Metal Or Alloy Containing Patents (Class 429/485)
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Patent number: 8450026Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a solid electrolyte fuel cell comprises: an electrode having a layer of nano-structured material on one of its faces, an electrocatalyst deposited on the nano-structured material and an electrolyte deposited on the electrocatalyst/nano-structured material. The nano-structured material can comprise carbon, silicon, graphite, boron, titanium and be in the form of multi-walled nano-tubes (MWNTs), single-walled nano-tubes (SWNTs), nano-fibers, nano-rods or a combination thereof. The nano-structured material can be grown or deposited on one face of an electrode of the cell or on a substrate such as a flexible sheet material of carbon fibers using chemical vapor deposition. The electrocatalyst and electrolyte can be incorporated in the nano structured material using physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion beam sputtering or molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Intematix CorporationInventors: Mina Farag, Chris Bajorek
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Publication number: 20130095410Abstract: A fuel cell includes an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte layer. The cathode has a main phase and a sub phase. The main phase is composed of a perovskite type oxide including cobalt. The sub phase is composed of tricobalt tetroxide. The solid electrolyte layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode. An area occupancy of the sub phase in a sectional surface of the cathode is equal to or less than 9.8%.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.Inventors: Makoto OHMORI, Ayano KOBAYASHI
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Patent number: 8420276Abstract: In a membrane-electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane and two gas diffusion electrodes being bonded to the membrane so that the membrane can be between them, at least one catalyst layer constituting the gas diffusion electrodes characterized in that the ion-conductive binder comprises a block copolymer having a particle size of 1 ?m or less comprising a polymer block (A) having ion-conductive groups and a polymer block (B) having no ion-conductive group, both polymer blocks phase separate from each other, polymer block (A) forms a continuous phase, and the contact parts of the block copolymer with catalyst particles are comprised of polymer block (A) having ion-conductive groups; a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Nakai, Keiji Kubo, Hiroyuki Ohgi, Tomohiro Ono
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Patent number: 8399152Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a fuel cell catalyst layer which has a large specific surface area and high activity and which includes the steps of: forming a dendritic structural member including a catalyst precursor by a vapor phase method; providing a coating layer on a surface of the dendritic structural member; and subjecting the dendritic structural member having the coating layer provided thereon to a reduction treatment. The dendritic structural member including a catalyst precursor is a dendritic structural member including platinum oxide or a dendritic structural member containing a composite oxide of platinum oxide and an element except platinum.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsuhito Yoshizawa, Shinnosuke Koji, Kazuhiro Yamada
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Patent number: 8399147Abstract: An electrolyte-electrode assembly (MEA) includes: an electrolyte; an anode side electrode and a cathode side electrode formed so as to sandwich the electrolyte via intermediate layers. The anode side electrode has a thickness set to 1 ?m, for example. A method for manufacturing the electrolyte-electrode assembly, i.e., the MEA includes a step for forming the anode side electrode by sputtering.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikatsu Higuchi, Yuji Saito
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Patent number: 8383286Abstract: A metal oxide thin film structure for a solid oxide fuel cell, prepared by a method comprising dispersing a metal oxide nanopowder in a metal oxide salt solution and subsequent coating of the resulting metal oxide powder dispersed sol and the metal oxide salt solution on a porous substrate, has excellent gas impermeability, excellent phase stability, and is devoid of cracks or pinholes.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Hae-Weon Lee, Jong Ho Lee, Eun Oak Oh, Ji-Won Son, Hae-Ryoung Kim, Hyoungchul Kim, Kyung-ryul Lee
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Patent number: 8361671Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid electrolyte fuel-cell device wherein a plurality of fuel cells are formed on a single plate. A plurality of cathode layers are formed on one surface of the flat plate-like solid electrolyte substrate, and a plurality of anode layers on the opposite surface thereof, and each fuel cell is formed from a pair of the cathode layer and the anode layer. An electromotive force extracting lead wire is attached to the cathode layer, and a lead wire is attached to the anode layer. The plurality of fuel cells are connected in series by electrically connecting the cathode layer of one fuel cell to the anode layer of an adjacent fuel cell. Flames formed by combustion of a fuel such as a methane gas are supplied to the entire surface of each anode layer, and air is supplied to each cathode layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Shigeaki Suganuma, Misa Watanabe
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Patent number: 8354137Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode catalyst layer for a fuel cell which includes a polymer electrolyte, a catalyst material and carbon particles, wherein the electrode catalyst layer employs a non-precious metal catalyst and has a high level of power generation performance. The electrode catalyst layer is used as a pair of electrode catalyst layers in a fuel cell in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is interposed between the pair of the electrode catalyst layers which are further interposed between a pair of gas diffusion layers. The method of the present invention has such a feature that the catalyst material or the carbon particles are preliminarily embedded in the polymer electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Morioka, Haruna Kurata, Saori Okada, Kenichiro Oota
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Copper foil for current collector of lithium secondary battery with improved wrinkle characteristics
Patent number: 8349518Abstract: A copper foil for a current collector of a lithium secondary battery has a crystalline structure, in which a ratio of the sum of texture coefficients of a (111) surface and a (200) surface to the total sum of texture coefficients of the (111), (200) and (220) surfaces is 60 to 85%, a ratio of the texture coefficient of the (111) surface to the total sum of texture coefficients of the (111), (200) and (220) is 18 to 38%, a ratio of the texture coefficient of the (200) surface thereto is 28 to 62%, and a ratio of the texture coefficient of the (220) surface thereto is 15 to 40%. The copper foil has surface roughness (Rz-JIS) of 2 ?m or less, weight deviation of 3% or less, tensile strength of 30 to 40 kgf/mm2, elongation of 3 to 20%, and thickness of 1 to 35 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: LS Mtron Ltd.Inventors: Dae-Young Kim, Byoung-Kwang Lee, Seung-Jun Choi -
Patent number: 8343321Abstract: The invention relates to membrane-electrode assemblies for the electrolysis of water (electrolysis MEAs), which contain an ion-conducting membrane having a front and rear side; a first catalyst layer on the front side; a first gas diffusion layer on the front side; a second catalyst layer on the rear side, and a second gas diffusion layer on the rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, whereas the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane (“semi-coextensive design”). The MEAs also comprise an unsupported free membrane surface that yields improved adhesion properties of the sealing material. The invention also relates to a method for producing the MEA products. Pressure-resistant, gastight and cost-effective membrane-electrode assemblies are obtained, that are used in PEM water electrolyzers, regenerative fuel cells or in other electrochemical devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Ralf Zuber, Klaus Schaack, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Peter Seipel, Pia Braun, Lutz Rohland
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Patent number: 8338051Abstract: This invention relates to an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell comprising catalyst metal particles of noble metal-base metal-Ce (cerium) ternary alloy carried on carbon materials, wherein the noble metal is at least one member selected from among Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag and Au, the base metal is at least one member selected from among Ir, Co, Fe, Ni and Mn, and the relative proportion (i.e., the molar proportion) of noble metal:base metal:Ce (cerium) is 20 to 95:5 to 60:0.1 to 3. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell inhibits deterioration of an electrolyte membrane or an electrolyte in an electrode catalyst layer, improves durability, and, in particular, improves the capacity for power generation in the high current density region.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Cataler CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Takahashi, Yosuke Horiuchi, Takahiro Nagata, Tomoaki Terada, Toshiharu Tabata
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Patent number: 8318375Abstract: A cathode for an electrochemical reactor including a diffusion layer and a catalyst layer. The cathode has bimetallic or multimetallic nanoparticles, dispersed in direct contact with the diffusion layer, at least one of the metals being chromium (Cr) wholly or partly in oxidized form. The cathode is fabricated by depositing the bimetallic or multimetallic nanoparticles on the diffusion layer by DLI-MOCVD in the presence of O2.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Sophie Mailley, Frédéric Sanchette, Stéphanie Thollon, Fabrice Emieux
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Patent number: 8318385Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing a fuel cell electrode and a membrane electrode assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises (a) preparing a suspension of catalyst particles dispersed in a liquid medium containing a polymer dissolved or dispersed therein; (b) dispensing the suspension onto a primary surface of a substrate selected from an electronically conductive catalyst-backing layer (gas diffuser plate) or a solid electrolyte membrane; and (c) removing the liquid medium to form the electrode that is connected to or integral with the substrate, wherein the polymer is both ion-conductive and electron-conductive with an electronic conductivity no less than 10?4 S/cm and ionic conductivity no less than 10?5 S/cm and the polymer forms a coating in physical contact with the catalyst particles or coated on the catalyst particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Bor Z. Jang, Aruna Zhamu, Jiusheng Guo
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Patent number: 8309218Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Scott Alan Ripley, Donald Ivan Hirsch, William Frederic Bader
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Patent number: 8309269Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (10), an anode separator (20), and a cathode separator (30). The membrane-electrode assembly (10) includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1); a first anode catalyst layer (2A) and an anode gas diffusion layer (4) sequentially stacked on one of main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1); a second anode catalyst layer (2B) disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and the first anode catalyst layer (2A); and a cathode catalyst layer (3) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (5) sequentially stacked on the other main surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1). The second anode catalyst layer (2B) contains a catalyst which adsorbs a sulfur compound.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Haruhiko Shintani, Atsushi Nogi, Miho Gemba, Takashi Nakagawa, Yoichiro Tsuji
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Publication number: 20120270138Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly having catalyst layers containing an electrode catalyst disposed on the both sides of an electrolyte membrane, wherein at least one of the above-described catalyst layers contains a non-precious metal electrode catalyst and an ionomer having an ion exchange capacity of 1.2 meq/g or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Nobuyoshi Koshino, Toru Onodera
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Publication number: 20120270139Abstract: A cathode material for a fuel cell, the cathode material including a first metal oxide having a perovskite crystal structure, and a second metal oxide including cerium and at least two lanthanide elements, the lanthanide elements having an average ionic radius of about 0.90 to about 1.02 ?.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hee-jung PARK, Chan KWAK
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Patent number: 8288054Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an anode, a cathode, a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein at least one of the anode, cathode and membrane contains a hydrocarbon ionomer, and an electrode catalyst disposed in at least one of the anode and the cathode, wherein the catalyst is a metal alloy catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: UTC Power CorporationInventors: Sathya Motupally, Ned Cipollini, Lesia Protsailo, Andrew Haug, Tommy Skiba, Chi-Hum Paik
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Patent number: 8247130Abstract: A hydrogen electrode constituted of a mixed phase composed of an oxide sinter having particles of at least one member selected from Ni, Co, Fe, and Cu on a surface part thereof and coated wholly or partly with a film having mixed conductivity and a sinter having ionic conductivity is formed on a surface of an electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Norikazu Osada, Takayuki Fukasawa, Keizo Shimamura
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Patent number: 8236462Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which has improved performance compared with conventional platinum alloy catalysts, a method for producing the electrode catalyst, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the electrode catalyst are provided. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell comprises a noble-metal-non-precious metal alloy that has a core-shell structure supported on a conductive carrier. The composition of the catalyst components of the shell is such that the amount of the noble metal is greater than or equal to the amount of the non-precious metal.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yukiyoshi Ueno, Tetsuo Nagami, Tetsuya Shoji
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Publication number: 20120183878Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode catalyst layer and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein the electrode catalyst layer contains an oxide type of non-platinum catalyst as the catalyst and enables a fuel cell employing the electrode catalyst layer to achieve a high level of power generation performance, as well as an MEA and the fuel cell which employ the electrode catalyst layer. The manufacturing method of the electrode catalyst layer of the present invention includes preparing a “catalyst provided with electrical conductivity on the surface”. In addition, the manufacturing method may further include preparing a catalyst ink, in which the “catalyst provided with electrical conductivity on the surface”, carbon particles and a polymer electrolyte are dispersed in a solvent, and coating the catalyst ink to form the electrode catalyst layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Saori Okada, Haruna Kurata, Hiroyuki Morioka, Kenichiro Oota
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Patent number: 8221934Abstract: A fuel cell component includes an electrode support material made with nanofiber materials of Titania and ionomer. A bipolar plate stainless steel substrate and a carbon-containing layer doped with a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, iridium, ruthenium, gold, palladium, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Youssef M. Mikhail, Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech
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Patent number: 8216739Abstract: A support wafer made of silicon wafer comprising, on a first surface a porous silicon layer having protrusions, porous silicon pillars extending from the porous silicon layer to the second surface of the wafer, in front of each protrusion. Layers constituting a fuel cell can be formed on the support wafer.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventor: Sébastien Kouassi
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Publication number: 20120156589Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell with excellent durability, a manufacturing method thereof, and a fuel cell using the same. The electrode catalyst for the fuel cell includes a carbon support, a metal catalyst material supported by the carbon support, and a benzimidazole-based or benzotriazole-based compound.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Suk-gi HONG, Chan-ho Pak
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Patent number: 8202669Abstract: A precursor electro-catalyst composition for producing a fuel cell electrode. The precursor composition comprises (a) a molecular metal precursor dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium and (b) a polymer dissolved or dispersed in the liquid medium, wherein the polymer is both ion-conductive and electron-conductive with an electronic conductivity no less than 10?4 S/cm (preferably greater than 10?2 S/cm) and ionic conductivity no less than 10?5 S/cm (preferably greater than 10?3 S/cm). Also disclosed is an electro-catalyst composition derived from this precursor composition, wherein the molecular metal precursor is converted by heat and/or energy beam to form nanometer-scaled catalyst particles and the polymer forms a matrix that is in physical contact with the catalyst particles, coated on the catalyst particles, and/or surrounding the catalyst particles as a dispersing matrix with the catalyst particles dispersed therein when the liquid is removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Bor Z. Jang, Aruna Zhamu, Jiusheng Guo
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Patent number: 8173307Abstract: A metal-air fuel cell has electrodes including a cathode and an anode, current pickups provided for each of said electrodes for taking currents from a respective one of the electrode, wherein at least one of the electrodes being formed as a frameless box-shaped element, wherein additional hydrogen electrode, an electrolyte container, and a power source are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Altek Capital, IncInventor: Evgeny B. Kulakov
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Patent number: 8163437Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell anode comprising a porous anode body, which comprises a nickel-based alloy and at least one ceramic additive dispersed throughout the anode body. The amount of the ceramic additive in the anode body is between 5 and 50% by volume. The nickel-based alloy is Ni—Cr or Ni—Al, and the ceramic additive is one of CeO2, yttrium doped ceria, yttrium doped zirconia, TiO2, Li2TiO3, LiAlO2 and La0.8Sr0.2CoO3.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Abdelkader Hilmi, Chao-Yi Yuh, Mohammad Farooque
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Publication number: 20120045704Abstract: The present invention provides a proton exchange membrane and a membrane electrode assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell. A catalytically active component is disposed within the membrane electrode assembly. The catalytically active component comprises particles of cobalt cations and boron stabilized silicon oxide. The present invention also provides for a process for increasing peroxide radical resistance in a membrane electrode that includes the introduction of the catalytically active component described into a membrane electrode assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANYInventor: BISWAJIT CHOUDHURY
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Publication number: 20120028165Abstract: A composite including a metal having oxygen-reducing activity, nitrogen and carbon, the composite comprising polyhedral particles, an electrode catalyst including the composite, a method of preparing the composite, and a fuel cell using the composite.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kang-hee LEE, Chan-ho Pak, Kyo-sung Park, Seon-ah Jin, Kyung-jung Kwon, Dae-jong Yoo
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Publication number: 20120021333Abstract: The disclosure provides a porous metal substrate structure with high gas permeability and redox stability for a SOFC and the fabrication process thereof, the porous metal substrate structure comprising: a porous metal plate composed of first metal particles; and a porous metal film composed of second metal particles and formed on the porous metal plate; wherein the porous metal plate has a thickness more than the porous metal film, and the first metal particle has a size more than the second metal particle. Further, a porous shell containing Fe is formed on the surface of each metal particle by impregnating a solution containing Fe in a high temperature sintering process of reducing or vacuum atmosphere, and the oxidation and reduction processes. The substrate uses the porous shells containing Fe particles to absorb the leakage oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Chang-Sing Hwang, Chun-Huang Tsai, Jen-Feng Yu, Chun-Liang Chang, Jun-Meng Lin, Shih-Wei Cheng
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Patent number: 8071259Abstract: Nanoparticles which contain noble metals alone or noble metals in combination with base metals. The nanoparticles are embedded in an aqueous solution of a temporary stabilizer based on a polysaccharide.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KGInventors: Karl-Anton Starz, Dan Goia, Joachim Koehler, Volker Bänisch
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Patent number: 8057951Abstract: Conveying gas containing sulfur through a sulfur tolerant planar solid oxide fuel cell (PSOFC) stack for sulfur scrubbing, followed by conveying the gas through a non-sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack. The sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack utilizes anode materials, such as LSV, that selectively convert H2S present in the fuel stream to other non-poisoning sulfur compounds. The remaining balance of gases remaining in the completely or near H2S-free exhaust fuel stream is then used as the fuel for the conventional PSOFC stack that is downstream of the sulfur-tolerant PSOFC. A broad range of fuels such as gasified coal, natural gas and reformed hydrocarbons are used to produce electricity.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Ohio UniversityInventors: Matthew Ellis Cooper, David J. Bayless, Jason P. Trembly
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Patent number: 8053135Abstract: A microporous thin film, a method of forming the same and a fuel cell including the microporous thin film, are provided. The microporous thin film includes uniform nanoparticles and has a porosity of at least about 20%. Therefore, the microporous thin film can be efficiently used in various applications such as fuel cells, primary and secondary batteries, adsorbents, and hydrogen storage alloys. The microporous thin film is formed on a substrate, includes metal nanoparticles, and has a microporous structure with porosity of 20% or more.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyuk Chang, Ji-rae Kim
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Patent number: 8039175Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a multilayer structure, comprising the steps of: providing a composition comprising a Fe—Cr alloy powder and at least one of the oxides of Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu; forming a first layer of said composition; forming at least one additional layer on one side of said first layer; heat treating said layers in an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and sintering in a reducing atmosphere so as to provide a final alloy, wherein the amount of Fe in the final alloy of the first layer after the sintering step is in the range of from about 50-90% by weight, based on the total weight of the final alloy.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Technical University of DenmarkInventors: Søren Linderoth, Peter Halvor Larsen
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Patent number: 8026014Abstract: A reduced cost solid oxide fuel cell having enhanced surface exchange rates and diffusivity of oxide ions is provided. The invention cell includes a first porous electrode and a second porous electrode, where the porous electrodes have a layer of electronically conductive porous non-precious metal, and the porous non-precious metal layer is a gas diffusion layer. The porous electrodes further include at least one atomic layer of catalytic metal deposited on the non-precious metal layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first porous electrode and the second porous electrode. The electrolyte layer includes a first dense ion-conductive doped oxide film layer, and a second dense ion-conductive doped oxide film layer deposited on the first doped oxide film layer, where the catalytic metal layer on the conductive porous non-metal layer enhances surface exchange rates and diffusivity of the oxide ions, thus the material costs of the fuel cell are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Joon Hyung Shim, Hong Huang, Masayuki Sugawara, Friedrich B. Prinz
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Patent number: 8021799Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to a high performance ceramic anode which will increase flexibility in the types of fuels that may be used with the anode. The embodiments further relate to high-performance, direct-oxidation SOFC utilizing the anodes, providing improved electro-catalytic activity and redox stability. The SOFCs are capable of use with strategic fuels and other hydrocarbon fuels. Also provided are methods of making the high-performance anodes and solid oxide fuel cells comprising the anodes exhibiting improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical activity.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: The Trustees Of The University Of PennsylvaniaInventors: Raymond J. Gorte, John M. Vohs, Michael D. Gross
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Publication number: 20110183234Abstract: The invention has an object of providing catalysts that are not corroded in acidic electrolytes or at high potential, have excellent durability and show high oxygen reducing ability. An aspect of the invention is directed to a process wherein metal carbonitride mixture particles or metal oxycarbonitride mixture particles are produced from an organometallic compound of a Group IV or V transition metal, a metal salt of a Group IV or V transition metal, or a mixture of these compounds using laser light as a light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2009Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventors: Yasuaki Wakizaka, Toshikazu Shishikura
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Patent number: 7972988Abstract: Noble metal catalysts and methods for producing the catalysts are provided. The catalysts are useful in applications such as fuel cells. The catalysts exhibit reduced agglomeration of catalyst particles as compared to conventional noble metal catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Kostantinos Kourtakis
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Patent number: 7955756Abstract: The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell of the present invention includes A-S—B, where A is selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, and combinations thereof, and B is selected from the group consisting of Se, Te, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Alexey Alexandrovichserov
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Patent number: 7951281Abstract: Described herein are methods for diminishing or preventing in electrochemical operating systems the deposition of a metal oxide on an electrode surface. The metal oxide is formed by electrochemically assisted reduction of volatile metal oxides formed from a metallic component exposed to oxidative environments. In one example, described herein are methods for diminishing or preventing poisoning of a cathode by applying a negative protection potential to the metallic component. In another example, described herein are methods for diminishing or preventing the deposition of a metal oxide on a cathode surface by removing oxygen from the metallic component itself and thereby decreasing the amount of released volatile oxide from the metallic component by use of an auxiliary oxygen pump cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Monika Backhaus-Ricoult
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Patent number: 7931998Abstract: A catalyst for a fuel cell includes platinum. The catalyst has an oxide reduction potential (ORP) that is not less than 430 mV. The ORP is estimated by a cyclic voltammetry test using a saturation calomel electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyu-Woong Cho
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Patent number: 7927748Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention comprises a cathode and an anode, one or both of the anode and the cathode including a catalyst comprising a bundle of longitudinally aligned graphitic carbon nanotubes including a catalytically active transition metal incorporated longitudinally and atomically distributed throughout the graphitic carbon walls of said nanotubes. The nanotubes also include nitrogen atoms and/or ions chemically bonded to the graphitic carbon and to the transition metal. Preferably, the transition metal comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Cr.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Uchicago Argonne, LLCInventors: Di-Jia Liu, Junbing Yang, Xiaoping Wang
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Patent number: 7901837Abstract: The process described herein provides a simple and cost effective method for making crack free, high density thin ceramic film. The steps involve depositing a layer of a ceramic material on a porous or dense substrate. The deposited layer is compacted and then the resultant laminate is sintered to achieve a higher density than would have been possible without the pre-firing compaction step.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Craig P. Jacobson, Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe
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Patent number: 7901835Abstract: A platinum alloy catalyst can be used as a fuel cell catalyst. The platinum alloy is a PtAuX alloy wherein X is one or more metals chosen from the group consisting of transition metals, and wherein the alloy contains 40-97% Pt, 1-40% Au and 2-20% X. Electrodes, catalysed membranes and membrane electrode assemblies comprising the catalyst are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: Brian Elliott Hayden, Christopher Edward Lee, Claire Mormiche, David Thompsett
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Publication number: 20110039184Abstract: A carbon nanosphere has at least one opening. The carbon nanosphere is obtained by preparing a carbon nanosphere and treating it with an acid to form the opening. The carbon nanosphere with at least one opening has higher utilization of a surface area and electrical conductivity and lower mass transfer resistance than a conventional carbon nanotube, thus allowing for higher current density and cell voltage with a smaller amount of metal catalyst per unit area of a fuel cell electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Hyuk CHANG, Chan-ho PAK, Jian Nong WANG
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Patent number: 7887972Abstract: A cathode catalyst for a fuel cell includes an Ru—Se alloy having an average particle size of less than or equal to 6 nm. The Ru—Se alloy is amorphous catalyst. A membrane electrode assembly and a fuel cell system include the cathode catalyst. A catalyst for a fuel cell is prepared by drying a ruthenium solution including a water-soluble ruthenium precursor to obtain a first dried product; subjecting the first dried product to a first heat-treatment to obtain a heat-treated product; adding an Se solution including a water-soluble Se precursor to the heat-treated product to obtain a mixture; drying the mixture to obtain a second dried product including ruthenium and Se; and subjecting the second dried product to second heat-treatment.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Alexey Alexandrovichserov, Chan Kwak, Ho-Jin Kweon, Si-Hyun Lee
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Publication number: 20110027689Abstract: Silver-copper-zinc compositions are employed as catalysts, e.g., for fuel cell and/or electrolyzer applications. These compositions have been experimentally tested in solid oxide fuel cell and proton exchange membrane fuel cell configurations. Such catalysts can be effective for both the anode and cathode half-reactions. A preferred composition range is AgxCuyZnz, where 0?x?0.1, 0.2?y?0.5, and 0.5?z?0.8.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Timothy P. Holme, Friedrich B. Prinz
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Patent number: 7875569Abstract: A supported catalyst includes a carbonaceous catalyst support and first metal-second metal alloy catalyst particles adsorbed on the surface of the carbonaceous catalyst support, wherein the difference between a D10 value and a D90 value is in the range of 0.1 to 10 nm, wherein the D10 value is a mean diameter of a randomly selected 10 wt % of the first metal-second metal alloy catalyst particles and the D90 value is a mean diameter of a randomly selected 90 wt % of the alloy catalyst particles. The supported catalyst has excellent membrane efficiency in electrodes for fuel cells due to uniform alloy composition of a catalyst particle and supported catalysts that do not agglomerate.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Victor Roev, Sang-hyuk Suh, Kyung-jung Kwon, Hae-kyoung Kim
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Patent number: 7875394Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises an cathodic compartment including a cathode, an oxidant consisting of oxygen and at least one enzyme catalyst, an anodic compartment comprising an anode, a fuel and at least one catalyst. The anodic and cathodic compartments are arranged at either end of the membrane. The cell is characterized in that the enzyme catalyst of the anodic compartment is an oxidoreductase type enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is a direct receptor of the electrons from the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Damien Feron, Alain Bergel
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Publication number: 20100323274Abstract: This invention provides a fuel cell electrode catalyst in which at least one transition metal element and at least one chalcogen element are supported on a conductive support, wherein the fuel cell electrode catalyst comprises a core portion comprising a transition metal crystal and a shell portion comprising surface atoms of the transition metal crystal particle and chalcogen elements coordinating to the surface atoms, and the outer circumference of the core portion is being partially covered with the shell portion. The fuel cell electrode catalyst has a high level of oxygen reduction performance, high activity as a fuel cell catalyst and comprises a transition metal element and a chalcogen element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Yukiyoshi Ueno, Hirofumi Iisaka