Abstract: A redox flow battery 1 has a stack of individual cells, shown diagrammatically as a single cell, with anolyte and catholyte compartments divided from each other by an ionically selective and conductive separator and having respective electrodes. The battery has anolyte and catholyte tanks, with respective pumps and a pipework. In use, the pumps circulate the electrolytes to and from the tanks, to the compartments and back to the tanks. Electricity flows to a load. The electrolyte lines are provided with tappings via which fresh electrolyte can be added and further tappings via which spent electrolyte can be withdrawn, the respective tappings being for anolyte and catholyte. On recharging, typically via a coupling for lines to all the tappings, a remote pump pumps fresh anolyte and fresh catholyte from remote storages and draws spent electrolyte to other remote storages.

Abstract: A new semi-fuel cell design that incorporates ion exchange membranes to create separate compartments for the anolyte and catholyte to flow through the semi-fuel cell thereby isolating the metal anode of the bipolar electrode from the catholyte while still allowing the necessary ion transfer to affect the necessary electrochemical balance for the reaction to take place in the semi-fuel cell.

Abstract: A water-activated cell comprises an acidic medium including an acidic substance and having a first electrode disposed therein, a basic medium including a basic substance and having a second electrode disposed therein, which basic medium is disposed adjacent to or near the acidic medium, a first reaction substance including a first active material that causes an oxidation reaction at the first electrode, a second reaction substance including a second active material that causes a reduction reaction at the second electrode, and a water-injecting device for injecting water or an aqueous solution into an area where the acidic medium, the basic medium, the first reaction substance, and the second reaction substance exist together, so as to initiate a discharging reaction by the acidic substance, the basic substance, the first active material, and the second active material.

Abstract: An electro-catalyst for the oxidation of ammonia in alkaline media; the electrocatalyst being a noble metal co-deposited on a support with one or more other metals that are active to ammonia oxidation. In some embodiments, the support is platinum, gold, tantalum, or iridium. In some embodiments, the support has a layer of Raney metal deposited thereon prior to the deposition of the catalyst. Also provided are electrodes having the electro-catalyst deposited thereon, ammonia electrolytic cells, ammonia fuel cells, ammonia sensors, and a method for removing ammonia contaminants from a contaminated effluent.

Abstract: The battery system of this invention continuously regenerates the electrodes of the battery in-situ and on-time as the electrodes are consumed during discharge, which concurrently generate electric current. The continuous in-situ and on-time regeneration of the anode is achieved by a supply of reducing materials in the battery compartment that is in contact with the anode. With the use of high energy density reducing materials, the energy density of the battery system is increased significantly. When the reducing materials are consumed, the reducing materials can be replaced with a supplying device. With the use of specially designed supplying devices for reducing materials, recharging battery system is more convenient, safe, fast, and can be operated repeatedly.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous solutions for use in high energy, highly efficient electrical energy storage devices. The solutions contain (a) a high purity sulfonic acid with a low concentration of low valent sulfur compounds or higher valent sulfur compounds susceptible to reduction, (b) a metal or metals in an oxidized state that are capable of being reduced to the zero valent oxidation state, (c) a metal that is in an oxidized state that is incapable of being reduced to its metallic state and (d) optionally, a buffering agent and/or conductivity salts.

Abstract: A secondary battery comprising a power generating part and a charging part, wherein the power generating part comprises an acidic medium in which a first electrode is disposed and a basic medium in which a second electrode is disposed; the acidic medium and the basic medium are disposed adjacent to each other; at least one of the acidic medium or the basic medium includes at least one reactive substance; and the charging part comprises a reactive substance regenerating device which regenerates the reactive substance from power-generation products produced by electric power generation in the power generating part.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes have been reversibly and readily oxidized and reduced with common chemicals in solution, thereby allowing the nanotubes to be used as catalysts for chemical reactions and as stable charge storage devices.

Abstract: An improved method of fabricating and discharging a pile configured battery which utilizes an electrically conductive flowing aqueous electrolyte. This is accomplished by use of a single piece hydraulic manifold plate which decouples the hydraulic performance parameters of the manifold from the electrical performance parameters. The manifold plate includes a configuration of hydraulic feed channels and distribution headers which separately account for electrical resistive effects and fluid viscous and dynamic pressure effects. Implementation of such manifold plates allow for improved energy conversion efficiency as well as utilization of multiple dissimilar fluids in a single battery cartridge cell discharge at greatly reduced complexity and cost.

Abstract: In the regenerative fuel cell, a positive chamber is separated from a negative chamber by a cation exchange membrane. The positive chamber comprises a positive electrode and a bromine-containing electrolyte. The negative chamber comprises a negative electrode and a sulfide-containing electrolyte. When the cell is in operation, the electrolytes are replenished using electrolyte from an electrolyte store (32, 34). In the method, the distribution of water between the two electrolytes is controlled by discharging the electrolyte(s), such that when the electrolytes are separated by a water permeable membrane (46), water will flow from the sulfide-containing electrolyte to the bromine-containing electrolyte by osmosis. The electrolytes are circulated through a container (43) which is divided by a water permeable membrane (46), under conditions wherein no current flows in the container between the two electrolytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a redox flow cell containing a polyhalide/halide redox couple in the positive half-cell electrolyte and a V(III)/V(II) redox couple in the negative half-cell electrolyte. The invention also relates to a method of producing electricity by discharging the fully charged or partially charged redox flow cell, and a method of charging the discharged or partially discharged redox flow cell.

Abstract: An electric device comprises a gelled acid electrolyte (142A) in complex with a lanthanide that forms a redox pair with a second element. Preferred electric devices include batteries and especially primary batteries, while preferred acid electrolytes (124A) have a sulfonic acid group. Contemplated lanthanides especially include cerium, and preferred second elements particularly include zinc. Alternatively, contemplated electric devices may comprise a gelled electrolyte (142A) in which with a lanthanide forms a redox pair with zinc.

Abstract: A load leveling battery (122) comprising an electrolyte that includes a cerium zinc redox pair wherein preferred electrolytes are acid electrolytes, and most preferably comprise methane sulfonic acid. Contemplated load leveling batteries (122) have an open circuit voltage of at least 2.4 Volt per cell. Such batteries are useful at power grid substations (120) and commercial and industrial applications were large amounts of power are used. Preferred capacity is at least 100,000 kWh, more preferably 250,000 kWh.

Abstract: Provided is a rechargeable lithium-ion cell that contains a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a charge-carrying electrolyte containing a charge carrying medium and a lithium salt, and a triphenylamine compound dissolved in or dissolvable in the electrolyte. The triphenylamine compound has an oxidation potential above the positive electrode recharged potential and serves as a cyclable redox chemical shuttle providing cell overcharge protection. Also provided are methods for manufacturing a rechargeable lithium-ion cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system and methods for controlling the system are provided that are operated to produce an amount of current based upon power draw. The cell utilizes a solution phase catholyte introduced into a cell containing a metallic anode and a catalytic surface. A cathodic species is introduced into the space between the anode and the surface as a liquid along with electrolyte and liquid caustic. The mixture of caustic, electrolyte and liquid catholyte is continuously recirculated through the space, and a portion of the recirculation stream is exhausted in order to control the concentration of reaction products in each cell. Controllable injection mechanisms are used to inject the liquids from storage sources based upon the monitored power draw. The control mechanism independently controls each injection mechanism to inject appropriate amounts of caustic, electrolyte and atholyte to achieve the desired concentrations.

Abstract: A battery (100) comprises an electrolyte in which a lanthanide and zinc form a redox pair. Preferred electrolytes are acid electrolytes, and most preferably comprise methane sulfonic acid, and it is further contemplated that suitable electrolytes may include at least two lanthanides. Contemplated lanthanides include cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, terbium, and dysprosium, and further contemplate lanthanides are samarium, europium, thulium and ytterbium.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte for batteries, comprising: (a) an electrolyte salt; (b) an organic solvent; (c) a first compound having an oxidation initiation voltage (vs. Li/Li+) higher than the operating voltage of a cathode; and (d) a second reversible compound having an oxidation initiation voltage higher than the operating voltage of the cathode, but lower than the oxidation initiation voltage of the first compound. Also disclosed is a lithium secondary battery comprising said electrolyte. In the lithium secondary battery, two compounds having different safety improvement actions at a voltage higher than the operating voltage of the cathode are used in combination as electrolyte components. Thus, the safety of the secondary battery in an overcharged state can be ensured, and at the same time, the deterioration of the battery can be prevented from occurring when it is repeatedly cycled, continuously charged and stored at high temperature for a long time.

Abstract: A simplified, pressure-variation preventing tank structure capable of preventing pressure variations in a gas phase portion resulting from temperature variations, without bringing stored liquid into contact with air. This pressure-variation preventing structure includes a breather bag arranged in a gas phase portion of a tank and inflating/deflating in communication with outside air, and a manhole to which the breather bag is attached to suspend in a gas phase portion, including a communication hole for the breather bag to communicate with outside air. The breather bag has air-blocking, acid-resistant and expandable characteristics.

Abstract: A battery (100) comprises a cell having a cathode compartment (120) that includes an element that is oxidized during charging of the battery (100), wherein the oxidized element forms a salt with an acid and thereby increases the H+ concentration in the cathode compartment (120) sufficient to promote an H+ flux into the anode compartment (110) across the separator (130), wherein the H+ flux across the separator (130) is sufficient to disintegrate a zinc dendrite proximal to the separator (130).

Abstract: A system and a method of storage and dissolution of solid catholyte are provided. The system and the method employ a solid medium having a controlled surface from which solid catholyte particles suspended within a matrix of encapsulating species are dissolved and hydrolyzed producing hydrogen peroxide to be used in semi fuel cells of undersea vehicles. Encapsulating species are also dissolved and hydrolyzed rendering products completely usable in the semi fuel cell. Sodium peroxide is preferably used as the solid catholyte and potassium superoxide and/or sodium hydroxide are preferably used as encapsulating species.

Abstract: For utilizing the chemical energy of a sugar directly as electric energy, electrolytic oxidation of a sugar on the negative electrode associated with cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond thereof is employed, thereby generating an electromotive force between the positive electrode and the negative electrode having an electrolyte therebetween. For an efficient oxidation of a sugar, it is effective for the negative electrode to have a component capable of forming a coordination compound with a sugar via a hydroxyl group thereof. Such a component may comprise a metal element capable of forming an amphoteric hydroxide. Use of an oxygen electrode as the positive electrode gives a battery capable of efficiently converting the chemical energy of a sugar into electric energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a high energy density (HED) electrolyte solution for use in an all-vanadium redox cell, a high energy density electrolyte solution, in particular an all-vanadium high energy density electrolyte solution, a redox cell, in particular an all-vanadium redox cell, comprising the high energy density electrolyte solution, a redox battery, in particular an all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte solution, a process for recharging a discharged or partially discharged redox battery, in particular an all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte solution, a process for the production of electricity from a charged redox battery, and in particular a charged all-vanadium redox battery, comprising the HED electrolyte, a redox battery/fuel cell and a process for the production of electricity from a redox battery/fuel cell.

Abstract: An electric device has a plurality of cells in which in an acid electrolyte a lanthanide and zinc form a redox couple that provide a current, and in which at least two of the cells are separated by a bipolar electrode that comprises a glassy carbon or a Magneli phase titanium suboxide.

Abstract: A battery comprises an acid electrolyte in which a compound provides acidity to the electrolyte and further increases solubility of at least one metal in the redox pair. Especially preferred compounds include alkyl sulfonic acids and alkyl phosphonic acids, and particularly preferred redox coupled include Co3+/Zn0, Mn3+/Zn0, Ce4+/V2+, Ce4+/Ti3+, Ce4+/Zn0, and Pb4+/Pb0.

Abstract: Two co-catalysts selected from the transitional metals can be employed in proton exchange membrane fuel cells to catalyze a borohydride anolyte, such that diatomic hydrogen produced on the surface of a particle of a first catalyst is diffused to an adjacent surface of a particle of a second catalyst. At the second catalyst the diatomic hydrogen is catalyzed to produce hydrogen ions, which are employed as the mobile ion transported across the electrolyte concurrent with the generation of electrical current. The apparatus operates without the accumulation of hydrogen gas, except as adhered to the surface of the two catalysts.

Abstract: Batteries including a lithium anode stabilized with a metal-lithium alloy and battery cells comprising such anodes are provided. In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell having an anode and a sulfur electrode including at least one of elemental sulfur, lithium sulfide, and a lithium polysulfide is provided. The anode includes a lithium core and a ternary alloy layer over the lithium core where the ternary alloy comprises lithium and two other metals. The ternary alloy layer is effective to increase cycle life and storageability of the electrochemical cell. In a more particular embodiment, the ternary alloy layer is comprised of lithium, copper and tin.

Abstract: A positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte intervening between the positive electrode and the negative electrode are employed, and a molecule capable of being excited due to absorption of light and electrochemically oxidizing carbohydrate is provided at at least either the negative electrode or the electrolyte, with production of electromotive force occurring between the positive electrode and the negative electrode as a result of supply of carbohydrate while the molecule is irradiated with light and oxidization of carbohydrate by the molecule at the negative electrode. This method makes it possible for the chemical energy which carbohydrates possess to be directly utilized as electrical energy.

Abstract: A multicell assembly for a redox flow electrolyzer is constituted by alternately stacking pre-assembled elements, typically an electrode subassembly including porous mat electrodes on opposite faces of a conductive plate and a permionic membrane subassembly. Pressure drops in circulating the electrolyte solutions through respective cell compartments, in contact with fluid permeable three-dimensional electrodes in the form of porous mats, are reduced while enhancing evenness of electrolyte refreshing over the whole geometrical cell-area, by defining cooperatively interleaved flow channels in the porous mat electrode. Two interleaved orders of parallel flow channels are defined. All the parallel spaced channels of each order extend from a common orthogonal base channel formed along the respective inlet or outlet side of the electrolyte flow chamber, and terminate short of reaching the base channel of the other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a regenerative fuel cell (RFC). The process involves circulating a first electrolyte (electrolyte 1) through the negative chamber of the cell and a second electrolyte (electrolyte 2) through the positive chamber of the cell. Electrolyte (1) contains sulfide during the discharge cycle of the cell. Electrolyte (2) contains bromine during the discharge cycle of the cell. Decreases in ph in the electrolyte are compensated by circulating a fraction of other electrolyte (1) or (2) through the positive chamber of an auxiliary cell. A fraction of electrolyte (2), which has been made free of bromine, is circulated in the negative chamber of the auxiliary cell.

Abstract: A modified vanadium compound characterized in that vanadium sulfate (III), or a mixed vanadium compound of vanadium sulfate (III) and vanadyl sulfate (IV) contains excessive sulfuric acid other than sulfate group composing the vanadium sulfate (III) or the vanadyl sulfate (IV), and when the modified vanadium compound is used, a redox flow battery electrolyte can be prepared easily.

Abstract: A recombinator device and associated method for re-acidification of an electrolyte in a flowing electrolyte zinc-bromine battery. The recombinator device receives hydrogen, formed as a result of electrolysis within cell stacks of the zinc-bromine battery, as well as aqueous bromine from the zinc-bromine battery. Upon receipt, the hydrogen and bromine are introduced into a reaction chamber in the recombinator device so as to form hydrobromic acid. The hydrobromic acid is then reintroduced back into the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine battery for re-acidification of same.

Abstract: A device in accordance with a present invention includes at least one of a stainless steel anode and transition metal oxide cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved semi-fuel cell and an improved cathode used therein. The semi-fuel cell stack comprises a housing, an anode within the housing, a porous cathode within the housing, an aqueous catholyte within the housing, an aqueous anolyte stream flowing in the housing, and a membrane for preventing migration of the catholyte through the porous cathode and into the anolyte stream. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catholyte comprises an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the anolyte comprises a NaOH/seawater solution, and the membrane permits passage of OH? ions while inhibiting the passage of hydrogen peroxide. The membrane is attached to a surface of the cathode or alternatively, impregnated into the cathode.

Abstract: A process for rebalancing the electrolyte system in a regenerative fuel cell using a sulfide/polysulfide reaction in one half of the cell and a bromine/bromide reaction in the other half of the cell comprises passing the electrolyte containing sulfide/polysulfide or bromine/bromide through the +ve chamber of an auxiliary cell and passing an electrolyte containing water and being free from polysulfide or bromine through the ?ve chamber of the auxiliary cell the auxiliary cell operating so as to oxidize sulfide ions to sulfur or bromide ions to bromine in the +ve chamber and to reduce water to hydrogen and hydroxide ions in the ?ve chamber.

Abstract: This invention is directed to modified thermal galvanic cells for conversion of heat into useful electrical energy by electrochemical action using thermal and concentration differences to enhance the power produced by the cell. The cells of the invention comprise active and inert electrodes.

Abstract: The accumulator comprises a body, a separator, negative and positive electrodes made of carbon material and an electrolyte solution containing halogenide ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a redox flow cell containing a polyhalide/halide redox couple in the positive half-cell electrolyte and a V(III)/V(II) redox couple in the negative half-cell electrolyte. The invention also relates to a method of producing electricity by discharging the fully charged or partially charged redox flow cell, and a method of charging the discharged or partially discharged redox flow cell.

Abstract: A cell frame for a redox-flow cell excellent in sealability between a frame member and a dipole sheet and a redox-flow cell having it are disclosed. The cell frame is composed of a dipole sheet (9) and a frame member (2A) attached to the periphery of the dipole sheet (9). The frame member (2A) contains 50 mass % or more of vinyl chloride. The dipole sheet is made of a conductive plastic containing 40-90 mass % of graphite and 10-60 mass % of a chlorinated organic compound. Chloride.

Abstract: A power cell (100A) has an electrolyte that includes a reodox pair comprising cerium. The electrolyte in preferred cells is an acid electrolyte that comprises a element ion complexed by an organic acid or a chelating agent, and contemplated electrolytes may further include a compound that reduces the hydrogen overpotential. Where the power cell comprises a plurality of cells (100B), preferred configurations may include glassy carbon as bipolar electrolytes.

Abstract: A battery (100) comprises a cell having a cathode compartment (120) that includes an element that is oxidized during charging of the battery (100), wherein the oxidized element forms a salt with an acid and thereby increases the H+ concentration in the cathode compartment (120) sufficient to promote an H+ flux into the anode compartment (110) across the separator (130), wherein the H+ flux across the separator (130) is sufficient to disintegrate a zinc dendrite proximal to the separator (130).

Abstract: Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrolyte that can suppress reduction of battery efficiencies and capacities with increased cycles of charge/discharge of the battery, a method for producing the same, and a redox flow battery using the same electrolyte. The redox flow battery uses the electrolyte having a NH4 content of not more than 20 ppm and a relation of Si concentration (ppm)×electrolyte quantity (m3)/electrode area (m2) of less than 5 ppm·m3/m2. By limiting a quantity of contaminants in the electrolyte, a clogging of carbon electrodes to cause reduction of the battery performances with increased charge/discharge operations can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having a controlled electrode surface, comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes has a carbonaceous surface; an electrolyte containing at least one solvent; an additive associated with the carbonaceous surface of at least one of the first and second electrodes, wherein the additive comprises a compound having a molecular weight of not less than 105.

Abstract: This invention provides a cell frame for a redox flow battery that prevents leakage of electrolyte out of the cell frame and also provides a good workability in assembling the redox flow battery. Also, this invention provides a redox flow battery using the cell frame. In the cell frame 30 for the redox flow battery 30 comprising a bipolar plate 21 and a frame 31 fitted around a periphery of the bipolar plate 21, the frame 31 has, on each side thereof, an inner seal and an outer seal to press-contact with a membrane and also seal electrolyte. The frame 31 has, on each side thereof, an inner seal groove 34 and an outer seal groove 35 for placing therein the inner seal and the outer seal, respectively, to prevent the electrolyte from leaking out, and O-rings are placed in the respective seal grooves.

Abstract: A fuel composition for fuel cells includes a polar solvent such as water, a first portion of a first fuel dissolved in the solvent at a saturated concentration, and a second portion of the first fuel suspended in the solvent to serve as a reservoir of fuel as the dissolved portion is consumed. Preferably, the first fuel is a hydride such as NaBH4. Optionally, the fuel composition also includes a second fuel such as an alcohol that also controls the solubility of the first fuel in the solvent, inhibits decomposition of the first fuel and stabilizes the suspension. Preferably, the fuel composition also includes an additive such as an alkali for stabilizing the first fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating a regenerative fuel cell (RFC). The process involves circulating a first electrolyte (electrolyte 1) through the negative chamber of the cell and a second electrolyte (electrolyte 2) through the positive chamber of the cell. Electrolyte (1) contains sulfide during the discharge cycle of the cell. Electrolyte (2) contains bromine during the discharge cycle of the cell. Decreases in ph in the electrolyte are compensated by circulating a fraction of other electrolyte (1) or (2) through the positive chamber of an auxiliary cell. A fraction of electrolyte (2), which has been made free of bromine, is circulated in the negative chamber of the auxiliary cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a redox flow type battery which a liquid-circulating battery comprising a battery cell and storage tanks for positive and negative electrolytes, wherein the battery cell is separated by a membrane to provide a positive cell and a negative cell, each cell having a liquid-permeable porous electrode disposed therein, wherein the positive and negative electrolytes are sulfuric acid aqueous solutions with vanadium ion concentrations of 0.5 mol/l to 8 mol/l and the electrolyte which migrates through the membrane over cycles of charge and discharge is returned from the storage tank where the liquid increases to the storage tank where the liquid decreases in order to keep the change in the amounts of the positive and negative electrolytes in a certain range while charge and discharge are carried out.

Abstract: A very low emission hybrid electric vehicle incorporating an integrated propulsion system which includes a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine, a metal hydride hydrogen storage unit, an electric motor, high specific power, high energy density nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and preferably a regenerative braking system. The nickel-metal hydride battery module preferably has a peak power density in relation to energy density as defined by: P>1,375−15E, where P is greater than 600 watts/kilogram, where P is the peak power density as measured in Watts/kilogram and E is the energy density as measured in Watt-hours/kilogram.

Abstract: A redox gel battery comprising at least one cell consisting of: (i) a positive gel electrolyte containing reactive ions which are reduced but do not undergo phase transfer during operation of the battery; (ii) a negative gel electrolyte containing reactive ions which are oxidized but do not undergo phase transfer during operation of the battery; and (iii) a membrane separating the positive and negative gel electrolytes.

Abstract: By realizing or installing check valve liquid vein interrupters in each compartment of the battery the phenomenon of slow discharge of the retained volumes of electrolytes during long periods of inactivity of a redox flow battery, with the electrolyte pumps stopped altogether, can be practically eliminated with the effect that the battery is perfectly ready to deliver electric power immediately upon request even after prolonged periods of inactivity. Moreover, the presence of liquid vein interrupters on each compartment in either an outlet or an inlet port substantially preventing by-pass current during a not pumping phase, permits to increase the by pumping the electrolytes through the compartments of a battery stack intermittently, in other words in a pulsed manner, with a certain duty-cycle.