By Reacting Water Or Aqueous Solution With Metal Or Compound Thereof Patents (Class 423/657)
  • Publication number: 20130039846
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing hydrogen capable of easily obtaining hydrogen from water under lower temperature and pressure conditions as compared with a conventional method. Water, aluminium 76 and at least one of sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate are fed into a container 60. Water in the container 60 is heated to 60° C. or higher by a heating means 90. A large amount of hydrogen can be generated in the container 60 from the aluminium 76 and the water contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Toshiharu Fukai
  • Patent number: 8372371
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making alkali metal silicide compositions, and the compositions resulting from the method, comprising mixing an alkali metal with silicon and heating the resulting mixture to a temperature below about 475° C. The resulting compositions do not react with dry O2. Also, the invention relates to sodium silicide compositions having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprising at least three peaks with 2Theta angles selected from about 18.2, 28.5, 29.5, 33.7, 41.2, 47.4, and 56.2 and a solid state 23Na MAS NMR spectra peak at about 18 ppm. Moreover, the invention relates to methods of removing a volatile or flammable substance in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the alkali metal silicide compositions of the invention react with water to produce hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Signa Chemistry, Inc., Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael Lefenfeld, James L. Dye
  • Patent number: 8366966
    Abstract: A method and system for producing a liquid fuel comprising: (a) reacting water with a first metal in a first reaction chamber to obtain hydrogen, heat, and an oxide of the first metal; (b) reacting carbon dioxide with a second metal, which is the same or different from the first metal, in a second reaction chamber, which is the same or different from the first reaction chamber, to obtain carbon monoxide, heat, and oxide of the second metal; (c) regenerating said first and second metals from said first and second oxides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Engineuity Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Amnon Yogev, Eliyahu Gamzon
  • Publication number: 20130004801
    Abstract: A method and system for solid reactant based thermochemical process are disclosed. A metal oxide or solid reactant having a crystal structure associated with a characteristic state of high temperature engendering creation of oxygen vacancies is identified. The metal oxide is heated to the high temperature corresponding to the state of oxygen vacancies. Subsequently, the solid reactant is cooled to a temperature conducive to water splitting reaction. Steam is then introduced to react with the solid reactant to thereby re-oxidize the solid reactant producing hydrogen gas. Finally, the re-oxidized solid reactant is reheated to a reduction temperature completing the process of solid based reactant thermochemical solar power generation. The system includes one or more processors adapted to configure a solar absorption system, a thermochemical system, a gas storage system for storing product gases and a power generation system for processing the stored product gases into electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Asegun Henry
  • Publication number: 20120321551
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen via a thermochemical route from water, based on the cerium-chlorine cycle is provided. The method comprises, according to a first reaction scheme, the following reactions: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;??(A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;??(B) 2CeCl3+4H2O=2CeO2+6HCl+H2;??(C) or, according to a second reaction scheme, the following reactions: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;??(A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;??(B) 2CeCl3+2H2O=2CeOCl+4HCl;??(B?) 2CeOCl+2H2O=2CeO2+2HCl+H2;??(C?) wherein the reaction (B) for chlorination of cerium oxide is conducted in a liquid phase, the cerium chloride passing into solution, and wherein the reaction (B) is catalyzed by fluoride ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Florent Lemont, Alizée Barbier-Maderou
  • Patent number: 8329130
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for synthesis of crystalline polymeric boron-nitrogen compounds comprising a step of dehydrogenation of a boron-nitrogen-hydrogen compound on catalyst, wherein the boron-nitrogen-hydrogen compound is selected from the group consisting of ammonia borane, metal amidoboranes, amine boranes or mixtures thereof, and the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of transition metals, transition metal salts or alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Ping Chen, Teng He, Zhitao Xiong, Guotao Wu
  • Patent number: 8323364
    Abstract: A self-regulating on-demand gas generator. Generation of gas produced from a reaction is selectively, variably, and spontaneously controlled. A variable volume liquid chamber in communication with the pressure pot allows the volume of liquid reactant in the pressure pot to be varied. The amount of product gas generated in the pressure pot depends on the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. The pressure of the product gas regulates the level of liquid in the pressure pot and thereby regulates the degree of contact between the solid-like reactant and the liquid reactant. A sealed gas chamber sharing a flexible diaphragm with the liquid chamber controls the expandability of the liquid chamber. Manipulating the pressure in the sealed gas chamber or the volume of the liquid reactant affects the pressure at which contact by the reactants will be initiated or terminated and thereby provides the ability to control the reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: George H. Goble, Charles R. Allen
  • Publication number: 20120301751
    Abstract: Arrangement for producing hydrogen from an electrolyte solution, in particular an aqueous solution, the arrangement comprising a hydrogen-developing body, in the electrolyte-contacting surface of which regions formed from magnesium, Mg, or zinc, Zn, or the like, or an alloy thereof alternate with regions formed from ferrum, Fe, or a Fe alloy, or the like, and means for accumulating hydrogen which has developed on the surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: NIM Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Fertman
  • Publication number: 20120301949
    Abstract: The invention refers to a process to produce H2 from biomass containing carbon. The biomass is gasified to obtain a gaseous flow essentially containing molecules of carbon monoxide (CO) and molecules of molecular hydrogen (H2). These molecules (CO) and (H2) are then oxidized by oxygen holders in oxidized state (MeO) to obtain a gaseous flow essentially containing CO2 and water steam (H2Osteam) and oxygen holders in reduced state (Me). The oxygen holders are then oxidized by water steam. That oxidation produces oxidized oxygen holders and a gaseous flow essentially containing di-hydrogen (H2). The invention also refers to a system containing the means to perform the steps of such a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: SEE - SOLUÇÕES, ENERGIA E MEIO AMBIENTE LTDA.
    Inventors: Ammar Bensakhria, Raymond François Guyomarc'h
  • Patent number: 8313726
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a processing vessel defining a processing space and holding a support body therein, an evacuation system evacuating the processing space; a metal oxide film of a perovskite structure containing oxygen defects formed on the support body, a source gas supplying port supplying a source gas containing molecules of a source compound of carbon dioxide or water into the processing space, a gas outlet port for extracting a product gas containing molecules of a product compound in which oxygen atoms are removed from said source compound, and a heating part heating the support body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: John David Baniecki, Masatoshi Ishii, Kazuaki Kurihara, Kazunori Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8287838
    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: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Amendola
  • Publication number: 20120237440
    Abstract: The disclosed method for producing hydrogen by means of thermochemical water-splitting can efficiently use solar energy obtained by means of a beam-down typed light collecting system. Further disclosed is a device for producing hydrogen. While circulating within a reactor (1) a fluidized bed (2) made of metal oxide particles, two reactions are simultaneously caused to proceed: a thermal reduction reaction, which is an oxygen evolution reaction wherein a portion of the fluidized bed (2) is heated by solar light (S) in a nitrogen atmosphere, which is a low oxygen partial pressure gas, releasing oxygen from the metal oxide; and a thermochemical water-splitting reaction, which is a hydrogen evolution reaction wherein water vapor is brought into contact with the metal oxide after oxygen has been released, generating hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Niigata University
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kodama, Nobuyuki Gokon
  • Publication number: 20120225010
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing hydrogen using an aluminum-based water-split reaction, in which water is reacted with metallic aluminum, at least one-soluble inorganic salt catalyst that causes progressive pitting of the metallic aluminum, and at least one metal oxide initiator that increases temperature upon exposure to water. The solid reactant materials are differentially distributed in a matrix relative to at least one inlet for introducing water to the matrix. The differential distribution affects at least one characteristic of the reaction, such as the rate, temperature, pressure and products of the reaction, the latter comprising one or more of hydrogen, heat and steam. The water-soluble inorganic salt catalyst may be sodium chloride, potassium chloride and combinations thereof, and the metal oxide initiator may be magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Alumifuel Power, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Boyle, Sean H. McIntosh, David J. Cade
  • Publication number: 20120201734
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making alkali metal silicide compositions, and the compositions resulting from the method, comprising mixing an alkali metal with silicon and heating the resulting mixture to a temperature below about 475° C. The resulting compositions do not react with dry O2. Also, the invention relates to sodium silicide compositions having a powder X-ray diffraction pattern comprising at least three peaks with 2Theta angles selected from about 18.2, 28.5, 29.5, 33.7, 41.2, 47.4, and 56.2 and a solid state 23Na MAS NMR spectra peak at about 18 ppm. Moreover, the invention relates to methods of removing a volatile or flammable substance in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the alkali metal silicide compositions of the invention react with water to produce hydrogen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicants: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, SIGNA CHEMISTRY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael LEFENFELD, James L. DYE
  • Publication number: 20120195825
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator working by hydrolysis of the metal borohydride is described comprising a reaction chamber (7) which in its bottom part has a liquid collecting area (30) and leads by short and non-complex connecting components to a conduit end (38) through which the exhaust products (31) of the reaction are discharged into the environment, generally the atmosphere and thereby saving weight and volume. By using given high pressures and temperatures for the reaction, the danger of crystallization of exhaust products is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Arthur Koschany, Zhijun Gu
  • Publication number: 20120148486
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to methods of generating hydrogen including contacting magnesium and silicon to form a mixture and reacting the mixture with an aqueous solution, sufficient to generate hydrogen. The solution can include water and salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Will Skrivan, Joerg Zimmermann, Sally Seaman
  • Patent number: 8173100
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Commisariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Philippe Capron, Jérôme Delmas, Nathalie Giacometti, Isabelle Rougeaux
  • Publication number: 20120107228
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen gas generating member which safely facilitates the hydrogen gas generation reaction by bringing an Al alloy which is subjected to rolling treatment or powdering treatment into contact with water. A hydrogen gas generating member 20 includes a texture in which Al is finely dispersed in a metal matrix, where hydrogen gas is generated by bringing the hydrogen gas generating member into contact with water. A fixing member 14 for mounting the hydrogen gas generating member 20 is provided in a hydrogen generating apparatus 10 and is brought into contact with a water 15 that is stored inside. The hydrogen gas generated from the surface is supplied outside through a hydrogen gas collecting, pipe 12 and stored in a storage tank (not shown).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Kiyohito Ishida, Ryosuke Kainuma, Ikuo Ohnuma, Toshihiro Omori, Yoshikazu Takaku, Takehito Hagisawa
  • Patent number: 8153554
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a process for synthesis of a complex hydride material for hydrogen storage is provided. The process includes mixing a borohydride with at least one additive agent and at least one catalyst and heating the mixture at a temperature of less than about 600° C. and a pressure of H2 gas to form a complex hydride material. The complex hydride material comprises MAlxByHz, wherein M is an alkali metal or group IIA metal, Al is the element aluminum, x is any number from 0 to 1, B is the element boron, y is a number from 0 to 13, and z is a number from 4 to 57 with the additive agent and catalyst still being present. The complex hydride material is capable of cyclic dehydrogenation and rehydrogenation and has a hydrogen capacity of at least about 4 weight percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: James A. Ritter, Tao Wang, Armin D. Ebner, Charles E. Holland
  • Patent number: 8137638
    Abstract: Object: To provide a hydrogen generation apparatus, a laser reduction apparatus, an energy conversion apparatus, a hydrogen generation method and an electric power generation system. Means for Solving the Problems: A hydrogen generation apparatus 10 according to the present invention includes: a reaction vessel 12 for retaining a metal element; a water reservoir 16 for supplying water into the reaction vessel 12; and a hydrogen recovery tube for recovering hydrogen gas and reaction energy generated by reaction of the metal element with the water. The present invention may further include a hydrogen storage device 26 for storing recovered hydrogen gas. Further, in the present invention, an oxide or a hydroxide of the metal element generated by reducing the hydrogen gas may be subjected to laser reduction to regenerate the metal element. A solar light pumped laser may be used for laser reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Takashi Yabe, Kazunari Ikuta
  • Publication number: 20120058046
    Abstract: Provided is a packaged hydrogen-generating agent, the hydrogen-generating reaction of which is highly stable and repeatable, and which preferably is resistant to influence from changes in the environmental temperature. Also provided are a method for manufacturing said package, and a hydrogen generation method. The packaged hydrogen-generating agent is provided with: a hydrogen-generating agent (1); a covering material (2) which encloses the hydrogen-generating agent (1) and allows deformation; and a water-absorbing body (3), part of which is in contact with the hydrogen-generating agent (1). The covering material (2) preferably covers at least the area around the contact part (3a) where the water-absorbing body (3) and the hydrogen-generating agent (1) are in contact, so as to create a firm attachment at the contact part (3a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: AQUAFAIRY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masakazu Sugimoto, Masaya Yano
  • Publication number: 20120058041
    Abstract: A gas generator includes a processing vessel defining a processing space and holding a support body therein, an evacuation system evacuating the processing space; a metal oxide film of a perovskite structure containing oxygen defects formed on the support body, a source gas supplying port supplying a source gas containing molecules of a source compound of carbon dioxide or water into the processing space, a gas outlet port for extracting a product gas containing molecules of a product compound in which oxygen atoms are removed from said source compound, and a heating part heating the support body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: John David Baniecki, Masatoshi Ishii, Kazuaki Kurihara, Kazunori Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20120052001
    Abstract: A composition for splitting water into hydrogen and a hydroxide component, the composition comprising a solid-state component including at least one of aluminum and tin and a liquid metal alloy that is capable of at least partially dissolving the solid-state component, the liquid metal alloy including at least one of gallium and indium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Jerry M. Woodall, Go Choi
  • Patent number: 8119100
    Abstract: The present invention involves methods and apparatus for supplying hydrogen to a fuel cell to produce electricity. Water may be supplied in the form of steam for input to a catalytic converter. The converter may have a substrate element disposed therein coated with an oxide that may be oxidizable with steam and reducible back to an original state without use of a chemical agent. The steam may be converted to hydrogen and oxygen with the hydrogen channeled to an input and the oxygen channeled to an output of the fuel cell. The hydrogen output of the fuel cell and the oxygen may be combined to produce steam. The steam from the output may be recycled to the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Charles William Russell, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120027671
    Abstract: A hydrogen-generating material and method for generating hydrogen are provided. A plurality of metal particles and a plurality of modifier particles are mixed and then reacted with water to generate hydrogen. The metal particles are made of material including aluminum or aluminum alloy or combination thereof. The modifier particles preferably comprise titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles, and the average particle size of the modifier particles is preferably less than 25 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Chung Yuan Christian University
    Inventors: HONG-WEN WANG, HSING-WEI CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20120027672
    Abstract: A hydrogen-generating material and method for generating hydrogen are provided. A plurality of metal particles and a plurality of modifier particles are mixed and than reacted with water to generate hydrogen. The metal particles are made of material including aluminum or aluminum alloy or combination thereof. The modifier particles preferably comprise titanium dioxide (TiO2), chromium trioxide (Cr2O3), cobalt tetroxide (CO3O4), nickel oxide (NiO), iron oxide (Fe2O3), and/or iron tetroxide (Fe3O4) particles, and the average particle size of the modifier particles is preferably between about 10 nm to about 50 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: HONG-WEN WANG, HSING-WEI CHUNG, HSIN-TE TENG
  • Publication number: 20120009119
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating hydrogen. The method may include introducing water bubbles into a bottom region of a vessel containing molten aluminum allowing the water bubbles to rise within the molten aluminum, expanding as they rise. The method may further include collecting hydrogen, generated in a reaction between the water bubbles and the molten aluminum, from the vessel. Also disclosed is an apparatus for generating hydrogen that may include a vessel having an internal chamber for containing molten aluminum, at least one water inlet positioned at a bottom region of the vessel, at least one hydrogen outlet positioned at a top region of the vessel to and a heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Genady Gideon YAMPOLSKY
  • Patent number: 8083816
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for producing hydrogen gas by mechanical scraping of a surface of an aluminum-containing material, in the presence of an aqueous medium, the apparatus including: (a) a reaction chamber having a discharge port, and adapted to sealably contain the aqueous medium; (b) an aluminum-containing workpiece having a working surface; (c) a scraping mechanism having a brush adapted to contact the working surface, the workpiece and the scraping element disposed within the chamber, the surface and the scraping element adapted to move in a relative motion, whereby, in an operating condition, the scraping element scrapes against the working surface to effect a liberation of aluminum-containing particles from the workpiece, the chamber adapted to be substantially sealed with respect to an ambient environment, up to a superatmospheric pressure threshold, and further adapted whereby, during contacting of the aqueous medium and the particles within the chamber, the hydrogen gas is evolved and sel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Hirsch, Gregory Scott Hirsch
  • Patent number: 8083996
    Abstract: Provided are a thermal siphon reactor and a hydrogen generator including the same. The hydrogen generator including the thermal siphon reactor includes: a housing; a reaction source container disposed in the housing; a reactor tube connected to the reaction source container in which a catalytic reaction of a reaction source provided from the reaction source container occurs; a catalyst layer which is porous, facilitates gas generation by being contacted with the reaction source, and is disposed in the reactor tube; and a product container which is connected to the reactor tube and collects a reaction product generated in the reactor tube, wherein in the reactor tube, a convection channel through which the reaction product is discharged passes through the reactor tube in the lengthwise direction of the reactor tube. The thermal siphon reactor and the hydrogen generator including the same have a self-operating ability, operate at low costs, and have small installment volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myong Hoon Lim, Tae Hee Park, Jae Hoi Gu, Yongho Yu
  • Patent number: 8079464
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a hydrogen storage system includes a core of hydrogen sorbent material and a shell of crystalline metal hydride material enclosing at least a portion of the core of hydrogen sorbent material. In another embodiment, the hydrogen storage system further includes an intermediate layer of amorphous metal hydride material, at least a portion of which being positioned between the core of hydrogen sorbent material and the shell of crystalline metal hydride material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Yang, Andrea Pulskamp, Shinichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 8080233
    Abstract: A fuel for splitting water into hydrogen and an oxide component comprises a substantially solid pellet formed from a solid-like mixture of a solid-state source material capable of oxidizing in water to form hydrogen and a passivation surface layer of the oxide component, and a passivation preventing agent that is substantially inert to water in an effective amount to prevent passivation of the solid-state material during oxidation. The pellets are brought into contact with an alloy of the passivation preventing agent having a melting point temperature below that of the solid-like mixture to initiate the hydrogen-producing reaction at a lower temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Woodall, Charles R. Allen, Jeffrey T. Ziebarth
  • Publication number: 20110305628
    Abstract: An oxidative steam reforming of methanol (OSRM) process at low temperature includes providing a gas mixture comprising methanol, steam and oxygen and conducting the gas mixture to flow through an AuCu/ZnO-based catalyst for undergoing OSRM process to generate hydrogen, wherein an initiation temperature of OSRM is less than 175° C. The AuCu/ZnO catalyst of the present invention may lower the initiation temperature of the OSRM process and remains to have good catalytic efficiency without undergoing pre-reduction. A steam reforming of methanol (SRM) process is also herein provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Yuh-Jeen HUANG, Ke-Lun Ng.
  • Publication number: 20110300064
    Abstract: An improved redox material able to be used for thermochemical water splitting, and a method for producing hydrogen using this redox material are provided. The redox material for thermochemical water splitting comprises a redox metal oxide selected from the group comprising perovskite-type composite metal oxides, fluorite-type composite metal oxides and combinations thereof, and a metal oxide carrier. The redox metal oxide is carried on the metal oxide carrier in a dispersed state. The method for producing hydrogen uses the oxidation and reduction of the redox material to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinichi TAKESHIMA
  • Publication number: 20110274615
    Abstract: A catalyst has a long life span and efficiently separates hydrogen from water. A first metal element (Ni, Pd, Pt) for cutting the combination of hydrogen and oxygen and a second metal element (Cr, Mo, W, Fe) for helping the function of the first metal element are melted in alkaline metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide to make a mixture heated at a temperature above the melting point of the hydroxide to eject fine particles from the liquid surface, bringing steam into contact with the fine particles. Instead of this, a mixture of alkaline metal hydroxide and metal oxide is heated at a temperature above the melting point of the alkaline metal hydroxide to make metal compound in which at least two kinds of metal elements are melted, and fine particles are ejected from the surface of the metal compound to be brought into contact with steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Yasuo Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8048401
    Abstract: A solid composition containing: (a) at least one metal hydride compound; (b) at least one borohydride compound; and (c) at least one of: (i) a transition metal halide, or (ii) a transition metal boride. A “metal hydride” is a compound containing only one metal and hydrogen, including, e.g., alkali and alkaline earth metal hydrides. A “borohydride compound” is a compound containing the borohydride anion, BH4?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Shih-Ying Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110262346
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor and a process for producing spin enriched hydrogen and/or deuterium gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HADASIT MEDICAL RESEARCH SERVICES & DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Rachel KATZ-BRULL, Moshe GOMORI, Claudia M. BARZILAY, Ayelet GAMLIEL
  • Publication number: 20110256052
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a hydrogen fuel gas is provided. In particular, a hydrogen fuel product is produced from steam exposed to a heated catalyst, wherein at least a portion of the hydrogen fuel product produced is used in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: THOMAS MERRITT
  • Publication number: 20110243836
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydrogen gas-generating apparatus (10) comprising (1) a reservoir (100) comprising an aqueous component (110), (2) a fuel compartment (200) comprising a solid metal borohydride fuel component (210), and (3) a reaction chamber (300) comprising an aerogel catalyst (310). A first fluid path introduces the aqueous component into the fuel compartment where the solid metal borohydride fuel component is dissolved into a liquid metal borohydride fuel component (210?). A second fluid path introduces the liquid metal borohydride fuel component into the reaction chamber to produce a hydrogen gas by means of a hydride-water oxidation reaction that is accelerated by the aerogel catalyst. The temperature and/or pressure of the reaction chamber are predetermined to maintain the water in the borate byproduct to be substantially in the liquid phase to minimize the precipitation of the borate byproduct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: SOCIETE BIC
    Inventors: Michael Curello, Stepan Constance
  • Publication number: 20110241357
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce McGill
  • Patent number: 8021793
    Abstract: A hydrogen producing apparatus according to the present invention includes a hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1 for containing a hydrogen generating material, a water containing vessel 2 for containing water, a water supply portion for supplying water from the water containing vessel 2 to the hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1, a hydrogen outflow portion for leading out hydrogen from the hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1, a gas-liquid separating part 7 for separating water from a mixture of hydrogen and water discharged from the hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1, and a water collecting portion for collecting water separated by the gas-liquid separating part 7 into the water containing vessel 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nakai, Hiroshi Kashino, Takeshi Miki, Shoji Saibara
  • Patent number: 8012223
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for producing energy from the controlled reaction of an alkali metal with water. The method comprises forcing a liquefied alkali metal through a filter that separates the liquid alkali metal into alkali metal droplets. The alkali metal droplets comprise small enough particles that the alkali metal droplets completely react in water to produce heat, steam, an alkaline hydroxide and hydrogen gas before the alkali metal droplets reach the surface of the water. The filter separates the alkali metal droplets at a sufficient distance to avoid recombining of the alkali metal droplets. The alkaline hydroxide is reduced to an alkali metal and water which can be reused in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Bruce McGill
  • Patent number: 8007762
    Abstract: The invention relates to Group 1 metal/silica gel compositions comprising silica gel and an alkali metal or alloy, wherein Group 1 metals or alloys are absorbed into the silica gel pores. The invention relates to producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting a Group 1 metal/silica gel composition with water, and further relates to an alkali metal reduction of an organic compound, the improvement comprising contacting the organic compound with a Group 1 metal/silica gel composition. In these embodiments, the Group 1 metal/silica gel composition reacts with dry O2. The invention also relates to producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting a Group 1 metal/silica gel composition with water, and further relates to an alkali metal reduction of an organic compound, the improvement comprising contacting the organic compound with a Group 1 metal/silica gel composition. In these embodiments, the Group 1 metal/silica gel composition produced does not react with dry O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: SiGNa Chemistry, Inc., Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael Lefenfeld, James L. Dye
  • Patent number: 8002853
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Paul Spahr, Constance R. Stepan
  • Publication number: 20110200521
    Abstract: Disclosed are a hydrogen energy production system utilizing silicon wastewater and a method for production of hydrogen energy using the same. More particularly, the disclosed system includes: a UF treatment bath wherein the silicon wastewater is treated through UF film filtration to separate UF treated water and a concentrated silicon waste solution therefrom; a line mixer connected to the UF treatment bath in order to admix the separated silicon waste solution with an alkaline material fed from the outside; and a hydrogen production bath connected to the line mixer, wherein the concentrated silicon waste solution in the mixture reacts with the alkaline material, in order to produce hydrogen gas. Additionally, a hydrogen energy production method using the foregoing system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: WOONGJIN COWAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chae-Seok CHOI, Ji-Hyeon HWANG, Youn-Kook KIM
  • Publication number: 20110171119
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage and/or generation arrangements and compositions comprising an electron donor and an electron acceptor in a suitable solvent and related methods and systems to store and/or generate hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Rachid YAZAMI
  • Patent number: 7967879
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge includes a case, an igniter, and a structural component. The case defines an interior cavity and the igniter is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is also positioned within the cavity and is formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material. An oxidizing agent is positioned within the cavity. The structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Hydrogen Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Peter James Lohr, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20110150756
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with optimized startup times, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and methods of operating the same. Startup and shutdown methods for a PSA assembly, and optionally an associated fuel processing system, are disclosed to provide for shortened startup times. The PSA assemblies may be in fluid communication with a hydrogen source that may be used or otherwise configured or controlled to purge the PSA adsorbent columns of adsorbents during startup and/or shutdown procedures, the hydrogen source additionally or alternatively may be used or otherwise configured or controlled to charge the columns with hydrogen for idling in a pressurized state. The use of this hydrogen source, together with specific startup and shutdown methodologies, provides for reducing the startup time of the PSA assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: IDATECH, LLC
    Inventors: Patton M. Adams, James A. Givens, Arne Laven, Sudha Rani Laven, Curtiss Renn
  • Publication number: 20110143240
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system comprising solid hydrogen fuel, a liquid absorbent material, and a phase-change material is provided. When the liquid (usually water, alcohol, or aqueous solution of alcohol, aqueous solution of salt or aqueous solution of acid) in the absorbent material contacts with the solid hydrogen fuel, the solid hydrogen fuel will react with the liquid to release hydrogen and generate heat. The heat as generated will accumulate to increase the reaction temperature, and then boost the hydrogen-releasing rate. The phase-change material is adjacent to the solid hydrogen fuel for absorbing and storing the reaction heat, so as to stabilize the reaction temperature. Therefore, the hydrogen-releasing rate is kept as constant to achieve a steady hydrogen flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chan-Li Hsueh, Jie-Ren Ku, Cheng-Yen Chen, Ming-Shan Jeng, Fang-hei Tsau
  • Publication number: 20110142754
    Abstract: An one-off and adjustment method of hydrogen releasing from chemical hydride. The “one/off” of hydrogen release is controlled by the “contact/non-contact” procedures between the reactants. First, at least a hydride powder, a catalyst powder and a water-containing reactant are provided, and at least any two of three are mixed to form a mixture. Hydrogen gas is generated by adjusting a contact area between the mixture and the remaining one. The hydrogen-releasing reaction is terminated when a non-contacting state between the mixture and the remaining one occurs. Alternatively, an inhibitor or an inhibiting method could be used for suppressing or terminating the hydrogen-releasing reaction. The hydrogen-releasing rate could be controlled and adjusted by the extent of suppression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Jie-Ren KU, Chan-Li HSUEH, Cheng-Yen CHEN, Ming-Shan JENG, Fang-hei TSAU
  • Publication number: 20110135565
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen from sodium hydroxide and water is disclosed. The method comprises separating sodium from a first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream in a sodium ion separator, feeding the sodium produced in the sodium ion separator to a sodium reactor, reacting the sodium in the sodium reactor with water, and producing a second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream and hydrogen. The method may also comprise reusing the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream by combining the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream with the first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream. A system of producing hydrogen is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Lyman Frost