Utilizing Specified Electrode Patents (Class 205/638)
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Patent number: 11105004Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Inventors: Aurelio Pucci, Umberto De Luca
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Patent number: 10844498Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Michael Caspersen, Sune Daaskov Egelund, Per Moeller
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Patent number: 10541132Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignees: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Shih-Yen Lin, Hsuan-An Chen, Si-Chen Lee
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Patent number: 9340882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: ACTA S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Tampucci, Paolo Bert
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Publication number: 20150122666Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventor: Marcelo Acosta Estrada
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Patent number: 8999134Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research & Development Authority, Ltd.Inventors: Armand Bettelheim, Eli Korin
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Publication number: 20150090604Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Vincent Artero, Marc Fontecave, Saioa Cobo, Pierre-Andre Jacques, Holger Dau, Johathan Heikamp
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Patent number: 8986518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Cleanworld Fuels, LLCInventor: Marc Daniel Moncion
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Publication number: 20140353166Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Brian C. Iezzi, Yanpeng Li, Linyou Cao, Yifei Yu
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Publication number: 20140183054Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: AXINE WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Colleen Legzdins
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Patent number: 8764966Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John J. Vajo, Wen Li, Ping Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
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Publication number: 20140124380Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventor: Qinbai Fan
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Publication number: 20140116890Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: UChicago Argonne LLCInventors: Ram Subbaraman, Vojislav Stamenkovic, Nenad Markovic, Dusan Tripkovic
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Publication number: 20140110271Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8632672Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik
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Patent number: 8608934Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: G & M Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
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Publication number: 20130256149Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Arizona Science and Technology Enterprises LLCInventors: Sudeep Popat, Prathap Parameswaran, Cesar Torres, Bruce Rittmann
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Patent number: 8485140Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Global Patent Investment Group, LLCInventor: Bruce F. Field
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Publication number: 20130118913Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2011Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: John J. Vajo, Wen Li, Ping Liu, Frederick E. Pinkerton
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Patent number: 8440146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: G & M Energy Systems, LLCInventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
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Patent number: 8388818Abstract: Lightweight photoelectrochemical system for real-time hydrogen production from water and sunlight, using lightweight multi-junction photo electrodes made from the highly reliable and efficient copper indium selenide thin films, preferably made by low-cost electrodeposition on flexible foil.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Inventor: Shalini Menezes
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Patent number: 8383692Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Ceram HYDInventor: Arash Mofakhami
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Publication number: 20120305407Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Marc A. Anderson, Kevin C. Leonard
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Patent number: 8282811Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLCInventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
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Publication number: 20120222965Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Andreas Bulan, Michael GROßHOLZ
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Patent number: 8241471Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
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Patent number: 8221610Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Ohio UniversityInventor: Gerardine G. Botte
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Patent number: 8157980Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
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Patent number: 8110084Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.Inventors: Rubén Ornelas Jacobo, Giuseppe Faita, Lawrence Gestaut, Corrado Mojana
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Publication number: 20110315562Abstract: An electrolysis device including a bioanode and a cathode catalyst, a method for implementing the same, and the use thereof for producing hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE TOULOUSEInventors: Regine Basseyguy, Alain Bergel, Benjamin Erable, Luc Etcheverry, Serge Da Silva
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Publication number: 20110308964Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: RYAN J. GILLIAM, Valentin Decker, Nigel Antony Knott, Michael Kostowskyj, Bryan Boggs, Kasra Farsad
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Publication number: 20110233069Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: RASIRCInventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Daniel Alvarez, JR.
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Publication number: 20110214997Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Johna LEDDY, Heung Chan Lee
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Publication number: 20110139631Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Anthony Scott Brown
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Publication number: 20110117459Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: Bruce McGill
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Patent number: 7922878Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: The Penn State Research FoundationInventor: Bruce Logan
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Publication number: 20100300381Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolytic reactor and related methods for supplementing the air-intake of an internal combustion engine with hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventor: James Harper
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Patent number: 7803264Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Ohio UniversityInventor: Gerardine G. Botte
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Publication number: 20100200423Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrogen generator with electrode and insulator configurations for providing hydrogen for fuel and reduced energy purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Mark R. Miles
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Patent number: 7722757Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: William E. Miller, Victor A. Maroni, James L. Willit
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Publication number: 20100119920Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Bruce Logan, Douglas Call, Matthew Merrill, Shaoan Cheng
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Patent number: 7709113Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, Ion Power, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Logan, Stephen Grot, Thomas E. Mallouk, Hong Liu
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Publication number: 20100089767Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
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Publication number: 20100059389Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.Inventors: Angelo Ottaviani, Leonello Carrettin, Dino Floriano Di Franco, Corrado Mojana, Michele Perego
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Publication number: 20090272653Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2007Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Philip Michael Beech, Stuart Leigh Jones, James Timothy Shawcross
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Patent number: 7510640Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Thomas L Gibson, Nelson A Kelly
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Publication number: 20090071841Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2006Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: BOSTON UNIVERSITYInventors: Uday B. Pal, Srikanth Gopalan
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Publication number: 20090050489Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: Ohio UniversityInventor: Gerardine G. Botte
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Publication number: 20090045073Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Simon G. Stone, Lawrence J. Gestaut
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Patent number: 7491453Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, Ion Power, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Logan, Stephen Grot, Thomas E. Mallouk, Hong Liu