Abstract: This invention intends to improve the catalyst efficiency by sufficiently providing a triple phase boundary where reaction gas, catalysts, and electrolytes meet in carbon nanohorns. With the utilization of the resulting MEA, the electrode reactions are allowed to effectively proceed, and the power generation efficiency of a fuel cell is improved to result in a solid polymer fuel cell with excellent properties. Such solid polymer fuel cell comprises electrodes having a catalyst layer comprising: a carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate; catalytic metals supported on the carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate; and polymer electrolytes coating the carrier comprising a carbon nanohorn aggregate, wherein the proportion of the polymer electrolyte to the carbon nanohorn aggregate is 0.32:1 to 0.70:1 by weight.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting, storing and using the oxygen-rich effluent generated when charging a metal-air battery pack is provided.

Abstract: There is provided an air battery that has sufficient discharge performance and can withstand prolonged use. The air battery having an electrode and a polymer film, wherein the polymer film is situated on the air intake side of the electrode, and the polymer film is a film of a polymer of an alkyne having at least one aromatic group.

Abstract: The invention provides for a fully electrically rechargeable metal-air battery systems and methods of achieving such systems. A rechargeable metal air battery cell may comprise a metal electrode an air electrode, and an aqueous electrolyte separating the metal electrode and the air electrode. In some embodiments, the metal electrode may directly contact the electrolyte and no separator or porous membrane need be provided between the air electrode and the electrolyte. Rechargeable metal air battery cells may be electrically connected to one another through a centrode connection between a metal electrode of a first battery cell and an air electrode of a second battery cell. Air tunnels may be provided between individual metal air battery cells. In some embodiments, an electrolyte flow management system may be provided.

Abstract: Battery cartridges are disclosed that include a housing having a plurality of air access openings configured to selectively control flow of air into the housing; and at least two adjacent metal-air electrochemical cells within the housing, each electrochemical cell having an outer gas permeable barrier membrane layer that defines the exterior surface of the electrochemical cell; wherein there is a gap between adjacent electrochemical cells in the housing and wherein the air access openings in the housing are positioned over or partially overlapping each gap.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a fuel electrode configured to operate as an anode to oxidize a fuel when connected to a load, and configured to operate as a cathode when connected to a power supply. The fuel electrode comprises a plurality of scaffolded electrode bodies, wherein the scaffolded electrode bodies are of varying size. The electrode bodies are of a larger size at positions distal from a charging electrode configured to act as an anode when connected to the power supply, and of a smaller size at positions proximal to the charging electrode. When connected to a load, the scaffolded electrode bodies-containing fuel electrode acts as the electrochemical cell anode and electrodeposited fuel is oxidized.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an electrolyte comprising water and a hydrophobic ionic liquid comprising positive ions and negative ions. The electrochemical cell also includes an air electrode configured to absorb and reduce oxygen. A hydrophilic or hygroscopic additive modulates the hydrophobicity of the ionic liquid to maintain a concentration of the water in the electrolyte is between 0.001 mol % and 25 mol %.

Abstract: An air battery which is capable of detecting entering of water quickly. The air battery includes: a power section which includes an air electrode, an anode containing an alkali metal, and an electrolyte layer containing an electrolyte for conducting ion between the air electrode and the anode; and a housing configured to receive the power section, a pH-detecting means being provided inside the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heat-generating device for a battery and a battery assembly enabling a battery to stably produce electricity even under low-temperature conditions. The heat-generating device for a battery includes a heating element positioned on one side of the battery and generates heat through a reaction with the air. The heating element comprises a main body generating heat through the reaction with the air, and a supporting body wrapping the main body to adhere to the battery. Accordingly, the internal temperature of the battery can be maintained within possible activation temperature ranges to allow the battery to produce electricity, thereby making the battery performance sustainable under low-temperature conditions.

Abstract: An aqueous electrolyte battery is provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrolyte, an aqueous electrolyte, and a deposition portion that promotes deposition of discharge product and that is provided at a location that contacts the aqueous electrolyte and that is a location other than at a catalyst included in the positive electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air battery which is capable of detecting entering of water at an early point. The air battery comprising: a power section which comprises an air electrode to which an oxygen-containing gas is supplied, an anode containing an alkali metal, and an electrolyte layer containing an electrolyte for conducting ion between the air electrode and the anode; and a housing incorporating the power section, a hydrogen-detecting means being provided in the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods drawn to an electrochemical cell comprising a low temperature ionic liquid comprising positive ions and negative ions and a performance enhancing additive added to the low temperature ionic liquid. The additive dissolves in the ionic liquid to form cations, which are coordinated with one or more negative ions forming ion complexes. The electrochemical cell also includes an air electrode configured to absorb and reduce oxygen. The ion complexes improve oxygen reduction thermodynamics and/or kinetics relative to the ionic liquid without the additive.

Abstract: Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.

Abstract: An oxygen-consuming battery, such as a metal-air cell or fuel cell battery using oxygen from outside the battery as an active material, and having an improved high rate capability is disclosed. After the battery has been put into use, a light sacrificial drain is placed on the battery during periods when the battery is not being used to provide power in order to reduce degradation in rate capability that can occur over time, particularly when the battery is being used intermittently. Also disclosed is a combination of the oxygen-consuming battery and an electronic device that can be powered by the battery.

Abstract: Protected anode architectures have ionically conductive protective membrane architectures that, in conjunction with compliant seal structures and anode backplanes, effectively enclose an active metal anode inside the interior of an anode compartment. This enclosure prevents the active metal from deleterious reaction with the environment external to the anode compartment, which may include aqueous, ambient moisture, and/or other materials corrosive to the active metal. The compliant seal structures are substantially impervious to anolytes, catholytes, dissolved species in electrolytes, and moisture and compliant to changes in anode volume such that physical continuity between the anode protective architecture and backplane are maintained. The protected anode architectures can be used in arrays of protected anode architectures and battery cells of various configurations incorporating the protected anode architectures or arrays.

Abstract: A method of forming an air electrode of a metal-air battery includes forming a plurality of layers of the air electrode. The plurality of layers include an active layer and a gas diffusion layer. Forming the active layer includes forming a plurality of blank portions in a sublayer of the active layer for venting gases to the gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inventive electrochemical device and an inventive metal-air fuel cell and Zinc-air fuel cell are also revealed. The inventive electrochemical device can also be used as an amplifier, a power generator, a detector, a photoelectric conversion device or a charger.

Abstract: A main objective of the present invention is to provide an air secondary battery which can suppress the deterioration in charge-discharge properties caused by the oxygen generated in an air cathode layer at the time of charge. The present invention solves the problems by providing an air secondary battery which comprises: an air cathode which has an air cathode layer containing a conductive material and an air cathode current collector which collects current of the air cathode layer; an anode which has an anode layer containing an anode active material and an anode current collector which collects current of the anode layer; and a permeation preventing layer which is formed on the surface of the side of the anode layer of the air cathode layer, made of a nonaqueous polymer electrolyte, and which prevents the permeation of the oxygen generated in the air cathode layer at the time of charge.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a metal-air battery which can inhibit decrease of discharge capacity and increase of battery's internal resistance caused by the repeated charge and discharge. The metal-air battery comprises: a cathode; an electrolyte layer; and an anode, wherein the cathode, the electrolyte layer, and the anode are laminated in the order mentioned; the cathode comprises a plurality of cathode material layers arranged at intervals; and the direction for laminating the cathode, the electrolyte layer, and the anode intersect with the array direction of the plurality of cathode material layers.

Abstract: Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to suppress the increase of contact resistance due to dimensional changes at the time of charge and discharge in a rechargeable metal-air battery, thereby improving battery performance and service life. The rechargeable metal-air battery of the present invention includes a negative electrode for storing and releasing metal ions; a positive electrode using oxygen as an active material; and an electrolyte membrane placed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and is characterized in that a flexible dimension-absorbing member is disposed on the negative electrode side, wherein the dimension-absorbing member is an elastic body formed of a substance which changes reversibly.

Abstract: The present invention primarily intends to provide an air secondary battery that can inhibit deterioration in charge-discharge properties caused by oxygen generated in an air cathode layer during charge. To attain the object, the invention provides an air secondary battery comprising: a power generating element constituted of an air cathode layer containing a conductive material, an anode layer containing an anode active material, and an electrolyte layer formed between the air cathode layer and the anode layer; and an exterior body that houses the power generating element, wherein the exterior body is hermetically sealed with an oxygen-containing gas encapsulated therein; and at a charge start time, a pressure inside of the exterior body is lower than an atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a metal oxygen battery is provided. The metal oxygen battery includes a battery housing including a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment includes a first electrode and an oxygen storage material in communication with the first electrode. The second compartment includes a second electrode and the second electrode includes a metal material (M). In another embodiment, the oxygen storage material is configured as a number of particles disposed within the first electrode. In certain instances, at least a portion of the number of particles are each contained within a selective transport member. In certain other instances, the selective transport member is oxygen permeable and electrolyte impermeable.

Abstract: A battery system includes a metal oxygen battery. The metal oxygen battery includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode includes a metal material (M). The metal oxygen battery is in communication with an oxygen storage material. In certain instances, the oxygen storage material is contained within an oxygen containment unit. The metal oxygen battery and the oxygen containment unit may be in a closed-loop with respect to each other. The battery system further includes a conduit for providing fluid communication from one of the metal oxygen battery and the oxygen containment unit to the other of the metal oxygen battery and the oxygen containment unit.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a battery system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery system includes a metal oxygen battery (MOB) having a first electrode and second electrode. The second electrode includes a metal material. The battery system also includes an oxygen storage material disposed within the metal oxygen battery. In another embodiment, the oxygen storage material is on oxygen communication with the first electrode.

Abstract: A metal-air fuel cell module includes a cap seat connected detachably to a casing and having a plug portion extending into an inner accommodating space in the casing for plugging an opening in the casing; a conductive gas-diffusion sheet disposed in the casing for covering sealingly air inlets in the casing, and permitting air to pass through; an electrolyte solution filled in the inner accommodating space; a metal sheet disposed in the inner accommodating space and connected detachably to the plug portion of the cap seat; a first electrode plate mounted on the casing, extending into the inner accommodating space and in electrical contact with the gas-diffusion sheet; and a second electrode plate mounted in the cap seat, extending into the inner accommodating space and in electrical contact with the metal sheet.

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a lithium air battery which can use different battery properties according to the current density at the time of discharge. The present invention attains the object by providing a lithium air battery comprising a cathode layer, an anode layer, and an electrolyte layer formed between the cathode layer and the anode layer, characterized in that the cathode layer further comprises a first cathode layer having at least oxygen reduction ability and a second cathode layer having at least Li ion storage ability, and the second cathode layer contains a cathode active material having an average voltage of less than 2.0 V (vs. Li) or an average voltage of more than 2.9 V (vs. Li).

Abstract: A power supply system for powering an electric motor (16) in an electric vehicle includes a metal-air converter (12) connected to the motor (16) for driving the motor (16) and a generator (10) connected to the metal-air converter (12) for recharging the metal-air converter (12). The generator (10) may also directly provide electricity to the motor (16) simultaneously with the metal-air converter (12). The system further includes a structure for providing a supply of fuel to the generator (10) that in turn converts the fuel to electricity.

Abstract: A multi-unit fuel cell system that includes a common-use reforming unit configured to supply hydrogen to multiple fuel cell units that are installed in multiple units, such as apartments within an apartment building. In one example embodiment, a fuel cell system including a common-use reforming unit and multiple fuel cell units is disclosed. The common-use reforming unit is configured to supply hydrogen to the plurality of fuel cell units. Each fuel cell unit includes a stack unit, an air supplying unit, an integral heat exchange unit, a hot-water supplying unit, an auxiliary heat supplying unit, and an electric output unit.

Abstract: A non-aqueous air battery of the present invention includes a negative electrode for which a material which absorbs and releases lithium ions is used as a negative electrode active material, a positive electrode for which oxygen is used as a positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The positive electrode contains a donor-acceptor molecule in which an electron-donating donor (D) having a porphyrin ring is connected to an electron-accepting acceptor (A) composed of a fullerene derivative, with a conductive spacer therebetween. An example of the donor-acceptor molecule is triphenylporphyrinyl bithienyl N-methylpyrrolidino[60]fullerene.

Abstract: A metal-air battery includes a metal electrode, an air electrode, and at least one of an ionic liquid and a deep eutectic solvent provided within the metal-air battery. The ionic liquid and/or deep eutectic solvent may be provided at one or more locations within the battery, such as in a liquid electrolyte, within a polymeric separator, blended within a polymeric material, within the structure of the air electrode, or elsewhere.

Abstract: A fuel cell is provided that includes a chemically non-reactive and non-consumable molten anode that is chemically stable in composition and structure and is catalytically active, a cathode, where one surface of the cathode is in contact with air, where the air supplies oxygen to the cathode, a solid oxide electrolyte that selectively transports oxide ions from the cathode to the anode for an oxidation reaction, where the solid oxide electrolyte is disposed between the anode and the solid cathode, and a single temperature zone, where the anode is in direct physical contact with a carbon-containing fuel and electrical current is generated by the oxidation of the carbon-containing fuel by the oxygen.

Abstract: Provided are an air electrode having a structure in which an anion exchange membrane and an air electrode catalyst layer are laminated and the anion exchange membrane is disposed in contact with an aqueous alkaline solution; and a metal-air battery, an alkaline fuel cell, and a water electrolysis device each having the air electrode. The air electrode of the present invention can reduce or solve various conventional problems of an air electrode in a metal-air battery, fuel cell, and the like, which use an aqueous alkaline solution as an electrolyte, and can maintain high performance for a long period of time.

Abstract: Lithium metal anode protection, and various semi-fuel cell constructions for use in deep, high pressure seawater or air media are provided. The described lithium semi-fuel cells achieve record high energy densities, due to the high energy density of lithium anode and the use of the cathode reactant from the surrounding media, which is not part of the cell weight, and the use of ultralight and flexible packaging materials. These features make the described semi-fuel cells the ideal choice for powering underwater and air vehicles.

Abstract: The present application relates to an electrochemical metal-air cell in which a low temperature ionic liquid is used.

Abstract: This invention provides an actively controlled battery with a programmed-timing actuation capability. The battery comprises a first electrochemical assembly, at least a second electrochemical cell assembly electronically connected in parallel with the first assembly, and control means in control relation to the first assembly and the second assembly, wherein at least one of the assemblies comprises a metal-air cell comprising a cathode being isolated from outside air through a controllable air vent and at least one of the assemblies comprising an electrochemical cell comprising an anode active material being initially isolated from an electrolyte fluid through a control valve, with both the air vent and control valve being regulated by the control means in a programmed-timing fashion. The battery has an exceptionally long operating life and is particularly useful for powering microelectronic or communication devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and palm computers.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device is provided comprising a power supply configured to generate power based on oxygen. The mobile device may comprise an air inlet to supply air and a shutter to close said air inlet in case a sensor detects at least one predetermined gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a separator plate for use in a fuel cell and to a fuel cell. The separator plate has: a passage groove group including a plurality of gas passage grooves 35 formed so as to extend in serpentine form; and a communicating groove 33 configured to provide fluid communication between adjacent portions of the gas passage grooves. Various separator plates have heretofore been disclosed in public by many documents and the blockage of the gas passage grooves caused by condensed water droplets formed therein is deemed to be properly prevented. However, the inventors think that those separator plates have a critical oversight in the behavior of a gas-liquid two phase fluid including a reaction gas and condensed water. That is, the condensed water is likely to concentrate in the vicinity of the gas passage grooves located in the downstream side of such separator plates and therefore these separator plates are liable to blockage.

Abstract: Active metal fuel cells are provided. An active metal fuel cell has a renewable active metal (e.g., lithium) anode and a cathode structure that includes an electronically conductive component (e.g., a porous metal or alloy), an ionically conductive component (e.g., an electrolyte), and a fluid oxidant (e.g., air, water or a peroxide or other aqueous solution). The pairing of an active metal anode with a cathode oxidant in a fuel cell is enabled by an ionically conductive protective membrane on the surface of the anode facing the cathode.

Abstract: A joint connector includes first and second unitary connector assemblies respectively including an insulator plate and a joint terminal fixed thereto. The joint terminal includes unit terminals, each of which includes: a stem portion with first and second faces and side rim portions; a first cramping connector extending from a side rim portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first face of the stem portion; and a second cramping connector extending from a third side rim portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second face of the stem portion. When the first unitary connector assembly is superposed to the second unitary connector assembly, the second cramping connector of the first unitary connector assembly cramps the second electrical cable, whereby the first electrical cable carried on the first unitary connector assembly can be connected to the second electrical cable carried on the second unitary connector assembly.