Oxide Patents (Class 429/495)
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Patent number: 8771898Abstract: Described herein are solid oxide fuel cells and manufacturing methods thereof. In certain aspects, the solid oxide fuel cells described herein include a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in which the anodes and cathodes are alternately stacked on each other and have non-overlapping sections in which the anodes and cathodes do not overlap partially. In certain aspects, the plurality of anodes are electrically connected to a first electrode, and the plurality of cathodes are electrically connected to a second electrode. In certain aspects, a solid electrolyte can be included, for example, between the anode and the cathode. In certain aspects, partitioning sections are disposed between each of the cathodes and the first electrode and between each of the anodes and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignees: TDK Corporation, Tohoku UniversityInventors: Kei Sugiura, Atsushi Hitomi, Takeshi Urano, Hitoshi Takamura
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Publication number: 20140178795Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid oxide fuel cell including: a unit cell including an anode, an electrolyte, and a cathode; interconnectors having a rugged shape due to a channel and a protruded portion formed on one surface or both surfaces of a body and arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval, wherein a lower surface and a side of the channel are stacked with oxidation resistance insulating ceramic layers. In particular, the present invention includes a method of manufacturing an interconnector for a planar solid oxide fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung Han Kim, Jong Ho Chung, Jong Sik Yoon, Bon Seok Koo
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Publication number: 20140162174Abstract: Provided is solid electrolyte utilizing a composite oxide of a RP-type structure, that is useful for achieving strong electromotive force and enhanced current-voltage characteristics of a fuel battery, has enhanced ion conductivity and sufficiently inhibited electronic conductivity, and is capable of intercalation of a large amount of water or hydrogen groups, as well as a solid electrolyte membrane, a fuel battery cell, and a fuel battery. The solid electrolyte and the solid electrolyte membrane of the present invention has been obtained by subjecting a particular composite oxide of a RP-type structure or a membrane thereof to a treatment of at least one of hydroxylation and hydration, and has a property that the mass determined by TG measurement at 400° C. is less than that at 250° C. by not less than 4.0%.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicants: National University Corporationa Hokkaido University, SANTOKU CORPORATIONInventors: Motofumi Matsuda, Tadatoshi Murota, Tatsuya Takeguchi
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Patent number: 8748057Abstract: To provide an ionic electrolyte membrane structure that enables contact between the air pole and the fuel pole in which structure an edge face of the interface between an ion conducting layer and an ion non-conducting layer stands bare on a plane, an ionic electrolyte membrane structure which transmits ions only is made up of i) a substrate having a plurality of pores which have been made through the substrate in the thickness direction thereof and ii) a plurality of multi-layer membranes each comprising an ion conducting layer formed of an ion conductive material and an ion non-conducting layer formed of an ion non-conductive material which have alternately been formed in laminae a plurality of times on each inner wall surface of the pores of the substrate in such a way that the multi-layer membranes fill up the pores completely; the ions only being transmitted in the through direction by way of the multi-layer membranes provided on the inner wall surfaces of the pores.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Ito
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Patent number: 8748058Abstract: A Perovskite-like structure and its device applications are disclosed. One Perovskite-like structure disclosed includes a compound having an empirical chemical formula [A(ByC1-Y)Oz]x, where x, y, and z are numerical ranges. In select embodiments, A comprises one or more divalent metal ions, B comprises one or more monovalent metal ions, C comprises one or more pentavalent metal ions, O is oxygen; and wherein x?1, 0.1?y?0.9, 2.5?z?3, and wherein the net charge of A is +2, and the net charge Of (ByC1-y) is +4.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: UTI Limited PartnershipInventor: Thangadurai Venkataraman
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Patent number: 8748052Abstract: An electricity storage system comprising a reversible fuel cell having a first electrode and a second electrode separated by an ionically conducting electrolyte, and at least two chambers adapted to hold fuel and/or a reaction product, wherein the system is substantially closed and at least one reactant for discharge is hydrogen or oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. AndrewsInventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Julie Margaret Nairn, Paul Alexander Conner, James Rennie, Alan Feighery, Frances Gwyneth Elaine Jones, Kelcey Lynn Eccleston, Pierrot Sassou Attidekou
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Patent number: 8741499Abstract: The solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has a substrate (1); an electrolyte (3) that is disposed on one surface of the substrate (1); and at least one electrode element E having an anode (5) and a cathode (7) disposed on the same surface of the electrolyte (3) with a predetermined space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuniaki Yoshikata, Koichi Mikami, Hirotoshi Sakamoto
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Publication number: 20140134504Abstract: A solid ceramic electrolyte may include an ion-conducting ceramic and at least one grain growth inhibitor. The ion-conducting ceramic may be a lithium metal phosphate or a derivative thereof The grain growth inhibitor may be magnesia, titania, or both. The solid ceramic electrolyte may have an average grain size of less than about 2 microns. The grain growth inhibitor may be between about 0.5 mol. % to about 10 mol. % of the solid ceramic electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Inventor: Jacqueline Leslie Brown
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Patent number: 8709678Abstract: A method of preparing a metal-doped oxide, the method including: preparing a precursor solution including a zirconium precursor or cerium precursor, a dopant metal precursor, a solvent, and a chloride salt; and heat-treating the precursor solution to prepare the metal-doped oxide. Also an oxide including: a metal-doped zirconia or metal-doped ceria; and chlorine.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Soo-yeon Seo, Hee-jung Park, Chan Kwak, Sang-mock Lee, Dong-hee Yeon
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Patent number: 8709673Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell comprises a porous anode electrode, a dense non-porous electrolyte and a porous cathode electrode. The anode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members and the cathode electrode comprises a plurality of parallel plate members. The plate members of the cathode electrode inter-digitate with the plate members of the anode electrode. The electrolyte comprises at least one electrolyte member, which fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode. At least one non-ionically conducting member fills at least one space between the parallel plate members of the anode electrode and the parallel plate members of the cathode electrode and the at least one electrolyte member and the at least one non-ionically conducting member are arranged alternately.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems IncInventors: Gerard D Agnew, Peter J Dixon
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Patent number: 8709674Abstract: A plurality of tubular solid oxide fuel cells are embedded in a solid phase porous foam matrix that serves as a support structure for the fuel cells. The foam matrix has multiple regions with at least one property differing between at least two regions. The properties include porosity, electrical conductivity, and catalyst loading.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Alberta Research Council Inc.Inventors: Partho Sarkar, Mark Richardson, Luis Yamarte
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Publication number: 20140113216Abstract: A treatment method for solid oxide fuel cells includes: measuring a radius of curvature of a cell; measuring a surface resistance of cathode current collecting layer of a cell; performing an alcohol permeating test of a cell; performing simultaneously several stages of compression and heating or cooling to a cell; an apparatus for completing above stages is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUANInventor: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN
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Patent number: 8703352Abstract: On each of upper and lower surfaces of a flat-plate-like support substrate having a longitudinal direction and having fuel gas flow channels formed therein, a plurality of power-generating elements A connected electrically in series are disposed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. On each of the upper and lower surfaces of the support substrate, a plurality of recesses are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction. Each of the recesses is a rectangular-parallelepiped-like depression defined by four side walls arranged in a circumferentially closed manner and a bottom wall. That is, in the support substrate, frames are formed to surround the respective recesses. Fuel electrodes of the power-generating elements A are embedded in the respective recesses, and inter connectors are embedded in respective recesses formed on the outer surfaces of the fuel electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Kunihiko Yoshioka, Takashi Ryu, Kenji Suzuki
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Patent number: 8697027Abstract: Methods and systems of providing a source of hydrogen and oxygen with high volumetric energy density, as well as a power systems useful in non-air breathing engines such as those in, for example, submersible vehicles, is disclosed. A hydride reactor may be utilized in forming hydrogen from a metal hydride and a peroxide reactor may be utilized in forming oxygen from hydrogen peroxide. The high temperature hydrogen and oxygen may be converted to water using a solid oxide fuel cell, which serves as a power source. The power generation system may have an increased energy density in comparison to conventional batteries. Heat produced by exothermic reactions in the hydride reactor and the peroxide reactor may be transferred and utilized in other aspects of the power generation system. High temperature water produced during by the peroxide reactor may be used to fuel the hydride reactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.Inventors: Ighor K. Uzhinsky, Gary K. Lund, John C. Leylegian, Florin Girlea, Jason S. Tyll, Lawrence G. Piper, Marten Byl, Wallace Chinitz
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Patent number: 8697308Abstract: A solid oxide electrolyte including an oxide represented by Formula 1: (1?a?b)(Ce1-xMaxO2-?)+a(Mb)+b(Mc)??Formula 1 wherein 0<a<0.2, 0<b<0.2, 0<x<0.5, ? is selected so that the Ce1-xMaxO2-? is electrically neutral, Ma is a rare-earth metal, Mb is an oxide, a nitride, or a carbide of aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg), or titanium (Ti), or a combination including at least one of the foregoing, and Mc is an oxide of a metal of Groups 6 through 11.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang UniversityInventors: Sang-mock Lee, Hee-jung Park, Yong-ho Choa, Chan Kwak
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Publication number: 20140093809Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell preventing formation of a diffusion layer containing Ca and other elements, and having an excellent power generation performance at low temperature by preventing breakdown of a crystal structure of an electrolyte by firing. Disclosed is a solid oxide fuel cell which includes an inner electrode, a solid electrolyte, and an outer electrode, each being sequentially laminated on the surface of a porous support. The porous support contains forsterite, and has a Mg/Si molar ratio of 1.90 to 2.2 both inclusive, and an A-to-B ratio (A/B) of 0.0% to 9.0% both inclusive, where A denotes a maximum peak height which appears at a diffraction angle 2?=26.5° to 27.0° and B denotes a maximum peak height which appears at 36.5° to 37.0° in a powder X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by using Cu—K? radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Shigeru ANDO, Seiki FURUYA, Yutaka MOMIYAMA, Kiyoshi HAYAMA, Osamu OKAMOTO, Naoki WATANABE, Nobuo ISAKA, Masaki SATO
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Patent number: 8685589Abstract: A fuel cell and method for manufacturing the fuel cell are described herein. Basically, the fuel cell is formed from an electrode/electrolyte structure including an array of anode electrodes and cathode electrodes disposed on opposing sides of an electrolyte sheet, the anode and cathode electrodes being electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof by electrical conductors that traverse via holes in the electrolyte sheet. Several different embodiments of electrical conductors which have a specific composition and/or a specific geometry are described herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Michael E Badding, Jacqueline L Brown, Thomas D Ketcham, Susan L Schiefelbein, Dell J St Julien, Raja R Wusirika
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Patent number: 8679700Abstract: A method and apparatus for energy conversion cycle based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and utilizing CO2 source (referred to as SOFC-CO2-ECC) adopt CO2 as energy sources from waste/stock gas or convert and fix it in the useful compounds. CO2 is converted into CO and O2 via simultaneously catalytic and electrochemical reactions in SOFC for power generation and CO2 cracking. Furthermore, CO is used either as the fuel in SOFC for power generation or starting materials in the chemical reactors to produce CO-derivatives of energy source materials and useful chemical compounds. Hence, SOFC-CO2-ECC is an active or scientific carbon cycle with zero emission of CO2.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive YuanInventors: Maw-Chwain Lee, Chun-Hsiu Wang, Yang-Chuang Chang, Wei-Xin Kao, Tai-Nan Lin, Jen-Chen Chang, Rung-Je Yang, Lin-Song Lee
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Publication number: 20140080019Abstract: The disclosure provides a material with the general formula Sr1-xAxSi1-yGeyO3-0.5x, wherein A is K or Na, including mixtures thereof, and wherein 0?y?1 and 0?x?0.4. In a specific embodiment, 0?y?0.5. In another specific embodiment, 0?y?0.1 and 0?x?0.4. In another specific embodiment 0.9?y?1 and 0?x?0.25. The material may be a single-phase polycrystalline solid having a monoclinic crystal structure. The material may have an oxide-ion conductivity (?o) greater than or equal to 10?2 S/cm at a temperature of at least 500° C. The material may be formed into a planar or tubular membrane or a composite with another solid member. The material may be used as the electrolyte in a fuel cell or a regenerative or reverse fuel cell, as an oxygen sensor, or as an oxygen separation membrane. The material may also be used as a catalyst for oxidation of an olefin or for other purposes where oxide-ion conductivity is beneficial.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: John B. Goodenough, Preetam Singh
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Publication number: 20140080031Abstract: A supported membrane for fuel cell applications includes a first expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support and a second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support. Both the first and second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene supports independently have pores with a diameter from about 0.1 to about 1 microns and a thickness from about 4 to 12 microns. The supported membrane also includes an ion conducting polymer adhering to the first expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support and the second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support such that the membrane has a thickness from about 10 to 25 microns.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lijun Zou, Timothy J. Fuller, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
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Patent number: 8652701Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell in which an electrolyte electrode assembly having an electrolyte sandwiched between an anode and a cathode is provided between separators, each of the separators including: a sandwiching section which sandwiches an electrolyte electrode assembly and includes a fuel gas channel and a separately provided oxygen-containing gas channel; a bridge which is connected to the sandwiching section and includes a reactant gas supply channel; a reactant gas supply section which is connected to the bridge and includes a reactant gas supply passage; and a connecting section that connects the sandwiching section to the bridge.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Kimiko Fujisawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
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Patent number: 8632926Abstract: Provided are a solid proton conductor and a fuel cell including the solid proton conductor. The solid proton conductor includes a polymer providing a proton source, and a polymer solvent providing a proton path.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myung-jin Lee, Moon-sung Kang
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Publication number: 20140017587Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell bonding material contains a glass ceramic layer containing glass ceramic, and a constrained layer laminated on the glass ceramic layer. A solid oxide fuel cell employing the solid oxide fuel cell bonding material is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Yasuhiko Ueda
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Patent number: 8623301Abstract: The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: C3 International, LLCInventors: Mark Deininger, Mikhail Pozvonkov, Paul Fisher, Leonid V. Budaragin, D. Morgan Spears
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Publication number: 20140004446Abstract: Provided are a ceria-based composition having an undoped or metal-doped ceria and an undoped or metal-doped bismuth oxide, wherein the undoped or metal-doped bismuth oxide is present in an amount equal to or more than about 10 wt % and less than about 50 wt % based on the total weight of the ceria-based composition, and at least one selected from the ceria and the bismuth oxide is metal-doped. The ceria-based composition may ensure high sintering density even at a temperature significantly lower than the known sintering temperature of about 1400° C., i.e., for example at a temperature of about 1000° C. or lower, and increase ion conductivity as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Sung Pil YOON, Jonghee HAN, Shin Ae SONG, Tae Hoon LIM, Hyoung-Juhn KIM, Jong Hyun JANG, Dirk HENKENSMEIER, Eun Ae CHO, Suk Woo NAM, Seong Ahn HONG, Thieu CAM-ANH
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Publication number: 20130344416Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a method comprising combining a chelating agent, one or more non-aqueous organic solvents and one or more metallic compounds to produce an oxide ceramic solid in a non-aqueous solution based reaction, wherein the oxide ceramic solid contains metal-oxygen-metal bonds. The oxide ceramic solid can comprise, for example, a gel or a powder. Various devices, including electrolyte interfaces and energy storage devices are also provided. In one embodiment, the oxide ceramic solid is a cubic garnet having a nominal formula of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Jeffrey Sakamoto, Ezhiyl Rangasamy, Hyunjoong Kim, Yunsung Kim, Ryan Patrick Maloney
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Publication number: 20130337360Abstract: An SOFC component includes a first electrode, an electrolyte overlying the first electrode, and a second electrode overlying the electrolyte. The second electrode includes a bulk layer portion and a functional layer portion, the functional layer portion being an interfacial layer extending between the electrolyte and the bulk layer portion of the second electrode, wherein the bulk layer portion has a bimodal pore size distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: F. Michael Mahoney, John D. Pietras
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Patent number: 8609290Abstract: A fuel cell device including an elongate ceramic substrate having an exterior surface defining an interior ceramic support structure and having a length that is at least 5 times greater than the width and the thickness so as to exhibit thermal expansion along a dominant axis coextensive with the length. The substrate has an active zone and at least one non-active end region. The active zone has an anode and a cathode in opposing relation with an electrolyte therebetween and the non-active end region lacks the anode and cathode in opposing relation and extends away from the active zone to dissipate heat. The electrolyte, anode and cathode extend within the interior ceramic support structure, the anode and cathode each have an electrical pathway extending from within the interior ceramic support structure to the exterior surface in the non-active end region, and the electrolyte is a ceramic co-fired with the interior ceramic support structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
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Patent number: 8603699Abstract: A proton conductive electrolyte (20) is made of AB(1-x)MxO3 structure perovskite, and is characterized in that: the B is Ce; the M is a metal having valence that is smaller than +4; and an average of an ion radius of the M is less than an ion radius of Tm3+ and more than 56.4 pm.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2007Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Ito, Hiroshige Matsumoto, Tatsumi Ishihara
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Patent number: 8603698Abstract: Disclosed is an electrolyte for fuel cells, which is mainly composed of a copolycondensate of a polyimide having an alkoxysilyl group at an end and an alkoxysilane having an ion-conducting group. Also disclosed are an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells, a binder for fuel cells and a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells, each using the electrolyte, and a fuel cell using such a membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells. The electrolyte enables to obtain an electrolyte membrane, a binder and a membrane electrode assembly, each having high ion conductivity, high strength, high toughness, low swelling and low fuel permeability suitable for fuel cells. By using such an electrolyte, there can be obtained a low-cost fuel cell having high output power and high durability.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuo Kawada
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Patent number: 8597852Abstract: A fuel cell stack having a plurality of connected modules. Each module includes an elongate hollow member and at least one passage extending through the hollow member. Each hollow member has a first flat surface and a second flat surface arranged parallel to the first flat surface. A first module includes a plurality of fuel cells arranged on at least one of the first and second flat surfaces. A first end of each module has an integral spacer.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.Inventors: Gary Wright, Nigel T Hart, Gerard D Agnew, Christopher Burrows
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Publication number: 20130316266Abstract: Provided is a solid electrolyte material provided which, while maintaining a high oxygen ion conductivity, minimizes the extraction of scandia caused by impurities such as silicon in the fuel gas, and has improved intergranular strength in order to eliminate intergranular fracture caused by crystalline modification. The solid electrolyte material is a zirconia solid electrolyte material having yttria dissolved therein, has cubic crystals as the main ingredient, and is further characterized by having a lanthanoid oxide dissolved therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: TOTO LTD.Inventors: Megumi Shimazu, Akira Ueno, Toshiya Abe, Motoyasu Miyao, Kenichi Hiwatashi
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Patent number: 8592101Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrolyte for an SOFC battery comprising a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) deposition step, on a substrate, of a stack of at least three layers of materials YSZ/X/YSZ, X being a different material than YSZ.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Sébastien Donet, Christelle Anglade, Bertrand Morel
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Patent number: 8580453Abstract: A solid oxide electrochemical device having a laminar composite electrode with improved electrochemical and mechanical performance, the laminar composite electrode comprising a porous support electrode layer, a thin and patterned structure layer, and a thin and dense electrolyte layer and methods for making.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jie Guan, Gregory R. Lear, Matthew Walker
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Patent number: 8574784Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell having a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte film, an air electrode, and a conductive current-collecting mesh bonded to an upper surface, opposite to a lower bonding surface with the solid electrolyte film, of the air electrode. Plural bonding portions that are bonded to the current-collecting mesh and plural non-bonding portions that are not bonded to the current-collecting mesh are present on the upper surface of the air electrode. In the air electrode, regions having a porosity smaller than a porosity of the other region are respectively formed on the position in the middle of the thickness of the air electrode from each bonding portion. The average of the porosity of the dense portion is 20% or more and less than 35%, while the average of the porosity of the porous portion is 35% or more and less than 55%.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Ayano Kobayashi, Makoto Ohmori
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Patent number: 8535848Abstract: The structured body intended for use for an anode (1) in fuel cells, includes a structure formed by macro-pores and an electrode material. The macro-pores form communicating spaces which are produced by using pore forming materials. The electrode material includes skeleton-like or net-like connected structures of particles which are connected by sintering and which form two reticular systems which interengage: a first reticular system made of ceramic material and a second reticular system which contains metals to effect an electrical conductivity. The electrode material has the properties so that, with a multiple change between oxidizing and reducing conditions, substantially no major property changes occur in the ceramic reticular system, and an oxidization or reduction of the metals occurs in the second reticular system.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Hexis AGInventors: Gilles Robert, Andreas Franz-Josef Kaiser, Emad Batawi
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Patent number: 8530107Abstract: A fuel cell and a fuel cell stack thereof includes separators, each of which includes a sandwiching section for sandwiching an electrolyte electrode assembly, a bridge and a reactant gas supply section, wherein the sandwiching section has a fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas channel, the bridge has a fuel gas supply channel for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas channel and an oxygen-containing gas supply channel for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas channel, and a fuel gas supply passage for supplying the fuel gas to the fuel gas supply channel and an oxygen-containing gas supply passage for supplying the oxygen-containing gas to the oxygen-containing gas supply channel extend through the reactant gas supply section in the stacking direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Ogawa, Ayatoshi Yokokawa
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Publication number: 20130230791Abstract: A current collection apparatus and its method of processing for a solid oxide fuel cell, which mainly includes using screen printing process to print conductive adhesive onto the surface of the electrode of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), forming a current collection layer with drying process, using an appropriate amount of conductive adhesive to paste a conductive wire onto the current collection layer, forming an adhesion layer through drying, fixing the conductive wire on the electrode surface with an appropriate amount of ceramic adhesive, and forming a fixing layer after baking. A good connection is hence made between metal conductive wire and electrode through current collection layer, not only the interface impedance between electrode and current collection layer can be reduced effectively, but also the output power density of the SOFC unit cell can be enhanced, and stable as well as long term power output can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Jen-Chen Chang, Maw-Chwain Lee, Rung-Je Yang, Tai-Nan Lin, Yang-Chuang Chang, Wei-Xin Kao, Lin-Song Lee
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Publication number: 20130224628Abstract: A functional layer material for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) including a ceria ceramic oxide and a metal oxide including a metal, except for zirconium, having a Vegard's slope X represented by Equation 1 and having an absolute value |X| of the Vegard's slope X, wherein 27×105?|X|?45×105: X=(0.0220ri+0.00015zi) ??(1), wherein ri is an ionic radius difference between the metal and Ce4+, and zi is a charge difference between the metal and Ce4+.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
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Patent number: 8518595Abstract: A proton-conducting structure that exhibits favorable proton conductivity in the temperature range of not lower than 100° C., and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. After a pyrophosphate salt containing Sn, Zr, Ti or Si is mixed with phosphoric acid, the mixture is maintained at a temperature of not less than 80° C. and not more than 150° C., and thereafter maintained at a temperature of not less than 200° C. and not more than 400° C. to manufacture a proton-conducting structure. The proton-conducting structure of the present invention has a core made of tin pyrophosphate, and a coating layer formed on the surface of the core, the coating layer containing Sn and O, and having a coordination number of O with respect to Sn of grater than 6.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yuji Zenitani, Takashi Otsuka, Tomoko Suzuki, Tomoyuki Komori
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Publication number: 20130216938Abstract: The material according to the invention is based on a material having the composition Ln6WO12 with a defect fluorite structure in which the cations, at least partially, have been substituted in a defined manner in the A and/or B position. It has the following composition: Ln1-xAx)6(W1-yBy)zO12-? where Ln=an element from the group (La, Pr, Nd, Sm), A=at least one element from the group (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Er, Yb, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Th, In, Pb), B=at least one element from the group (Mo, Re, U, Cr, Nb), 0?x?0.7 and 0?y?0.5, wherein, however, either x or y>0, 1.00?z?1.25 and 0???0.3. The mixed proton-electron conducting material exhibits an improved mixed conductivity, good chemical stability as well as good sintering properties, and can be used in particular as a material for a hydrogen-separating membrane or as a electrolyte at higher temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicants: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA, FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBHInventors: Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg, Mariya Ivanova, Hans Peter Buchkremer, Detlev Stoever, Jose Manuel Serra Alfaro, Sonia Escolastico
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Publication number: 20130189605Abstract: Provided are a ceria-based composition including ceria or metal-doped ceria, lithium salt, and optionally, bismuth oxide, ceria-based composite electrolyte powder, and a sintering method and sintered body using the same. Particularly, the lithium salt is present in an amount more than 0 wt % and equal to or less than 5 wt %, and bismuth oxide is present in an amount more than 0 wt % and equal to or less than 10 wt %. It is possible to reduce sintering temperature by adding a low-melting point and/or volatile compound to a ceria-based material. In this manner, it is possible to ensure a high composite sintering density, for example, of 95% or more even at a temperature, for example, of 1000° C. or lower, which is significantly lower than the conventional sintering temperature of 1500° C. in the case of a ceria-based material alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventor: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
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Patent number: 8492041Abstract: Provides a solid oxide fuel cell with which product life can be extended while a practical output power is maintained. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell, having a fuel cell module (2), a fuel supply device (38), an oxidant gas supply device (45), and a controller (110) for controlling the fuel supply amount; whereby the controller is furnished with a degradation determining circuit (110a) for determining degradation in a fuel cell module, and with a fuel correction circuit (110b) for correcting operating conditions based on a degradation determination; the fuel correction circuit can execute an increasing correction mode for increasing the fuel supply amount supplied to the fuel cell module so that rated output power is maintained, or can execute a decreasing correction mode for reducing rated output voltage so that the fuel supply amount is reduced; there is also a mode selection device (110c) for selecting correction modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Tsukasa Shigezumi, Toshiharu Ooe, Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Kiyotaka Nakano, Yoshiyuki Kawamura
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Publication number: 20130183597Abstract: System and method for energy storage and recovery is described. More particularly, system and method using tungsten based materials to electrochemically store and recover energy is described. In certain embodiments, the system includes a reversible solid oxide electrochemical cell (RSOEC) having a porous cathode, a porous anode, and an electrolyte capable of transporting oxygen ion. The system further includes a reactor comprising tungsten, tungsten oxide, or combinations thereof. To store the energy, the RSOEC is capable of receiving electricity to electrolyze H2O to generate H2 and O2 and the reactor is operably connected to the RSOEC to receive the generated H2 and convert tungsten oxide to tungsten thereby storing electrical energy. To recover the energy, reactor is capable of receiving H2O to convert tungsten to tungsten oxide and generate H2 and the RSOEC is operably connected to the reactor to receive the generated H2 and generate electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITYInventors: Uday B. Pal, Srikanth Gopalan
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Publication number: 20130177835Abstract: By using a composite material that is produced from an acid salt of an oxo acid compound and an azole compound, a proton conductor with good proton conductivity properties under medium temperature, non-humidified conditions may be achieved. The composite material may be produced by mechanical milling of the acid salt of the oxo acid compound and the azole compound using a planetary ball mill The structure of the composite material obtained by the mixing processing may be different from that of a mixture of the acid salt of the oxo acid compound and the azole compound. Therefore, it may be possible to produce the proton conductor that has good proton conductivity properties under medium temperature, non-humidified conditions with a simple method of mechanical mixing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: National University Corporation TOYOHASHI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Song-Yul Oh, Toshihiro Yoshida, Go Kawamura, Atsunori Matsuda, Hiroyuki Muto, Daisuke Uchihori
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Patent number: 8470496Abstract: A novel ion conductive material is provided. The ion conductive material composed of an amorphous material is employed.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: RikenInventors: Toyoki Kunitake, Yoshitaka Aoki, Emi Muto
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Publication number: 20130157172Abstract: Provided is an ion-conducting material, comprising, as a composition in terms of mol o, 15 to 80% of P2O5, 0 to 70% of SiO2, and 5 to 35% of R2O, which represents the total content of Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O, Cs2O, and Ag2O.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Tetsuo Yazawa, Yusuke Daiko, Takeshi Yamada, Hironori Takase, Hiroki Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20130154147Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) article including a SOFC unit cell having a functional layer of an average thickness of not greater than about 100 ?m, wherein the functional layer has a first type of porosity having a vertical orientation, and the first type of porosity has an aspect ratio of length:width, the width substantially aligned with a dimension of thickness of the functional layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2012Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventor: Aravind MOHANRAM
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Patent number: 8455153Abstract: An anode component of a solid oxide fuel cell is formed by combining a relatively coarse yttria-stabilized-zirconium (YSZ) powder, that is substantially composed of elongated particles, with a relatively fine NiO/YSZ or NiO powder of reduced particle size, whereby, upon sintering the combined powders, the coarse YSZ powder forms a microstructural cage of open porosity wherein the fine powder is distributed through the open porosity of the cage. A method of forming a cathode component includes combining a coarse YSZ powder, that is substantially composed of elongated particles, with a fine lanthanum strontium manganite powder of reduced particle size, whereby, upon sintering the combined powders, the coarse YSZ powder forms a microstructural cage of open porosity, wherein the fine powder is distributed through the open porosity of the cage.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.Inventor: F. Michael Mahoney
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Publication number: 20130137012Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) interconnect comprises a metal sheet with an air side and a fuel side in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The metal sheet comprises a metallic composite having a matrix. The matrix comprises a first metal. The metal sheet also comprises a plurality of discontinuous, elongated, directional reinforcement wires. The reinforcement wires comprise a second metal that is immiscible in the first metal. An oxidation protection layer is disposed on the air side of the metal sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: Boeing CorporationInventor: Boeing Corporation