Reactant Is An Alcohol Patents (Class 429/506)
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Patent number: 12176547Abstract: A catalyst layer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells that improves drainage or gas diffusion, reduces or prevents the occurrence of cracking in a catalyst layer, enhances catalyst utilization efficiency, exerts high output power and high energy conversion efficiency, and has high durability, and also provides a membrane-electrode assembly and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell using the catalyst layer. The catalyst layer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells contains a catalyst, carbon particles, a polymer electrolyte, and a fibrous material. In the catalyst layer, the carbon particles carry the catalyst1. The catalyst layer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells has voids. The percentage of frequencies of the voids having a cross-sectional area of 10,000 nm2 or more is 13% or more and 20% or less among the voids observed in a thickness-direction cross section of the catalyst layer for polymer electrolyte fuel cells perpendicular to the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: TOPPAN PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroaki Koyama, Madoka Ozawa
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Patent number: 11920248Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing carbon products via electrochemical reduction from fluid streams containing a carbon-containing material, such as, for example, carbon dioxide. Electrochemical reduction systems and methods of the present disclosure may comprise micro- or nanostructured membranes for separation and catalytic processes. The electrochemical reduction systems and methods may utilize renewable energy sources to generate a carbon product comprising one or more carbon atoms (C1+ product), such as, for example, fuel. This may be performed at substantially low (or nearly zero) net or negative carbon emissions.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: PROMETHEUS FUELS, INCInventor: Robert McGinnis
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Patent number: 11479871Abstract: A method for depositing a catalyst layer onto a porous conductive substrate is provided. A catalyst ink is provided comprising catalyst particles suspended in a solvent. The catalyst ink is deposited onto a porous conductive substrate, wherein the solvent of the deposited catalyst ink is frozen. The frozen solvent is sublimated, leaving the catalyst layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: The Board of Trastees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Matthew W. Kanan, Donald Stephen Ripatti, Thomas R. Veltman
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Patent number: 11351521Abstract: A supported core-shell bimetallic catalyst with high selectivity, and preparation method and an application thereof are provided. SBA-15 is used as support, platinum (Pt) is used as active component, 3d transition metal is used as cocatalysts. In the core-shell bimetallic catalyst formed by the 3d transition metal and Pt, in one aspect, by the addition of the 3d metal in the core, the d-band center of surface Pt atoms is down shifted, and the absorption of propylene is weakened, thereby improving the selectivity for propylene. In another aspect, the use of Pt is reduced by the addition of the 3d transition metal, improving the utilization of Pt. The catalyst is applicable in a hydrogen atmosphere, has a good effect on the preparation of propylene by propane dehydrogenation and causes high dehydrogenation activity under high temperature conditions. The total selectivity for propylene may reach 85%, which achieves high propylene selectivity.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: TIANJIN UNIVERSITYInventors: Jinlong Gong, Weiting Cai, Rentao Mu, Liang Zeng
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Patent number: 10847801Abstract: Provided is conductive carbon which gives an electric storage device having a high energy density. This conductive carbon is characterized in having a hydrophilic solid phase component, where the ratio of the peak area of an amorphous component band in the vicinity of 1510 cm?1 against the peak area in a range from 980 to 1780 cm?1 in a Raman spectrum of the hydrophilic solid phase component is within a range of 13 to 19%. When performing a rolling treatment on an active layer including an active particle and this conductive carbon formed on a current collector during manufacture of an electrode of an electric storage device, the pressure resulting from the rolling treatment causes this conductive carbon to spread in a paste-like form and increase in density while covering the surface of the active particles, the conductive carbon being pressed into gaps formed between adjacent active particles and filling the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: NIPPON CHEMI-CON CORPORATIONInventors: Satoshi Kubota, Yoshihiro Minato, Shuichi Ishimoto, Kenji Tamamitsu, Katsuhiko Naoi, Wako Naoi
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Patent number: 10637082Abstract: A flow battery includes a liquid electrolyte having an electrochemically active specie. A flow field plate includes a first flow field channel and a second flow field channel that is separated from the first flow field channel by a rib. There is a flow path for the liquid electrolyte to flow over the rib between the channels. An electrode is arranged adjacent the flow field plate such that the liquid electrolyte that flows over the rib must flow through the electrode. The electrode includes a carbon paper that is catalytically active with regard to liquid electrolyte. The carbon paper defines a compressive strain of less than 20% at a compressive stress of 0.8 MPa and an uncompressed porosity in the range 60-85%.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Robert Mason Darling, Laura Roen Stolar
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Patent number: 10483578Abstract: The present application relates to a method of manufacturing an anode support of a solid oxide fuel cell and an anode support of a solid oxide fuel cell, and may improve performance and durability of the fuel cell by improving an interfacial property between the anode support and an electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Yeonhyuk Heo, Kwangwook Choi, Jongjin Lee, Takkeun Oh, Bu Won Son
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Patent number: 10232351Abstract: To produce a core-shell catalyst with high catalytic activity for a short period of time. Disclosed is a method for producing a core-shell catalyst comprising a core containing palladium and a shell containing platinum and coating the core, the method comprising: supplying palladium-containing particles and a copper-containing material to an acid solution; stirring the acid solution with introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the acid solution; coating at least a part of a surface of the palladium-containing particles with copper by applying a potential that is nobler than the oxidation reduction potential of copper to the palladium-containing particles in a copper ion-containing electrolyte after the stirring; and then forming the shell by substituting the copper coating at least a part of the surface of the palladium-containing particles with platinum by bringing the palladium-containing particles into contact with a platinum ion-containing solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Noriyuki Kitao, Nobuo Honma
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Patent number: 9385377Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production method which can increase the activity of a catalyst particle comprising a core particle and an outermost layer, the core particle comprising at least one of palladium and a palladium alloy, and the outermost layer comprising at least one of platinum and a platinum alloy and covering the core particle.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AUDI AGInventors: Keiichi Kaneko, Naoki Takehiro, Takumi Taniguchi, Tatsuya Arai, Noriyuki Kitao, Makoto Adachi, Hiroko Kimura
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Patent number: 9174843Abstract: A valve assembly is provided with concentric fluid paths and may be used on a hydrogen generator to transport liquid reactant to the hydrogen generator and hydrogen gas. The valve assembly includes a housing defining first and second fluid paths, a first valve member disposed in the first fluid path, and a second valve member disposed in the second fluid path. The assembly includes a connector including a first elongated member configured to engage the first valve member to open the first valve member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first fluid path, and a second fluid port including a second elongated member configured to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path. The valve assembly is concentric in that the second fluid path surrounds at least a portion of the first fluid path.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Intelligent Energy Inc.Inventor: Russell H. Barton
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Patent number: 8993196Abstract: In a fuel cell system including a fuel cartridge and a fuel supply module, the fuel cartridge includes at least two ports, wherein a first port from among the at least two ports is a fuel inlet port and a second port from among the at least two ports is a fuel outlet port. The fuel cartridge may also include a fuel pouch or the fuel cartridge itself may be the fuel pouch. The fuel supply module may include a fuel circulation structure that circulates the fuel before the fuel is supplied to the stack. The fuel cell system may be equipped with an electronic apparatus and serve as a source of power.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-soo Joung, Hye-jung Cho, Sang-ho Yoon
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Publication number: 20150064604Abstract: Atomic mixed metal electrodes, including electrodes containing a conductive polymer-mixed metal complex, as well as methods of making and using the same, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the atomic mixed metal electrode can be described as a conductive polymer-coated electrode having mixed metal clusters complexed to the conductive polymer at levels of between 2 and 10 metal atoms. A method for preparing the conductive polymer-mixed metal complexes is disclosed that can deposit metal atoms one at a time into a complex with the conductive polymer, allowing for highly tailored atomic clusters. A method of oxidizing alcohols, and the application to devices such as fuel cells are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Alex P. Jonke, Miroslawa A. Josowicz, Jiri Janata
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Patent number: 8968966Abstract: Provided is a fuel battery including: a fuel battery cell assembly having at least two fuel battery cells coplanarly disposed, the fuel battery cell including a membrane electrode assembly having an anode, an electrolytic membrane, and a cathode stacked on one another in this order, and a flow channel plate provided on an anode side and having on an anode-side surface thereof an in-cell fuel flow channel through which liquid fuel flows; and a fuel distributor having an out-cell fuel flow channel connected to each of the in-cell fuel flow channels to distribute the liquid fuel to the fuel battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takenori Onishi, Tomohisa Yoshie, Hirotaka Mizuhata, Mutsuko Komoda, Shinobu Takenaka, Masashi Muraoka
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Publication number: 20140370419Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Larry J. Markoski, Timothy C. Simmons
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Patent number: 8906577Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell based flame fuel cell that enable the generation of both electricity and heat from a flame (i.e. flame is used as a heat source and a fuel source for the fuel cell's operation, while supplying a useful heat for other thermochemical systems) and, more particularly, to an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell based flame fuel cell that uses hydrocarbon/air mixture as a fuel source and includes a catalyst layer that can act as a protective layer for the anode layer, an anode layer, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an interlayer between the cathode layer and the electrolyte layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Syracuse UniversityInventor: Jeongmin Ahn
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Publication number: 20140349203Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon-free electrocatalyst for fuel cells, containing an electrically conductive substrate and a catalytically active species, wherein the conductive substrate is an inorganic, multi-component substrate material of the composition 0X1-0X2, in which 0X1 means an electrically non-conductive inorganic oxide having a specific surface area (BET) in the range of 50 to 400 mVg and 0X2 means a conductive oxide. The non-conductive inorganic oxide 0X1 is coated with the conductive oxide 0X2. The multi-component substrate preferably has a core/shell structure. The multi-component substrate material 0X1-0X2 has an electrical conductivity in the range>0.01 S/cm and is coated with catalytically active particles containing noble metal. The electrocatalysts produced therewith are used in electrochemical devices such as PEM fuel cells and exhibit high corrosion stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Barbara Klose-Schubert, Daniel Herein, Marco Lopez, Carsten Becker
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Publication number: 20140295320Abstract: A platinum-rhodium nano-dendritic alloy includes a plurality of first structure having a round shape and a second structure connecting the plurality of first structures and having a thin bridge shape, wherein the first and second structures containing platinum and rhodium homogeneously distributed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyung-Won PARK, Young-Woo LEE, Si-Jin KIM, Da-Hee KWAK
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Patent number: 8679692Abstract: A fuel cell is provided that prevents destabilization of power generation due to heat generated in an electrochemical device portion. In a fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly which performs power generation by chemical reaction, a membrane-electrode assembly is disposed with a space from another membrane-electrode assembly or two membrane-electrode assemblies are provided adjacent to each other so that the pair is disposed with a space from another membrane-electrode assembly or another pair, and one of the main surfaces of a membrane-electrode assembly is in contact with outside air. Conductive plates are disposed in contact with the membrane-electrode assembly in order to exchange a current generated in the membrane-electrode assembly with the outside, and radiation fins are provided on the conductive plate on the main surface side in contact with outside air so that the conductive plate serves as a radiation member.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shuji Goto, Kazuaki Fukushima, Sayaka Nanjo, Tetsuro Kusamoto
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Patent number: 8637207Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes a container having an outlet port section, and a liquid fuel provided in the container. The liquid fuel contains a cationic impurity excluding H+. The concentration of the cationic impurity falls within a range of 1Ă—10?7 to 6Ă—10?6 equivalent/L at the outlet port section.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yoshihiko Nakano, Kazuhiro Yasuda, Hideyuki Oozu
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Patent number: 8632925Abstract: An electrolyte-free, oxygen-free, high power, and energy dense single fuel cell device is provided, along with methods for making and use. The fuel cell device is based on an electron-relay function using a nanostructured membrane prepared by cross-linking polymers, and having embedded within the membrane, a reactant. Use of the fuel cell device does not produce water, or CO2, and no oxygen is needed. The rechargeability of the fuel cell device revealed it can function as a portable battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Ellen Tuanying Chen
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Patent number: 8617768Abstract: Provided is a carbon catalyst for a cathode of a direct fuel cell, which selectively promotes an oxygen reduction reaction even when crossover of a fuel compound occurs. The carbon catalyst for a cathode of a direct fuel cell exhibits an oxygen-reducing catalytic activity in an electrolytic solution containing a fuel compound for the direct fuel cell, and exhibits substantially no catalytic activity to oxidize the fuel compound in the electrolytic solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignees: Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., National University Corporation Gunma UniversityInventors: Takeaki Kishimoto, Rieko Kobayashi, Jun-ichi Ozaki
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Patent number: 8557483Abstract: Fuel cell fuel supplies having single and multiple compartments for storing and containing fuel cell fuel precursor reagents. These fuel supplies allow storage and packaging of precursors for in situ production and use of fuel cell fuel. A method for making fuel cell fuel and a fuel cell system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
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Patent number: 8557469Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell including at least one cell, the cell being a stacked body including: a membrane electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; an anode-side separator having a fuel flow channel for supplying a liquid fuel to the anode; and a cathode-side separator having an oxidant flow channel for supplying an oxidant to the cathode, in which the anode-side separator includes a first region including an upstream half of the fuel flow channel and a second region including a downstream half of the fuel flow channel, the anode includes an anode catalyst layer in contact with the electrolyte membrane and an anode diffusion layer in contact with the anode-side separator, the anode catalyst layer includes an anode catalyst and a polymer electrolyte, the anode catalyst layer includes an upstream-side region facing the first region and a downstream-side region facing the second region, and the content of the polymer electrolyteType: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Matsuda, Takashi Akiyama
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Patent number: 8546039Abstract: A solid polymer fuel cell that utilizes liquid fuel such as methanol should prevent generated water from residing in a ventilation port close to an anode, to thereby suppress degradation of a MEA. The fuel cell includes an anode, an anode-side collecting electrode, a sealing material located along a perimeter of a solid polymer electrolytic membrane and interleaved between the electrolytic membrane and the anode-side collecting electrode, and a discharging device that discharges a product generated through electric reaction on the anode. The sealing material is provided in a frame-shape around the anode. The discharging device is a ventilation port formed on the sealing material, and a water repellent material is provided at least one of inside the ventilation port and between the ventilation port and the anode.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Kenji Kobayashi, Shoji Sekino
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Publication number: 20130177836Abstract: Atomic gold electrodes, including electrodes containing a polyaniline gold complex are disclosed, including methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the atomic gold electrode can be described as a polyaniline coated electrode having atomic gold clusters complexed to the polyaniline at levels of between 1-20 gold atoms. A method for preparing the polyaniline gold complexes is disclosed that can deposit gold atoms one at a time into a complex with the polyaniline, allowing for highly tailored atomic clusters. A method of oxidizing alcohols, and the application to devices such as fuel cells are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventor: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
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Publication number: 20130122401Abstract: An article having a titanium, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, tantalum, aluminum, silicon, or stainless steel substrate, a RuO2 coating on a portion of the substrate; and a plurality of platinum nanoparticles on the RuO2 coating. The RuO2 coating contains nanoparticles of RuO2. A method of: immersing the substrate in a solution of RuO4 and a nonpolar solvent at a temperature that is below the temperature at which RuO4 decomposes to RuO2 in the nonpolar solvent in the presence of the article; warming the article and solution to ambient temperature under ambient conditions to cause the formation of a RuO2 coating on a portion of the article; and electrodepositing platinum nanoparticles on the RuO2 coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: May 16, 2013Inventors: Jeremy J. Pietron, Michael B. Pomfret, Christopher N. Chervin, Debra R. Rolison, Jeffrey W. Long
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Patent number: 8435699Abstract: A fuel cartridge capable of supplying two fuels to an anode of a fuel cell body without using a pump, a direct methanol fuel cell having the same, and a method of purging a direct methanol fuel cell using the fuel cartridge, fuel cartridge according to one exemplary embodiment comprising a first storage unit having a first port for entrance and exit of a fluid and storing a liquid first fuel; and a second storage unit having a second port for entrance and exit of a fluid and filling a second fuel at a constant pressure, wherein the first fuel is discharged into the first port by the pressure of the second fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chan-Gyun Shin
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Patent number: 8404396Abstract: A non-microbial fuel cell utilizing an organic fuel containing a hydroxyl group and a non-metallic catalyst is disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods for generating electric energy from chemical energy using fuel cells are also disclosed. Compositions for use in and methods of storing energy using fuel cells are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Brigham Young UniversityInventors: Gerald Watt, Dean R. Wheeler
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Publication number: 20130040224Abstract: Provided is a carbon catalyst for a cathode of a direct fuel cell, which selectively promotes an oxygen reduction reaction even when crossover of a fuel compound occurs. The carbon catalyst for a cathode of a direct fuel cell exhibits an oxygen-reducing catalytic activity in an electrolytic solution containing a fuel compound for the direct fuel cell, and exhibits substantially no catalytic activity to oxidize the fuel compound in the electrolytic solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicants: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION GUNMA UNIVERSITY, NISSHINBO HOLDINGS INC.Inventors: Takeaki Kishimoto, Rieko Kobayashi, Jun-ichi Ozaki
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Publication number: 20130017467Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Larry J. Markoski, Timothy C. Simmons
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Publication number: 20130011768Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell based flame fuel cell that enable the generation of both electricity and heat from a flame (i.e. flame is used as a heat source and a fuel source for the fuel cell's operation, while supplying a useful heat for other thermochemical systems) and, more particularly, to an anode supported solid-oxide fuel cell based flame fuel cell that uses hydrocarbon/air mixture as a fuel source and includes a catalyst layer that can act as a protective layer for the anode layer, an anode layer, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, and an interlayer between the cathode layer and the electrolyte layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITYInventor: Jeongmin Ahn
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Patent number: 8338055Abstract: An electrochemical energy conversion and storage system comprises an electrochemical energy conversion device, in fluid communication with a source of an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and an oxidant, for receiving, catalyzing and electrochemically oxidizing at least a portion of the hydrogen to generate electricity, a hydrogen depleted liquid, and water; and a vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid; wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least two secondary hydroxy groups is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Grigorii Lev Soloveichik
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Patent number: 8338049Abstract: A microfluidic system through which a solution of at least an oxidable compound is fed to a feed manifold of an energy converting electrochemical device includes a flow connector. The flow connector includes a silicon platform having a bottom side and an opposing top side, and through holes extending therethough. The silicon platform includes first and second channels defined on the bottom side for communicating with the through holes. The second channel forms an inlet for the feed manifold of the energy converting electrochemical device when the bottom side of the silicon platform is coupled to a flat coupling area of the device. A micropump module is coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first and second channels. First and second supply cartridges are coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Giuseppe Emanuele Spoto, Roberta Giuffrida, Salvatore Leonardi, Salvatore Abbisso
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Patent number: 8323850Abstract: A direct methanol fuel cell liquid fuel including methanol and water to be supplied to an anode of a direct methanol fuel cell, in which an electrical resistance of the liquid fuel is 5×105 ?·cm or more and 1×107 ?·m or less at 25° C. A direct methanol fuel cell cartridge storing the direct methanol fuel cell liquid fuel, and a direct methanol fuel cell system. Such structures can provide a direct methanol fuel cell liquid fuel, a direct methanol fuel cell cartridge, and a direct methanol fuel cell system all appropriately used for stable electricity generation over a long period of time.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Makoto Kubota, Motokazu Kobayashi, Shinji Eritate
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Publication number: 20120301799Abstract: A fuel cell includes a direct liquid fuel cell and a humidifier. The direct liquid fuel cell includes an air intake channel for providing oxidant to the fuel cell and an exhaust channel for exhausting depleted oxidant. The humidifier forms a fluid connection between the air intake channel and the exhaust channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Larry J. Markoski, Dilip Natarajan
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Patent number: 8304131Abstract: The invention provides a direct methanol fuel cell. The direct methanol fuel cell includes a membrane having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The membrane is sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. Two terminals of the membrane and a portion of the first and second surfaces adjacent to the two terminals are exposed from a pair of the electrodes. A pair of gas diffusion layers is respectively disposed on the pair of electrodes. A plurality of first border material layers having a plurality of holes is respectively physically embedded on the exposed first and second surfaces. A plurality of adhesion materials is respectively mounted on the border material layers, passing through the holes to contact the first and second surfaces of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Nan Ya PCB Corp.Inventors: Jiun-Ming Chen, Jyun-Yi Lai, Yu-Chih Lin
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Patent number: 8283090Abstract: An electrochemical cell is described that includes (a) a first electrode; (b) a second electrode; and (c) a channel contiguous with at least a portion of the first and the second electrodes. When a first liquid is contacted with the first electrode, a second liquid is contacted with the second electrode, and the first and the second liquids flow through the channel, a parallel laminar flow is established between the first and the second liquids. Electronic devices containing such electrochemical cells and methods for their use are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: Larry J. Markoski, Jeffrey S. Moore, Joseph W. Lyding
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Patent number: 8283089Abstract: A direct oxidation fuel cell of the invention includes at least one unit cell, the unit cell including a membrane-electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane and an anode and a cathode sandwiching the electrolyte membrane, an anode-side separator being in contact with the anode, and a cathode-side separator being in contact with the cathode. The anode includes an anode catalyst layer and an anode diffusion layer, the anode catalyst layer containing an anode catalyst. The cathode includes a cathode catalyst layer and a cathode diffusion layer, the cathode catalyst layer containing a cathode catalyst. The anode-side separator has a fuel flow channel for supplying fuel to the anode. A portion of the cathode catalyst layer facing the upstream of the fuel flow channel has an effective reaction area per unit area larger than that of a portion of the cathode catalyst layer facing the downstream of the fuel flow channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Ueda, Hiroaki Matsuda
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Patent number: 8278003Abstract: According to one embodiment, a direct methanol fuel cell includes an anode to which an aqueous methanol solution is supplied as the fuel, a cathode to which oxidizing gas is supplied, an electrolyte membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode, a first separator disposed on the surface of the anode on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane side and a second separator disposed on the surface of the cathode on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane side, wherein the first and second separators are respectively made of a membrane containing a copolymer of a first vinyl monomer having a cyclic functional group bonded with a carbonyl group, a second vinyl monomer having a carboxyl group and a third vinyl monomer having an aromatic group, and a carbon powder dispersed in the copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Tomoaki Arimura
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Patent number: 8273502Abstract: A fuel cartridge has a pair of flat faces in which holes are formed. A net is stretched within the holes, and solid methanol is packed inside the fuel cartridge. A fuel cell unit, shaped as a flat box, comprises a pair of flat wall portions, a pair of long-side wall portions, and a pair of short-side wall portions. Each flat wall portion is provided with two MEAs-4, as fuel cells that are arranged so that the fuel electrodes (not shown) face inward. One of the long-side wall portions has an opening provided with, on the edge thereof, an elastic packing serving as a sealing member. An opening and closing lid is pivotably provided to the opening by a pivot as a pivot member. The resulting reduced size methanol fuel cell system has sufficient air-tightness and good power generation efficiency, and is simple in structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.Inventor: Mitsuru Nozue
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Patent number: 8247132Abstract: Provided are a heat recovery apparatus recovering heat generated from a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and transmitting the heat to a fuel spreader so that a temperature difference between the MEA and the fuel spreader inside a fuel cell is reduced, and a fuel cell having the heat recovery apparatus. The fuel spreader supplies fuel having a uniform concentration to the MEA through the heat recovery apparatus, so that a fuel cell having a reduced total volume, a stable performance, and increased energy efficiency can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jinho Kim, Jae-yong Lee, Kyung-hwan Choi, Lei Hu
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Patent number: 8182955Abstract: A method for operating a direct methanol fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell includes a fuel cell main body having a fuel electrode and an air electrode disposed in opposing positions on either side of an electrolyte film. In this method, an aqueous methanol solution is supplied directly to the fuel electrode. A quantity of the aqueous methanol solution supplied is controlled in accordance with an electric current value drawn from the fuel cell main body so as to minimize a quantity of unused methanol within a discharge fluid discharged from the fuel electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Katsumi Kozu, Toshihiko Ichinose, Masahiro Takada, Satoshi Shibutani
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Patent number: 8142954Abstract: A fuel composition for a fuel cell includes at least one primary fuel that produces protons and electrons, and at least one peroxide. As an example, the primary fuel may be at least one aqueous solution containing methanol, ethanol, or formic acid. When the fuel composition is used, the catalytic activity can increase, and thus a fuel cell having improved performance can be manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seol-ah Lee, Hyuk Chang, Chan-ho Pak, Dae-jong Yoo
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Patent number: 8119833Abstract: Provided are a dendrimer solid acid and a polymer electrolyte membrane using the same. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a macromolecule of a dendrimer solid acid having ionically conductive terminal groups at the surface thereof and a minimum amount of ionically conductive terminal groups required for ionic conduction, thus suppressing swelling and allowing a uniform distribution of the dendrimer solid acid, thereby improving ionic conductivity. Since the number of ionically conductive terminal groups in the polymer electrolyte membrane is minimized and the polymer matrix in which swelling is suppressed is used, methanol crossover and difficulties of outflow due to a large volume may be reduced, and a macromolecule of the dendrimer solid acid having the ionically conductive terminal groups on the surface thereof is uniformly distributed. Accordingly, ionic conductivity is high and thus, the polymer electrolyte membrane shows good ionic conductivity even in non-humidified conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Myung-sup Jung, Jin-gyu Lee, Sang-kook Mah, Jae-jun Lee
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Patent number: 8114554Abstract: An arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell includes a fuel cartridge that supplies a source of fuel to the direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cartridge has a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel cartridge. The arrangement also includes a fuel reservoir that receives fuel from the fuel cartridge, the fuel reservoir arranged to deliver fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel reservoir also including a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel reservoir. The combination of the surface area enhanced planar vaporization membranes residing in the fuel cartridge and reservoir provides a dual stage vaporization of fuel to the fuel cell. Other features included are passive or active arrangements to increase the temperature of the fuel or reduce pressure in the fuel container to enhance rate of vaporization.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: The Gillette Company—South BostonInventors: Javit A. Drake, Andrew G. Gilicinski, Gordon G. Guay, Leslie Pinnell
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Patent number: 8092955Abstract: The present invention provides improved, low-cost fuel cells having reduced fuel crossover, reduced sensitivity to metal ion impurities and ability to operate under a broad range of temperatures. The invention further provides improved methods for catalyst preparation and a new integrated flow field system for use in H2/O2 fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Tel-Aviv Univrsity Future Technology Development L.P.Inventors: Emanuel Peled, Tair Duvdevani, Avi Melman, Adi Aharon
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Patent number: 8084166Abstract: An arrangement for a direct methanol fuel cell includes a fuel cartridge that supplies a source of fuel to the direct methanol fuel cell. The fuel cartridge has a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel cartridge. The arrangement also includes a fuel reservoir that receives fuel from the fuel cartridge, the fuel reservoir arranged to deliver fuel to the fuel cell. The fuel reservoir also including a surface area enhanced planar vaporization membrane residing in the fuel reservoir. The combination of the surface area enhanced planar vaporization membranes residing in the fuel cartridge and reservoir provides a dual stage vaporization of fuel to the fuel cell. Other features included are passive or active arrangements to increase the temperature of the fuel or reduce pressure in the fuel container to enhance rate of vaporization.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Javit A. Drake, Andrew G. Gilicinski, Gordon G. Guay, Leslie J. Pinnell
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Patent number: 8076035Abstract: A fuel cell which utilizes the biogenic metabolism to produce a high current density is provided. The fuel cell generates electric power in such a way that the fuel is decomposed stepwise by a plurality of enzymes and those electrons formed by oxidation are transferred to the electrode. The enzymes work such that the enzyme activity of the enzyme involved in decomposition in the early stage is smaller than the sum of the enzyme activities of the enzymes involved in decomposition in the later stage. In the case where a coenzyme is involved, the enzyme activity of the oxidase that oxidizes the coenzyme is greater than the sum of the enzyme activities of the enzymes involved in the formation of the reduced form of the coenzyme, out of the enzymes involved in the stepwise decomposition of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hideki Sakai, Takashi Tomita, Ryosuke Takagi, Yusuke Suzuki, Tsuyonobu Hatazawa
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Patent number: 8062808Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel cell device comprising: a fuel cartridge to accumulate a fuel therein; and a fuel cell device main body to generate electric power by using the fuel accumulated in the fuel cartridge, wherein the fuel cell device main body is provided with a cartridge conveying body, the fuel cartridge being attached to and detached from the cartridge conveying body, and the cartridge conveying body is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the fuel cell device main body.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasunari Kabasawa
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Patent number: 8057957Abstract: Fuel cells and methods of operating fuel cells are disclosed. In one aspect, the invention features a fuel source for a fuel cell including a housing having an outlet, a structure having a portion in the housing, the structure defining a cavity and having a surface defining an opening in fluid communication with the cavity, and a fuel in the housing. The fuel is in fluid communication with the outlet through the opening and the cavity of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Andrew G. Gilicinski, Bryan L. Hesse