Immobilizing Structure Or Material (e.g., Matrix, Diaphragm, Or Membrane, Etc.) Patents (Class 429/516)
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Supported nickel catalysts used as direct internal reforming catalyst in molten carbonate fuel cells
Patent number: 12255367Abstract: Disclosed here is a supported catalyst comprising a thermally stable core, wherein the thermally stable core comprises a metal oxide support and nickel disposed in the metal oxide support, wherein the metal oxide support comprises at least one base metal oxide and at least one transition metal oxide or rare earth metal oxide mixed with or dispersed in the base metal oxide. Optionally the supported catalyst can further comprise an electrolyte removing layer coating the thermally stable core and/or an electrolyte repelling layer coating the electrolyte removing layer, wherein the electrolyte removing layer comprises at least one metal oxide, and wherein the electrolyte repelling layer comprises at least one of graphite, metal carbide and metal nitride. Also disclosed is a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising the supported catalyst as a direct internal reforming catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Jin-Yun Wang, Mohammad Farooque, Ramakrishnan Venkataraman, Chao-Yi Yuh, April Corpuz -
Patent number: 12191469Abstract: A method for making a phase change composite (PCC) for a battery pack of a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method includes impregnating a matrix material with a phase change material, and fragmenting the matrix material before or after the impregnating. The fragmented and impregnated matrix material are shaped into a composite such as by extraction, pressing, or other molding technique. Additional PCC shapes are provided by this invention, such as individual spacers for placement between individual battery cells, or rows of cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: BEAM GLOBALInventors: Said Al-Hallaj, De'Nard Harper, Hexu Wang, Scott Morehouse, Reem Khoury, Hamdi Mohamed, Samuel T. Plunkett, Dan Bagby
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Patent number: 11664514Abstract: An automotive fuel cell stack includes anodes and cathodes, and a controller that, after receiving data indicating that load current demand is within a first pre-determined range, modulates a flow rate of air to the cathodes between zero and a pre-determined value until a cell output voltage achieves a value falling within a second pre-determined range greater than zero.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stella Papasavva, Valentina Mejia Mejia, Zeng Qiu
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Patent number: 11041248Abstract: Articles and methods for forming ceramic/polymer composite structures for electrode protection in electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Sion Power CorporationInventors: Michael G. Laramie, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik, James A. Phipps, Veronika G. Viner
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Patent number: 10741875Abstract: Provided are an anode for an all solid cell and a method of fabricating the same. The anode may include an anode current collector, a conductive material of which one end contacts a part of the anode current collector, a conductive coating layer surrounding the conductive material, an anode active material which contacts the other end of the conductive material, and a solid electrolyte. The conductive coating layer may prevent the conductive material and the solid electrolyte from being electrically connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)Inventors: Oh Min Kwon, Yong Sub Yoon, Sung Woo Noh, Sun Ho Choi, Moon Ju Cho, Dong Wook Shin, Chan Hwi Park
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Patent number: 10714759Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode for lithium-air batteries without using a binder and a carbon additive and a method of manufacturing the same, and more specifically, provided is a nanofiber network-based current collector-catalyst monolithic porous air electrode which has an improved specific surface area and high air permeability as the energy density per weight is increased and the diameter, porosity, and thickness of the nanofibers are controlled by utilizing a significantly light polymer and carbon based material.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Il-Doo Kim, Ji Won Jung, Ki Ro Yoon, Dae Ho Yoon, Yong Joon Park
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Patent number: 10693144Abstract: A method for producing a catalyst ink, by which the surface of a catalyst can be appropriately covered with an ionomer, and the power generation performance of a fuel cell can be excellent in a wide range of humidity environments, and a catalyst composite. The method for producing a catalyst ink may comprise the steps of, for a catalyst composite in which a catalyst is supported on a carbon support with pores, controlling a hydrophilic pores rate of the carbon support to 60% to 80%, and dispersing an ionomer in the catalyst composite after the controlling step, wherein the hydrophilic pores rate is calculated by the following formula (1) using a contact porosimetry method: Hydrophilic pores rate (%)=(hydrophilic pores volume/total pores volume)×100.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya Arai, Takashi Ozaki
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Patent number: 10636985Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate for a photoelectric conversion element that is low in cost as compared with a conventional ITO/glass substrate, easy to handle, and does not lower the power generation performance of the solar cell. The substrate for a photoelectric conversion element is made of a stainless steel sheet having a passive film on a surface thereof, an atomic ratio Cr/(Fe+Cr) of the passive film on a surface thereof is 0.08 or more.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Kawano, Shin Ishikawa, Takuya Murakami
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Patent number: 10227462Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a fluoropolynner film comprising a fluoropolymer hybrid organic/inorganic composite, said process comprising the following steps: (i) providing a mixture of: —at least one fluoropolymer [polymer (F)]; —at least one metal compound [compound (M)] having formula: X4-mAYm wherein m is an integer from 1 to 4, A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti and Zr, Y is a hydrolysable group and X is a hydrocarbon group, optionally comprising one or more functional groups; —a liquid medium consisting essentially of at least one ionic liquid (IL) and, optionally, at least one additive (A); —optionally, at least one electrolytic salt (ES); and —optionally, at least one organic solvent (S); (ii) hydrolyzing and/or polycondensing said compound (M) to yield a liquid mixture comprising fluoropolymer hybrid organic/inorganic composite comprising inorganic domains and incorporating said liquid medium; (iii) processing a film from the liquid mixture obtained inType: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignees: SOLVAY SA, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUEInventors: Julio A. Abusleme, Jean Le Bideau, Aurélie Guyomard-Lack, Dominique Guyomard, Bernard Lestriez
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Patent number: 10128519Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aqueous all-copper redox flow batteries. This battery comprises at least one first and second half-cell compartments including the first and second aqueous electrolyte solutions comprising a copper compound and supporting electrolytes and a first and second electrodes. The battery further comprises external storage tanks for the electrolytes residing outside of the half-cell compartments, and means for circulating the electrolytes to and from the half-cells. There is a separator between the first and the second half-cell, and the half-cells of this battery are configured to conduct oxidation and reduction reactions for charging and discharging the battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: AALTO UNIVERSITY FOUNDATIONInventors: David Lloyd, Laura Sanz
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Patent number: 10020482Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes an anode including form of lithium, a cathode spaced apart from the anode, and a microstructured composite separator positioned between the anode and the cathode, the microstructured composite separator including a first layer adjacent the anode, a second layer positioned between the first layer and the cathode, and a plurality of solid electrolyte components extending from the first layer toward the second layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: John F. Christensen, Timm Lohmann, Christina Johnston, Sarah Stewart, Paul Albertus, Aleksandar Kojic, Boris Kozinsky
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Patent number: 9048464Abstract: A bi-polar electrode having ion exchange polymers on opposite faces of a porous substrate is formed using a method that includes providing an electrode substrate with activated carbon layers on opposite faces of the electrode substrate, wherein said faces have an outer perimeter band void of the activated carbon layers. Gaskets are placed against the outer perimeter band of the electrode substrate void of activated carbon and the electrode substrate is clamped between two rigid plates to form a first airtight chamber on one side of the electrode substrate and a second airtight chamber on the opposite side of the electrode substrate. A first polymerizable monomer mixture having an anion exchange group is added into the first chamber and a second polymerizable monomer mixture having a cation exchange group is added into the second chamber. The first and second polymerizable monomer mixtures are then polymerized in an oven.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: John Barber, Hai Yang, Su Lu, Russell James MacDonald, Zhigang Deng, Xin Gao
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Publication number: 20150140470Abstract: A microporous layer for use in a fuel cell includes a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive. A method for producing a membrane electrode assembly includes preparing a microporous layer ink, applying the microporous layer ink to a first side of a gas diffusion substrate, sintering the gas diffusion substrate to form a gas diffusion layer having a first side with a microporous layer, and thermally bonding the first side of the gas diffusion layer to an electrode layer. The microporous layer ink includes a suspension medium, a first carbon black having carboxyl groups at a concentration less than 0.1 mmol per gram of carbon, a hydrophobic additive and a hydrophilic additive.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.Inventors: Siddique Ali Khateeb Razack, Robert Mason Darling
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Publication number: 20150140473Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a fluoropolynner film comprising a fluoropolymer hybrid organic/inorganic composite, said process comprising the following steps: (i) providing a mixture of:—at least one fluoropolymer [polymer (F)];—at least one metal compound [compound (M)] having formula: X4-mAYm wherein m is an integer from 1 to 4, A is a metal selected from the group consisting of Si, Ti and Zr, Y is a hydrolysable group and X is a hydrocarbon group, optionally comprising one or more functional groups;—a liquid medium consisting essentially of at least one ionic liquid (IL) and, optionally, at least one additive (A);—optionally, at least one electrolytic salt (ES); and—optionally, at least one organic solvent (S); (ii) hydrolysing and/or polycondensing said compound (M) to yield a liquid mixture comprising fluoropolymer hybrid organic/inorganic composite comprising inorganic domains and incorporating said liquid medium; (iii) processing a film from the liquid mixture obtained in stepType: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Julio A. Abusleme, Jean Le Bideau, Aurélie Guyomard-Lack, Dominique Guyomard, Bernard Lestriez
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Patent number: 9029045Abstract: [Object] To provide a gas diffusion electrode capable of a high current density operation of a fuel cell. [Solving means] A gas diffusion electrode including a hydrophilic porous layer having an electrically conductive material and an ion conductive material; and a catalyst layer adjacent to the hydrophilic porous layer, wherein a water transport resistance of the hydrophilic porous layer is smaller than a water transport resistance of the catalyst layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Satou, Atsushi Ohma, Yoshitaka Ono, Hiroshi Iden, Kei Sakai
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Publication number: 20150125770Abstract: A fuel cell unit with a plurality of fuel cells defining a longitudinal axis and a main flow direction coaxial to the longitudinal axis. Fuel cell inlets and fuel cell outlets are arranged at opposite ends of the fuel cell unit and in line with the main flow direction. Also, a component comprising first fluid conduits arranged parallel to the main flow direction, the first fluid conduits comprising first fluid inlets and first fluid outlets arranged at opposite ends of the component and in line with the main flow direction. The component is arranged adjacent the fuel cell unit such that at least one of the first fluid inlets and the first fluid outlets of the component are arranged adjacent at least one of the fuel cell outlets and the fuel cell inlets such that a fluid flow may flow substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus in the first fluid conduits of the component and in the fuel cell unit and when passing from the component to the fuel cell unit or vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2014Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Yves DE VOS, Jean-Paul HUBERT JANSSENS
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Publication number: 20150111132Abstract: [Problem] To prepare a metallic separator for PEFCs having excellent corrosion resistance, conductivity, and formability at low cost. [Solution] A thin plate is prepared by an ultraquenching transition control injector with a mixture of a metal powder having corrosion resistance to form a matrix and a powder having conductivity, as a raw material. When the matrix of the thin plate is crystal-structure metal, the plate can be formed at room temperature, and when the matrix is metallic glass, the plate can be formed in a supercooled liquid state. Therefore the plate can be finished into a separator with an intended shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Ryurou Kurahashi, Junji Takehara, Shigeo Kakudou, Tsunehiro Mimura
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Publication number: 20150111114Abstract: In a metal-air battery, a negative electrode, an electrolyte layer, and a positive electrode are concentrically disposed in the stated order, radially outward from the central axis, and the outer circumferential surface of the positive electrode is enclosed by a liquid-repellent layer (29). The liquid-repellent layer (29) includes a relatively high-strength inorganic porous material (292) having a continuous pore structure, and a fluorine-based porous part (293) formed by fusing fluorine-based particles to each other. The fluorine-based porous part (293) is fused to the inorganic porous material (292) in pores (294) of and on the outer surface (295) of the inorganic porous material (292). This makes it possible to provide the liquid-repellent layer (29) that is a functional porous material having desired mechanical strength, gas permeability, and liquid impermeability.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicant: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATIONInventors: Hidetaka Nakayama, Masanobu Aizawa, Takehiro Shimizu, Akira Taniguchi, Kazuya Kameyama, Yuki Nakamura, Yoshihiro Asari
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Publication number: 20150064606Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly of a porous metallic gas diffusion substrate and a polymeric separator membrane for use in an alkaline electrolyser or alkaline fuel cell. The polymeric separator membrane of the assembly comprises inorganic hydrophilic particulates dispersed in an organic polymeric binder. The polymeric separator membrane is gas tight when filled with electrolyte. The polymeric separator membrane is penetrating into at least a top portion of the porous metallic gas diffusion substrate. Also disclosed is a method to produce such an assembly via coating a paste on a porous metallic gas diffusion substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicants: NV BEKAERT SA, AGFA-GEVAERT NVInventors: Erik Dekempeneer, Inge Schildermans, Johan Vanbrabant, Bo Hong, Luc Vanmaele, Guido Desie, Willem Mues
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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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Patent number: 8940458Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel supply for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including a liquid storage area that includes a liquid reactant, a reaction area that includes a solid reactant, wherein the liquid reactant is pumped into the reaction area such that the liquid reactant reacts with the solid reactant to produce reaction components, a product collection area that receives the reaction components, a barrier, and a container with an interior volume that substantially encloses the reaction area, liquid storage area, product collection area. The barrier separates and defines several of the aforementioned areas, and moves to simultaneously increase the product collector area and decrease the liquid storage area as the liquid reactant is pumped from the liquid storage area and the reaction components are transferred into the product collection area.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Daniel Braithwaite, Jesse Thomas, Adam Rodriguez, Tobin Fisher, Tibor Fabian
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Patent number: 8911918Abstract: A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate is disclosed. The method includes first dispensing a flowable seal material along a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material. Next, a preformed template is located adjacent to at least a portion of the fuel cell plate, the template including predetermined apertures corresponding with a second sealing area of the plate, such that the apertures are coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area. Flowable seal material is applied into the apertures, and is then cured to a non-flowable state.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Mark W. Keyser
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Publication number: 20140329171Abstract: A new conductive interconnected porous film, useful as a material for a gas diffusion layer which is used in a solid polymer type fuel cell, which satisfies the requirements of a good conductivity, good gas permeability, surface smoothness, corrosion resistance, and low impurities and which is strong in bending and excellent in handling to an extent not obtainable by existing sheet materials of carbon fiber, that is, a conductive interconnected porous film wherein a resin base material part of a thermoplastic resin has a porous interconnected cell structure which is formed by removal of removable particulate matter and has cells of sizes of 10 ?m to 50 ?m and wherein the resin base material part is comprised of different particle size particles of first carbon particles of large size carbon particles of a diameter of 5 ?m or more and second carbon particles of micro size carbon particles of a diameter of 10 nm or more mixed together, and a method of production of the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Takuzo Imaizumi, Hiroaki Nagata, Naoki Shiba
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Patent number: 8865371Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, including: an electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer; and a conductive porous gas diffusion layer, in which an interface between the catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane is provided with a groove for allowing one of passage and retention of a fluid, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell employing the membrane electrode assembly. As a result, there is provided at low costs the membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having improved drainage performance and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell employing the membrane electrode assembly and having stable power generation performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhiro Yamada
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Publication number: 20140295324Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the same comprise two sheets of metal plates integrally formed to minimize contact resistance between an upper metal plate and a lower metal plate. The method for manufacturing the separator includes steps of preparing an upper metal plate and a lower metal plate, each plate having opposing main sides, and applying a coating liquid containing a polymer composite material on both sides of the upper and lower metal plates, to form first and second composite material layers on both sides of the upper plates and third and fourth composite material layers on both sides of the lower plates. The method further includes stacking the upper metal plate on the lower metal plate, before drying the respective composite material layers, and integrally bonding the second composite material layer and the third composite material layer to form a single intermediate composite material layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicants: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Chi Seung LEE, Seong Il HEO, Suk Min BAECK, Jun Ho JANG, Sang Mun JIN, Yoo Chang YANG, Kyung Min KIM, Yang Bok LEE, Dae Soon LIM
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Publication number: 20140255819Abstract: A non-woven gas diffusion substrate including: (i) a non-woven carbon fibre web; (ii) a carbon particulate material; and 10 (iii) a hydrophobic binder characterised in that the non-woven gas diffusion substrate further includes a conductive material having a x:y aspect ratio from 0.01 to 100, a x:z aspect ratio of at least 500 and a y:z aspect ratio of at least 500.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2012Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Rosemary Fisher, Ian Roy Harkness, Jonathan David Brereton Sharman, Michael Jeschke
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Patent number: 8808928Abstract: Provided is a fuel cell having a structure in which a cathode and an anode face each other with a proton conductor therebetween. In this fuel cell, an oxygen reductase or the like is immobilized on at least the cathode, and the cathode is composed of a material having pores therein such as porous carbon. In this fuel cell, the volume of water contained in the cathode is controlled to be 70% or less of the volume of the pores of the cathode, whereby a high current value can be stably obtained through optimization of the amount of moisture contained in the cathode when an enzyme is immobilized on at least the cathode. Also provided is a method for operating the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Takaaki Nakagawa, Hideki Sakai, Hideyuki Kumita, Masaya Kakuta
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Patent number: 8785078Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell which is capable of improving electric power generation efficiency at a time of high-temperature operation. The fuel cell 10 comprising: a membrane electrode assembly 4; and a pair of gas separators 7, 8 sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly 4 therebetween, wherein at least one of the gas separator(s) 7 and/or 8 comprises a compact layer(s) 7c and/or 8c which is capable of preventing permeation of fluid and a porous layer (s) 7d and/or 8d which allows permeation of fluid, and the porous layer(s) 7d and/or 8d is impregnated with a water-soluble liquid having higher boiling point than that of water.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroko Kimura, Naoki Takehiro
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Patent number: 8785013Abstract: Compositions containing modified fullerenes and their use, for example, as films for membranes in electrode assemblies for electrochemical cells and fuel cells such as fuel cells are described.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Paul J. Krusic, Helen S. M. Lu, Zhen-Yu Yang
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Patent number: 8778555Abstract: A fuel cell element including an assembly of a membrane, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and a mechanism holding the assembly together, which forms a peripheral support thereof and that includes an electrical connection and a mechanism for circulation of fluid and for supply of the fluid into the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternativesInventor: Pascal Tiquet
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Publication number: 20140193744Abstract: Provided are a heat-curable resin composition that yields a molded article having excellent dimensional accuracy and mechanical property even when high-temperature molding is carried out, a production method of article and a molded article thereof, a cured article, a molded article, and a separator for a fuel cell. A heat-curable resin composition in an embodiment of the present invention comprises: (A) a binder in an amount of 100 parts by mass comprising 50 mass % or more of a polymer comprising 60 mol % or more monomer units having a carbon-carbon double bond in a side chain; (B) a carbon material in an amount of 150 to 1,000 parts by mass; (C) a curing initiator in an amount of 1 to 10 parts by mass; and (D) a curing retarder in an amount of 0.1 to 2 parts by mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: July 10, 2014Inventors: Yoji Akinaga, Masayuki Noguchi, Zenichiro Izumi
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Patent number: 8728683Abstract: A cell unit of a fuel cell includes a first separator, a first membrane electrode assembly, a second separator, a second membrane electrode assembly, and a third separator. Resin connecting sections are provided in the outer circumferential ends of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. A coupling pin is molded integrally with the resin connecting section of the first separator. A first hole and a second hole are formed on both sides of the coupling pin for selectively inserting a rebuilt pin into either of the first and second holes. A hole for inserting the coupling pin is formed at the center, and the first hole and the second hole are formed on both sides of the hole, in each of the resin connecting sections of the second and third separators.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Fukuta, Kentaro Ishida, Tatsuru Shishido
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Patent number: 8715881Abstract: A benzoxazine-based monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the same, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the same, and a fuel cell using the same. The aromatic ring may contain up to 2 nitrogens within the ring. Single ring and fused ring substituents are attached to the pendent nitrogen. The ring substituents may be heterocyclic.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seongwoo Choi, Jungock Park, Wonmok Lee
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Publication number: 20140120456Abstract: A sealable volume has a wall forming at least a portion of a boundary limiting the volume. The wall includes a hydrogen permeation barrier including a layer system (LS) having at least one layer. The layer system includes at least one hydrogen barrier layer (HPBL) of an at least ternary oxide. Preferably, the oxide is substantially composed of Al, Cr and O and the hydrogen barrier layer (HPBL) is deposited using physical vapor deposition, in particular cathodic arc evaporation. Preferably, the layer system includes at least one of: an adhesion layer (AdhL), a hydrogen storage layer (HStL), a protective layer (ProtL), in particular a thermal barrier layer (ThBL), a diffusion barrier layer (DBL), an oxidation barrier layer (OxBL), a chemical barrier layer (ChBL), a wear resistance layer (WRL). Excellent hydrogen permeation barrier properties can be achieved, and the layer system can be tailored as required by an envisaged application.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Oerlikon Trading AG, TruebbachInventor: Jurgen Ramm
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Patent number: 8703361Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly manufacturing method that includes: (a) forming a first electrode on a first release paper and a second electrode on a second release paper corresponding to the first electrode; (b) forming first incision parts in the first release paper at a predetermined interval along the first electrode's edge and second incision parts in the second release paper at a predetermined interval along the second electrode's edge; (c) adhering a first release paper surface on which the first electrode is formed on one electrolyte membrane surface and adhering one second release paper surface in which the second electrode is formed on the other electrolyte membrane surface; and (d) removing one part of the first release paper corresponding to the first electrode along the first incision part and removing one part of the second release paper corresponding to the second electrode along the second incision part.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ki Sub Lee
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Patent number: 8697312Abstract: A cell stack of a fuel cell comprises a cell stack body including a cell stack structure including plural cells stacked together; an elastic member disposed at an end of the cell stack structure in a direction in which the plural cells are stacked, and a pair of end plates sandwiching the cell stack structure and the elastic member, and a fastener band extending to surround the cell stack body and to cover a pair of end surfaces and a pair of opposing side surfaces of the cell stack body, the fastener band including a first band engagement portion and a second band engagement portion at both end portions thereof, respectively, and the cell stack body is fastened by the fastener band by direct or indirect engagement between the first band engagement portion and the second band engagement portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Soichi Shibata, Hiroki Kusakabe, Shigeyuki Unoki, Yoshiki Nagao, Norihiko Kawabata, Yusuke Ikeshima
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Publication number: 20140093812Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plate for a fuel cell includes the steps of providing flow channels in a fuel cell plate. Multiple fuel cell plates are joined into a cell stack assembly. A blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate and at least partially obstructs the flow channels. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate after the plates have been arranged into the cell stack assembly. The resulting fuel cell provides a fuel cell plate having a perimeter with an edge. The fuel cell plate includes flow channels extending to the edge. The blocking plate is affixed to the fuel cell plate at the edge to at least partially block the flow channel. In this manner, an inexpensive fuel cell plate may be used, and the blocking plate can be configured to create terminated flow channels, which may be used to provide an interdigitated flow field.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas H. Madden, Timothy W. Patterson
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Patent number: 8685587Abstract: A discharge port is located at a lower portion of the case of a gas-liquid separator. A discharge valve is located at the discharge port. A water retaining portion is located at the bottom of the case. The water retaining portion is located at a position lower than the discharge valve. An upward inclination surface is formed on the bottom of the water retaining portion. The upward inclination surface is inclined upward toward the discharge valve. A downward inclination surface is formed on the bottom of the water retaining portion. The downward inclination surface is inclined downward toward the upward inclination surface. A cover portion is located in an upper portion of the water retaining portion. The cover portion defines a gas passage in an upper portion of the water retaining portion. The gas passage is open at a portion closer to the inlet and connected to the discharge valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junko Ohira, Yasunari Arai, Akishi Morita, Nobuhiko Nakagaki, Takeshi Asai, Hiroyuki Sekine
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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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Patent number: 8673811Abstract: A system for storing and retrieving elemental hydrogen. The system includes a housing, a hydrogen storage element enclosed within the housing and having a solid-state hydrogen storage material, and a control system for regulating storage of hydrogen into and retrieval of hydrogen from the storage material. At least a portion of the storage material is a porous matrix material having atoms of a first element capable of bonding with more than one hydrogen atom per atom of the first element, and atoms of a second element capable of molecularly bonding to atoms of the first element and hydrogen. Different atoms of the first element have bond sites available for different numbers of hydrogen atoms at different levels of bonding energy. The atoms of the second element are bonded to those atoms of the first element having bond sites for more than one hydrogen atom.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Peter James Schubert
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Patent number: 8669021Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, including a bicontinuous micro-emulsion, wherein catalytic parts are generated in-situ in a fluid, which can act as a cathode as well as an anode. The electrode compartment comprises a connection to supply fuel or an oxidator, for example oxygen, to the compartment. The electrode compartment is part of a refreshing system with a reserve container for an emulsion and a storage container for used emulsion, conduits to connect each of the containers with the electrode compartment and a transport unit, for example a pump, to move the emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Delft Enterprises B.V.Inventors: Rutger Alexander David Van Raalten, Krishna Narayan Kumar Kowlgi, Gerardus Joseph Maria Koper
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Patent number: 8658318Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for generating electrical power that includes an anode, a cathode, a charging electrode and an ionically conductive medium containing at least metal fuel ions and an additive for enhancing at least one electrochemical reaction in the cell. The cell also includes an additive sorbent material in contact with the ionically conductive medium that contains an excess amount of the additive, the sorbent material configured to release the excess additive to the ionically conductive medium as concentration of the additive in the ionically conductive medium is reduced during operation of the cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Fluidic, Inc.Inventors: Cody A. Friesen, Ramkumar Krishnan, Todd Trimble, Sergey Puzhaev
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Publication number: 20140051011Abstract: An exemplary fuel cell component comprises a porous plate. A vapor permeable layer is provided on at least one portion of the porous plate. The vapor permeable layer is configured to permit vapor to pass through the layer while resisting liquid passage through the layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Siddique Ali Khateeb Razack
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Publication number: 20140030634Abstract: An inexpensive bonding method is provided to bond materials constituted of an aluminum-based metal to each other at a low temperature and a low pressure while inhibiting deformation, without requiring the use of a flux and minimizing the influence on the base materials and the periphery. Also provided are various bonded parts obtained by the bonding method. An insert material comprising Zn as an element that undergoes a eutectic reaction with Al is interposed between two materials constituted of an aluminum-based metal. The two materials are heated, while being pressed against each other, to a temperature at which the eutectic reaction takes place, thereby generating, at the bonding interface between the two materials, a melt due to the eutectic reaction with some of the Al contained in the base materials and discharging the Al oxide films from the bonding interface together with the melt. Thus, the two materials are bonded.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshikazu Nanbu, Kenji Miyamoto, Masayuki Inoue, Chika Yamamoto, Yoshitaka Uehara, Akio Hirose
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Publication number: 20140030635Abstract: A highly corrosion-resistant alloy coating film on the surface of a metallic material by a low-cost and mass-producible simple formation method including forming a corrosion-resistant alloy coating film on the surface of a metallic material, the film contains Ni, Cr, and Si as essential constituents, in which the content ratio of Cr is 1 to 50 wt %, the content ratio of Si is 0.1 to 30 wt %, and the film has a thickness of 0.1 to 1000 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: NIHON PARKERIZING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuya Nakada, Ryu Nakajima, Tomoyoshi Konishi, Masaaki Beppu
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Patent number: 8586262Abstract: A method of manufacturing a titanium-based material includes: rolling a titanium base material via rolling oil that includes carbon to form a rolling-altered layer that includes titanium carbide on a surface of the base material; and depositing a carbon film on the surface on which the rolling-altered layer has been formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kuroudo Maeda, Takashi Iseki, Yuka Yamada, Kazuyuki Nakanishi
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Patent number: 8574788Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a gas exhaust flow path extended in a stacking direction of laminates and configured to have one end located inside a fuel cell stack and the other end located outside the fuel cell stack; and a water discharge flow path provided at a lower position than the gas exhaust flow path and formed to pass through at least part of the laminates. The gas exhaust flow path is interconnected with the water discharge flow path via at least one connecting section in the fuel cell stack. The gas exhaust flow path includes a narrowed flow path having the smaller sectional area than the sectional area of an adjacent flow path in downstream of the connecting section. The water discharge flow path has a downstream end connecting with the narrowed flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takanao Tomura, Hironori Noto
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Publication number: 20130280640Abstract: An example fuel cell system includes a fuel cell power plant and a tank providing a volume that is configured to hold a fuel cell fluid. The fuel cell power plant is at least partially disposed within the volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Jonathan Daniel O'Neill
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Patent number: 8551669Abstract: A naphthoxazine benzoxazine-based monomer is represented by Formula 1 below: In Formula 1, R2 and R3 or R3 and R4 are linked to each other to form a group represented by Formula 2 below, and R5 and R6 or R6 and R7 are linked to each other to form a group represented by Formula 2 below, In Formula 2, * represents the bonding position of R2 and R3, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, or R6 and R7 of Formula 1. A polymer is formed by polymerizing the naphthoxazine benzoxazine-based monomer, an electrode for a fuel cell includes the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes the polymer, and a fuel cell uses the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seongwoo Choi, Jungock Park
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Publication number: 20130252137Abstract: Disclosed is use of a porous membrane and a composite membrane thereof in a redox flow batteries, and in particular the use thereof in a vanadium redox flow battery. The membrane can effectively realize the separation of ions with different valence states, and an ion transfer without any ion exchange group. The pore size and structure of the porous membrane can be controlled by filling an inorganic substance or grafting an ion exchange group in the pore, in order to improve the barrier properties of the porous membrane for vanadium ions and to increase proton conductivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: DALIAN RONGKE POWER CO., LTDInventors: Huamin Zhang, Xianfeng Li, Hongzhang Zhang, Dingqin Shi