Iron Patents (Class 423/658)
  • Patent number: 10995005
    Abstract: A two-step thermochemical gas reduction process based on poly-cation oxides includes repeatedly cycling a thermal reduction step and a gas reduction step. In the thermal reduction the poly-cation oxide is heated to produce a reduced poly-cation oxide and oxygen. In the gas reduction step, the reduced poly-cation oxide is reacted with a gas to reduce the gas, while reoxidizing the poly-cation oxide. The poly-cation oxide has at least two distinct crystal structures at two distinct temperatures and is capable of undergoing a reversible phase transformation between the two distinct crystal structures. For example, the poly-cation oxide may be an entropy tuned mixed metal oxide, such as an entropy stabilized mixed metal oxide, where the entropy-tuning is achieved via change in crystal structure of one of more of the compounds involved. The gas reduction process may be used for water splitting, CO2 splitting, NOx reduction, and other gas reduction processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Nadia L. Ahlborg, William C. Chueh, Hyungyu Jin, Arunava Majumdar, Shang Zhai, Jimmy A. Rojas Herrera
  • Patent number: 9902615
    Abstract: A chemical-looping system utilizes oxygen-carrier particles to produce syngas from carbonaceous fuels. The system provides a circuitous flow path for the oxygen-carrier particles, which are used to partially oxidize the fuel to produce syngas. The circuitous flow path can proceed through a plurality of unit operations, including a reducer, a conversion reactor, an oxidizer, and a combustor. The conversion reactor is designed to partially oxidize carbonaceous fuel in co-current flow with the oxygen-carrier particles to produce syngas. In embodiments including an oxidizer, the oxidizer is designed to at partially re-oxidize the carrier particles, yielding hydrogen that can be mixed with partially oxidized products from the conversion reactor to adjust syngas quality. The combustor can be used to fully oxidize the carrier particles traveling in a closed loop. Reactions carried out in the combustor are highly exothermic and yield thermal energy that is absorbed by the carrier particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Tritti Siengchum, Luis G Velazquez-Vargas, Thomas J Flynn, Douglas J DeVault
  • Patent number: 9259714
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to photocatalysts with high solar-to-hydrogen overall water splitting efficiency. In an embodiment, the photocatalyst is a nanocrystalline cobalt (II) oxide (CoO) nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of synthesizing the photocatalysts disclosed herein. Such a method may comprise using femtosecond laser ablation of cobalt oxide micropowders. In some embodiments, such a method comprises mechanical ball milling of cobalt oxide micropowders. In an embodiment, the photocatalyst disclosed herein decomposes water under visible light without the aid of any co-catalysts or sacrificial reagents. In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of splitting water to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
    Inventors: Jiming Bao, Longb Liao
  • Patent number: 9085785
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for a hybrid biological and chemical process that captures and converts carbon dioxide and/or other forms of inorganic carbon and/or C1 carbon sources including but not limited to carbon monoxide, methane, methanol, formate, or formic acid, and/or mixtures containing C1 chemicals including but not limited to various syngas compositions, into organic chemicals including biofuels or other valuable biomass, chemical, industrial, or pharmaceutical products are provided. The present invention, in certain embodiments, fixes inorganic carbon or C1 carbon sources into longer carbon chain organic chemicals by utilizing microorganisms capable of performing the oxyhydrogen reaction and the autotrophic fixation of CO2 in one or more steps of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Kiverdi, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Reed, Lisa Dyson
  • Patent number: 8974757
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide and generating hydrogen are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: dissolving an iron based material that includes a carbonate-forming element into a solution including the carbonate-forming element and iron; increasing a pH of the solution to cause precipitation of iron oxide from the solution thereby generating a first source of Fe2O3; reacting the carbonate-forming element in the solution with a first source of carbon dioxide to produce a carbonate thereby sequestering the carbon dioxide; oxidizing the first source of Fe2O3 with a carbonaceous fuel thereby generating a second source of carbon dioxide and iron; and oxidizing the iron with steam thereby generating hydrogen and an iron oxide. Some embodiments include producing iron-based catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Ah-Hyung Alissa Park, Liang-Shih Fan, Hyung Ray Kim
  • Patent number: 8974927
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen from an electrolyte solution, in particular an aqueous solution, is described. The apparatus includes a hydrogen-developing body having an electrolyte-contacting surface. The electrolyte-contacting surface of the hydrogen-developing body includes regions formed from magnesium, Mg, zinc, Zn, aluminium, Al, or alloys thereof alternating with regions formed from ferrum, Fe, or a ferrous alloy, Fe alloy. The apparatus may further include means for accumulating hydrogen which has developed on the surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: NIM Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Fertman
  • Patent number: 8951310
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44?) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Paul Spahr, Michael Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
  • Patent number: 8951497
    Abstract: In the present invention, a method and apparatus for producing hydrogen by thermochemical water splitting are provided. The method for producing hydrogen of the present invention includes a reduction step of heating a high oxidation state redox material in an inert atmosphere to remove oxygen from the high oxidation state redox material, and thereby obtain a low oxidation state redox material and oxygen; and a hydrogen generation step of bringing water into contact with a low oxidation state redox material to oxidize the low oxidation state redox material and reduce the water, and thereby obtain a high oxidation state redox material and hydrogen. In the method for producing hydrogen of the present invention, the reduction step and the hydrogen generation step are performed switchingly in a same reaction vessel. Further, the apparatus for producing hydrogen of the present invention is used for performing the method for producing hydrogen of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinichi Takeshima
  • Publication number: 20140363369
    Abstract: An object is to provide a process for providing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens conveniently without the necessity of large-scale equipment and a process capable of performing hydrogenation (protiation, deuteration or tritiation) reaction conveniently without the use of an expensive reagent and a special catalyst. The production process includes a process for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens, containing subjecting water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal, and a process for producing a hydrogenated (protiated, deuterated or tritiated) organic compound, containing subjecting an organic compound and water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Shiono Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironao SAJIKI, Yasunari MONGUCHI, Yoshinari SAWAMA, Shinichi KONDO
  • Publication number: 20140356278
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of hydrothermal generation of hydrogen is provided and includes steps of: providing an iron powder having a particle diameter from 100 nm to 10 mm; providing water of liquid status; mixing the iron powder and the water to form a mixture; and heating the mixture to the temperature between 100° C. and 200° C. to generate hydrogen. The hydrogen generated by the present invention could be used directly due to its high purity. The carbon dioxide would not be produced during the manufacturing process. The advantages of the present invention are that the manufacturing process will not cause environmental pollution and it is easy to carry out mass production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Dong-hwang CHEN, Yu-ching TSAI, Jan-antoni ROGUT
  • Patent number: 8864857
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen gas from a replaceable aluminum pack comprising an aluminum and hydride mixture encased in a breathable membrane that is raised and lowered into a fluid contained within an enclosed tank wherein contact with the fluid releases hydrogen gas from the aluminum. A pressure transducer and microprocessor chip are provided for monitoring and regulating the rate of hydrogen production by engaging and disengaging a reversible motor that raises and lowers an inner tray on which the aluminum pack resides accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Harlo Mayne
  • Patent number: 8845998
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Yasuo Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20140271449
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator including a reactor chamber having a feedstock inlet and an inlet seal positioned at the feedstock inlet. At least one pair of feed rollers is positioned to draw a feedstock through the inlet seal and into the reactor chamber. At least one pair of distressing rollers is positioned in line with the feed rollers to produce stress in the feedstock. Steam is provided to the reactor chamber through a steam inlet and hydrogen is collected from a hydrogen outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8580227
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jeung-Ku Kang, Weon-Ho Shin, Jun-Hyeon Bae, Jung-Hoon Choi, Cheol-Ock Song, Kyung-Min Choi
  • Patent number: 8540962
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Niigata University
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kodama, Nobuyuki Gokon
  • Publication number: 20130228721
    Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • 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: 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: 20120225007
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide and generating hydrogen are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: dissolving an iron based material that includes a carbonate-forming element into a solution including the carbonate-forming element and iron; increasing a pH of the solution to cause precipitation of iron oxide from the solution thereby generating a first source of Fe2O3; reacting the carbonate-forming element in the solution with a first source of carbon dioxide to produce a carbonate thereby sequestering the carbon dioxide; oxidizing the first source of Fe2O3 with a carbonaceous fuel thereby generating a second source of carbon dioxide and iron; and oxidizing the iron with steam thereby generating hydrogen and an iron oxide. Some embodiments include producing iron-based catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ah-Hyung Alissa Park, Liang-Shih Fan, Hyung Ray Kim
  • 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: 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: 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: 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7914765
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor and gasification process for the continuous controlled production of hydrogen (H2) and a by-product synthesis gas (mixture of CO+H2+CO2), such a process called a hydrogen priority poly-generation process (HPPP). The reactor uses a circulating molten iron process, which is capable of gasifying a variety of carbonaceous materials including low rank coals and biomass. The process employs an iron steam oxidation-reduction cycle in a multi-chamber reactor including a multi-vessel reactor system, where in one compartment or vessel hydrogen is produced by steam oxidation of molten iron; and in a second compartment or vessel the iron is regenerated by carbon reduction of molten iron oxide thereby producing a by-product synthesis gas (CO+H2+CO2), and excess heat which can be used to produce steam, and in a third step the iron is purified before being returned to the steam oxidation step in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Available Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie C. McLean, Matthew James Fairlie, Andrew T. B. Stuart
  • 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: 20110027668
    Abstract: A fuel source for a hydrogen generator is described. The fuel source includes a chemical hydride, at least one catalyst precursor and a hygroscopic salt. When one or more of the at least one catalyst precursor and hygroscopic salt contact water, a catalyst is formed for facilitating the generation of hydrogen from the chemical hydride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: In Tae Bae, Steven Specht
  • Publication number: 20110002842
    Abstract: A method for efficiently recovering hydrogen from resin waste. The method, characterized by reacting waste containing resin with water in the presence of hydrous iron oxide particles or/and iron oxide particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Haruo Watanabe, Kazutaka Habu
  • 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: 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: 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: 7780869
    Abstract: An efficient oxygen scavenging composition for use in film forming polymers is disclosed wherein the oxygen scavenging composition comprises an oxidizable metal particle, such as elemental iron; a water hydrolysable Lewis acid, such as aluminum chloride; and an acidifying electrolyte such as sodium or potassium bisulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: M&G USA Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Rollick, Guliz Arf Elliott
  • 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: 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: 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: 20100119441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reactive working material for use in a process of producing hydrogen by splitting water based on a two-step thermochemical water-splitting cycle through the utilization of solar heat, industrial waste heat or the like, which comprises a ferrite fine powder and a cubic zirconia supporting the ferrite fine powder. This reactive working material makes it possible to prevent scaling off of the ferrite fine powder from the zirconia fine powder due to volumetric changes of the ferrite fine powder during repeated use, and suppress growth of FeO grains due to repetition of melting and solidification when used as a reactive working material for a cyclic reaction under a high temperature of 1400° C. or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: KROSAKIHARIMA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuya Kodama, Hidemasa Ando, Yukiko Hashimoto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7632483
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hydrogen generating system, characterized in that it combines a water-corrodible metal, an inorganic material, said material having a specific surface capable of fixing the oxide and/or hydroxide form(s) of said metals generated during corrosion. The invention also concerns a method for generating hydrogen and its uses, in particular in a hydrodehalogenation process of halogenated organic compounds present in aqueous media to be purified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Philippe Marion, Cécile Rosier
  • Patent number: 7563418
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas generator for jet engines includes a device that utilizes photons and a catalyst to disassociate hydrogen gas from water. The generated hydrogen gas is directed to the combustion chamber of a jet engine and combined with air therein for burning and powering the jet engine. The device is connected to a source of electric energy and pressurized water. The electric energy is supplied to an anode and a surrounding cathode. The cathode is designed to glow white-hot and emit photons and heat when an electric current is supplied thereto. The anode is fabricated from a catalytic material and is designed to become red-hot when supplied with electric energy. Water is supplied through a conduit and is converted to superheated steam, which is thermolytically decomposed to form hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas H. Sharpe
  • Patent number: 7524342
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas generation system for vehicles and stationary power applications comprises a trio of rigid, cylindrical high pressure reservoir tanks interconnected with suitable fittings and pipelines. A water holding tank alternatively stores hydroxide solution, or transfers it to an adjacent gas generating tank, containing a plurality of tubular, aluminum fuel rods. When the holding tank is suitably pressurized, hydroxide solution is transferred into the generating tank to start a reaction with a plurality of elongated, tubular aluminum rods disposed therewithin. Conversely, the liquid contents of the generating tank can be forcibly pressured back into the holding tank to stop the gas generation reaction. High pressure hydrogen gas is humidified in the third tank prior to combustion as fuel. Humidified hydrogen is transferred via control valves to the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Brinkley, III
  • Patent number: 7485209
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward a process, method and device for the production and/or derivation of hydrogen utilizing microwave energy through use of a microwave susceptor that absorbs/assimilates microwave energy and converts it to radiant/heat energy which is imparted to iron and alters its physical characteristics such that water in contact with the iron will have one of its physical characteristics, preferably temperature, altered, and result in a reaction of the to produce/derive hydrogen. Invention also includes a progressive change to water prior to it achieving a reactive threshold with the iron element, and the progressive preparation and/or pretreatment of water, via exposure or contact of water with other materials with high thermal conductivities in lieu of iron through use of a microwave susceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Inventor: Néstor Martinez
  • Patent number: 7404942
    Abstract: Process for the production of hydrogen and the co-production of carbon dioxide in separate streams comprising the following operations: feeding of a solid to a first reaction zone (R1) in which a liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon, preferably natural gas or methane, is also fed, which reacts with the solid fed at its maximum oxidation degree (over-oxidized form), leading to the formation of the combustion products carbon dioxide and water and the solid at its minimum oxidation degree (reduced form); feeding of the solid in reduced form to a second reaction zone (R2) into which water is also fed, which reacts with the reduced form of the solid, producing hydrogen, steam and the solid at an intermediate oxidation degree (oxidized form); feeding of the solid in oxidized form to a third reaction zone (R3) into which air is also fed, obtaining, from the further oxidation of the solid, heat and the solid in over-oxidized form to be recycled to the first reaction zone (R1), wherein the solid contains at least one element
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Enitecnologie S.p.A., Snamprogetti S.p.A.
    Inventors: Domenico Sanfilippo, Franco Mizia, Alberto Malandrino, Stefano Rossini
  • Publication number: 20080166291
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor and gasification process for the continuous controlled production of hydrogen (H2) and a by-product synthesis gas (mixture of CO+H2+CO2), such a process called a hydrogen priority poly-generation process (HPPP). The reactor uses a circulating molten iron process, which is capable of gasifying a variety of carbonaceous materials including low rank coals and biomass. The process employs an iron steam oxidation-reduction cycle in a multi-chamber reactor including a multi-vessel reactor system, where in one compartment or vessel hydrogen is produced by steam oxidation of molten iron; and in a second compartment or vessel the iron is regenerated by carbon reduction of molten iron oxide thereby producing a by-product synthesis gas (CO+H2+CO2), and excess heat which can be used to produce steam, and in a third step the iron is purified before being returned to the steam oxidation step in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Available Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie C. McLean, Matthew James Fairlie, Andrew T.B. Stuart
  • Patent number: 7335320
    Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas composition, such as a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2:CO) in the synthesis gas can be well-controlled to yield a ratio that is adequate for the synthesis of useful products such as methane or methanol, without the need to remove carbon oxides from the gas stream to adjust the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: James Kelly Kindig, Thomas E. Weyand
  • Patent number: 7300643
    Abstract: With a method producing hydrogen by making iron or iron oxide contact water, water vapor, or a gas including water vapor, a hydrogen generating medium, which has a high hydrogen generation reaction rate and is resistant to a repetition of oxidation-reduction without degrading its activity, is provided by adding a different metal (such as Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Cr, Mo, Al, Ga, Mg, Sc, Ni, Cu, etc.) other than the iron to the iron or the iron oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignees: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd., Kiyoshi Otsuka
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Otsuka, Sakae Takenaka, Kiyozumi Nakamura, Kazuyuki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7282073
    Abstract: Hydrogen is generated through the use of a fuel solution that is prepared using solid fuel component, e.g., a metal borohydride, and a liquid fuel component, e.g. water. Both of these components are dispensed in response to control signals. The solid fuel component can take different forms, including but not limited to granules, pellets and powder. Various devices, which operate in response to control signals, are disclosed for dispensing predetermined amounts of the solid and liquid components. Advantageously, this solution can be prepared, as needed, so as to obviate the need for storing and disposing of large amounts of highly alkaline fuel and discharged fuel solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Millennium Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip J. Petillo, Stephen C. Petillo
  • Patent number: 7200954
    Abstract: The object is to provide a method for drying and storing activated aluminum fine particles which can be a hydrogen source for fuel cells for a long term without being deactivated. A thermal shock treatment as an activation of the aluminum fine particles, which repeats rapid heating and cooling, is performed to aluminum fine particles obtained by milling aluminum alloy; moisture contained in the activated aluminum fine particles is filtrated; said aluminum fine particles are pre-frozen; and the aluminum fine particles are freeze-dried and then stored in nitrogen atmosphere or vacuum-packed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignees: Dynax Corporation, Muroran Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Masao Watanabe, Ximeng Jiang, Ryuichi Saito
  • Patent number: 7070758
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for generating hydrogen from oil shale. Crushed oil shale may be placed in a chamber and combusted with carbon monoxide, oxygen and steam to form a gas stream of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The hydrogen and carbon monoxide stream may be passed through a mechanism to produce hydrogen. In one embodiment, the hydrogen and carbon monoxide stream may be passed through a catalytic converter to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide may be cooled further and passed through a scrubber to remove the carbon dioxide such that hydrogen is produced. In another embodiment, the hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be passed through fluidized beds of magnetite to produce metallic iron, carbon dioxide and water. The metallic iron may then be conveyed to another chamber, where it may be treated with steam, producing magnetite and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Oren V. Peterson