Specified Single Metal Or Alloy Patents (Class 205/639)
  • Patent number: 11692516
    Abstract: An electrolysis system includes an injector with a conical tapered resonant capacitor wave-guide forming two voltage zones of polarity. An anode probe establishes a positive charge reaction of a capacitive voltage region. An anode exciter component has a conically tapered tip with a tapering diameter that diminishes toward a tip end and determines a guide path through the injector for a dielectric medium. A cathode probe is retained within the anode probe for establishing a negative charge reaction of the capacitive voltage region. A cathode exciter component includes a cathode tapered tip conically parallel with the anode conically tapered tip. The anode and cathode end portions form a compression exiting nozzle port. The compression exiting nozzle port receives a mixture of water mist and fuel gases to focus the mixture into a trigger zone of fuel gas combustion, which triggers an electrolysis reaction in the water mist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: McKane B. Lee
  • Patent number: 11447879
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen. The cell comprises an electrolyte compartment and an electrolyte disposed therein. The electrolyte comprises an aqueous alkaline solution comprising a transition metal ion or p block metal ion. The cell further comprises first and second spaced apart electrodes at least partially disposed in the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SURREY
    Inventors: Bahman Amini Horri, Sai Gu
  • Patent number: 9403154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising (i) a semiconductor preferably comprising one or more metal-(Group VIb) semiconductors, and (ii) a semiconductor material having elevated phosphorous content preferably comprising one or more metal-(Group VIb))-phosphorous species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: MONASH UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Douglas MacFarlane, Bjorn Winther-Jensen, Alexey Izgorodin
  • Patent number: 9067186
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for efficient on-demand production of H2 and O2 from water and heat using environmentally safe metals are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus for hydrogen generation through water-decomposition reaction includes a main reactor, an oxidizer reactor, and a computer-control system. The computer system is configured to control each of the components of the hydrogen gas production system for stable hydrogen-gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: MARINE POWER PRODUCTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jeff Carey
  • 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: 20150021197
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel metal complexes useful as catalysts in redox reactions (such as, hydrogen (H2) production). In particular, the invention provides novel transition metal (e.g., cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni)) complexes, in which the transition metal is coupled with N,N-Bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,2?-Bipyridine-6-methanamine (DPA-Bpy), 6?-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2?-bipyridin-6-amine (DPA-ABpy), N,N-bis((isoquinolin-1-yl)methyl)(6-(pyridin-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl)methanamine (DIQ-Bpy), or a derivative thereof. The invention also relates to a method of producing H2 from an aqueous solution by using the metal complex as a catalyst. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a metal complex of the formulae as described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Xuan Zhao, Charles E. Webster
  • 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: 8734632
    Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: H2 Pump, LLC
    Inventor: Glenn A. Eisman
  • Patent number: 8721866
    Abstract: A method for electrochemical production of synthesis gas from carbon dioxide is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may bubble the carbon dioxide into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode generally reduces the carbon dioxide into a plurality of components. Step (B) may establish a molar ratio of the components in the synthesis gas by adjusting at least one of (i) a cathode material and (ii) a surface morphology of the cathode. Step (C) may separate the synthesis gas from the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Liquid Light, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayanappa Sivasankar, Emily Barton Cole, Kyle Teamey
  • 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: 8663448
    Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: H2 Pump, LLC
    Inventor: Glenn A Eisman
  • 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: 8524903
    Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8486251
    Abstract: This invention relates to the desulfurization of a hydrocarbon feedstock by contacting said feedstock with an aqueous metal hydroxide solution, thus resulting in a desulfurized feedstock and an aqueous metal sulfide stream. In the present invention, the aqueous metal sulfide stream is split into at least three fractions and each fraction is passed to a different electrochemical cell, connected in series to regenerate the metal hydroxide required in the desulfurization process and recover sulfur, metal hydroxide, and hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the metal hydroxide that is produced in the electrochemical metal hydroxide regeneration process of the present invention is recycled for use in the process for desulfurizing the sulfur-containing hydrocarbon feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventor: Russell J. Koveal
  • 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: 8435685
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus can include an absorbent layer that absorbs an aqueous solution, a metal membrane deposited on either side of the absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer is interposed between the metal membranes, and a support layer formed on one side of one of the metal membranes that transports hydrogen generated by a reaction between the aqueous solution and the metal membrane. A batch type reaction may thus be implemented between the aqueous solution and the metal membranes, so that the reaction can be controlled to provide an even rate of hydrogen generation. Possible disturbances to the reaction resulting from by-products can be prevented, and since there is no additional equipment required, the volume and weight of the fuel cell power generation system can be reduced, and the extra power consumption by the additional equipment can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hye-Yeon Cha, Young-Soo Oh, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Chang-Ryul Jung, Jae-Hyoung Gil
  • Publication number: 20130101911
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel cell comprising: an anode; a cathode; an electrolyte; means for supplying a hydrogen-containing fuel to the fuel cell; and means for supplying an oxidant to the fuel cell; wherein the anode and, optionally, the cathode includes a catalyst comprising an alloy of the formula (I): PdxBiyMz (I) wherein: M is one or more metals; x is 0.2 to 0.4; y is 0.6 to 0.8; z is not greater than 0.1; and x+y+z=1; is described. Catalysts and electrodes for hydrogen fuel cells comprising the alloy and electrochemical methods using the alloy catalysts are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Alexandros Anastasopoulos, Brian Elliott Hayden
  • Patent number: 8372551
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system are disclosed. The hydrogen generating apparatus may include an electrolyte bath, which contains an electrolyte solution; a first electrode, which is stacked on a surface inside the electrolyte bath, and which generates electrons; a moisture absorption layer, which is stacked on the first electrode, and which absorbs moisture from the electrolyte solution; and a second electrode, which is stacked on the moisture absorption layer, and which generates hydrogen using the electrons and the electrolyte solution. With this apparatus, the electrodes can be formed as thin films, whereby the number of electrodes can be increased and -the gaps between electrodes can be decreased, to increase the amount of hydrogen generation. Also, the flow of electrons can be controlled, using a control unit, in accordance to the amount of hydrogen or amount of electrical power required by the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyoung Gil, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Hong-Ryul Lee
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8282812
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen from salt water by electrolysis. The apparatus includes a cathode plate and an anode plate spaced apart from the cathode plate. The apparatus also includes a cathode end connector for electrically connecting the cathode plate to a negative terminal of a direct current electrical power supply, and an anode end connector for electrically connecting the anode plate to a positive terminal of the direct current electrical power supply. The cathode plate is made from aluminum, and the anode plate is made from zinc. The aluminum cathode plate may have a multiplicity of apertures therein. It has been determined that the aluminum cathode plate and the zinc anode plate tend to provide an effective combination for salt water electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: John Christopher Burtch
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120175270
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode for electrolytic processes provided with a catalytic coating based on ruthenium crystallites with highly controlled size falling in a range of 1-10 nm. The coating can be produced by physical vapour deposition of a ruthenium or ruthenium oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Christian Urgeghe, Stefania Mora, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi
  • Publication number: 20110048962
    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: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Sun Catalytix Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Y. Reece, Arthur J. Esswein, Kimberly Sung, Zachary I. Green, Daniel G. Nocera
  • Publication number: 20110042227
    Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7871508
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Publication number: 20100258450
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen from salt water by electrolysis. The apparatus includes a cathode plate and an anode plate spaced apart from the cathode plate. The apparatus also includes a cathode end connector for electrically connecting the cathode plate to a negative terminal of a direct current electrical power supply, and an anode end connector for electrically connecting the anode plate to a positive terminal of the direct current electrical power supply. The cathode plate is made from aluminum, and the anode plate is made from zinc. The aluminum cathode plate may have a multiplicity of apertures therein. It has been determined that the aluminum cathode plate and the zinc anode plate tend to provide an effective combination for salt water electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: John Christopher BURTCH
  • 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
  • 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: 20100089676
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator system for internal combustion engines includes a cylindrical container for receiving an aqueous fluid and gases in an annular space therein, an electrolysis cell having an array of electrode plates including a positive-charged electrode plate, a negative-charged electrode plate spaced from the positive-charged electrode plate, and a plurality of neutral-charged electrode plates serving as the outermost electrode plates of the electrolysis cell and also innermost electrode plates in the space between the positive-charged electrode plate and the negative-charged electrode plate, and an insulative sleeve surrounding and contacting the outer periphery of the electrolysis cell to intensify the output created by the electrolysis cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Toli Papachristopoulos
  • Patent number: 7550072
    Abstract: A nitric acid solution containing ions of any one element selected from the group consisting of rare element FP of Ru, Rh and Pd and a rare element of Re is electrolytically reduced by electrolyzing at a constant current to thereby deposit the ions of the element on an electrode. Alternatively, a nitric acid solution containing ions of two or more elements selected from the group consisting of rare element FP of Ru, Rh and Pd and a rare element of Re is electrolytically reduced by electrolyzing at a constant current to thereby collectively deposit the ions of the elements on an electrode. Alkaline water is electrolyzed by using the thus obtained electrodeposit electrode directly as it is as a catalytic electrode to efficiently generate hydrogen. Thus, a clean and sustaining energy system integrating the nuclear energy with the fuel cell power generation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute
    Inventors: Masaki Ozawa, Tetsuo Ikegami
  • Publication number: 20090095636
    Abstract: A method using an electrolytic cell to electrolyze urea to produce at least one of H2 and NH3 is described. An electrolytic cell having a cathode with a first conducting component, an anode with a second conducting component, urea and an alkaline electrolyte composition in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode is used to electrolyze urea. The alkaline electrolyte composition has a hydroxide concentration of at least 0.01 M.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • 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: 20090081499
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrolyte solution for hydrogen generating apparatus including water; at least one ionizing compound; and at least one cation exchange resin, as well as a hydrogen generating apparatus that includes the electrolyte solution. The electrolyte solution for hydrogen generating apparatus according to the invention can increase the time and amount of hydrogen generation by reducing an amount of metal hydroxide generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bosung Ku, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae, Chang-Ryul Jung
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7485211
    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: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventors: Gerardine G. Botte, Frederic Vitse, Matt Cooper
  • Publication number: 20080296172
    Abstract: An electrolysis system (100) and method of using same is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes a plurality of metal members comprised of at least a first and a second metal member (121/123) contained within the first tank region and at least a third and a fourth metal member (125/127) contained within the second tank region. The system also includes a plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least an anode (117) interposed between the first and second metal members and at least a cathode (115) interposed between the third and fourth metal members. The high voltage applied to the plurality of high voltage electrodes is pulsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Kuzo Holding Inc.
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Publication number: 20080296171
    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 (105-107), a plurality of low voltage electrodes comprised of at least a first and second anode (117/118; 125/126) and at least a first and second cathode (121/122; 129/130), and a plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least an anode (119; 127) and a cathode (123; 131). Within each cell, the high voltage anode is interposed between the first and second low voltage anodes and the high voltage cathode is interposed between the first and second low voltage cathodes. The low voltage applied to the low voltage electrodes and the high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes is pulsed with the pulses occurring simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Kuzo Holding Inc.
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Publication number: 20080245673
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating hydrogen gas in an aqueous solution based electrolytic or galvanic cell wherein the cathode is made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In a preferred arrangement the cell is a galvanic cell and cathode is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy and the anode is made from magnesium or magnesium alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Debabrata Ghosh, Asoke Chandra Das Chaklader, Zhaolin Tang, Zhong Xia
  • Publication number: 20080190781
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrochemical method for producing and storing hydrogen, which is a closed system consisting of a gas-generating electrode, an electrolyte and a zinc electrode, the gas-generating electrode and zinc electrode are connected respectively to the external circuits; characterized in that switching on the external circuit of the gas-generating electrode and zinc electrode the hydrogen is to be released, the reduction reaction of water occurs on the gas-generating electrode producing hydrogen; zinc is oxidized on the zinc electrode generating the oxidation products of zinc; when the hydrogen is to be stored, supplementary water is supplied to the closed system, the negative pole of power source is connected to the external circuit of the zinc electrode, and the positive pole of power source is connected to the external circuit of the gas-generating electrode, switching on the direct current, the reduction reaction of zinc occurs on the zinc electrode, the oxidation products of zinc are reduc
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chao Huang
  • Patent number: 7351316
    Abstract: Water electrolysis device determining stable isotopic composition of water and a water electrolysis method for stable isotopic composition of water capable of analyzing many samples easily, safely and at low cost in very short time, and rapidly analyzing 17O are provided. The water electrolysis device performing mass spectrometry of hydrogen or oxygen stable isotopic composition includes a proton exchange membrane of fluorocarbon polymer plated non-electrolytically with platinum, iridium, rhodium or iridium-rhodium alloy, and a cathode and an anode of porous titanium plated with platinum and sandwiching the proton exchange membrane, wherein water electrolyzes by introduction into the anode side chamber and supplying DC current between the anode and the cathode, and oxygen gas generated at the anode and hydrogen gas generated at the cathode respectively flows into an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Naohiro Yoshida, Osamu Abe, Ryu Uemura, Hiroshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7232509
    Abstract: Highly active hydrogen evolving cathode using a platinum group metal catalyst in an amount smaller than that used in the conventional hydrogen evolving cathode. The hydrogen evolving cathode includes a conductive substrate, and a catalyst layer comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of silver and a silver oxide compound, and at least one selected from the group consisting of a platinum group metal, a platinum group metal oxide and a platinum group metal hydroxide, formed on a surface of the conductive substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Miwako Nara, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta
  • Patent number: 7175751
    Abstract: A method and system for electrochemically purifying an impure stream of hydrogen. Hydrogen is absorbed into a gas diffusion anode from the impure hydrogen stream and oxidized to form hydrogen ions and electrons which are released into an alkaline solution. An electrolytic cathode also positioned in the alkaline solution decomposes water to form hydrogen and hydroxyl ions which combine with the hydrogen ions to maintain equilibrium of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Subhash K. Dhar, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6827838
    Abstract: A method of separating and recovering 18F from 18O water at high purity and efficiency while maintaining the purity of the 18O water. By using a solid electrode (1) as an anode and a container (electrodeposition vessel) (2) made of platinum as a cathode, 18F in a solution (4) is electrodeposited on the solid electrode surface by applying a voltage. Then, by using the solid electrode (1) on which 18F is electrodeposited as a cathode and a container (recovery vessel) (5) holding pure water therein as an anode, 18F is recovered in the pure water by applying a voltage of opposite polarity to that of the electrodeposition. In this process, little 18O water is lost. The initial concentration of the 18O water is maintained even after the electrodeposition of 18F, so that the 18O water can be repeatedly used as an irradiation target for production of 18F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Riken
    Inventors: Toshio Hyodo, Yoshiko Itoh, Fuminori Saito, Yasuyuki Nagashima, Toshikazu Kurihara, Akira Goto, Masayuki Kase, Yasushige Yano, Katsumi Senoo
  • Publication number: 20030173229
    Abstract: An Mg alloy powder is reacted with water to produce hydogen. The Mg alloy powder is produced by hydrogenating an aggregate of Mg alloy particles each having an Mg particle and a plurality of catalyst metal particulates existing on a surface of and within the Mg particle. The catalyst metal particulates are at least one selected from Ni particulates, Ni alloy particulates, Fe particulates, Fe alloy particulates, V particulates, V alloy particulates, Mn particulates, Mn alloy particulates, Ti particulates, Ti alloy particulates, Cu particulates, Cu alloy particulates, Ag particulates, Ag alloy particulates, Ca particulates, Ca alloy particulates, Zn particulates, Zn alloy particulates, Zr particulates, Zr alloy particulates, Co particulates, Co alloy particulates, Cr particulates and Cr alloy particulates. Thus, hydrogen can be produced quickly and in large amounts, and waste liquid is easily treated. Moreover, hydrogen production cost can be reduced using an inexpensive catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Izuru Kanoya, Mitsuya Hosoe, Takanori Suzuki, Takeaki Isobe
  • Publication number: 20030098232
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing electrolysis on materials such as water, thereby electrically separating the electrolyte into its elemental components. More specifically, according to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided an apparatus for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen that uses a specially prepared cathode in conjunction with incident light energy to increase the efficiency of that process. A preferred embodiment of this apparatus uses the photo collector/cathode which comprises a thin layer of metal, preferably nickel, deposited by electroplating or a similar technique onto a conductive surface (e.g., a sheet of copper metal). During the electrolysis process, the cathode is irradiated with light, thereby reducing the amount of electrical energy necessary to separate a given quantity of electrolytic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: A. Nicholas Roe, Arthur N. Roe
  • Publication number: 20030089620
    Abstract: Methods for producing hydrogen gas from organic substances. According to the methods, hydrogen is produced from an electrochemical reaction of an organic substance with water or a base. The instant methods permit the production of hydrogen at lower operating voltages or lower operating temperatures relative to water electrolysis. Operable organic substances include alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced from an electrochemical reaction of methanol in the presence of a base such as NaOH or KOH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Benjamin Reichman, William Mays
  • Patent number: 6544400
    Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
  • Patent number: 6533919
    Abstract: A method for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez