By Direct Decomposition Of Binary Compound; E.g., Chemical Storage, Etc. Patents (Class 423/658.2)
  • Patent number: 11840449
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start of the internal combustion engine, where a heat exchange catalyst unit is utilized once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Patent number: 11840450
    Abstract: An exemplary hydrogen production apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a grinding unit 10 configured to grind a silicon chip or a silicon grinding scrap 1 to form silicon fine particles 2, and a hydrogen generator 70 configured to generate hydrogen by causing the silicon fine particles 2 to contact with as well as disperse in, or to contact with or dispersed in water or an aqueous solution. The hydrogen production apparatus 100 can achieve reliable production of a practically adequate amount of hydrogen from a start material of silicon chips or silicon grinding scraps that are ordinarily regarded as waste. The hydrogen production apparatus thus effectively utilizes the silicon chips or the silicon grinding scraps so as to contribute to environmental protection as well as to significant reduction in cost for production of hydrogen that is utilized as an energy source in the next generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: NISSHIN KASEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hikaru Kobayashi, Toru Higo, Yayoi Kanatani
  • Patent number: 11826728
    Abstract: This disclosure provides compositions and methods directed to thermally stable catalyst systems, which display stable physical properties and/or stable catalytic properties after thermal pretreatment at a temperature in the range of about 600° C. to about 1000° C. The catalyst systems include metal particles which contain a stable metal and a catalytic metal deposited on a porous support. Embodiments of the disclosure include catalyst systems that can be used in high temperature applications such as the hybrid sulfur cycle. The hybrid sulfur cyclic is an elevated temperature and high acid reaction that may be conducted using concentrated sulfuric acid heated to 800° C. Embodiments of the disclosure can provide thermally stable catalysts and methods to produce thermally stable catalysts that remain active for at least 80 hours' exposure to these harsh conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: John Monnier, Weijian Diao, John Regalbuto, John Meynard Tengco, Daniel M. Ginosar
  • Patent number: 11724245
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an integrated heat exchanger and reactor module. The integrated heat exchanger and reactor module includes a heat exchanger channel, and a reactor channel which is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger channel. The reactor channel includes a layer of catalyst material that is configured to produce hydrogen by endothermic catalytic decomposition of ammonia, which flows through the reactor channel, using thermal energy that is absorbed by the reactor channel from the heat exchanger channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: AMOGY Inc.
    Inventors: Young Suk Jo, Hyunho Kim
  • Patent number: 11673802
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage assembly includes at least one wafer formed of a substrate material that produces metal hydride when exposed to a hydrogen-rich carrier fluid. The wafer can be supported by a housing and arranged so that the hydrogen-rich carrier fluid can flow over a reaction surface of the wafer. At least one heating element can be arranged to transfer heat to the wafer to attain an operating temperature suitable for hydrogen charging on the reaction surface. A de-activation material may be provided on the reaction surface for inhibiting formation of surface oxide that impedes hydrogen absorption during charging and hydrogen desorption during discharging. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic plate wafers spaced apart about a central axis of the assembly. The at least one wafer can include a plurality of monolithic disc wafers in at least one stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited / Énergie Atomique du Canada Limitèe
    Inventors: Randy W. L. Fong, James Patrick, Michael Gale
  • Patent number: 11661338
    Abstract: Some embodiments described herein provide for methods for synthesizing magnesium borohydride from hydrogenation of magnesium boride at moderate temperature and pressure in the presence of a modifier. The modifier may be in form of hydrides, liquid hydrogen carriers, ammonia borane, metallic species, croconate anion based materials, ethers, amines or imines, metal carbides, borides, graphene, arenes, magnesium, aluminum, calcium or ionic liquids. Some embodiments provide for charging magnesium boride in presence of a modifier at high pressure hydrogen while simultaneously heating the material. The modification in some instances may lead to an improved magnesium boride product with enhanced properties for application in other hydrogen storage systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Godwin Severa, Craig M. Jensen, Cody Sugai, Stephen Young-min Kim
  • Patent number: 11611092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metal hydride hydrogen storage and supply arrangement integrated for use in a fuel cell utility vehicle. The storage arrangement includes a plurality of metal hydride containers suitable to be filled with a metal hydride material, the containers being connectable in parallel to a gas manifold; heat transfer means located between the metal hydride containers; and a filler body located in a space between the metal hydride containers and the heat transfer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
    Inventors: Mykhaylo Volodymyrovich Lototskyy, Yevgeniy Klochko, Ivan Tolj, Moegamat Wafeeq Davids, Adrian J. Parsons
  • Patent number: 11554956
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing hydrogen iodide. The process includes providing a vapor-phase reactant stream comprising hydrogen and iodine and reacting the reactant stream in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product stream comprising hydrogen iodide. The catalyst includes at least one selected from the group of nickel, cobalt, iron, nickel oxide, cobalt oxide, and iron oxide. The catalyst is supported on a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Terris Yang, Haiyou Wang, Yuon Chiu, Richard Wilcox, Christian Jungong, Haluk Kopkalli
  • Patent number: 11345592
    Abstract: A method for creating hydrogen gas comprising; providing a first quantity of water to a preparation chamber. heating a quantity of the water within a first sealed pressurized chamber, wherein the water enters a gaseous state, directing, the gaseous water into a reaction chamber, initiating a reaction between the water and a quantity of alkali fragments within a reaction chamber to produce hydrogen and an alkali hydroxide, separating the hydrogen gas from the alkali hydroxide, and recovering the hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Inventor: Earl Lorenzo Hamm
  • Patent number: 11322753
    Abstract: Implementation of an interconnector structure for an SOEC or SOFC electrochemical device, the interconnector being formed of a conductive support element having a first face with a rough region, the roughness of which has been modified locally before being brought into contact with a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Michel Planque, Charlotte Bernard
  • Patent number: 11287089
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fueling of vehicle tanks with compressed hydrogen comprising splitting ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen in an ammonia cracking unit, compressing the hydrogen from the ammonia cracking unit, and dispensing the compressed hydrogen to the vehicle tanks in a hydrogen fueling unit comprising one or more dispensing units, wherein chilled ammonia is used to cool the compressed hydrogen before being dispensed to the vehicle tanks by heat exchange between the compressed hydrogen and the chilled ammonia so that the chilled ammonia is heated, and transferring the heated ammonia to the ammonia cracking unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Cohen, Lucas A. White, Robert Gregory Wolf
  • Patent number: 11235310
    Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a catalyst with which it is possible to obtain a supported metal ammonia synthesis catalyst, in which there are restrictions in terms of producing method and producing facility, and particularly large restrictions for industrial-scale producing, in a more simple manner and so that the obtained catalyst has a high activity. This method for manufacturing an ammonia synthesis catalyst includes: a first step for preparing 12CaO.7Al2O3 having a specific surface area of 5 m2/g or above; a second step for supporting a ruthenium compound on the 12CaO.7Al2O3; and a third step for performing a reduction process on the 12CaO.7Al2O3 supporting the ruthenium compound, obtained in the second step. This invention is characterized in that the reduction process is performed until the average particle diameter of the ruthenium after the reduction process has increased by at least 15% in relation to the average particle diameter of the ruthenium before the reduction process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Hosono, Masaaki Kitano, Toshiharu Yokoyama, Jiang Li, Shigeki Kawamura, Kazuhisa Kishida
  • Patent number: 11220427
    Abstract: A method and a device for generating of hydrogen are provided with which an instantaneous release of hydrogen in considerable amounts is possible. The method comprises a one or two step mixing including injecting the fuel and an activator fluid into a reaction chamber. The device is adapted to be operated with such a method. Further, a fuel suitable for the use with such a method is provided, the fuel being based on a dry metal hydride or a dry metal borohydride being dispersed in a non-aqueous dispersion medium. Moreover, a method for (re-) fuelling the hydrogen generating device at a service station and a method for supplying a service station with fuel are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: H2FUEL-SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventor: Gerardus Wilhelmus Lugtigheid
  • Patent number: 11148947
    Abstract: A system for controlling hydrogen production from water-reactive aluminum includes a regulator. For example, the regulator may include a plurality of discrete objects and a retainer. Each one of the discrete objects includes aluminum in an activated form reactable with water to produce hydrogen. The retainer may encase the plurality of discrete objects collectively in an elongate shape having an axial dimension greater than a radial dimension. Within the elongate shape, the plurality of discrete objects may define voids therebetween. The retainer may be permeable across its thickness such that water may enter the retainer to react with the activated form of aluminum of the discrete objects in a local concentration that promotes heat generation for rapid reaction while water about the retainer may globally cool the material in the retainer, with the combination promoting rapid and efficient reaction of aluminum to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: LTAG SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan T. Slocum, Alexander H. Slocum
  • Patent number: 11103852
    Abstract: A structure in which a plurality of particles each containing a hydrogen absorption metal element are arranged in a fixed member such that the plurality of particles are apart from each other. An entire surface of each of the plurality of particles is surrounded by the fixed member. The fixed member contains at least one of an oxide and a nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignees: CANON ANELVA CORPORATION, CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Manabu Ikemoto, Hiroyuki Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 11063282
    Abstract: (EN) The present invention relates to the field of high efficiency and high flow hydrogen generation and purification from a hydrogen tank provided in the form of ammonia (NH3). In particular, the present invention describes in particular an innovative and compact system for the dissociation of ammonia and therefore the production of molecular hydrogen (H2), all in a cycle totally free of carbon (hence carbon emissions), as well as by the generation of nitrogen oxide and nitric dioxide (NOx).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Cristiano Galbiati
  • Patent number: 10843163
    Abstract: An equilibrium approach reactor with the ability to receive a highly variable gas and normalise it to a useful quality, and further to utilise the energy from the gas itself to robustly elevate the operating temperature, to ensure good mixing and high conversion while having the ability to handle solids in multiple states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KEW TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Kamaldeep Kalsi
  • Patent number: 10830125
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator for use with an inner combustion engine or other apparatus, even of a movable type, such as a home gas kitchen, said hydrogen generator comprises a system for separating hydrogen from ammonia, said system comprising a NH3 tank, an ammonia sucking pump, and a cracking oven containing a catalyst, an electric resistance and a H2/N2 separating centrifuge and including a suction device comprising a filter followed by a bottle for providing a feeding volume necessary for the produced hydrogen to compensate for user system requirement variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Eliodoro Pomar
  • Patent number: 10562767
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of storing hydrogen (H2) and releasing it on demand, comprising and making use of diaminoalkanes and alcohols, or aminoalcohols as liquid-organic hydrogen carrier systems (LOHC). 2-amino-ethanol (AE) or its N-methyl derivative 2-(methylamino)ethanol undergo catalytic dehydrogenation to form a cyclic dipeptide (glycine anhydride—GA) or its N,N-dimethyl derivative (N,N-dimethyl GA) with release of hydrogen. Similarly, ethylenediamine (ED) and ethanol undergo catalytic dehydrogenation to form N,N?-diacetylethylenediamine (DAE) with release of hydrogen. Glycine anhydride (GA) or N,N-dimethyl-GA may be hydrogenated back to 2-aminoethanol (AE) or 2-(methylamino)ethanol, respectively, each of which functions as a hydrogen storage system. N,N?-diacetylethylenediamine (DAE) may be hydrogenated back to ED and ethanol, which functions as a hydrogen storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
    Inventors: David Milstein, Peng Hu, Eran Fogler
  • Patent number: 10435296
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid hydrogen storage material including 1,1?-biphenyl and 1,1?-methylenedibenzene, the liquid hydrogen storage material including the corresponding 1,1?-biphenyl and 1,1?-methylenedibenzene at a weight ratio of 1:1 to 1:2.5. The corresponding liquid hydrogen storage material has excellent hydrogen storage capacity value by including materials having high hydrogen storage capacity, and is supplied in a liquid state, and as a result, it is possible to minimize initial investment costs and the like required when the corresponding liquid hydrogen storage material is used as a hydrogen storage material in a variety of industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chang Won Yoon, Dajung Han, Yeong Cheon Kim, Hyun Seo Park, Hyung Chul Ham, Sung Pil Yoon, Jonghee Han, Tae Hoon Lim, Suk Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 10315190
    Abstract: A catalyst including, as effective ingredient, complex represented by Formula (1) which contains bidentate ligand including aromatic heterocyclic 5-membered ring having 2 or more nitrogen atoms, or represented by Formula (2) which contains bidentate ligand including: aromatic heterocyclic 5-membered ring having 2 or more nitrogen atoms; and 6-membered ring having 1 or more nitrogen atoms, isomer or salt of the complex: where M1 and M2 denote transition metal such as iridium; X1 to X16 each independently denote nitrogen or carbon; R1 to R13 denote, for example, hydrogen atom, alkyl group, or hydroxy group, provided that when Xi (where i denotes 13 to 16) is nitrogen, Ri is absent at position corresponding to the nitrogen; L1 and L2 denote, for example, an aromatic anionic ligand; Z1 and Z2 denote any ligand or are absent; and m and n denote positive integer, 0, or negative integer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yuichiro Himeda, Wan-Hui Wang, Yuichi Manaka, Yuki Amamoto
  • Patent number: 10196978
    Abstract: A power generation system having a gas turbine engine that utilizes sunlight, includes a compressor configured to compress an air which is a working medium, a solar heater configured to heat the air compressed by the compressor, utilizing sunlight as a heat source, a hydrogen combustor configured to burn the air compressed by the compressor utilizing hydrogen as a fuel, a turbine configured to output a motive power from a high-temperature gas heated by at least one of the solar heater and the hydrogen combustor, a power generator configured to be driven by the turbine, and at least one hydrogen-generating unit configured to generate hydrogen by utilizing an output of the turbine or exhaust heat from the turbine to decompose a water, and supply the hydrogen so generated to the hydrogen combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, B&B AGEMA GmbH
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Tanimura, Takao Sugimoto, Karsten Kusterer
  • Patent number: 10077197
    Abstract: The present invention provides a high concentration bleach generator apparatus and a system and method for its use. The apparatus includes a housing containing brine, anionic and cationic chambers. Electrodes in the anionic and cationic chambers separate salt from brine into hydrogen gas, chlorine gas and an alkali and alkaline hydroxide mass. The hydrogen gas vents through a hydrogen selective membrane. A pump conveys the chlorine gas to the cationic chamber, where it combines with the alkali and alkaline hydroxide mass to form a bleach solution. Users can draw off the bleach and use it to disinfect water. The system also provides a system housing, a larger brine reservoir and a data processor allowing a user to select a desired bleach concentration for production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
    Inventors: Michael J. Anderson, Clint B. Smith, Andmorgan R. Fisher, Tung Ly
  • Patent number: 9543605
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating device includes a first housing, a porous structure, a first flow-guiding structure and a heating unit. The first housing accommodates a solid reactant. The porous structure is disposed in the first housing. The first flow-guiding structure has first and second end portions opposite to each other. The first end portion is connected to the porous structure. The second end portion protrudes outside the first housing and is connected to the heating unit. A liquid reactant passing through the second end portion is gasified into a gaseous reactant through the heating unit. The gaseous reactant passing through the first end portion reaches to the porous structure and then is diffused from the porous structure into the first housing, so that the gaseous reactant and the solid reactant react and generate a hydrogen gas. A power generating equipment including the hydrogen generating device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Chieh Chen, Chung-Ping Wang, Yu-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9452935
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for converting carbon dioxide CO2 into carbon monoxide CO using hydrocarbons are described. In further embodiments, processes and apparatuses for generating synthesis gas and processes and apparatuses for converting synthesis gas into synthetic functionalized and/or non-functionalized hydrocarbons using CO2 and hydrocarbons are described. The processes and apparatuses are adapted to convert CO2 emitted by industrial processes, and thus the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: CCP Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Olaf Kuhl
  • Patent number: 9327970
    Abstract: A synthesis gas and nanocarbon production method has a lower hydrocarbon decomposition step for decomposing lower hydrocarbon to produce hydrogen and nanocarbon, a carbon dioxide reduction step for reacting a part of the nanocarbon produced with carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide, and a mixing step for mixing the hydrogen and carbon monoxide produced in a predetermined ratio, thereby nanocarbon and a synthesis gas having a desired gas ratio can be simultaneously produced easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignees: THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS, LTD., National Univeristy Corporation Kitami Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Satoru Nakamura, Akio Tada
  • Patent number: 9246012
    Abstract: A display unit includes: an oxide semiconductor layer configured to form a channel; a first layer having electrical insulation or electrical conductivity; and a second layer including a hydrogen absorbent and disposed between the oxide semiconductor layer and the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: JOLED INC.
    Inventors: Shigehiro Yamakita, Eri Matsuo, Hiroshi Nishikawa, Kimihiro Shinya, Tomoatsu Kinoshita, Masanori Nishiyama, Kenichi Izumi
  • Patent number: 9211493
    Abstract: An apparatus for recycling exhaust gas includes a vessel containing a reversible ammonia sorber material which is exothermic when sorbing (“loading”) ammonia and which is endothermic when releasing (“unloading”) ammonia. A first valve selectively couples a source of exhaust gas including ammonia to a first port of the vessel, a second valve selectively couples a vacuum pump to the vessel, and a third valve selectively coupling a second port of the vessel to an output. A controller opens and closes the first valve, the second valve and the third valve to implement a loading phase, an intermediate venting phase and an unloading phase for the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: SAES Pure Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Applegarth, Lawrence A. Rabellino, Sarah Vogt, Marco Succi, Cristian Landoni
  • Patent number: 9199844
    Abstract: A system for the generation of hydrogen for use in portable power systems is set forth utilizing a two-step process that involves the thermal decomposition of AlH3 (10 wt % H2) followed by the hydrolysis of the activated aluminum (Al*) byproduct to release additional H2. Additionally, a process in which water is added directly without prior history to the AlH3:PA composite is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: SAVANNAH RIVER NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Ragaiy Zidan, Joseph A Teprovich, Theodore Motyka
  • Patent number: 9192913
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an adsorbent material having excellent gas storage performance and gas separation performance. This object can be achieved by an adsorbent material comprising a composition comprising a metal complex (A) and an elastomer (B), the metal complex (A) containing an anionic ligand and at least one metal ion selected from ions of metals belonging to Groups 1 to 13 of the periodic table, the metal complex (A) being capable of undergoing a volume change upon adsorption, and the mass ratio of the metal complex (A) and the elastomer (B) being within the range of 1:99 to 99:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Inubushi, Takashi Hori, Toyoaki Kurihara, Hiroyuki Ogi
  • Publication number: 20150125383
    Abstract: To provide a catalyst, which is formed from a perovskite oxide, for thermochemical fuel production, and a method of producing fuel using thermochemical fuel production that is capable of allowing a fuel to be produced in a thermochemical manner. Provided is a catalyst for thermochemical fuel production, which is used for producing the fuel from thermal energy by using a two-step thermochemical cycle of a first temperature and a second temperature that is equal to or lower than the first temperature, wherein the catalyst is formed from a perovskite oxide having a compositional formula of AXO3±? (provided that, 0???1). Here, A represents one or more of a rare-earth element (excluding Ce), an alkaline earth metal element, and an alkali metal element, X represents one or more of a transition metal element and a metalloid element, and O represents oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshihiro YAMAZAKI, Sossina M. HAILE, Chih-Kai YANG
  • Publication number: 20150123038
    Abstract: A process that includes: (a) introducing a vent gas comprising hydrochloric acid, silicon tetrachloride, trichlorosilane, and dichlorosilane to an HCl converter reactor comprising a metal catalyst, to provide a product gas comprising less hydrochloric acid than was present in the vent gas; (b) refining the product gas to provide a hydrogen enriched stream and a chlorosilane(s) enriched stream, and (c) introducing the chlorosilane(s) enriched stream into a TCS/STC distillation unit, to generate a fraction enriched in silicon tetrachloride and another fraction enriched in trichlorosilane and dichlorosilane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Mark William Dassel
  • Publication number: 20150086473
    Abstract: Objects of the present invention are to provide a novel dehydrogenation reaction catalyst, to provide a method that can produce a ketone, an aldehyde, and a carboxylic acid with high efficiency from an alcohol, and to provide a method for efficiently producing hydrogen from an alcohol, formic acid, or a formate, and they are accomplished by a catalyst containing an organometallic compound of Formula (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Kanto Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryohei Yamaguchi, Ken-ichi Fujita
  • Patent number: 8986649
    Abstract: A process for extracting hydrocarbons from a molecular combination is provided. The process includes heating a molecular combination to dissociate it into a particle stream of carbon cations, hydrogen cations, and oxygen anions; guiding the stream through a non-conductive conduit; moving the dissociated particle stream through a magnetic field to separate the cations from the anions; and isolating the separated cations from the anions. In one embodiment, methane is formed from carbonic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Elementary Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy O. Nichols
  • Patent number: 8974765
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Novofuel, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Boyle, Sean H. McIntosh, David J. Cade
  • Publication number: 20150064105
    Abstract: The present invention is directed, at least in part, to a process for improving the efficiency of a photocatalyst (a semiconductor photocatalyst) by tethering (depositing) a metal (e.g., metal ions of a late transition metal, such as nickel) to the semiconductor (photocatalyst) surface through the use of an organic ligand. More specifically, 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT) functions as an excellent molecular linker (organic ligand) to attach a transition metal complex (e.g., nickel (Ni2+ ions)) to the semiconductor surface, which can be in the form of a cadmium sulfide surface. The photocatalyst has particular utility in generating hydrogen from H2S.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Takanabe, Tayirjan Isimjan, Weili Yu, Silvano Del Gobbo, Wei Xu
  • Patent number: 8968694
    Abstract: A method for preparing high purity ammonia is provided, which comprises the following three steps of: (1) obtaining the required feed gases (i.e., hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixture) by catalytic cracking ammonia; (2) purifying the hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixture; and (3) synthesizing high purity ammonia by using the hydrogen- nitrogen gas mixture with high purity. In the provided method, the obtained ammonia with undesired purity is fed back to an ammonia catalytic cracking unit. The whole production system is a closed system without any discharging of ammonia and thus is environment friendly. Each step of the method can reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hunan HiEND Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianren Bao, Lingqi Zeng, Zehua Zhu
  • Patent number: 8961819
    Abstract: Disclosed herein provide compositions and hydrogen release methods for a high-capacity complex hydrogen storage material. The hydrogen storage material is mainly composed of metal borohydride and NH3. The invention advantageously adopt ammonia, one cheap and easily supplied material with high hydrogen content (17.6 wt %), as one of the hydrogen source, offering a safe and efficient way to store hydrogen and release hydrogen. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material can be further catalyzed by a transition metal catalyst to improve the dehydrogenation kinetics. With the addition of catalyst, 0.2-10 equiv. H2 could be evolved at ?100˜600° C., which might be applied on vehicles which are fueled by hybrid or fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Ping Chen, Xueli Zheng, Hailiang Chu, Zhitao Xiong, Guotao Wu
  • Publication number: 20150044123
    Abstract: Thermochemical reactor systems that may be used to produce a fuel, and methods of using the thermochemical reactor systems, utilizing a reactive cylindrical element, an optional energy transfer cylindrical element, an inlet gas management system, and an outlet gas management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Wojciech Lipinski, Jane Holloway Davidson, Thomas Richard Chase
  • Publication number: 20150030530
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator including an initiator assembly having one or more contact members within a compressible member, and a removable fuel unit adjacent a surface of the compressible member. The fuel unit contains a hydrogen containing material that can release hydrogen gas when heated and an exothermic mixture that can react exothermically upon initiation by the initiator assembly. When no fuel unit is in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is uncompressed and the contact members are at or below its surface, and when a fuel unit is disposed in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is compressed so the contact members extend beyond the surface to make thermal contact with the fuel unit. Energy from the initiator assembly is conducted by the contact members to corresponding quantities of the exothermic mixture to initiate an exothermic reaction, providing heat for the release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen containing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Mark D. Vandayburg
  • Patent number: 8940270
    Abstract: To provide a sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst, particularly, a sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst capable of lowering the temperature required when producing hydrogen by an S—I cycle process. A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst comprising a composite oxide of vanadium and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of transition metal and rare earth elements is provided. Also, a sulfur dioxide production process comprising decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by using the sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst above, is provided. Furthermore, a hydrogen production process, wherein the reaction of decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by an S—I cycle process is performed by the above-described sulfur dioxide production process, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, National University Corporation Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Shinichi Takeshima, Masato Machida
  • Publication number: 20150025264
    Abstract: Objects are to provide efficient methods for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens and for hydrogenating (protiating, deuterating or tritiating) an organic compound, and to provide an equipment and the like used therefor. A method for producing hydrogen or heavy hydrogens, containing subjecting water or heavy water to mechanochemical reaction in the presence of a catalyst metal, in which an energy density of a rotational acceleration of 75 G or more is applied to water or heavy water for 25 minutes or more, a method for producing a hydrogenated (protiated, deuterated or tritiated) organic compound, a method for hydrogenating (protiating, deuterating or tritiating) an organic compound, a method for dehalogenating an organic compound having halogen, and a ball for mechanochemical reaction are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Shiono Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironao Sajiki, Yasunari Monguchi, Yoshinari Sawama, Shinichi Kondo, Yasushi Sasai
  • Publication number: 20150017084
    Abstract: A method of forming a metal oxide composite, the method comprising mixing a metal oxide, at least two monomers and a dispersant to produce a slurry; gel casting the slurry to produce a green metal oxide composite; and sintering the green metal oxide composite to produce the metal oxide composite. A metal oxide composite formed according to the method. Use of the metal oxide composite, for catalysing hydrolysis of metal borohydride to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Lan Zhang, Siew Hwa Chan, Hongquan He
  • Patent number: 8932555
    Abstract: A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst, in particular, a sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst capable of lowering the temperature required when producing hydrogen by an S—I cycle process is disclosed. A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst that includes a composite oxide of tungsten, vanadium and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of transition metal and rare earth elements is provided. Also, a sulfur dioxide production process that includes decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by using the sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst above is provided. Furthermore, a hydrogen production process, wherein the reaction of decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by an S—I cycle process is performed by the above-described sulfur dioxide production process is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, National University Corporation Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Shinichi Takeshima, Masato Machida
  • Publication number: 20140377167
    Abstract: A method is provided for running up/starting up an electrolysis device (10), which device includes a reactor container (3) which is arranged downstream of an electrolyzer (1) and in which oxygen reacts with hydrogen into water, in order to reduce an oxygen share in a hydrogen gas flow coming from the electrolyzer (1). The electrolysis device (10) is operated with a predefined operating pressure. Upon running up/starting up the electrolyzer (1), the hydrogen gas flow coming from the electrolyzer (1) is led past the reactor container (3) via a bypass conduit (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: H-TEC SYSTEMS GmbH
    Inventors: Nils Mantai, Claus Würfel, Dennis Wilken, Uwe Küter, Stefan Höller
  • Publication number: 20140378016
    Abstract: A device comprising a magnetic element, which comprises a magnetic material, wherein the magnetic element is adapted to absorb hydrogen to form hydride. The magnetic aspect of the system enhances the hydrogen storage. Also disclosed is a metal hydride element comprising a magnetic material and absorbed hydrogen. The magnetic element and the metal hydride element can be an electrode. Further disclosed are methods for making and using the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Johna Leddy, Jessica Jewett Reed
  • Patent number: 8915979
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
  • Publication number: 20140363361
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an LS methane hydrate containing a plurality of methane hydrate crystals and lignosulfonate. The disclosure also provides a method of making an LS methane hydrate by combining methane gas, liquid or solid water, and LS at controlled temperature and starting pressure for a time sufficient to form LS methane hydrate. The disclosure further provides a method of producing energy from an LS methane hydrate by providing an LS methane hydrate directly to a combustion chamber, whereby methane in the methane hydrate and LS are converted to energy in the combustion chamber and water in the methane hydrate is converted to steam. The disclosure additionally provides a method of releasing methane from an LS methane hydrate by heating an LS methane hydrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: THE TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY-SAN MARCOS
    Inventors: Weixing Wang, Luyi Sun
  • Patent number: 8906299
    Abstract: A container (22) includes a shell (24) made from a polymer, for example PET, and incorporating a catalyst, for example a palladium catalyst. A closure (40) incorporates a plug which includes a source of hydrogen, for example a hydride. In use, with container (22) including a beverage and closure (40) in position, the headspace in the container will be saturated with water vapor. This vapor contacts the hydride associated with plug (42) and as a result the hydride produces molecular hydrogen which migrates into the polymer matrix of shell (24) and combines with oxygen which may have entered the container through its permeable walls. A reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalyzed by the catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen which may ingress the container is scavenged and the contents of the container are protected from oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Ronald J. Valus, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Patent number: 8877137
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator including an initiator assembly having one or more contact members within a compressible member, and a removable fuel unit adjacent a surface of the compressible member. The fuel unit contains a hydrogen containing material that can release hydrogen gas when heated and an exothermic mixture that can react exothermically upon initiation by the initiator assembly. When no fuel unit is in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is uncompressed and the contact members are at or below its surface, and when a fuel unit is disposed in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is compressed so the contact members extend beyond the surface to make thermal contact with the fuel unit. Energy from the initiator assembly is conducted by the contact members to corresponding quantities of the exothermic mixture to initiate an exothermic reaction, providing heat for the release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen containing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Vandayburg