Abstract: A method for separating a Lewis acid gas from a fluid mixture, comprising contacting the fluid mixture with a reduced electroactive species; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and a stabilizing additive to form an anion adduct between the Lewis acid gas and the reduced electroactive species, wherein the electroactive species comprises an oxidized state, and at least one reduced state that bonds with the Lewis acid gas to form the anion adduct, wherein the stabilizing additive comprises a cationic Lewis acid, a hydrogen-bond donor, or a combination thereof, and the stabilizing additive is present in an effective amount to kinetically favor the forming of the anion adduct from the reduced electroactive species and thermodynamically favor the forming of the anion adduct in the thermodynamic equilibrium between the anion adduct and the reduced electroactive species.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method are provided. One or more surfactants are used as a hydrogen carrier and/or coolant for hydrogen fueled proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The surfactant can work as a bubbler to trap hydrogen as fine bubbles with cooling water to feed the fuel cell anode. The water acts as humidification supplier and coolant.

Abstract: The present invention is a corrosion environment diagnosis system including: an environment measuring device that includes a temperature sensor that measures temperature in an electronic part serving as a diagnosis target or an indoor space in which an electronic device including the electronic part is installed, a humidity sensor that measures relative humidity in the indoor space or the electronic device, a corrosion sensor that measures a corrosion thickness of the diagnosis target, and a database in which indoor environment data including the temperature and the relative humidity measured by the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor and corrosion thickness data including the corrosion thickness measured by the corrosion sensor are accumulated; an outside air environment database in which outside air environment data including previous temperature and humidity of outside air is recorded; and a diagnostic processing device capable of receiving data of the outside air environment database and the enviro

Abstract: A method of operating an oxygen transport membrane based reforming system employing one or more packs of thermally coupled panels of reformer tubes and oxygen transport membrane (“OTM”) reactors close to thermo-neutral point is provided. The method produces syngas by converting a hydrocarbon-containing feed, such as natural gas in the reformer tubes of a pack by endothermic steam reforming reactions. The heat required for endothermic reforming reactions is provided by exothermic oxidizing reactions occurring inside the OTM reactors of the pack. At a thermo-neutral point the heat released by exothermic reactions matches the heat required to support endothermic reactions and heat losses in the pack. The method modulates the flow rate of hydrocarbon-containing feed and/or steam-to-carbon ratio of the combined feed to the pack to maintain the surface temperature of oxygen transport membrane reactors below a target maximum temperature.

Abstract: A vapor-cell system and method is provided, comprising an enclosed vapor-cell region containing a vapor-cell gas phase comprising a vapor-cell alkali or alkaline earth metal, wherein the vapor-cell region is configured to allow at least one vapor-cell optical path through the vapor-cell gas phase; an enclosed reservoir region containing a reservoir alkali or alkaline earth metal, wherein the reservoir region is in vapor isolation from the vapor-cell region; a solid electrolyte disposed in ionic communication between the vapor-cell region and the reservoir region; a first electrode disposed between the solid electrolyte and the vapor-cell region; and a second electrode disposed between the solid electrolyte and the reservoir region, wherein the second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode. This vapor-cell system enables independent control of the alkali or alkaline earth vapor pressure in the vapor cell.

Abstract: A method of purifying a hydrogen stream using an electrochemical cell having a tightly wound leak resistant metal spring and a hollow wet polymeric membrane located within and concentric with the metal spring which provides an inner compartment and an outer compartment. A porous metal electrode in a form of a tubular sintered metal filter is located within the inner compartment and is spaced from the hollow polymeric membrane. A gas inlet for feeding a hydrogen stream that is to be purified communicates with the inner compartment and a gas outlet is provided for passing purified hydrogen gas thru the metal spring. The electrode within the inner compartment is connected to an anode terminal of a dc supply with an electrical conductor and the metal spring is connected to a cathode terminal of the dc supply with another electrical conductor.

Abstract: Experimental and numerical investigations on an atmospheric diffusion oxy-combustion flame in a gas turbine model combustor are conducted. The combustor is fuelled with CH4CH4 and a mixture of CO2 and O2 as oxidizer. The stability of the oxy-combustion flame is affected when the operating percentage of oxygen in the oxidizer mixture is reduced below 25%. A new 3D reactor design is introduced for the substitution of ITM reactors into a gas turbine combustor. A new oxygen permeation equation model has been developed by fitting the experimental data available in the literature for a LSCF ion transport membrane. The monolith structure design ITM reactor is capable of delivering power ranging from 5 to 8 MWe based on cycle first law efficiency.

Abstract: An oxygen transport reactor for boiler furnaces and gas turbine combustors that utilizes a liquid fuel that is oxidized as a gaseous fuel in a membrane reactor. A liquid fuel is introduced by vaporizing the fuel inside a porous pipe surrounded by an annulus reaction zone which is surrounded by an annulus air zone. An oxygen transport membrane separates the annulus reaction zone containing the porous vaporized fuel and sweeping CO2 from the air feed side zone. Oxygen is transported from the outer annulus through the membrane to the annulus reaction zone containing the vaporized fuel and sweeping CO2. Fuel is first cracked to very small droplets in the intake fuel atomizer utilizing part of the intake CO2 then completely vaporized inside the porous pipe utilizing the heat coming from the surrounding reaction zone. The oxygen transport reactor is applicable for carbon free boiler furnaces and gas turbine combustors which utilize oxygen transport reactors for combined oxygen separation and combustion.

Abstract: A water treatment system includes a water treatment unit and insulators. The water treatment unit is provided in an intermediate portion of a water passage allowing target water to flow, and produces bactericidal factors in the target water utilizing a discharge. The insulators are provided at an inflow side and an outflow side of the water treatment unit, respectively, and electrically insulate the water flowing to and out of the water treatment unit from the water treatment unit. The insulator at the inflow side sprays the target water to insulate the water. The insulator at the outflow side allows the target water to fall down from the water treatment unit to insulate the water.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical cell stack is provided. The method includes feeding a reactant gas to the cell stack. The flow of the reactant gas is halted to at least one cell in the cell stack. The voltage applied to the at least one cell is increased. The flow of reactant gas to the at least one cell is initiated in response to the voltage increasing above a threshold for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen by performing the steps of feeding a synthesis gas mixture to a pressure swing adsorption unit; producing hydrogen from the synthesis gas mixture in the pressure swing adsorption unit; feeding the remainder of the synthesis gas mixture at low pressure to an electrochemical cell wherein hydrogen is separated from the remainder of the synthesis gas mixture and is simultaneously pressurized; feeding the pressurized hydrogen from the electrochemical cell to join with the hydrogen generated in the pressure swing adsorption unit and recovering the combined hydrogen product. The synthesis gas mixture may be from a reformation unit and it may be subject to a water gas shift reaction. In addition to the production of hydrogen, the separation of hydrogen in the electrochemical cell increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the residual waste gas and enables carbon dioxide recovery.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems comprising hydrodynamic cavitation, microwave irradiation, and at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis, providing feedstock purification of at least one of water, fluid and mineral. Contaminants, broken down and chemically degraded into smaller and more volatile substances by hydrodynamic cavitation are ultimately destroyed in the course of one or more sonoelectrolysis steps. In various embodiments, at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis is irradiated with microwaves in order to heat the sonoplasma present within acoustic cavitation bubbles to temperatures sufficient to destroy contaminants therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for carbon dioxide seperation and capture. The system includes a porous metal membrane comprising Ni, Ag, or combinations thereof and having molten carbonate within the pores. A CO2 containing flue gas input stream is separated from a reactant gas input stream by the membrane. The CO2 is removed from the flue gas input stream as it contacts the membrane resulting in a CO2 free flue gas output stream and a CO2 containing reactant gas output stream.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide capture and release includes contacting a gas comprising carbon dioxide with a mixture comprising a precursor and a solvent and reducing the precursor to form a capture agent. The capture agent is reacted with the carbon dioxide to form a non-volatile species containing carbon dioxide. The non-volatile species is oxidized to regenerate the precursor and to release carbon dioxide. The mixture may be formed by combining the precursor and the solvent.

Abstract: A system and method for processing unconditioned syngas first removes solids and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), then removes volatile organic compounds (VOC), and then removes at least one sulfur containing compound from the syngas. Additional processing may be performed depending on such factors as the source of syngas being processed, the products, byproducts and intermediate products desired to be formed, captured or recycled and environmental considerations.

Abstract: A method of purifying a hydrogen stream using an electrochemical cell having an enclosed electrically conductive cylindrical outer shell and a hollow wet polymeric membrane located within and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member which provides an inner compartment and an outer compartment. An electrode having a longitudinal axis is located within the inner compartment and is spaced from the hollow polymeric membrane. A gas inlet for feeding a hydrogen stream that is to be purified communicates with the inner compartment and a gas outlet is provided for passing purified hydrogen gas thru the cylindrical outer shell. The electrode within the hollow wet polymeric membrane is connected to an anode terminal of a dc supply with an electrical conductor and the outer shell of the cylindrical shaped member is connected to a cathode terminal of the dc supply with another electrical conductor.

Abstract: Desirable gas separation technologies, including novel methods and systems, are provided herein. The inventive gas separation technologies presented herein utilize supercapacitive swing adsorption (“SSA”) top selectively remove at least one chemical from a gas stream, such as the waste gas exhaust stream of a coal-fired electrical power generation plant. In some embodiments, the supercapacitive apparatus comprises a novel prepared mesoporous material comprising tungsten, preferably as WO3.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and/or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and/or storage of fluids. In one form, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of various fluids, such as water, by introducing at least one chemically active metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a biasing means for displacement of an electrode arrangement to allow for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow.

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.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a gas decomposition apparatus and a gas decomposition method in which no safety problems occur in spite of the application of a relatively high voltage between an anode and a cathode for the purpose of decomposing odorous gases of many types. [Solution] A catalytic electrode layer 6 that contains a catalyst and is porous; a counter electrode layer 7 that forms a pair with the catalytic electrode; and an electrolyte layer 15 that is sandwiched between the catalytic electrode and the counter electrode and has ion conductivity are included. The catalyst is held by the catalytic electrode in the form of being carried by a carrier containing a conductive material or the catalyst is directly carried by the catalytic electrode. A conductive material in the catalytic electrode, the conductive material being in contact with the catalyst, is not a noncovalent carbon material.

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.

Abstract: A method for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas, comprises the steps of contacting the flue gas successively with first, second and third liquid mediums each of which provides a plasma containing reactive electrons or ions in an amount such that the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 are successively subjected to impingement of the electrons or ions in the respective plasma to enable the dissociation of the gas molecules SOx, NOx, and CO2 so as to remove SOx, NOx, and CO2 from the flue gas. A system for removing gas components SOx, NOx, and CO2 from a flue gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.

Abstract: Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Gas separation assemblies are provided.

Abstract: A method for purification of carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) and (B). Step (A) may bubble the gases into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in an electrochemical cell. The 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 one or more compounds. The anode may oxidize at least one of the compounds into the carbon dioxide. Step (B) may separate the carbon dioxide from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane, comprising a porous support layer a gas tight electronically and ionically conducting membrane layer and a catalyst layer, characterized in that the electronically and ionically conducting membrane layer is formed from a material having a crystallite structure with a crystal size of about 1 to 100 nm, and a method for producing same.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing carbon materials which are modified at least on their surface with pyridinic, pyrrolic and/or quaternary nitrogen groups starting out from carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrolytic dissociation of hydrogen sulfide dissolved in an amine scrubber solution in an electrolysis cell (11) which has an anode space (9) and a cathode space (15), with the anode space (9) and the cathode space (15) being separated by a membrane (13), in which at least one supporting electrolyte is added to the amine scrubber solution, an anion-conducting membrane is used for separating anode space (9) and cathode space (15) and/or the amine scrubber solution in which the hydrogen sulfide is dissolved comprises at least 10% by volume of potassium N,N-dimethylaminoacetate. The invention further relates to a use of the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the electrochemical separation of hydrogen from a hydrogen-comprising reaction mixture R by means of a gastight membrane-electrode assembly comprising at least one selectively proton-conducting membrane and at least one electrode catalyst on each side of the membrane, where at least part of the hydrogen present in the reaction mixture R is oxidized to protons over the anode catalyst on the retentate side of the membrane and the protons are, after passing through the membrane to the permeate side, I reduced to hydrogen over the cathode catalyst and/or II reacted with oxygen over the cathode catalyst to form water, with the oxygen originating from an oxygen-comprising stream O which is brought into contact with the permeate side of the membrane, and also a reactor equipped with at least one membrane-electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method for treating a substance using an apparatus having: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.

Abstract: Electrochemical process for the reduction of molecular oxygen in alkaline solutions in the presence of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes, in which no hydrogen peroxide forms as a by-product of the reduction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for carbon dioxide seperation and capture. The system includes a porous metal membrane comprising Ni, Ag, or combinations thereof and having molten carbonate within the pores. A CO2 containing flue gas input stream is separated from a reactant gas input stream by the membrane. The CO2 is removed from the flue gas input stream as it contacts the membrane resulting in a CO2 free flue gas output stream and a CO2 containing reactant gas output stream.

Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane, comprising a porous support layer a gas tight electronically and ionically conducting membrane layer and a catalyst layer, characterized in that the electronically and ionically conducting membrane layer is formed from a material having a crystallite structure with a crystal size of about 1 to 100 nm, and a method for producing same.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a gas decomposition apparatus and a gas decomposition method in which no safety problems occur in spite of the application of a relatively high voltage between an anode and a cathode for the purpose of decomposing odorous gases of many types. [Solution] A catalytic electrode layer 6 that contains a catalyst and is porous; a counter electrode layer 7 that forms a pair with the catalytic electrode; and an electrolyte layer 15 that is sandwiched between the catalytic electrode and the counter electrode and has ion conductivity are included. The catalyst is held by the catalytic electrode in the form of being carried by a carrier containing a conductive material or the catalyst is directly carried by the catalytic electrode. A conductive material in the catalytic electrode, the conductive material being in contact with the catalyst, is not a noncovalent carbon material.

Abstract: An oxygen-scavenging mixture comprising the components (I) a nano-sized oxidizable metal component wherein the average particle size of the metal is 1 to 1000 nm and wherein the metal is unsupported or supported by a carrier material, (II) an electrolyte component, and (III) a non-electrolytic, acidifying component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided that allow metals including metals having stable oxide phases and metals with variable valencies to be extracted from their respective ores via an electrolytic process that is environmentally sound and economically viable. The process for lowering the oxidation state of a metal in a metal oxide comprises providing an electrolysis chamber housing a flux containing a highly reactive metal (e.g. Mg) and having a cathode, an anode, and a solid oxide membrane. A reducing chamber housing the metal oxide having a higher oxidation state to be reduced is provided. A solid oxide membrane (SOM) process is used to generate vapor of the highly reactive metal in the electrolysis chamber. The vapor of the highly reactive metal is directed to the reducing chamber, where the vapor of the highly reactive metal reacts with the metal oxide to be reduced to provide a metal or metal oxide having a lowest oxidation state and an oxide of the highly reactive metal (e.g. MgO).

Abstract: A hydrogen reclamation system comprises a first hydrogen separator having an inlet and an outlet and a second hydrogen separator having an inlet and an outlet wherein an inlet gas stream having a first concentration of hydrogen gas enters said first hydrogen separator inlet and is processed into an outlet gas stream having a second concentration of hydrogen gas which exits said first hydrogen separator outlet and subsequent to exiting said first hydrogen separator outlet, said outlet gas stream enters said second hydrogen separator inlet and is processed into a second outlet gas stream having a third concentration of hydrogen gas which exits said second hydrogen separator outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for removal and disposal of ammonia from spent dialysate in a dialysis system. Ammonium ions present in spent dialysate are converted into gaseous ammonia by raising the pH of the spent dialysate solution in a first reactor. Gaseous ammonia diffuses through a semi-permeable hydrophobic membrane at the outlet of the first reactor and into a second reactor via a gas channel. The second reactor converts gaseous ammonia into an ammonium compound for easy disposal.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting electrolytically formed gasses and a method for using the same are presented. A gas collection device comprises an inner vessel having an electrically conductive surface portion for allowing the electrolytic formation of a first gas; an outer vessel having an electrically conductive surface portion for allowing the electrolytic formation of a second gas; and a capture member for capturing one of the formed gasses; wherein: the inner vessel is disposed substantially within the outer vessel; both vessels are configured to allow a continuous fluid body to come into contact with the conductive surface portions; and the capture member allows the capture of one of the formed gasses without substantial contamination from the other formed gas.

Abstract: Anode and cathode separator plates are suitable for use in ion pumps for converting an input stream such as reformate into a pressurized and purified hydrogen-rich gas stream. The plates may include a single cathode outlet opening forming a portion of cathode output gas manifold, an anode inlet opening forming a portion of an inlet gas stream manifold and being sized larger than inlet cathode outlet opening, the distance of the anode inlet opening to an edge of the plate being less than the distance of the cathode outlet opening from an edge of the plate, and the size of the fluid flow channel of the anode separator plate being smaller than the size of the fluid flow channel of the cathode separator plate. Methods for forming the plates and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The oxygen partial pressure control unit includes a gas purification section for purifying the gas having the oxygen partial pressure controlled within a range of from 0.2 to 10?30 atm, and a tank for storing the purified gas produced by the gas purification section. The purified gas stored within the tank is supplied to the another unit. The oxygen partial pressure control unit includes a circulation circuit including the tank and the gas purification section. The gas filled in the tank 20 is caused to circulate along the circulation circuit, and the purified gas produced by the gas purification section is stored in the tanka.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that can adjust a hydration level in an electrochemical sensor or an instrument which includes such a sensor. The device can include a chamber which can, at least in part, surround an inflow port of the sensor. An adjacent reservoir of water can provide a source of water vapor which can be infused into the sensor.

Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an electrochemical conversion system to remove oxygen from fuel through conversion of the oxygen to water. The electrochemical conversion system is located within a fuel flow. On the fuel side ½O2+2H++2e?=>H2O while on the reverse side the opposite reaction occurs. From the electrochemical conversion system the water is then collected and/or expelled from the system.

Abstract: An electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier which comprises an anode layer, a cathode layer, and an intermediate electrolyte layer, which is conductive to protons and substantially impermeable to hydrogen. A catalytic metal present in or adjacent to the anode layer catalyzes an electrochemical reaction that converts any hydrogen that diffuses through the electrolyte layer to protons and electrons. The protons and electrons are transported to the cathode layer and reacted to form hydrogen. The hydrogen diffusion barrier is applied to a polymeric substrate used in a storage tank to store hydrogen under high pressure. A storage tank equipped with the electrochemically active hydrogen diffusion barrier, a method of fabricating the storage tank, and a method of preventing hydrogen from diffusing out of a storage tank are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for integrated electrochemical hydrogen separation and compression systems. In one possible embodiment, an electrical potential is provided across an electrochemical cell. A portion of the potential is shunted to an electrical load when the potential is higher than a predetermined threshold. As an example, a Zener diode can be used as a suitable shunting mechanism. The invention can be used with individual cells or stacks of cells. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.

Abstract: A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.

Abstract: A method of separating oxygen from an oxygen containing feed and reacting the oxygen with a reactive substance and an oxygen ion transport membrane element utilized for such purposes. The oxygen ion transport membrane element has a self-supporting dense layer and a surface porous feature in contact with and supported by the dense layer. The porous surface feature may be a layer, a layer having discontinuities or a series of repeating geometrical forms. The dense layer and the porous surface feature are capable of conducting oxygen ions and electrons. The porous surface feature at least in part forms the anode side of the oxygen ion transport membrane element at which the reactive substance reacts with the separated oxygen and has a thickness less than that of the dense layer and a greater surface area than that of a surface of the dense layer adjoining the porous layer. Pores within the porous surface feature have a pore aspect ratio of pore size to pore length of between about 0.1 and about 5.