Elemental Hydrogen Patents (Class 423/648.1)
  • Patent number: 7807130
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and burner. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel source. Voluminous reformer chamber designs are provided that increase the amount of catalyst that can be used in a reformer and increase hydrogen output for a given fuel processor size. The burner provides heat to the reformer. One or more burners may be configured to surround a reformer on multiple sides to increase thermal transfer to the reformer. Dewars are also described that increase thermal management of a fuel processor and increase burner efficiency. A dewar includes one or more dewar chambers that receive inlet process gas or liquid before a burner receives the process gas or liquid. The dewar is arranged such that process gas or liquid passing through the dewar chamber intercepts heat generated in the burner before the heat escapes the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: UltraCell Corporation
    Inventors: Ian W. Kaye, Qailmas Khan
  • Patent number: 7807129
    Abstract: Described herein is a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel source. The fuel processor comprises a reformer and burner. The reformer includes a catalyst that facilitates the production of hydrogen from the fuel source. Voluminous reformer chamber designs are provided that increase the amount of catalyst that can be used in a reformer and increase hydrogen output for a given fuel processor size. The burner provides heat to the reformer. One or more burners may be configured to surround a reformer on multiple sides to increase thermal transfer to the reformer. Dewars are also described that increase thermal management of a fuel processor and increase burner efficiency. A dewar includes one or more dewar chambers that receive inlet air before a burner receives the air. The dewar is arranged such that air passing through the dewar chamber intercepts heat generated in the burner before the heat escapes the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: UltraCell Corporation
    Inventor: Ian W. Kaye
  • Publication number: 20100247426
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods combine reactant materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The reactant materials can sodium silicide or sodium silica gel. The hydrogen generation devices are used in fuels cells and other industrial applications. One system combines cooling, pumping, water storage, and other devices to sense and control reactions between reactant materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. Multiple inlets of varied placement geometries deliver aqueous solution to the reaction. The reactant materials and aqueous solution are churned to control the state of the reaction. The aqueous solution can be recycled and returned to the reaction. One system operates over a range of temperatures and pressures and includes a hydrogen separator, a heat removal mechanism, and state of reaction control devices. The systems, devices, and methods of generating hydrogen provide thermally stable solids, near-instant reaction with the aqueous solutions, and a non-toxic liquid by-product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Wallace, John M. Melack, Michael Lefenfeld
  • Publication number: 20100247425
    Abstract: A pyrolytic hydrogen generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a plurality of cardboard receptacles for the thermally decomposable hydrogen generating material and an associated ignition system. Also, a modular pellet tray assembly for use in the generator comprises a plurality of trays having pellet holders and associated igniters and held in a stack by support rods that also provide electrical connectivity to the trays. Also, a pellet tray assembly comprises a plurality of pellet holders, wherein some of more outwardly disposed pellet holders contain only outwardly facing vents and are fired first. Also, the generator has an array of hydrogen generating elements arranged side by side and separated from one another into cells by partitioning provided with directional venting that only permits laterally exiting gases to vent outwardly. Alternatively, the elements can be separated into cells by a baffle system comprising gas confining and gas venting elements, which may be heat conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Darren Scattergood, Graham Manton, Thomas Gareth Flegg, Robert John Vere Churton, Philip Nicholas Barnes, William Ranulf Slee
  • Publication number: 20100247424
    Abstract: Materials based on nanoporous inorganic network materials and associated devices and methods for solid state storage of hydrogen and other gases are capable of greater storage capacity with improved availability of stored gases. Coated active oxide networks such as TiO2 and SiO2 aerogels as network materials are coated with selected inorganic catalytic materials and/or high gas storage capacity materials. A variety of coated nanoporous inorganic network materials are disclosed with material formulas X—Y; X being an inorganic coating, including one or more of nanoparticles, layered structure materials and intercalated materials; and Y being the inorganic nanoparticle network. At least one of the network and the coating comprises a catalyst for enhanced sorption of a gas to be stored, such as hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Samuel S. Mao, Xiaobo Chen, Arlon Hunt
  • Patent number: 7803328
    Abstract: A microreactor is configured to have a metal substrate having a microchannel portion on one surface thereof, a heater provided on the other surface of the metal substrate via an insulating film, a catalyst supported on the microchannel portion, and a cover member having a feed material inlet and a gas outlet and joined to the metal substrate so as to cover the microchannel portion. Since the microreactor uses the metal substrate having a high thermal conductivity and a small heat capacity, the efficiency of heat conduction from the heater to the supported catalyst becomes high, and the processing of the metal substrate is easy to facilitate the production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yagi, Takeshi Kihara, Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7799315
    Abstract: A thermochemical water-splitting process all reactions of which operate at relatively low temperatures and high efficiencies, and in which relatively inexpensive materials and processing methods are made possible. This invention involves the decomposition of a metal halide compound, i.e., one which is capable of being reduced from a higher oxidation state to lower oxidation state, e.g. vanadium chloride III?vanadium dichloride. The process is cyclic and regenerative, and the only net inputs are water and heat; and the only net outputs are hydrogen and oxygen. The process makes it possible to utilize a wide variety of available heat, including solar, sources for the energy input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Amendola
  • Patent number: 7799310
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating sulfuric acid (102) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes combusting a sulfur-containing material (114) with a gas including oxygen (116) to produce a first stream of sulfur dioxide (118), mixing water with the first stream of sulfur dioxide to produce a mixed stream, using an energy, electrolytically converting (108) the mixed stream of sulfur dioxide and water into sulfuric acid (102) and hydrogen (122), generating a source of energy (126) from the hydrogen, and providing the source of energy as at least a portion of the energy for electrolytically converting the first stream of sulfur dioxide and water into sulfuric acid and hydrogen. In some embodiments, the system includes a first chamber for combusting a sulfur-containing material to produce a first stream of sulfur dioxide, an electrolytic cell (108) for converting the first stream into sulfuric acid and hydrogen, and a fuel cell (112) for generating an energy source from the hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Tim A. Rappold
  • Publication number: 20100233070
    Abstract: The present teachings are directed to preparation of carbon-supported CoSe2 nanoparticles via an in situ surfactant free method, and use of the same for oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions. The CoSe2 nanoparticles have two kinds of structure after heat treatment at different temperatures: orthorhombic at 300° C. and cubic at 400° C. The latter structure has higher oxygen reduction activity and hydrogen evolution activity than the former in 0.5 M H2SO4. Electron transfers of about 3.5- and about 3.7-electrons were observed for 20 wt. % CoSe2/C nanoparticles, after heat treatment at 300° C. and 400° C., per oxygen molecule during the oxygen reduction process, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Nicolas Alonso-Vante, Yongjun Feng, Ting He
  • Publication number: 20100233076
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a hydrogen storage material is provided. In at least one embodiment, the material comprises a borohydride compound of the formula M(BH4)n, wherein M includes Ca and n is an integer of 2 to 6; and a destabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of Cr, ScH2, and combinations thereof. In at least another embodiment, the material comprises a metal borohydride M(BH4)n, wherein M includes Li and n is an integer of 1 to 5, and a destabilizing agent of Cr.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicants: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Donald J. Siegel, Christopher Mark Wolverton, Vidvuds Ozolins, Andrea Sudik, Jun Yang
  • Patent number: 7794685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing gaseous hydrogen and strong sulphuric acid (97-100 wt-%) simultaneously from sulphur dioxide gas and water. Sulphur dioxide gas stream is divided into two separate sub-streams, the first sub-stream is routed for water decomposition in a partial thermochemical cycle of the hydrogen and sulphuric acid production and the second sub-stream is fed to the oxidation of the sulphur dioxide to sulphur trioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Wolf-Christoph Rauser, Michael Gasik, Heljä Peltola, Pekka Taskinen
  • Patent number: 7790133
    Abstract: A reversible hydrogen storage composition having an empirical formula of: Li(x+z)NxMgyBzHw where 0.4?x?0.8; 0.2?y?0.6; 0<z?0.4, x+y+z=1 and “w” varies from 0 to 2x+2y+4z. This composition shows greater low temperature reversible hydrogen storage compared to binary systems such as MgH2—LiNH2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: UOP LLC, Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Syed A. Faheem, Gregory J. Lewis, J.W. Adriaan Sachtler, John J. Low, David A. Lesch, Paul M. Dosek, Christopher M. Wolverton, Donald J. Siegel, Andrea C. Sudik, Jun Yang
  • Publication number: 20100218491
    Abstract: 1-100 nm metal ferrite spinel coatings are provided on substrates, preferably by using an atomic layer deposition process. The coatings are able to store energy such as solar energy, and to release that stored energy, via a redox reaction. The coating is first thermally or chemically reduced. The reduced coating is then oxidized in a second step to release energy and/or hydrogen, carbon monoxide or other reduced species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Alan W. Weimer, Christopher Perkins, Jonathan Scheffe, Steven M. George, Paul Lichty
  • Patent number: 7785562
    Abstract: A power generation system and a fuel processor for use therein. The system produces steam from a water supply. A highly heated reaction chamber is provided. A common hydrocarbon fuel is mixed with water and introduced into the heated reaction chamber. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react at pressure and temperature, producing less complex gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator that is directly swept with steam. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is carried away from the hydrogen separator by the steam, thereby making the hydrogen separator more efficient. The hydrogen is separated from the steam is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water is recycled back into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Peter R. Bossard
  • Patent number: 7781111
    Abstract: A system for storing and generating hydrogen generally and, in particular, a system for storing and generating hydrogen for use in an H2/O2 fuel cell. The hydrogen storage system uses the beta particles from a beta particle emitting material to degrade an organic polymer material to release substantially pure hydrogen. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, beta particles from 63Ni are used to release hydrogen from linear polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Dentinger, Jeffrey A. W. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20100209336
    Abstract: A nanostructure includes a plurality of metal nanoblades positioned with one edge on a substrate. Each of the plurality of metal nanoblades has a large surface area to mass ratio and a width smaller than a length. A method of storing hydrogen includes coating a plurality of magnesium nanoblades with a hydrogen storage catalyst and storing hydrogen by chemically forming magnesium hydride with the plurality of magnesium nanoblades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Toh-Ming Lu, Gwo-Ching Wang, Fu Tang, Thomas Parker
  • Publication number: 20100209337
    Abstract: Reformation of natural gas without excessive production of ammonia, even if the natural gas includes as much as 14% nitrogen, is achieved in reformers including tubes (75) having outer chambers (78) with catalysts therein, a first stage (80) of catalyst having between about 10% and about 25% nickel, a second stage (81) of catalyst having less than 10% nickel, and a final stage (82) having 2% or less rhodium catalyst of a low concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: John L. Preston
  • Publication number: 20100209335
    Abstract: A power source, power converter, and a radio and microwave generator are provided. The power source comprises a cell for the catalysis of atomic hydrogen to release power and to form novel hydrogen species and compositions of matter comprising new forms of hydrogen. The compounds comprise at least one neutral, positive, or negative hydrogen species having a binding energy greater than its corresponding ordinary hydrogen species, or greater than any hydrogen species for which the corresponding ordinary hydrogen species is unstable or is not observed. The energy released by the catalysis of hydrogen produces a plasma in the cell such as a plasma of the catalyst and hydrogen. The power converter and radio and microwave generator comprises a source of magnetic field which is applied to the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Randell L. Mills
  • Publication number: 20100199682
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen from a hydrocarbon feedstock and water vapor comprising: A stage in which a portion of the hydrocarbon feedstock is sent to a vapor-reforming unit and another portion of the hydrocarbon feedstock is sent directly to an autothermal reformer in a mixture with the effluent that is obtained from a vapor-reforming unit, A vapor-reforming stage of the hydrocarbon feedstock in a vapor-reforming unit, A stage for autothermal reforming of the stream that is obtained in the preceding stage as well as the hydrocarbon feedstock that is sent directly into an autothermal reformer, A vapor conversion stage of the synthesis gas that is obtained in the preceding stage, A stage for recovering carbon dioxide that is present in the stream that is obtained in the vapor conversion stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: IFP
    Inventors: Beatrice Fischer, Fabrice Giroudiere, Jean-Louis Ambrosino
  • Patent number: 7771520
    Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane and its associated method of fabrication. The hydrogen separation membrane has a first material layer that is permeable to atomic hydrogen. The first material has a first catalytic ability to disassociate molecular hydrogen into atomic hydrogen. Complex particles are applied to the first material layer, either to produce a second layer or to act as a barrier between the first layer and a subsequent layer. The complex particles are hollow bucky structure, filled bucky structures or core particles coated with a hydrogen permeable metal. The complex particles prevent material from opposite sides of the hydrogen separation membrane from interdiffusing over time. Consequently, palladium based materials and Group V based materials can be used on opposite sides of the hydrogen separation membrane. This produces a hydrogen separation membrane that is more permeable to hydrogen in one direction than it is in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Peter R. Bossard
  • Patent number: 7771701
    Abstract: In a hydrogen atom generation source in a vacuum treatment apparatus which can effectively inhibit hydrogen atoms from being recombined due to contact with an internal wall surface of a treatment chamber of the vacuum treatment apparatus and an internal wall surface of a transport passage, and being returned into hydrogen molecules, at least a part of a surface facing a space with the hydrogen atom generation source formed therein of a member surrounding the hydrogen atom generation source is coated with SiO2. In a hydrogen atom transportation method for transporting hydrogen atoms generated by the hydrogen atom generation source in the vacuum treatment apparatus to a desired place, the hydrogen atoms are transported via a transport passage whose internal wall surface is coated with SiO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Anelva Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Umemoto, Atsushi Masuda, Koji Yoneyama, Keiji Ishibashi, Manabu Ikemoto
  • Publication number: 20100196242
    Abstract: A method of forming hydrogen gas comprises the steps of providing a reactor and providing a hydrogen-generating composition to the reactor. The hydrogen-generating composition consists essentially of a borohydride component and a glycerol component. The borohydride, e.g. sodium borohydride, and glycerol components are present in a generally three (3) to four (4) stoichiometric ratio, prior to reaction. The borohydride component has hydrogen atoms and the glycerol component has hydroxyl groups with hydrogen atoms. The method further comprises the step of reacting the borohydride component with the glycerol component thereby converting substantially all of the hydrogen atoms present in the borohydride component and substantially all of the hydrogen atoms present in the hydroxyl groups of the glycerol component to form the hydrogen gas. The reaction between the borohydride component and the glycerol component is an alcoholysis reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Vesna Stanic, Daniel Augusto Betts Carrington
  • Patent number: 7766986
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for the storage and delivery of hydrogen by the reversible hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of an organic compound wherein the organic compound is initially in its hydrogenated state. The improvement in the route to generating hydrogen is in the dehydrogenation step and recovery of the dehydrogenated organic compound resides in the following steps: introducing a hydrogenated organic compound to a microchannel reactor incorporating a dehydrogenation catalyst; effecting dehydrogenation of said hydrogenated organic compound under conditions whereby said hydrogenated organic compound is present as a liquid phase; generating a reaction product comprised of a liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound and gaseous hydrogen; separating the liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound from gaseous hydrogen; and, recovering the hydrogen and liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Allen Toseland, Guido Peter Pez, Pushpinder Singh Puri
  • Patent number: 7767191
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen gas is provided and comprises reducing a metal oxide in a reduction reaction between a carbon-based fuel and a metal oxide to provide a reduced metal or metal oxide having a lower oxidation state, and oxidizing the reduced metal or metal oxide to produce hydrogen and a metal oxide having a higher oxidation state. The metal or metal oxide is provided in the form of a porous composite of a ceramic material containing the metal or metal oxide. The porous composite may comprise either a monolith, pellets, or particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Theodore J. Thomas, Liang-Shih Fan, Puneet Gupta, Luis Gilberto Velazquez-Vargas
  • Patent number: 7763217
    Abstract: An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Christopher M. Fischer, James M. Davis
  • Patent number: 7763227
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of carbon disulfide comprising the following steps: (a) reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen sulfide to form carbonyl sulfide and hydrogen; (b) contacting the carbonyl sulfide formed in step (a) with a catalyst effective for disproportionating carbonyl sulfide into carbon disulfide and carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Dean Chien Wang
  • Publication number: 20100183928
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus is provided that further suppresses deterioration in capability of a converting catalyst in raw material purge in a shutdown operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Fujihara, Yukimune Kani, Hidenobu Wakita, Kensaku Kinugawa
  • Publication number: 20100178238
    Abstract: [Objects] To provide a method and an apparatus for reforming a hydrocarbon with a prolonged life of an oxygen-permeable membrane and a high recovery rate. [Solutions] The oxygen-permeable membrane absorbs the free energy change, ?G, of a partial oxidation reforming reaction and then converts it into work for oxygen isolation and Joule heat, Q. Here, as seen in Table 1 and FIG. 1, ?G of the partial oxidation reforming reaction is approximately ten times larger than ?H, and further increases as the temperature increases. The generated Joule heat, Q, has to be removed at a high efficiency, and this removal process is achieved by returning a portion of the Joule heat to the system as the entropy change, T?S, of the partial oxidation reaction itself and by steam reforming using the total energy change, ?H.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Hitoshi Takamura, Masuo Okada, Masayuki Ogawa, Tomoyuki Saito
  • Publication number: 20100178239
    Abstract: A process for conversion of coal in a reaction vessel comprises steps of: admixing coal and powdered alumina clay to form reactants; injecting the reactants with a high-pressure steam jet into the reaction vessel; and producing aluminum oxalate ash and hydrogen. Preferably, the reaction vessel is pressurized to maximize the production of aluminum oxalate and hydrogen. Optionally, the process includes adding calcium carbonate if not present in the clay. The reactants in the reaction vessel are typically maintained a temperature of about 2,000 degrees Kelvin and a pressure of about 1 mega Pascals. To save energy, the process may include preheating water with the aluminum oxalate ash to aid in creating pressurized steam. The hydrogen may be mixed with air and burned in a combustion chamber, such as is found within a gas turbine-generator unit to produce electricity. Optionally the reactants may include an aqueous sodium hydroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: HCE, LLC
    Inventors: Udo von Wimmersperg, Laurinel Owen
  • Publication number: 20100178240
    Abstract: Catalytic system comprising at least two components: a catalyst for the hydrolysis reaction of metal borohydrides to hydrogen; and a material in solid form, the dissolution reaction of which in water is exothermic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Philippe Capron, Jerome Delmas, Nathalie Giacometti, Isabelle Rougeaux
  • Patent number: 7754641
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a complex hydride and a borohydride catalyst wherein the borohydride catalyst comprises a BH4 group, and a group IV metal, a group V metal, or a combination of a group IV and a group V metal. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik, Matthew John Andrus
  • Publication number: 20100172826
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon reforming catalyst which maintains carrier strength even after a long-term thermal history and which exhibits high catalytic activity is prepared by causing at least one noble metal component selected from among a ruthenium component, a platinum component, a rhodium component, a palladium component, and an iridium component to be supported on a carrier containing manganese oxide, alumina, and at least one compound selected from among lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, and zirconium oxide, or a carrier containing silicon oxide, manganese oxide, and alumina. By use of the reforming catalyst, hydrogen is produced through steam reforming (1), autothermal reforming (2), partial-oxidation reforming (3), or carbon dioxide reforming (4). A fuel cell system is constituted from a reformer employing the reforming catalyst, and a fuel cell employing, as a fuel, hydrogen produced by the reformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: IDEMITSU KOSAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshimi KAWASHIMA, Hiroshi OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20100172825
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for reversible hydrogen storage, to a material for reversible hydrogen storage and to the use of the material for reversible hydrogen storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Universitat Heidelberg
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg Himmel, Elisabeth Kaifer, Oxana Ciobanu, Pascal Roquette, Walter Siebert
  • Patent number: 7749465
    Abstract: A reformer module (10) comprises a hollow support member (12) having at least one passage (14) extending longitudinally therethrough. The hollow support member (14) has an external surface (20), a barrier layer (22) arranged on at least a portion of the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), a catalyst layer (24) arranged on the barrier layer (22) and a sealing layer (26) arranged on the catalyst layer (24) and the external surface (20) of the hollow support member (12) other than the at least a portion of the external surface of the hollow support member (12). By providing the barrier layer (22) and the catalyst layer (24) on the exterior surface (20) of the hollow support member (12), the distribution of the barrier layer (22) and/or the catalyst layer (24) may be more precisely controlled and thus a non-uniform distribution of barrier layer (22) and/or catalyst layer (24) may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Gerard D. Agnew, Robert H. Cunningham, Philip D. Butler, Robert D. Collins
  • Patent number: 7749484
    Abstract: A material mixture is disclosed for storage of hydrogen for a hydrogen-using device and release of hydrogen on demand of the hydrogen-using device, especially by heating of the mixture. Such a mixture suitably comprises a solid hydrogen-containing lithium compound (e.g. LiBH4) and a solid magnesium compound, MgX, the magnesium compound being reactive with the lithium compound to release hydrogen and yield solid by products containing lithium and X. X may include one or more of F, Cl, OH, O, S, Se, Si, CO3, SO4, Cu, Ge, Ni, (OH)Cl, and P2O7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Vajo, Gregory L. Olson
  • Patent number: 7749475
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separation and recycling of pure sulfur dioxide from a gaseous mixture in the IS cycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for separation and recycling of pure sulfur dioxide from a gaseous mixture in the IS cycle using an ionic liquid under a specific condition. When compared with the conventional amine-based absorbent, the use of the ionic liquid enables continuous absorption and stripping of SO2 even at high temperature, and enables a reversible absorption of SO2 without loss, decomposition or degradation of a solvent due to good chemical stability, thereby enabling separation and recycling of pure SO2 from a gaseous mixture in the IS cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chang Soo Kim, Gyeong Taek Gong, Kye Sang Yoo, Byung Gwon Lee, Kwang Deog Jung, Hong Gon Kim, Byoung Sung Ahn, Oh Shim Joo
  • Publication number: 20100166644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a porous metal-organic framework by reacting at least one metal compound in which the metal is Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ga or In with at least one at least bidentate organic compound and also the use of such porous metal-organic frameworks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Markus Schubert, Ulrich Mueller, Markus Tonigold, Roger Ruetz
  • Publication number: 20100166645
    Abstract: Embodiments of a compact pressure swing reformer are disclosed. Certain embodiments have a construction comprising multiple rotating reformer beds, high temperature rotary valves at the bed ends, and E-seals to seal the beds to the valves. Several possible designs for introducing reactants into the beds also are disclosed. The multiple reformer beds are configured to provide for pressure equalization and ‘steam push’. The compact pressure swing reformer is suitable for use in fuel cell vehicle applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Rajeev Agnihotri, Soheil Alizadeh-Khiavi, Paul Berlowitz, Brooke Cox, Bruce Derites, Jeffrey Frederick, Jeffrey Grenda, Kamal Hatami, Frank Hershkowitz, Zhiguo Hou, Daryl Musselman, Novica Rados, John Siller, Richard Socha, George Walchuk
  • Patent number: 7744675
    Abstract: A gas separation membrane and a method of manufacturing such gas separation membrane that comprises a porous substrate treated with a layer of metal-coated inorganic oxide particles and with the layer of such metal-coated inorganic oxide particles being coated with an overlayer of a gas-selective material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: John Charles Saukaitis, Alan Anthony Del Paggio
  • Patent number: 7744728
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen by microwave includes a microwave heater, a reaction tube comprising a catalyst bed, a cap, an output unit and a microwave control box. A method of producing hydrogen using microwaves has steps of feeding gas and liquid, vaporizing the liquid to from a mixed gas and heating the mixed gas. A liquid and a gas are selected at predetermined ratios to form the mixed gas that reacts on the catalyst bed to from hydrogen. Microwaves allow the apparatus to be ready for production quicker and reduce space required by the apparatus. Heating the liquid and gas using microwaves is fast so has a good energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Wei-Hsin Chen
  • Publication number: 20100158791
    Abstract: Materials that are useful for absorption enhanced reforming (AER) of a fuel, including absorbent materials and catalyst materials and methods for using the materials. The materials can be fabricated by spray processing. The use of the materials in AER can produce a H2 product gas having a high H2 content and a low level of carbon oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: CABOT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark J. Hampden-Smith, Paolina Atanassova, Jian-Ping Shen, James Brewster, Paul Napolitano
  • Publication number: 20100151356
    Abstract: A non-microbial fuel cell utilizing an organic fuel containing a hydroxyl group and a non-metallic catalyst is disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods for generating electric energy from chemical energy using fuel cells are also disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods of storing energy using fuel cells are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Gerald Watt, Dean R. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20100150823
    Abstract: A composition for catalyzing the auto-thermal reformation of ethanol, including a porous refractory substrate with a nickel-iron-aluminum oxide material at least partially filling the pores. The substrate is typically an alumina-based ceramic, such as gamma alumina or mullite. The catalyst composition is typically produced by identifying a refractory substrate having a relatively high surface area, such as through the existence of a pore network, infiltrating the refractory substrate with iron oxide and nickel oxide precursors, and combining the iron oxide and nickel oxide precursors with aluminum oxide to form a hybrid nickel-iron-aluminum oxide material at least partially coating the refractory substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Lihong Huang, Jian Xie
  • Publication number: 20100150824
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator (201) is provided which comprises (a) a chamber (205) having a hydrogen-containing material (213) disposed therein; (b) a first fluidic pathway (241) containing said chamber, said first fluidic pathway including an upstream portion which is upstream of said chamber, and a downstream portion which is downstream from said chamber; (c) a second fluidic pathway (243) which does not include said chamber, and which is adjoined to said first fluidic pathway downstream from said chamber; and (d) a reservoir (203) containing a liquid medium in which said hydrogen-containing material is soluble, said reservoir being in fluidic communication with at least one of said first and second fluidic pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Sandra Withers-Kirby, Jady Stevens, Mahavir Nagaraj
  • Publication number: 20100150822
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pulverulent materials suitable for storing hydrogen, and more particularly to a method of preparing such a material, in which: (A) a composite metallic material having a specific granular structure is prepared by co-melting the following mixtures: a first metallic mixture (m1), which is an alloy (a1) of body-centred cubic crystal structure, based on titanium, vanadium, chromium and/or manganese, or a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a1); and a second mixture (m2), which is an alloy (a2), comprising 38 to 42% zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum and/or tungsten and 56 to 60 mol % of nickel and/or copper, or else a mixture of these metals in the proportions of the alloy (a2), with a mass ratio (m2)/(m1+m2) ranging from 0.1 wt % to 20 wt %; and (B) the composite metallic material thus obtained is hydrogenated, whereby the composite material is fragmented (hydrogen decrepitation).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (C.N. R.S.)
    Inventors: Jean Charbonnier, Patricia De Rango, Daniel Fruchart, Salvatore Miraglia, Sophie Rivoirard, Natalia Skryabina
  • Publication number: 20100150821
    Abstract: A solution is to be created, with a method and a device for generating hydrogen, in which silicon and/or an alloy that contains silicon is reacted in a reaction vessel (1), with an alkaline solution as a catalyst, so that the process, after starting, runs continuously and catalytically in the presence of silicon dioxide as a nucleating agent, without further addition of lye and without using higher pressures and temperatures (hydrothermal conditions). This is achieved in that the alkaline solution is used in a strongly sub-stoichiometric amount with reference to the entire reaction, whereby the silicon dioxide that is formed is precipitated onto crystallization nuclei.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Christian Bauch, Norbert Auner, Birgit Urschel
  • Patent number: 7736531
    Abstract: A chemical system for storing and releasing hydrogen utilizes an endothermic reaction that releases hydrogen coupled to an exothermic reaction to drive the process thermodynamically, or an exothermic reaction that releases hydrogen coupled to an endothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: David L. Thorn, William Tumas, Kevin C. Ott, Anthony K. Burrell
  • Patent number: 7731918
    Abstract: A method and device for loading a catalyst into a chamber. The catalyst loading is well suited for production of hydrogen producing microreactors. The catalyst is coated onto a strip which is mountable within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Anand Chellappa
  • Patent number: 7731923
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simultaneously producing hydrogen and carbon monoxide consisting in generating a synthesis gas and in processing it by decarbonising and removing water and remaining carbon dioxide by passing said gas through a bed of adsorbents, in separating remaining components by forming at least one H2 rich flow, a CO flow containing at least one type of impurity selected from nitrogen and argon, a methane-rich purge gas flow and a flash gas flow. The inventive method also consists in regenerating the bed of adsorbents by passing a regeneration gas comprising at least one non-zero proportion of the formed H2 flow and in recycling at least the purge and flash gases for feeding the synthesis gas generation stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pascal Marty, Arthur Darde, Antoine Hernandez, Jean-Marc Tsevery
  • Publication number: 20100135899
    Abstract: A process for releasing hydrogen gas is disclosed. The process comprises the step of irradiating hydrogen storage particles dispersed within thermal promoter particles under conditions to release said hydrogen from said hydrogen storage particles. A system for implementing the process as well as uses for the hydrogen gas released from the above process are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Jizhong Luo, Huajun Zhang, Jianyi Lin