The present invention also concerns said catalyst and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Vincent Artero, Marc Fontecave, Saioa Cobo, Pierre-Andre Jacques, Holger Dau, Johathan Heikamp
  • Patent number: 8986518
    Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cleanworld Fuels, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Daniel Moncion
  • Publication number: 20140353166
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to nanosheet synthesis. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) atomic thin films and hydrogen evolution reactions. In one or more embodiments, a synthesis process may include sublimation of sulfur and MoCl5, reaction of MoCl5 and S to produce gaseous MoS2 species, transfer of the MoS2 species by carrier gas, diffusion of MoS2 species from the gas phase onto receiving substrates, and precipitation of MoS2 on the substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Brian C. Iezzi, Yanpeng Li, Linyou Cao, Yifei Yu
  • Publication number: 20140183054
    Abstract: An efficient method and system for the electrochemical treatment of waste water comprising organic and/or inorganic pollutants is disclosed. The system comprises an electrolytic cell comprising a solid polymer, proton exchange membrane electrolyte operating without catholyte or other supporting electrolyte. The cell design and operating conditions chosen provide for significantly greater operating efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: AXINE WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Colleen Legzdins
  • Patent number: 8764966
    Abstract: Both the reaction of hydride-forming compositions with hydrogen to form hydrides, and the decomposition of such hydrides to release hydrogen may be promoted electrochemically. These reactions may be conducted reversibly, and if performed in a suitable cell, the cell will serve as a hydrogen storage and release device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John J. Vajo, Wen Li, Ping Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
  • Publication number: 20140124380
    Abstract: A method for producing organic liquid fuels and other valuable products in which an organic compound is provided to an anode electrode having a metal oxide catalyst disposed on an anode side of an electrolyte membrane, thereby producing an organic liquid fuel and/or other valuable organic product and electrons on the anode side. The electrons are conducted to a cathode electrode disposed on a cathode side of the electrolyte membrane, thereby transforming water provided to the cathode side to H2 gas and hydroxide ions. The method is carried out at a temperature less than or equal to about 160° C., preferably at room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Qinbai Fan
  • Publication number: 20140116890
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst are provided. Electrode material includes a plurality of clusters. The electrode exhibits bifunctionality with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction. The electrode with clusters exhibits improved performance with respect to the intrinsic material of the electrode absent the clusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: UChicago Argonne LLC
    Inventors: Ram Subbaraman, Vojislav Stamenkovic, Nenad Markovic, Dusan Tripkovic
  • Publication number: 20140110271
    Abstract: The process describes performing electrolysis on an alkaline oxygenate mixture to produce hydrogen. In this process the electrolysis does not form any significant amounts of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Mahaprasad Kar, Sourabh Pansare, John T. Gorke, Edgar Lotero, Neal D. McDaniel, Danielle K. Smith, Dennis G. Schultz, Kristi A. Fjare, Bruce B. Randolph, Sikta Patnaik, Uchenna P. Paul, Madhu Anand
  • Patent number: 8632672
    Abstract: The corrosion resistance of stainless steel anodes for use in alkaline water electrolysis was increased by immersion of the stainless steel anode into a caustic solution prior to electrolysis. Also disclosed herein are electrolyzers employing the so-treated stainless steel anodes. The pre-treatment process provides a stainless steel anode that has a higher corrosion resistance than an untreated stainless steel anode of the same composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik
  • Patent number: 8608934
    Abstract: The technology provides apparatus and methods for generating hydrogen without applying electrical energy from an outside source. An exemplary apparatus has an outer housing having an interior divided into an upper portion and a lower portion separated by a septum. The lower portion contains an electrolyte and a composite electrode at least partially immersed in the electrolyte. The electrolyte includes zinc hydroxide dissolved therein. The composite electrode has an aluminum tube enclosing at least one magnet. An outer surface of the electrode housing is at least partially covered with nano-particles held in place by magnetic attraction of the at least one magnet to form the electrode. The magnetically-adherent nano-particles form a second electrode, in direct contact with the first electrode. The generator apparatus has a vent in communication with the upper portion of the interior of the outer housing for removal of generated hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: G & M Energy Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
  • Publication number: 20130256149
    Abstract: A microbial electrolysis cell having a brush anode is described. A method of producing products, such as hydrogen, at the cathode of the microbial electrolysis cell is also provided. The microbial electrolysis cell is configured in a cylindrical shape having an anode, cathode and anion exchange membrane all disposed concentrically. A brush anode spirally wound around the outside of the cylindrical microbial electrolysis cell is described. The method may include sparging the anode and/or cathode with air in some cases. In addition, CO2-containing gas may be injected into a cathode chamber to reduce pH is some cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Arizona Science and Technology Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Sudeep Popat, Prathap Parameswaran, Cesar Torres, Bruce Rittmann
  • Patent number: 8485140
    Abstract: A method and system for treating a combustible fluid and operating a combustion system, where the combustible fluid is introduced into an electrolysis cell, electrochemically activated in the electrolysis cell, and combusted in a combustion-based engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Global Patent Investment Group, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20130118913
    Abstract: Both the reaction of hydride-forming compositions with hydrogen to form hydrides, and the decomposition of such hydrides to release hydrogen may be promoted electrochemically. These reactions may be conducted reversibly, and if performed in a suitable cell, the cell will serve as a hydrogen storage and release device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John J. Vajo, Wen Li, Ping Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
  • Patent number: 8440146
    Abstract: Cells and methods of producing hydrogen and oxygen from an aqueous solution at about 90% of the Faraday Limit are provided. An exemplary method includes the steps of placing a graphite electrode and a nickel electrode in an alkaline solution comprising colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium and a powdered metal such as aluminum, and applying a constant positive voltage to the nickel electrode. Further, the example includes cyclically applying a negative voltage potential to the graphite electrode by turning on the negative applied voltage for a first time period and switching off the negative voltage for a second time period. The second time period should be sufficient to permit removal of substantially all or at least some of any aluminum or zinc deposited on the graphite electrode. Graphite-containing electrodes may be pretreated to infuse with a precious metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: G & M Energy Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8383692
    Abstract: A method of activating boron nitride comprises exposing the boron nitride to a fluid enabling —OH hydroxyl radicals and/or H3O+ to be delivered and creating B—OH bonds and/or NH2 bonds in the boron nitride, and eliminating the fluid and recovering the activated boron nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ceram HYD
    Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
  • Publication number: 20120305407
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyzer including an electrode including a nanoporous oxide-coated conducting material. Also disclosed is a method of producing a gas through electrolysis by contacting an aqueous solution with an electrode connected to an electrical power source, wherein the electrode includes a nanoporous oxide-coated conducting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Marc A. Anderson, Kevin C. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8282811
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
  • Publication number: 20120222965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating an oxygen-consuming electrode as cathode for the electrolysis of alkali metal chlorides or hydrochloric acid, in an electrochemical cell, comprising feeding an oxygen-containing process gas to the electrode, wherein the oxygen-containing process gas is at least partly heated using a heat source from the electrolysis before contact with the oxygen-consuming electrode to a temperature which corresponds to not more than the temperature of the cathode space in the cell or is less than 50° C. below the temperature of the cathode space in the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Michael GROßHOLZ
  • Patent number: 8241471
    Abstract: An electrolytic system for generating hydrogen gas includes a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium, and a nano-metal comprising nano-nickel, nano-iron or a nano-nickel-iron alloy. The electrodes include a first electrode of a non-magnetic material. A second electrode includes an electrode precursor of a magnetic material or an electro-magnet. When in its magnetic state, the electrode precursor exerts a magnetic force of sufficient strength to pull the nano-metal of the electrolyte onto at least a portion of its surfaces, to form the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
  • Patent number: 8221610
    Abstract: An electrochemical method for providing hydrogen using ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: forming an anode comprising a layered electrocatalyst, the layered electrocatalyst comprising at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support; providing a cathode comprising a conductor; disposing a basic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode; disposing a fuel within the basic electrolyte; and applying a current to the anode causing the oxidation of the fuel, forming hydrogen at the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Patent number: 8157980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving high output efficiency from an electrolysis system (100) using a plurality of electrolysis cells all located within a single electrolysis tank (101) is provided. Each individual electrolysis cell includes a membrane (105A) and at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of different polarity (115A/116A). The electrolysis system also includes at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (119A/120A). In at least one embodiment, the low voltage electrodes within each electrolysis cell are comprised of at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of a first type (115A/116A) and at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of a second type (117A/118A). In at least one other embodiment, the low voltage electrodes within each electrolysis cell are comprised of at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (701A/702A). The voltage applied to the electrodes is pulsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Patent number: 8110084
    Abstract: The invention is relative to an electrode for gas evolution in electrolytic and electrometallurgical industrial applications, made of a metal substrate having a surface morphology characterized by a combination of micro-roughness and macro-roughness which favors high adherence of a superficial catalytic layer in order to prevent detachment of the same and passivation of the substrate even under critical operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Rubén Ornelas Jacobo, Giuseppe Faita, Lawrence Gestaut, Corrado Mojana
  • Publication number: 20110315562
    Abstract: An electrolysis device including a bioanode and a cathode catalyst, a method for implementing the same, and the use thereof for producing hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE TOULOUSE
    Inventors: Regine Basseyguy, Alain Bergel, Benjamin Erable, Luc Etcheverry, Serge Da Silva
  • Publication number: 20110308964
    Abstract: A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of removing protons and/or producing a base solution using a gas diffusion anode and a cathode electrolyte comprising dissolved carbon dioxide, while applying 2V or less across the anode and cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: RYAN J. GILLIAM, Valentin Decker, Nigel Antony Knott, Michael Kostowskyj, Bryan Boggs, Kasra Farsad
  • Publication number: 20110233069
    Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for electrochemical generation of hydrogen are disclosed. The apparatus may include a cathode, a polymer electrolyte membrane surrounding the cathode and a housing surrounding the polymer electrolyte membrane. The housing may include an anode electrically connected to the cathode. The system for electrochemical generation of hydrogen may include a water purifier in fluid communication with a hydrogen generating unit, an electrolyte source in fluid communication with the hydrogen generation unit and a power source electrically connected to the hydrogen generating unit. The method may include passing water and electrolyte into the hydrogen generation unit and applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode to generate hydrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: RASIRC
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Daniel Alvarez, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110214997
    Abstract: A device for hydrogen gas production comprising a working electrode comprising a magnetically-modified semiconductor electrode. Onset of hydrogen gas evolution for the device, measured at a current density of about 0.4 mA/cm2, occurs at an overpotential of no more than about ?1200 mV, or no more than about ?600 mV, or no more than about ?500 mV. The magnetically-modified semiconductor working electrode provides the device with a photoconversion efficiency of at least about 0.1%, or at least about 1.6%, or at least about 6.2%. Other applications include photovoltaics, photoelectrochemical synthesis, and photocatalysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Johna LEDDY, Heung Chan Lee
  • Publication number: 20110139631
    Abstract: A system for generating gas includes a gas source which includes a gas generator and a gas compressor. The system also includes a gas management apparatus in a flow path between the gas source and gas sink. The gas management apparatus includes a primary pressure vessel that stores gas when a gas source flow rate exceeds a gas sink flow rate, and that releases stored gas when the gas source flow rate is less than the gas sink flow rate. The gas management apparatus also includes a primary variable state material that absorbs the gas when in an absorptive state, and releases the gas in a releasing state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Anthony Scott Brown
  • Publication number: 20110117459
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for capturing electrical energy from a process designed for producing hydrogen. An electrode is placed within a stream of liquid alkali metal that flows through a titration module and interacts with water to produce, among other byproducts, hydrogen. Another electrode is placed within a reaction chamber that houses the water. The electrodes can then be coupled to a terminal, and during the hydrogen generation process (when the liquid alkali metal and water interact) the stream of liquid alkali metal acts as an anode and the electrode in the water as a cathode. Current flows, and energy is captured and made available as electrical energy at the terminal, which can be connected to electrical loads. The terminal may be connected with the terminal of a fuel cell that is consuming the hydrogen that is being produced, thus providing additional voltage and/or current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce McGill
  • Patent number: 7922878
    Abstract: A system for hydrogen gas generation is provided according to the present invention which includes a hydrogen gas electrode assembly including a first anode in electrical communication with a first cathode; a microbial fuel cell electrode assembly including a second anode in electrical communication with a second cathode, the microbial fuel cell electrode assembly in electrical communication with the hydrogen gas electrode assembly for enhancing an electrical potential between the first anode and the first cathode. A single chamber housing contains the hydrogen gas electrode assembly at least partially in the interior space of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Bruce Logan
  • Publication number: 20100300381
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic reactor and related methods for supplementing the air-intake of an internal combustion engine with hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: James Harper
  • Patent number: 7803264
    Abstract: An electro-catalyst for the oxidation of ammonia in alkaline media; the electrocatalyst being a noble metal co-deposited on a support with one or more other metals that are active to ammonia oxidation. In some embodiments, the support is platinum, gold, tantalum, or iridium. In some embodiments, the support has a layer of Raney metal deposited thereon prior to the deposition of the catalyst. Also provided are electrodes having the electro-catalyst deposited thereon, ammonia electrolytic cells, ammonia fuel cells, ammonia sensors, and a method for removing ammonia contaminants from a contaminated effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20100200423
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generator with electrode and insulator configurations for providing hydrogen for fuel and reduced energy purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Mark R. Miles
  • Patent number: 7722757
    Abstract: A method and device for the production of hydrogen from water and electricity using an active metal alloy. The active metal alloy reacts with water producing hydrogen and a metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is consumed, restoring the active metal alloy, by applying a voltage between the active metal alloy and the metal hydroxide. As the process is sustainable, only water and electricity is required to sustain the reaction generating hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: William E. Miller, Victor A. Maroni, James L. Willit
  • Publication number: 20100119920
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reaction chamber and an exterior of the reaction chamber; exoelectrogenic bacteria disposed in the interior of the reaction chamber; an aqueous medium having a pH in the range of 3-9, inclusive, the aqueous medium including an organic substrate oxidizable by exoelectrogenic bacteria and the medium disposed in the interior of the reaction chamber. An inventive apparatus further includes an anode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber; and a brush or mesh cathode including stainless steel, nickel or titanium, the cathode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bruce Logan, Douglas Call, Matthew Merrill, Shaoan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7709113
    Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. In one system for producing hydrogen is provided which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, Ion Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Logan, Stephen Grot, Thomas E. Mallouk, Hong Liu
  • Publication number: 20100089767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storing hydrogen and for producing hydrogen in which, for storing hydrogen, a unit (2) having: a cation donor, particularly of H? ions, an anode (20), a cathode capable of storing atomic and/or molecular (22) hydrogen, a wall (21) permeable to ions, having an electrical non conducting but ionic conducting material, between the cathode and the cation donor, is subjected to an electric field allowing the formation, at least at the cathode and electrical non conducting material interface, of atomic and/or molecular hydrogen and storing said hydrogen at least in the cathode, and in which, to restitute hydrogen gas, the cathode is heated and/or depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
  • Publication number: 20100059389
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for membrane electrolysis cells comprising a grooved metal support favouring the gas release and the electrolyte renewal on its surface. The grooved geometry of the support may be obtained by erosion of a metal sheet with abrasive media in a continuous process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo Ottaviani, Leonello Carrettin, Dino Floriano Di Franco, Corrado Mojana, Michele Perego
  • Publication number: 20090272653
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for producing hydrogen from a hydrocarbon fuel by combining the fuel with a gas comprising both oxygen and steam, and passing the resulting mixture through a plasma generated by a microwave plasma generator between opposed electrodes. At least one of the electrodes defines a duct for outflow of gaseous material from the vicinity of the plasma, and the gas mixture emerging from the outflow duct contains hydrogen. The fuel undergoes partial oxidation and steam reforming, the reactions being initiated by the plasma rather than by a catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Philip Michael Beech, Stuart Leigh Jones, James Timothy Shawcross
  • Patent number: 7510640
    Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L Gibson, Nelson A Kelly
  • Publication number: 20090071841
    Abstract: A reversible electrochemical system includes a first electrode comprising liquid silver metal and a second electrode, said first and second electrodes separated by a oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte; a conduit for directing a first reactive material across the second electrode; and a conduit for contacting second reactive material with the first liquid silver electrode, wherein the cell is capable of steam electrolysis when the polarity of the electrodes is selected such that the liquid silver is an anode and the cell is capable of electrical energy generation when the polarity of the electrodes is selected such that the liquid silver is a cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: BOSTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Uday B. Pal, Srikanth Gopalan
  • Publication number: 20090050489
    Abstract: An electrochemical method for providing hydrogen using ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: forming an anode comprising a layered electrocatalyst, the layered electrocatalyst comprising at least one active metal layer deposited on a carbon support; providing a cathode comprising a conductor; disposing a basic electrolyte between the anode and the cathode; disposing a fuel within the basic electrolyte; and applying a current to the anode causing the oxidation of the fuel, forming hydrogen at the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20090045073
    Abstract: Electrolysis cell and method of using the same in hydrogen generation. According to one embodiment, the electrolysis cell includes a frame having an interior. A proton exchange membrane (PEM) is disposed within the frame to divide the interior into two chambers. An anode in the form of a gas diffusion electrode is disposed within the interior of the frame and is spaced apart from the PEM, the space between the anode and the PEM being filled with an aqueous sulfuric acid. A cathode is disposed within the interior of the frame and is ionically coupled to the PEM. In use, gaseous sulfur dioxide is delivered to the side of the anode facing away from the sulfuric acid solution, and a current is supplied to the electrolysis cell. Consequently, sulfur dioxide is oxidized at the anode, and molecular hydrogen is generated at the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Simon G. Stone, Lawrence J. Gestaut
  • Patent number: 7491453
    Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. One system for producing hydrogen includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber. An anode is provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber and a cathode is also provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, Ion Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Logan, Stephen Grot, Thomas E. Mallouk, Hong Liu