By Reacting Water Or Aqueous Solution With Metal Or Compound Thereof Patents (Class 423/657)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110135566
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and reactor for the quasi-continuous performance of a chemical reaction on the surface of a fixed reactant in a gas/solid phase reaction. In particular, the invention relates to a thermal process and a reactor for the continuous preparation of hydrogen from water vapor on the surface of a metal oxide in a gas/solid phase reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventors: Martin ROEB, Christian SATTLER, Peter-Michael RIETBROCK, Ruth KÜSTER, Athanasios G. KONSTANDOPOULOS, Christos AGRAFIOTIS, Lamark DE OLIVEIRA, Mark SCHMITZ
  • Patent number: 7951349
    Abstract: A method and system for storing and generating hydrogen. The method comprises generating hydrogen and heat from the reaction of a metal or metal compound with water. The heat generated from this reaction may then be converted to other forms of energy such as by passing the heat through a thermal electric device to recover electrical energy for storage in a battery. In an alternative and preferred embodiment, the heat is used to drive additional reactions for generating more hydrogen and is preferably used to drive an endothermic dehydrogenation reaction resulting in increased hydrogen generation and consumption of the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew Kindler, Sri R. Narayanan, Yuhong Huang
  • Patent number: 7947096
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen generator system for generating hydrogen from a water split reaction. The generator comprises a pressure container having a reactant water inlet, and a product hydrogen outlet. Pluralities of cells are vertically stacked inside the container; each cell contains a reactant compound comprising a mechanical mixture of metal and an anti-passivation material. The reactant compound produces hydrogen gas upon contact with water, and the cells are stacked such that water entering from the inlet can rise inside the container and sequentially activate each immersed cell to produce hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Florian Tonca
  • Patent number: 7938879
    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 may be introduced into water or other suitable oxidizer in a controlled rate to control the rate of reaction of the source material with the oxidizer, and thereby control the rate of formation of hydrogen. Methods are described for producing the solid-like mixture in varying weight percent of source material to passivation preventing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jerry M. Woodall, Eric S. Harmon, Kurt C. Koehler, Jeffrey T. Ziebarth, Charles R. Allen, Yuan Zheng, Jong-Hyeok Jeon, George H. Goble, David B. Salzman
  • Publication number: 20110104048
    Abstract: Described is the use of a colloidal suspension that includes between 2 and 60% of alkaline metal particles that are suspended in a neutral hydrophobic diluent for producing gaseous hydrogen, as well as a process for producing hydrogen. Also described is a hydrogen-generating device and its use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: UNITHER DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventor: Marc Maury
  • Publication number: 20110104047
    Abstract: Provided herein is a modified cobalt oxide based catalyst that includes cobalt oxide and lanthanum. The lanthanum is dispersed within the cobalt oxide, wherein the lanthanum is about 5-20% by weight of the modified cobalt oxide based catalyst. The method of producing the lanthanum modified cobalt oxide based catalyst and its use in producing hydrogen are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chuin-Tih YEH, Chen-Bin WANG, Chia-Chan LEE
  • Patent number: 7914846
    Abstract: A process for encapsulating a metal hydride within a hollow glass sphere is provided. The process includes providing a hollow glass sphere, the hollow glass sphere having a shell enclosing an inner volume. The hollow glass sphere is placed within an enclosed chamber and the chamber is evacuated such that a negative pressure is present therewithin. The hollow glass sphere within the evacuated enclosed chamber is subjected to an external element such that the shell affords for molecules to diffuse therethrough. In some instances, the external element is heat, infrared light and combinations thereof. Thereafter, a metal hydride is provided in the form of a vapor and the evacuated enclosed chamber with the hollow glass sphere is exposed to metal hydride vapor and molecules of the metal hydride diffuse through the shell into the inner volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Rana F. Mohtadi
  • Publication number: 20110070152
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes and methods of generating hydrogen via the hydrolysis or solvolyis of a compound of the formula (I), R1R2HNBHR3R4, using ligand-stabilized homogeneous metal catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Kamaluddin Abdur-Rashid, Todd Graham, Chi-Wing Tsang, Xuanhua Chen, Rongwei Guo, Wenli Jia, Dino Amoroso, Christine Sui-Seng
  • Patent number: 7901818
    Abstract: Hydrogen generation materials are a complex hydride which generates hydrogen upon hydrolysis, and an aqueous solution comprising water for causing the hydrolysis, and an accelerator dissolved therein for accelerating a hydrogen generation reaction. A method of hydrogen generation by a hydrogen generator comprises a first step S1 of detecting that the internal pressure of a reactor is lower than a reference pressure, and supplying the aqueous accelerator solution to the reactor; a second step S2 of dissolving the complex hydride in the aqueous accelerator solution to cause a hydrogen generation reaction; and a third step S3 of detecting that the internal pressure of the reactor is higher than the reference pressure, and stopping the supply of the aqueous accelerator solution, and repeats the flow from the first step S1 to the third step S3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Takafumi Sarata, Norimasa Yanase, Toru Ozaki, Tsuneaki Tamachi, Kazutaka Yuzurihara, Fumiharu Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20110052487
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for hydrolysis of a chemical hydride is provided. The method includes adding a chemical hydride to a reaction chamber and exposing the chemical hydride in the reaction chamber to a temperature of at least about 100° C. in the presence of water and in the absence of an acid or a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the chemical hydride undergoes hydrolysis to form hydrogen gas and a byproduct material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
    Inventors: Thomas A. Davis, Michael A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20110044890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen production method from water by using germanium oxide, more precisely a hydrogen and oxygen production method from water by thermochemical cycles using germanium oxide. The method of the present invention facilitates the production of hydrogen by multi-step thermochemical cycle using germanium oxide, so that it is characterized by that the thermochemical cycle is low temperature reaction and only water is consumed and other materials are not consumed but circulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Kyoung-Soo Kang, Chu-Sik Park, Chang-Hee Kim, Ki-Kwang Bae, Won-Chul Cho
  • Patent number: 7892521
    Abstract: The invention provides for the synthesis of a hydride directly from metal and water or metal and hydroxide or metal and aqueous hydrogen chloride. The hydride generated may be used as metal hydride slurry for on-board generation of hydrogen by reaction with water or with aqueous HCl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Surendra Saxena
  • Patent number: 7893002
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen conducting membrane includes a dense, mixed-conducting, multi-metallic oxide membrane having one surface which is coated with dispersed particles based on noble metals or magnesium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: David Farrusseng, Claude Mirodatos, Michael Rebeilleau, André Van Veen, Simon Rushworth, Jean-Luc Rousset
  • Patent number: 7883805
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating material reacts with water to produce hydrogen and includes at least one metal material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, and their alloys. The metal material includes particles with a particle size of 60 ?m or less in a proportion of 80 wt % or more. The hydrogen generating material can produce hydrogen easily and efficiently at low temperatures. A hydrogen generator can be made portable by using the hydrogen generating material. Moreover, the use of the hydrogen generating material as a hydrogen fuel source can reduce the size of a fuel cell and improve the electrical efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nakai, Takeshi Miki, Shoji Saibara
  • Publication number: 20100316917
    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: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicants: SIGNA CHEMISTRY, INC., Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael LEFENFELD, James L. DYE
  • Publication number: 20100303713
    Abstract: Novel catalysts, substantially free of Cu and Zn, useful for the reformation of methanol and steam into H2 for use in hydrogen fuel cells and their use are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: QINGLIN ZHANG, ROBERT J. FARRAUTO, CHRISTOPHER R. CASTELLANO
  • Patent number: 7820061
    Abstract: The invention relates to Group 1 metal/porous metal oxide compositions comprising porous metal oxide selected from porous titanium oxide and porous alumina and an alkali metal or an alkali metal alloy. The compositions of the inventions are described as Stage 0 and I materials. These materials differ in their preparation and chemical reactivity. Each successive stage may be prepared directly using the methods described below or from an earlier stage material. Stage 0 materials may, for example, be prepared using liquid alloys of Na and K which are rapidly absorbed by porous metal oxide under isothermal conditions, preferably at or just above room temperature, to form loose black powders that retain much of the reducing ability of the parent metals. When the low melting Group 1 metals are absorbed into the porous metal oxide at about 150° C., an exothermic reaction produces Stage I material, loose black powders that are stable in dry air. Further heating forms higher stage materials of unknown composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignees: Signa Chemistry, Inc., Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Michael Lefenfeld, James L. Dye
  • Patent number: 7803349
    Abstract: A method, apparatuses and chemical compositions are provided for producing high purity hydrogen from water. Metals or alloys capable of reacting with water and producing hydrogen in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions are reacted with one or more inorganic hydrides capable of releasing hydrogen in aqueous solutions at ambient conditions, one or more transition metal compounds are used to catalyze the reaction and, optionally, one or more alkali metal-based compounds. The metal or alloy is preferably aluminum. The inorganic hydride is from a family of complex inorganic hydrides; most preferably, NaBH4. The transition metal catalyst is from the groups VIII and IB; preferably, Cu and Fe. The alkali metal-based compounds are preferably NaOH, KOH, and the like. Hydrogen generated has a purity of at least 99.99 vol. % (dry basis), and is used without further purification in all types of fuel cells, including the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Nazim Z. Muradov
  • Publication number: 20100239494
    Abstract: The present inventions are a method for production of hydrogen which decomposes water into hydrogen by oxidation of metals only when the metals are exposed to the water, while preventing oxidation of pure metal nanoparticles using block copolymers and, in addition, hydrogen produced by the method described above. The method of the present invention has advantages of improved convenience and simplicity, achieves a preferable approach for hydrogen storage because the metal nanoparticles enclosed by the block copolymer have the ease of delivery and reaction thereof. Additionally, the method of the present invention only using water and the metal is considered eco-friendly and useful in industrial energy applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Jeung-Ku Kang, Weon-Ho Shin, Jun-Hyeon Bae, Jung-Hoon Choi, Cheol-Ock Song, Kyung-Min Choi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100209338
    Abstract: A hydrogen-generating material composition of the present invention contains at least one metallic material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, silicon, zinc, magnesium, and alloys mainly composed of at least one of those metal elements, and a water-soluble salt of hydroxy acid. In the hydrogen-generating material composition, the ratio of the water-soluble salt of hydroxy acid to the total of the metallic material and the water-soluble salt of hydroxy acid is 1 mass % or more. A method for producing hydrogen according to the present invention is provided, wherein hydrogen is generated by supplying water to the hydrogen-generating material composition of the present invention so that a reaction occurs between the metallic material and the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Takeshi Miki, Toshihiro Nakai, Shoji Saibara
  • Patent number: 7771612
    Abstract: In contrast, the alkaline compound included in the composition of the Document D1 is strong alkali, such as sodium hydroxide. Therefore, the oxide of an alkaline earth metal used in the amended invention is not disclosed or suggested in the D1 at all. In addition, the composition of D1 is an oxygen scavenger and it includes compound which enhance the reaction of oxygen with hydrogen, such as catalyst. Therefore, its hydrogen generating ability is lower than that of the claimed invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Taiichi Sugita, Masaya Yano, Masakazu Sugimoto
  • 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: 7763233
    Abstract: A device for generating hydrogen by hydrolysis of a hydride comprising a reactor containing the hydride in solid form, in the divided state or not, and comprising at least one orifice for removing the hydrogen produced; means for releasing the water required for the hydrolysis reaction; and at least one envelope suitable for isolating the hydride from the water required for the hydrolysis reaction, the envelope being made from a consumable material. According to the present invention, the envelope is suitable for contacting the water with the hydride in a site capable of serving as the seat of the hydrolysis reaction and of moving in the reactor as the material constituting the envelope is consumed by the hydrolysis reaction products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Laurent, Frédéric Gaillard, Philippe Capron, Denis Locatelli
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100173225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing hydrogen from water involving reacting metal particles with water in the presence of an effective amount of activator. In particular the invention pertains to compositions and methods for producing hydrogen upon reaction of metal particles selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) with water, in the presence of an effective amount of an activator catalyst, wherein the activator is selected from the group consisting of: alkali metals, earth alkali metals, hydrides of alkali metals, hydrides of earth alkali metals, hydroxides of alkali metals, and hydroxides of earth alkali metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: TECHNION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LTD.
    Inventors: Valery ROSENBAND, Alon GANY
  • Publication number: 20100166648
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: SiGNa Chemistry, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael LEFENFELD, James L. Dye
  • Publication number: 20100150826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogen generating microporous metals, methods for preparing microporous metals, and methods for producing hydrogen from water using the metals and systems of the invention. In particular, microporous metals selected from the group comprising aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), capable of producing hydrogen upon reaction of the metal with water having a neutral pH are provided. Methods for preparing microporous metals comprising the steps of selecting a metal that is sufficiently electropositive (i.e. water reactive); and introducing microporosity in the selected metal by means of mechanical deformation, or metallurgical techniques, in order to generate the microporous metal are also provided, as is a method for producing hydrogen comprising reacting a microporous metal powder with water at a pH of between 4 and 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventors: Tomasz Troczynski, Edith Czech
  • Publication number: 20100143240
    Abstract: A method for generation of hydrogen with reduced foaming by combining with water a solid composition containing a borohydride compound and a base in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph Najim, John Hiroshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100136442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing hydrogen that comprises a hydrolysis step (C) of solid SnO for producing hydrogen, in which the hydrogen thus produced is stored, recovered and/or upgraded, and in which the solid SnO used is obtained by the following steps: (A) thermal reduction of SnO2 into SnO in conditions yielding gaseous SnO; and (B) cooling the gaseous SnO thus produced to a temperature lower than or equal to % 50° C. The invention also relates to devices and equipments for implementing said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicants: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Stephane Abanades, Patrice Charvin, Gilles Flamant, Florent Lemort
  • Patent number: 7727293
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a cartridge including a reservoir having a first reactant and a reaction chamber, and a receiver that can include a flow control device. The receiver is adapted to receive the cartridge and to transport the first reactant to the reaction chamber after connection with the cartridge. The flow control device is adapted to stop the transport of reactant when the pressure in the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignees: Société Bic, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Jean-yves Laurent, Frédéric Gaillard, Nathalie Giacometti, Paul Adams
  • Publication number: 20100129287
    Abstract: A system for producing hydrogen gas from water decomposition using a thermochemical CuCl cycle, the improvement comprising the use of an insulated hydrogen production reactor comprising a reaction chamber and a separation chamber; the reaction chamber having a hydrogen chloride gas inlet and a solid copper inlet; one or more levels provided in the reaction chamber, the number of which is dependant on production scale and pressure drop; each level comprising a perforated plate with associated filter media, the perforations of the plate and media being of decreasing size from top to bottom of the reaction chamber, and being sized to permit downward flow of the hydrogen gas and molten CuCl products, as well as the HCL gas reactant, and to prevent entrainment of solid copper in the molten CuCl; the separation chamber being located below the reaction chamber and being of greater cross section than the reaction chamber and comprising a first hydrogen removal and entrained copper removal zone and a second molten CuC
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Kamiel Samy Gabriel, Zholin Wang, Greg Naterer
  • Patent number: 7713653
    Abstract: Improved portable power sources such as batteries, fuel cells, power generators and the like can include structure or apparatus that are adapted to provide an indication of the power capacity remaining within the portable power source. In some cases, these power sources may be configured to accommodate remote communication regarding their remaining power capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Eickhoff, Chunbo Zhang
  • Patent number: 7704484
    Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen by using different metals includes: providing a metal of lower reduction potential as an anode metal and a metal of higher reduction potential as a cathode metal, then immerse the anode metal and the cathode metal in an electrolyte, while the anode metal and the cathode metal can be combined with appropriate steps before or after being immersed in the electrolyte, whereby hydrogen and side-products generated from a reaction of electrochemistry caused by reduction potential difference between the different metals, that is, the method for producing hydrogen is through spontaneous chemical reaction without extra energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Liung Feng Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Ten Wan, Tsang-Lin Hsu, Heng-I Lin
  • Publication number: 20100098622
    Abstract: The invention provides for the synthesis of a hydride directly from metal and water or metal and hydroxide or metal and aqueous hydrogen chloride. The hydride generated may be used as metal hydride slurry for on-board generation of hydrogen by reaction with water or with aqueous HCl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Surendra Saxena
  • Patent number: 7700072
    Abstract: A novel application of a transition metal oxo complex, a cationic oxorhenium(V) oxazoline, in the production of molecular hydrogen (H2) from the catalytic hydrolytic oxidation of organosilanes. The reaction is characterized by quantitative hydrogen yields, low catalyst loading, ambient conditions, high selectivity for silanols, water as the only co-reagent, and no solvent requirement. The amount of hydrogen produced is proportional to the water stoichiometry. For example, reaction mixtures of polysilyl organics such as HC(SiH3)3 and water contain potentially greater than 6 weight percent hydrogen. Kinetic and isotope labeling experiments reveal a new mechanistic paradigm for the activation of Si—H bonds by oxometalates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventor: Mahdi M. Abu-Omar
  • Patent number: 7700071
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen gas from a reaction of carbon monoxide with a base. Hydrogen is produced in a reaction of a base with carbon monoxide that proceeds through the formation of a bicarbonate or carbonate compound as a by-product. In some embodiments, the reaction may occur in the presence of water and may produce carbon dioxide as a by-product. The instant base-facilitated hydrogen-producing reactions are thermodynamically more spontaneous than the water-gas shift reaction and are able to produce hydrogen gas from carbon monoxide at greater reaction rates than is possible with the water-gas shift reaction. Carbon monoxide in a purified or unpurified state or as a component within a mixture of gases is suitable for use in the instant invention. Metal hydroxides are the preferred base reactant. The base reactant can be in the solid phase, molten phase, liquid phase or solution phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Reichman, William Mays, James Strebe
  • Patent number: 7695709
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating material of the present invention includes at least one metal material selected from aluminum and aluminum alloy. The metal material has a surface film that includes a metal phase containing aluminum in the metallic state and an inactive phase containing an oxide or hydroxide of aluminum. A method for producing the hydrogen generating material of the present invention includes pulverizing aluminum or aluminum alloy in a liquid containing water and an organic solvent. A method for producing hydrogen of the present invention includes producing hydrogen by a reaction between the hydrogen generating material of the present invention and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Miki, Toshihiro Nakai, Shoji Saibara
  • Publication number: 20100080755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of hydrogen gas. More particularly, the present invention relates to: (1) a composition and process for the displacement of hydrogen from water under standard temperature and pressure conditions; (2) a hydrogen fuel system; (3) a method for using the hydrogen fuel system in conjunction with a feedstock composition to produce hydrogen gas (e.g., onboard a vehicle); and (4) a method of using the hydrogen fuel system at a reduced cost (e.g., by providing a consumer rebate in exchange for the return of byproduct(s) collected after using the hydrogen fuel system). The composition (e.g., a feedstock composition) comprises finely divided metal powders (e.g., magnesium, or magnesium and aluminum) and can also contain a chloride salt (e.g., sodium chloride or potassium chloride).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: ALLOY SURFACES COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: John J. Parker, Alfonso L. Baldi
  • Patent number: 7678479
    Abstract: A method for providing hydrogen to a hydrogen-powered device comprises providing a buffer connected to supply hydrogen to the device. The buffer is filled with hydrogen by coupling the buffer to a cartridge containing a predetermined quantity of hydrogen. The hydrogen in the cartridge may be stored in a form having a higher energy density than the hydrogen in the buffer. Systems comprising hydrogen-powered devices that include such buffers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerard Francis McLean, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7670586
    Abstract: Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: GTLpetrol LLC
    Inventors: Shoou-I Wang, John Repasky, Shankar Nataraj, Xiang-Dong Peng
  • Publication number: 20100047640
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fuel source including a chemical hydride and at least one reactive metal source selected from the group consisting of a reactive metal, a reactive metalloid and a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart M. Davis
  • Patent number: 7666387
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thermochemical method for the production of hydrogen from water. The method includes reacting a multi-valent metal oxide, water and a carbonate to produce an alkali metal-multi-valent metal oxide compound, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Jack L Collins, Leslie R Dole, Juan J Ferrada, Charles W Forsberg, Marvin J Haire, Rodney D Hunt, Benjamin E Lewis, Jr., Raymond G Wymer
  • Patent number: 7658904
    Abstract: Process for the production of hydrogen by the thermochemical route from water, based on the chlorine/cerium cycle, in which, according to a first reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;??(A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;??(B) 2CeCl3+4H2O=2CeO2+6HCl+H2;??(C) or in which, according to a second reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2;??(A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O;??(B) 2CeCl3+2H2O=2CeOCl+4HCl;??(B?) 2CeOCl+2H2O=2CeO2+2HCl+H2;??(C?) and in which the reaction (B) for the chlorination of cerium oxide is carried out in the liquid phase, the cerium chloride passing into solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Roger Boen, Christophe Girold, Florent Lemort, Vlatko Materic
  • Publication number: 20100028255
    Abstract: Aluminum is treated with an agent to prevent passivation of the aluminum during oxidation. The passivation preventing agent is a metal alloy containing gallium, preferably a eutectic alloy of gallium, indium and tin. The surface of the metallic aluminum is wetted with the eutectic alloy, suitably by scouring and/or immersion. The treated aluminum may be mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide or other suitable oxidizer in a controlled manner to produce hydrogen, heat, steam or oxygen for the use in power generation or chemical reactions. The passivation removal agent can be used in small quantities and is readily recoverable following the reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: NAGI HATOUM
  • Patent number: 7655056
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus includes a chemical reaction chamber, a chemical solution reservoir, an unpowered pressure-producing member for moving a chemical solution from the chemical solution reservoir to the chemical reaction chamber, and a catalyst bed in the chemical reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John A. Devos
  • Publication number: 20100021376
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of controlled hydrogen generation, hydrogen storage and hydrogen transportation. More specifically, the invention is directed to a solution containing a metal hydride for safe hydrogen generation, storage and transportation, wherein means are provided for preventing spontaneous hydrogen production during storage. In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a stable metal-hydride solution comprising at least one metal-hydride compound, at least one hydroxide ion providing entity and at least one stabilizer that is different from said hydroxide ion providing entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Alex Silberman, Shmuel Keren