Electrode Structure Or Composition Patents (Class 429/523)
  • Patent number: 8597853
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell including a carbon-based carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, for example, an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell includes a carrier and an active metal supported in the carrier, wherein the electrode catalyst has an X value of 95 to 100% in Equation 1. X(%)=(XPS measurement value)/(TGA measurement value)×100??[Equation 1] wherein, the XPS measurement value represents a quantitative amount of the active metal present on a surface of the electrode catalyst, the TGA measurement value represents the XPS measurement value using a monochromated Al K?-ray, which is the quantitative amount of total active metal supported in the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung-Ki Min, Geun-Seok Chai, Hee-Tak Kim, Tae-Yoon Kim, Sang-Il Han, Kah-Young Song, Sung-Yong Cho
  • Patent number: 8597821
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the fabrication of thin aluminum anode batteries using a highly reproducible process that enables high volume manufacturing of the galvanic cells. In the present invention, semiconductor fabrication methods are used to fabricate aluminum galvanic cells, wherein a catalytic material to be used as the cathode is deposited on a substrate and an insulating spacing material is deposited on the cathode and patterned using photolithography. The spacing material can either be used as a sacrificial layer to expose the electrodes or serve as a support for one of the electrodes. Similarly, the aluminum anode may be deposited and patterned on another substrate and bonded to the first substrate, or can be deposited directly on the insulating material prior to patterning. The cell is packaged and connected to a delivery system to provide delivery of the electrolyte when activation of the cell is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Jay Dlutowski, Melynda C. Calves, John Bumgarner, Larry Langebrake
  • Patent number: 8592099
    Abstract: A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode facing each other and a polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes a conductive electrode substrate and a catalyst layer formed thereon, and the catalyst layer includes a first catalyst layer including a first metal catalyst that grows from the polymer electrolyte membrane toward the electrode substrate and a second catalyst layer including a second metal catalyst covering the first catalyst layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-II Han, In-Hyuk Son
  • Patent number: 8586263
    Abstract: The electrode for a fuel cell includes an electrode substrate and a catalyst layer disposed on the electrode substrate. The catalyst layer includes a first catalyst including a tungsten-containing compound and a second catalyst including a noble metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: In-Hyuk Son
  • Publication number: 20130302721
    Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicants: Sandia Corporation, Operator of Sandia National Laboratories, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Shelnutt, Wen Li, Yujiang Song, Michael A. Hickner
  • Patent number: 8580462
    Abstract: The carbon fibers of this invention is characterized in that irreducible inorganic material particles in a mean primary particle size below 500 nm and reducible inorganic material particles in a mean primary particle size below 500 nm were mixed by pulverizing and then, the mixture was heat treated under the reducing atmosphere and metal particles in a mean particle size below 1 ?m were obtained, and the mixed powder of the thus obtained metal particles with the irreducible inorganic material particles are included in the carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Seiichi Suenaga, Maki Yonetsu, Norihiro Tomimatsu, Hideyuki Oozu, Yasuhiro Goto, Yoshihiko Nakano, Shinichi Onodera
  • Patent number: 8574789
    Abstract: Embodiment of the present invention relate to dendrimers useful for application as catalysts, in particular as improved electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs). Methods of preparing such catalysts are described. Examples include dendritic nanostructured metal catalysts, such as platinum and platinum-alloy catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Shelnutt, Wen Li, Yujiang Song, Michael A. Hickner
  • Publication number: 20130288154
    Abstract: A method for producing a fuel cell electrode catalyst, including: a step (1) of mixing at least a metal compound (1), a nitrogen-containing organic compound (2), a compound (3) containing fluorine and at least one element A selected from the group consisting of boron, phosphorus, and sulfur, and a solvent to obtain a catalyst precursor solution, a step (2) of removing the solvent from the catalyst precursor solution, and a step (3) of heat-treating a solid residue, obtained in the step (2), at a temperature of 500 to 1100° C. to obtain an electrode catalyst; a portion or the entirety of the metal compound (1) being a compound containing, as a metal element, at least one transition metal element M1 selected from the elements of group 4 and group 5 of the periodic table; and at least one of the compounds (1), (2), and (3) having an oxygen atom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Ryuji Monden, Takuya Imai, Yasuaki Wakizaka, Kunchan Lee, Takashi Sato
  • Patent number: 8568942
    Abstract: A porous gas diffusion electrode provided on a polymer electrolyte such that a gas can be introduced, for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, includes a carbon fiber, and an electric conductive polymer and a thermoset resin that bond the carbon fibers to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Ito, Hirokazu Ishimaru
  • Publication number: 20130280637
    Abstract: Provided are a fuel cell electrode and a membrane electrode assembly in which catalyst particles are prevented from dissolving and the function of added catalyst can be sufficiently exerted when the fuel cell is operating at high current density. The fuel cell electrode includes an electrode material containing: an electrocatalyst having catalyst particles supported on a conductive support; a first ion conductor having anion conductivity; and a second ion conductor having a cation conductivity, the first and second ion conductors covering the electrocatalyst. The first ion conductor is provided to cover the catalyst particles, and the second ion conductor is provided to cover the first ion conductor and exposed part of the conductive support. The membrane electrode assembly includes the fuel cell electrode as at least one of the anode and cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Norifumi Horibe
  • Publication number: 20130273446
    Abstract: An electrode comprises an acid treated, cathodically cycled carbon-comprising film or body. The carbon consists of single walled nanotubes (SWNTs), pyrolytic graphite, microcrystalline graphitic, any carbon that consists of more than 99% sp2 hybridized carbons, or any combination thereof. The electrode can be used in an electrochemical device functioning as an electrolyser for evolution of hydrogen or as a fuel cell for oxidation of hydrogen. The electrochemical device can be coupled as a secondary energy generator into a system with a primary energy generator that naturally undergoes generation fluctuations. During periods of high energy output, the primary source can power the electrochemical device to store energy as hydrogen, which can be consumed to generate electricity as the secondary source during low energy output by the primary source. Solar cells, wind turbines and water turbines can act as the primary energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Gabriel Rinzler, Rajib Kumar Das, Wang Yan, Hai-Ping Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130273458
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction including a silver/silver halide composite, a fuel cell including the electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction, and a method for preparing the electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Ewha University - Industry Collaboration Foundation
    Inventors: Youngmi LEE, Chongmok LEE, Jun Ho SHIM, Su-jin KIM
  • Patent number: 8557480
    Abstract: A fuel cell according to one embodiment includes a porous electrolyte support structure defining an array of microchannels, the microchannels including fuel and oxidant microchannels; fuel electrodes formed along some of the microchannels; and oxidant electrodes formed along other of the microchannels. A method of making a fuel cell according to one embodiment includes forming an array of walls defining microchannels therebetween using at least one of molding, stamping, extrusion, injection and electrodeposition; processing the walls to make the walls porous, thereby creating a porous electrolyte support structure; forming anode electrodes along some of the microchannels; and forming cathode electrodes along other of the microchannels. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Morse, Ravindra S. Upadhye, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Hyung Gyu Park
  • Patent number: 8557485
    Abstract: The incorporation of tungsten-containing hydrogen spillover materials into a composite fuel cell anode can be helpful in preserving the carbon catalyst support materials in the fuel cell cathode during periods of hydrogen starvation. Preferred examples of such tungsten-containing hydrogen spillover materials are tungsten oxides and tungsten silicides. These materials, when physically mixed with catalyst-loaded carbon support particles in a composite anode, have shown the ability to promote hydrogen storage in amounts that, during a disruption of hydrogen gas flow, can postpone an anodic potential excursion into the oxygen evolution region for a period of at least several seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Belabbes Merzougui, Gregory C. Garabedian, Michael P. Balogh, Swathy Swathirajan
  • Patent number: 8557470
    Abstract: A membrane/electrode assembly 10 for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which comprises an anode 15 having an anode catalyst layer 11 containing an anode catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, a cathode 16 having a cathode catalyst layer 13 containing a cathode catalyst and an ion-exchange resin, and a polymer electrolyte membrane 17 disposed between the anode 15 and the cathode 16, wherein the anode catalyst is one having platinum or a platinum alloy supported on a carbon, and the amount of platinum or a platinum alloy supported in the anode catalyst is from 1 to 25 mass %; and the anode catalyst layer 11 contains fine particles made of at least one member selected from iridium oxide, iridium, ruthenium oxide and ruthenium, and the fine particles have a specific surface area of from 2 to 50 m2/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Shinji Terazono, Kohta Yamada, Hiroshi Shimoda, Widjaja Hardiyanto
  • Patent number: 8557468
    Abstract: A high-performance carbonate electrolyte for use in a molten carbonate fuel cell comprising a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, an electrolyte matrix and at least a cathode current collector abutting said cathode electrode, the high-performance carbonate electrolyte comprising: a first carbonate electrolyte stored in at least the cathode electrode of the molten carbonate fuel cell comprising a mixture of eutectic Li/Na carbonate electrolyte doped with one or more additive materials and one or more lithium precursors, wherein the additive materials include one or more of Rb2CO3, Cs2CO3, BaCO3, La2O3, Bi2O3, Ta2O5 and mixtures thereof, and a second carbonate electrolyte stored in at least the cathode current collector, the second carbonate electrolyte having a composition that is the same or different from the first carbonate electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdelkader Hilmi, Chao-Yi Yuh, Mohammad Farooque
  • Patent number: 8557466
    Abstract: A fuel cell having a capability of making uniform a water distribution in an in-plane direction of a polymer electrolyte membrane and supplying a reactive gas to an air electrode catalyst layer efficiently is provided. The fuel cell of the present invention has a polymer electrolyte membrane, a pair of catalyst electrodes, and a pair of metal separators. An air electrode separator has an oxidizing gas flow channel used to supply an oxidizing gas to the catalyst electrodes. The oxidizing gas flow channel is formed in such a manner that a flow channel near an oxidizing gas supply manifold and a flow channel near an oxidizing gas exhaust manifold are adjacent to each other in the same plane, and is formed in an S-shaped or spiral pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Masatoshi Teranishi
  • Publication number: 20130260278
    Abstract: A method of making an electrode ink containing nanostructured catalyst elements is described. The method comprises providing an electrocatalyst decal comprising a carrying substrate having a nanostructured thin catalytic layer thereon, the nanostructure thin catalytic layer comprising nanostructured catalyst elements; providing a transfer substrate with an adhesive thereon; transferring the nanostructured thin catalytic layer from the carrying substrate to the transfer substrate; removing the nanostructured catalyst elements from the transfer substrate; providing an electrode ink solvent; and dispersing the nanostructured catalyst elements in the electrode ink solvent. Electrode inks, coated substrates, and membrane electrode assemblies made from the method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Chunxin Ji, Sumeet Bhargava, Matthew Dioguardi
  • Patent number: 8541146
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preparing metal particles on a support material, including platinum-containing nanoparticles on a carbon support. Such materials can be used as electrocatalysts, for example as improved electrocatalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM-FCs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, Sandia Corporation, Operator of Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Wen Li, Tetsuo Kawamura, Tetsuo Nagami, Hiroaki Takahashi, John Muldoon, John A. Shelnutt, Yujiang Song, James E. Miller, Michael A. Hickner, Craig Medforth
  • Patent number: 8535851
    Abstract: A metal-air battery includes a canister and a spiral wound electrode assembly disposed within the canister. The electrode assembly includes an ion permeable and substantially gas impermeable anode, a catalytic cathode, and a dielectric separator disposed between the anode and cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZAF Energy Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald D. Brost, Kristine M. Brost, Matthew J. Cottrell, Howard F. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20130236797
    Abstract: An oxygen-consuming electrode, in particular for use in chloralkali electrolysis, having a novel catalyst coating and also an electrolysis apparatus are described. Furthermore, its use in chloralkali electrolysis, fuel cell technology or metal/air batteries is described. The oxygen-consuming electrode comprises at least a support which in particular is electrically conductive, a layer containing a catalyst and a hydrophobic layer, characterized in that it contains gallium in addition to silver as catalytically active component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Norbert Wagner, Gregor Polcyn, Lisa Rossrucker, Michael Marx
  • Patent number: 8530113
    Abstract: Non-platinum (Pt) electrode catalysts for fuel cells, methods of manufacturing the same, and fuel cells including the non-Pt electrode catalysts. Each of the non-Pt electrode catalysts for fuel cells includes at least palladium (Pd) and iridium (Ir), and further includes a metal, oxide of the metal, or mixture thereof for compensating for the activity of Pd and Ir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kang-hee Lee, Chan-ho Pak, Kyung-jung Kwon, Seon-ah Jin, Dae-jong Yoo, Jong-won Lee
  • Publication number: 20130230744
    Abstract: Provided is an electrode for a microbial fuel cell, which is capable of generating high-power electric current in the microbial fuel cell and the microbial fuel cell using the electrode. Specifically, the invention relates to an electrode (as an anode of a microbial fuel cell) for a microbial fuel cell which contains a carbon-containing electrode base and carbon nanowires formed across the whole or a part of the surface of the electrode base is provided. Consequently, the electrode surface area is significantly increased and the affinity between an electron conductive microorganism and the electrode is increased. The efficiency of charge transfer from the microorganism to the electrode can thus be dramatically increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Kazuhito Hashimoto, Kazuya Watanabe, Yong Zhao
  • Publication number: 20130224522
    Abstract: A technology is provided that is capable of improving deterioration of a fuel cell due to non-stationary operation (startup/shutdown, fuel depletion). An anode-side catalyst composition comprising a catalyst having catalyst particles carried on electrically conductive material and an ion exchange resin, characterized in that the catalyst particle are formed of an alloy, of which oxygen reduction capability and water electrolysis are both lower than those of platinum, and which has hydrogen oxidation capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi Maruyama, Atsushi Sakamoto, Tomoyuki Kawaguchi, Takuya Kosaka
  • Patent number: 8518604
    Abstract: The present invention relates to primary and secondary electrochemical energy storage systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to such systems as battery cells, especially battery cells utilizing metal fluorides with the presence of phosphates or fluorophosphates, which use materials that take up and release ions as a means of storing and supplying electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Glenn Amatucci, Fadwa Badway
  • Patent number: 8518605
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anode for a high-temperature fuel cell having an anode substrate and/or a functional anode layer, comprising a porous ceramic structure having a first predominantly electron-conducting phase with the general empirical formula Sr1-xLnxTiO3 wherein Ln=Y, Gd to Lu and 0.03<x<0.2, and having a second predominantly ion-conducting phase component comprising yttrium or scandium-stabilized zirconium dioxide (YSZ or ScSZ). In the anode substrate and/or the functional anode layer, the ratio by volume of the first phase to the second phase ranges from 80:20 to 50:50, and particularly from 70:30 to 60:40. The porosity of the entire anode ranges between 15 and 50% by volume. The anode additionally comprises a catalyst in the amount of no more than 15% of the total volume, which is disposed on the surface of the pores of the ceramic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
    Inventors: Qingxi Fu, Frank Tietz, Hans-Peter Buchkremer, Detlev Stoever
  • Patent number: 8518602
    Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell including an electrolyte sandwiched between two catalyst layers or sheets, each catalyst layer or sheet being in contact with a porous electrode, in which one or several catalyst layers or sheets and one or several electrode layers or sheets interpenetrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SAS
    Inventor: Nicolas Karst
  • Patent number: 8518598
    Abstract: The plant (10) includes a molten metal anode (44) passing through a fuel cell (12) anode inlet (46) having a first interrupted flow generator (104), then into an anode flow field (42) of the fuel cell (12), and leaving the anode flow field (42) through an anode outlet (48) having a second interrupted flow generator (113). The molten anode (44) then flows into a reduction reactor (50) where the oxidized anode (44) is reduced by a reducing fuel (61). The molten anode (44) is then cycled back into the first interrupted flow generator (104) and anode flow field (42). Interrupting flow of the molten anode (44) prevents electrical continuity between the anode inlet (46) and the anode outlet (48) through the molten anode (44) within the anode flow field (42). This facilitates stacking the planar fuel cells in series within a fuel cell stack to build voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: UTC Power Corporation
    Inventor: Jean Yamanis
  • Publication number: 20130216934
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, the electrode catalyst including a first catalyst that exhibits hydrophilicity, the first catalyst including pores, wherein at least 50 volume percent of the pores have an average diameter of about 100 nanometers or less; a method of preparing the electrode catalyst; and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and a fuel cell that include the electrolyte catalyst. The electrode catalyst for a fuel cell rapidly controls the migration of phosphoric acid at an initial stage of operation of an MEA, thereby securing a path for the migration of a conductor and a path for the diffusion of a fuel, and thus, an activation time of the MEA is shortened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8512914
    Abstract: A phosphorus containing monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the polymer, and a fuel cell including the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seongwoo Choi, Jungock Park
  • Patent number: 8512912
    Abstract: The invention relates to a membrane electrode unit (MEU) for electrochemical apparatuses, in particular for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). The membrane electrode unit contains backings (i.e. gas diffusion layers) on the anode side and cathode side, which have a different water tightness (WT). The anode backing must have a lower water tightness (i.e. a higher water permeability) than the cathode backing, where WTAnode<WTCathode. The anode backing preferably has no compensating layer (microlayer), has a lower content of water repellent (from 2 to 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight) and has a higher total pore volume (VTot) than the cathode backing. The membrane electrode units produced have a substantially improved performance in DMFC fuel cells which are operated with aqueous methanol solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Koehler, Sandra Wittpahl, Holger Dziallas, Christian Eickes
  • Patent number: 8512915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composite material which includes a catalyst characterized by oxygen-reducing activity and which is selected from the group consisting of metals, metal oxides, and combinations thereof, and a resin layer which covers at least a portion of the surface of the catalyst and comprises an anion exchange resin layer and a cation exchange resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hee-Tak Kim, Chan Kwak, Ho-Jin Kweon
  • Patent number: 8512913
    Abstract: Provided are an electrode for a fuel cell and a fuel cell employing the electrode, the electrode comprising a catalyst layer including: a catalyst; a material having stronger binding force to anions than the catalyst; and a binder. According to the electrolyte for a fuel cell, electrochemical surface area of the catalyst is maximized, and thus efficiencies in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) of the catalyst are improved. Thus, a fuel cell having improved power generation efficiency may be prepared by employing the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung SDI Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyung-jung Kwon, Myung-jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8511064
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Catelectric Corp.
    Inventor: Victor Stancovski
  • Patent number: 8512905
    Abstract: A catalyst slurry, an electrode prepared by using the same, and a fuel cell including the electrode. The catalyst slurry includes: a catalyst material; a binder; and a solvent including a first liquid for dissolving the binder and a second liquid having a viscosity that is higher than that of the first liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University
    Inventors: Suk-gi Hong, Jung-ock Park, Un-gyu Paik, Ki-chun Kil, Ji-hoon Seo
  • Patent number: 8507151
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane having at least one electrode layer on each of the opposing sides of the membrane. The electrode layer comprises a catalyst, an electrically conductive particulate material and an ionomer binder. The ionomer binder concentration on the exterior surface of the MEA is lower than the ionomer binder concentration near the electrode membrane interface. The electrode layer is formed by casting and drying a solvent ink layer between a nonporous release surface and a porous releasable decal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Michael K. Budinski
  • Patent number: 8501370
    Abstract: A binder for an electrode of a fuel cell is a basic polymer including a nitrogen-containing functional group and a proton conductive polymer having a phosphoric acid impregnation capacity of 200 wt % or less. An electrode for a fuel cell includes the binder and a catalyst, and a fuel cell includes the electrode. The electrode is manufactured by mixing the binder, a catalyst, and a solvent; and coating the mixture on a carbon support and heat-treating the coated mixture. The binder has excellent proton conductivity by having a phosphoric acid impregnation capacity of 200 wt % or less, and has improved durability without membrane damage and micro-structural changes due to swelling, which occurs when PBI is used as a binder. Accordingly, an electrode including the binder has improved phosphoric acid retention capacity, and increased wetting velocity. Thus, a fuel cell having improved efficiency can be manufactured due to the improved proton conductivity and durability of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung-jin Lee, Suk-gi Hong, Myung-dong Cho
  • Publication number: 20130189592
    Abstract: The invention provides part solid, part fluid and flow electrochemical cells, for example, metal-air and lithium-air batteries and three-dimensional electrode arrays for use in part solid, part fluid electrochemical and flow cells and metal-air and lithium-air batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Farshid ROUMI, Jamshid ROUMI
  • Publication number: 20130189602
    Abstract: A structure for use in an energy storage device, the structure comprising a backbone system extending generally perpendicularly from a reference plane, and a population of microstructured anodically active material layers supported by the lateral surfaces of the backbones, each of the microstructured anodically active material layers having a void volume fraction of at least 0.1 and a thickness of at least 1 micrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Ashok Lahiri, Robert Spotnitz, Nirav Shah, Murali Ramasubramanian, Harrold J. Rust, III, James D. Wilcox, Michael J. Armstrong, Brian E. Brusca, Christopher G. Castledine, Laurie J. Lauchlan
  • Patent number: 8492043
    Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes cell blocks (101, 102) each formed by stacking cells (51, 52) and a cooling medium connecting channel (103) connecting a cell block internal cooling medium channel (153A) of the cell block (101) and a cell block internal cooling medium channel (153B) of the cell block (102) in series. A catalyst layer includes a catalyst support and polymer electrolyte adhered to the catalyst support, the catalyst support containing an electrode catalyst and carbon powder supporting the electrode catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Shintani, Yoichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8486584
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a carbon material, by which carbon fibers or carbon tubes, particularly branched carbon fibers or carbon tubes, are obtained via a so-called self-growing process without using external carbon sources. The carbon material obtained by the method has a large specific surface area and further includes a metal catalyst, and thus may be used in cell materials for a fuel cell or secondary battery, hydrogen storage devices, capacitors, solar cells, display panel or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Heung Yong Ha, Han-ik Joh, Seong Mu Jo, Soo-Kil Kim, Suk-Woo Nam, In Hwan Oh, Tae Hoon Lim, Seong Ahn Hong, Sung-Yeon Jang
  • Patent number: 8486583
    Abstract: In a fuel cell including an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes disposed on both sides of the electrolyte membrane, at least one of the electrodes has an electrically conductive nanocolumn that is oriented with an inclination of 60° or less with respect to a planar direction of the electrolyte membrane, a catalyst supported on the electrically conductive nanocolumn, and an electrolyte resin coating the electrically conductive nanocolumn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Chikashi Inazumi, Yuki Sairyo, Momoyo Sawai, Kenji Yoshikawa, Tomoya Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8486240
    Abstract: A corrosion-resistant ceramic electrode material includes ceramic particles and, present between them, a three-dimensional network electroconducting path composed of a reductively fired product of a carbon-containing polymeric compound. This material is manufactured by a method in which a polymerization reaction of a polymerizable monomer previously contained in a ceramic slurry is performed to gel the ceramic slurry to thereby give a green body; and after drying and degreasing, the green body is fired in a reducing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporation Nagoya Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Masayoshi Fuji, Minoru Takahashi, Jingjun Liu, Hideo Watanabe, Takashi Shirai
  • Patent number: 8481231
    Abstract: A method of making an electrode ink containing nanostructured catalyst elements is described. The method comprises providing an electrocatalyst decal comprising a carrying substrate having a nanostructured thin catalytic layer thereon, the nanostructure thin catalytic layer comprising nanostructured catalyst elements; providing a transfer substrate with an adhesive thereon; transferring the nanostructured thin catalytic layer from the carrying substrate to the transfer substrate; removing the nanostructured catalyst elements from the transfer substrate; providing an electrode ink solvent; and dispersing the nanostructured catalyst elements in the electrode ink solvent. Electrode inks, coated substrates, and membrane electrode assemblies made from the method are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunxin Ji, Sumeet Bhargava, Matthew Dioguardi
  • Patent number: 8481225
    Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which has a high level of power generation performance under a low humidified condition and a high level of production efficiency, and further, a manufacturing method of such an MEA and a fuel cell having such an MEA. The present invention includes forming first electrode catalyst layer 2, forming polymer electrolyte layer 1 on the first electrode catalyst layer 2 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the first electrode catalyst layer 2 is also covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1, and forming second electrode catalyst layer 3 on the polymer electrolyte layer 1 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the second electrode catalyst layer 3 is covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Oota
  • Patent number: 8475974
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, anode catalyst layers, and cathode catalyst layers provided counter to the anode catalyst layers, respectively. An insulating layer is provided on the electrolyte membrane between adjacent anode catalyst layers. An insulating layer is provided on the electrolyte membrane between adjacent cathode catalyst layers. The resistivity of the insulating layer is preferably identical to or higher than that of the electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuko Nowatari, Takahiro Isono
  • Patent number: 8475968
    Abstract: A fueled cell system comprising: an anode compartment comprising a compound having the formula R1R2N—NR3R4, a salt, a hydrate or a solvate thereof, as fuel, and a catalyst layer which comprises copper or a copper alloy; a cathode compartment comprising an oxidant; and a separator interposed between said cathode and said anode compartments, wherein each of R1-R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, heteroalicyclic, alkoxy, carboxy, ketone, amide, hydrazide and amine, provided that at least one of R1-R4 is hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Fernando Patolsky, Boris Filanovsky, Eran Granot
  • Patent number: 8475964
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode, and cathode. The cathode has a stacked body formed of a catalyst layer and a gas diffusion layer. The catalyst layer, which contains catalyst metal-supporting carbon particles and an ion conductor, further contains a mesoporous humidity control agent whose amount of water adsorption rises steeply as a relative humidity increases in a specific relative humidity region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20130157167
    Abstract: A reduced gas crossover fuel cell membrane and method of making. The fuel cell member includes an electrode layer with a catalyst and an electrochemically-active first ionomer and an overcoat layer disposed on the electrode layer. The overcoat layer is made of the same or different second ionomer relative to the first ionomer of the electrode layer with at least one reduced gas crossover characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott L. Peters, Amit Nayar, Ruichun Jiang
  • Publication number: 20130157174
    Abstract: Electrocatalysts for carbon dioxide conversion include at least one catalytically active element with a particle size above 0.6 nm. The electrocatalysts can also include a Helper Catalyst. The catalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes and devices using the catalysts also include processes to produce CO, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2, and a specific device, namely, a CO2 sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Amin Salehi-Khojin