Making Catalytic Electrode, Process Only Patents (Class 502/101)
  • Publication number: 20130020207
    Abstract: The oxygen evolution reaction (OER)-catalyzing activity of transition metal perovskite oxide catalysts depends on the occupancy of the ?-bonding orbital of eg symmetry parentage of the active cation. Catalysts having preferred values of eg orbital filling can have a high intrinsic activity for catalysis of the OER.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Yang Shao-Horn, Kevin May, Jin Suntivich
  • Patent number: 8349514
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for fuel cells, a method of preparing the electrode catalyst, and a fuel cell including the electrode containing the electrode catalyst have been improved. The electrode catalyst includes a beryllium (Be) oxide catalyst, which oxidizes carbon monoxide included in a fuel gas into carbon dioxide, and a platinum (Pt) based catalyst. Thus, loss in catalytic activity of the Pt-based catalyst due to carbon monoxide is decreased, and the activity and life of the fuel cell including the electrode catalyst are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-jung Kwon, Chan-ho Pak, Kang-hee Lee
  • Patent number: 8349757
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrode comprising an electrically conductive material having a surface capable of producing surface enhanced Raman scattering of incident light from a complex adsorbed at the surface of the electrode, the complex including the electrically conductive material combined with a second material that is substantially reducible and not substantially oxidizable. The surface of the electrode can be microroughened. The invention also includes a method for making various embodiments of the electrode, and a method of generating electricity using the electrode. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a fuel cell is provided including the electrode of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fordham University
    Inventor: John J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 8349520
    Abstract: This invention discloses a catalyst layer which is formed at first incorporating sulfonated amorphous carbons and later the sulfonated amorphous carbons are removed. In addition, said sulfonated amorphous carbons show 13C NMR spectrum which has chemical shifts indicating carbons of a condensed aromatic 6-membered ring to which sulfonic groups are attached and are not attached respectively, and a powder X-ray diffraction spectrum which has a peak corresponding to the carbon's (002) plane at 5-30 degrees of half-value width (2?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohei Shiramizu
  • Patent number: 8338323
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an electrode for electrochemical reaction, wherein a conductive diamond layer is formed on an electrode substrate in the electrode; and the electrode substrate on which the conductive diamond layer is formed is kept at a temperature of 400° C. or more and 1,000° C. or less in a water vapor, thereby forming a micropore in the conductive diamond layer. Also, the present invention provides an electrode for electrochemical reaction obtained by the foregoing production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignees: Permelec Electrode Ltd., Shinshu University
    Inventors: Yoshio Takasu, Wataru Sugimoto, Tatsuya Ohashi, Junfeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120321996
    Abstract: The production method according to the present invention includes a process for producing fine particles formed of a non-precious metal; a process for forming a shell of a precious metal on the respective surfaces of the fine particles of the non-precious metal; and a process for collecting a catalyst from a fluid reaction mixture. A fine metal particle-carrying catalyst prepared by such a production method includes fine non-precious metal particles as the cores thereby reducing the usage of a precious metal to achieve suppression of a cost increase. Since it includes a shell portion formed of a precious metal, it exhibits excellent catalytic activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: NORITAKE CO., LTD.,
    Inventor: Masaaki Ito
  • Publication number: 20120312683
    Abstract: An electrode suitable for use as hydrogen-evolving cathode in electrolytic processes is obtained by thermal decomposition of a precursor consisting of an acetic solution of nitrates of ruthenium, and optionally of rare earths. The electrode displays a low cathodic hydrogen evolution overpotential, an improved tolerance to current reversal phenomena and a high duration in industrial operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marianna Brichese, Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi, Alice Calderara
  • Patent number: 8329129
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a pyrochlore type oxide having a larger specific surface area, a polymer electrolyte fuel cell and a fuel cell system improved in power generation efficiency and capable of being produced more inexpensively, and a method for producing an electro catalyst for a fuel cell, which electro catalyst has a larger specific surface area, is relatively inexpensive, and has high electrode activity per unit mass. A method for preparing a pyrochlore type oxide represented by A2B2O7-Z wherein A and B represent a metal element, Z represents a number of 0 or more and 1 or less, A includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Pb, Sn, and Zn, and B includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Ru, W, Mo, Ir, Rh, Mn, Cr, and Re, wherein the pyrochlore type oxide is produced by a reaction of a halide or nitrate of A with an alkali salt of a metal acid of B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Sato, Tamaki Mizuno, Yuri Seki
  • Publication number: 20120298503
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a bimetallic titania-based catalyst for use in hydrodesulfurization reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Ahmad D. HAMMAD, Esam Zaki Hamad, George Panagiotou, Christos Kordulis, Demetrios Theleritis
  • Publication number: 20120301812
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The method can include the steps of placing buckypaper in a vessel with a catalyst-precursor salt and a fluid. The temperature and pressure conditions within the vessel are modified so as to place the fluid in the supercritical state. The supercritical state of the supercritical fluid containing the precursor salt is maintained for period of time to impregnate the buckypaper with the catalyst-precursor salt. Catalyst nanoparticles are deposited on the buckypaper. The supercritical fluid and the precursor are removed to form a metal catalyst impregnated buckypaper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jian-ping (Jim) Zheng, Wei Zhu, Changchun Zeng, Zhiyong Liang, Chun Zhang, Ben Wang
  • Patent number: 8309275
    Abstract: A method for preparing a membrane to be assembled in a membrane, electrode assembly includes the step of swelling an ion-conducting membrane in a liquid containing at least one solvent or to an atmosphere containing the vapor phase of at least one solvent by controlling the content of the solvent in the ion-conducting membrane. A method for manufacturing a membrane electrode assembly using an ion conducting membrane includes the steps of: providing an ion-conducting membrane in a pre-swollen state; coating the ion-conducting membrane on both sides with an electrode layer to form a sandwich; and hot-pressing the sandwich to form an ion-conducting bonding of the layers of the sandwich. Furthermore, a membrane electrode assembly is disclosed including a hot pressed sandwich having an electrode layer, a ion-conducting membrane and again an electrode layer, thereby using the ion-conducting membrane in its pre-swollen status prior to the hot-pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Paul Scherrer Institut
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Brack, Günther Scherer, Lorenz Gubler
  • Patent number: 8309276
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for preparing catalyst solution for a membrane-electrode assembly in a fuel cell, which comprises the steps of a) mixing a catalyst solution (Solution A) wherein catalyst particles are dispersed in water and an ion conductive resin solution (Solution B) wherein an ion conductive resin is dissolved in water, low boiling point organic solvent or a mixture thereof, to form a dispersion; b) mixing the dispersion obtained from step a) with functional additive dissolved in high boiling point solvent or a mixture of low boiling point solvent arid water (Solution C) to prepare catalyst ink dispersion; and c) aging the catalyst ink dispersion obtained from step b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Byungchul Jang, Young Taek Kim, Jung-Eun Yang, Youngsu Jiong, Dong Hwan Ryu, Min-Ho Seo
  • Patent number: 8304362
    Abstract: The invention discloses core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell=outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is in the range of 20 to 100 nm, preferably in the range of 20 to 50 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) is about 5 to 20% of the diameter of the inner particle core of said catalyst particle, preferably comprising at least 3 atomic layers. The core/shell type catalyst particles, particularly the particles comprising a Pt-based shell, reveal a high specific activity. The catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and are used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Lopez, Michael Lennartz, Dan V. Goia, Carsten Becker, Stéphanie Chevalliot
  • Patent number: 8304134
    Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte composition comprising a polymer electrolyte (A component) having an ion exchange capacity of from 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a compound (B component) having a thioether group and a compound (C component) having an azole ring, wherein a mass ratio (B/C) of the B component to the C component is 1/99 to 99/1, and a total content of the B component and C component is 0.01 to 50% by mass based on the solid content in the polymer electrolyte composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei E-materials Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Miyake, Yuichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 8293671
    Abstract: Provided is a method for suppressing corrosion of a carbon material, which acts as a carrier in a catalyst layer of PEFC. The present invention relates to an electrode catalyst produced by subjecting a carbon material having a noble metal catalyst supported thereon to heat treatment under inert gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8293675
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a catalyst comprising a metal of the platinum group and a second metal selected from among the metals of the platinum group or the transition metals, in which a catalyst comprising the metal of the platinum group is mixed with a complex comprising the second metal to give a dry powder in a first step and the powder is subsequently heat treated to form a compound between the metal of the platinum group and the second metal. The invention further relates to the use of the catalyst produced according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Stefan Kotrel, Gerhard Cox, Ekkehard Schwab, Alexander Panchenko
  • Patent number: 8288308
    Abstract: The invention discloses core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell?outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is ?20 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) comprises at least 3 atomic layers. The core/shell type catalyst particles, particularly the particles comprising a Pt-based shell, reveal a high specific activity. The catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and are used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Lopez, Michael Lennartz, Dan V. Goia, Carsten Becker, Stephanie Chevalliot
  • Patent number: 8282796
    Abstract: A carbonaceous substrate of the present invention is such that an X-ray diffraction pattern thereof is a complex profile and includes at least two (002) diffraction lines; and the substrates contains crystallites with different interlayer spacings. Further, in the X-ray diffraction pattern, (002) diffraction lines between 2?=10° and 2?=30° have an asymmetric shape; and the X-ray diffraction pattern includes at least two pattern components which are a diffraction line whose center is at 2?=26° and a diffraction line whose center is at a lower angle than 2?=26°. Further, the carbonaceous substrate contains crystals wherein the periodic distance d002 is 0.34 nm or more and the crystallite size Lc002 is 20 nm or less based on the X-ray diffraction lines. An electrodes for fluorine electrolysis of the present invention includes the carbonaceous substrate on which a conductive diamond thin film is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rie Tao, Takanori Kawano, Yoshio Shodai
  • Patent number: 8283275
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube, a method of preparing the same, a supported catalyst including the same, and a fuel cell using the supported catalyst are provided. The method of preparing the carbon nanotube includes: depositing a metal catalyst in single wall nanotubes and growing multi wall nanotubes over the single wall nanotubes using the metal catalyst. The carbon nanotubes of the present invention have satisfactory specific surface area and low surface resistance. Thus, the carbon nanotubes perform remarkably better than a conventional catalyst carrier. Accordingly, the carbon nanotubes, when used as a catalyst carrier of an electrode for a fuel cell, can improve the electrical conductivity of the fuel cell. In addition, a fuel cell employing the electrode has excellent efficiency and overall performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-na Heo, Jeong-hee Lee, Tae-won Jeong, Shang-hyeun Park
  • Patent number: 8273486
    Abstract: An anode structure comprises an array of carbon nanotubes having a diffusion side and a membrane side, and catalyst particles interspersed on inner surfaces of the membrane side of the carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes have an average diameter greater than the size of the hydrogen molecule but smaller than the size of the carbon monoxide molecule. Thus, hydrogen flowing toward the catalyst particles interspersed inside the carbon nanotubes are able to go through, while the flow of trace amounts of carbon monoxide contained in the hydrogen is blocked, preventing the poisoning of the catalyst particles by the carbon monoxide. A fuel cell utilizing the anode structure and a method for manufacturing the anode structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Kaiser
  • Patent number: 8257882
    Abstract: The cathode 114 is formed by forming several layers comprising an inorganic material that is primarily electron conductive and a complex oxide B that is primarily oxygen ion conductive and that supports an oxygen dissociation-promoting catalyst, on an electrolytic membrane 112. The electrolytic membrane 112 and the outermost layer of the cathode 114 (layer of mixture furthest from the electrolytic membrane 112) facing the separator 120 are physically and electrically continuous by means of the inorganic material a and complex oxide B disposed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Ito, Akira Kondo
  • Patent number: 8252712
    Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst composition, a polymeric binder, a polymeric dispersant, and a solvent. The polymeric dispersant includes a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Roland J. Koestner, Sean M Mackinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Jeanette E. Owejan
  • Publication number: 20120208693
    Abstract: A method for forming an electrocatalyst for fuel cell applications comprises electrolessly depositing a first plurality of nickel particles onto carbon-support particles. The nickel particles are formed from a nickel ion-containing aqueous solution. At least a portion of the nickel particles are replaced with platinum via a galvanic displacement reaction to form a second plurality of nickel particles coated with a platinum layer. During this displacement reaction step, the nickel particles are heated to a temperature sufficient to form the platinum layer. Finally, the second plurality of nickel particles is optionally incorporated into a cathode layer of a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Junliang Zhang, Zhiqiang Yu, Zhongyi Liu
  • Patent number: 8241372
    Abstract: A method of forming an electrode including an electrochemical catalyst layer is disclosed, which comprises forming a graphitized porous conductive fabric layer, optionally conditioning the graphitized porous conductive fabric layer, and dipping the graphitized porous conductive fabric layer into a solution containing a plurality of polymer-capped noble metal nanoclusters dispersed therein. The polymer-capped noble metal nanoclusters as an electrochemical catalyst layer are adsorbed onto the graphitized porous conductive fabric layer. An electrochemical device with the electrode made thereby is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tripod Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hai-Peng Cheng, Shien-Ping Feng, Jo-Lin Lan, Chao Peng, Tzu-Chien Wei, Wen-Chi Hsu, Ya-Huei Chang, Wen-Hsiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20120199473
    Abstract: A cathode for electrolytic processes, particularly suitable for hydrogen evolution in chlor-alkali electrolysis comprises a metal substrate provided with a catalytic coating made of two layers containing palladium, rare earths (such as praseodymium) and a noble component selected between platinum and ruthenium. The rare earth percent amount by weight is lower in the outer layer than in the inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Lorenzo Antozzi, Marianna Brichese, Alice Calderara
  • Patent number: 8236206
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode catalyst layer comprising catalyst particles, an ion exchange resin and a water repellent agent. The water repellent agent contains (A) a fluorine-containing copolymer having a structure unit derived from a polyfluoroalkyl-containing (meth)acrylate and/or (B) a fluorine-containing copolymer having a structural unit represented by derived from a fluorine-containing olefin monomer and a structure unit represented derived from a vinyl ether monomer. The electrode catalyst layer contains 0.1 to 20% by weight of the water repellant agent. The electrode catalyst layer exhibits excellent balance between water retention and drainage in an electrode, good power generation performance under any of low humidity and high humidity conditions, and also excellent durability in power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: JSR Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Komatsu, Junji Kawai, Toshihiro Ohtsuki, Takanobu Yamamoto, Ryoichiro Takahashi, Kaoru Fukuda, Hiroshi Shinkai
  • Patent number: 8236207
    Abstract: Compositions, and methods of making thereof, comprising from about 1% to about 5% of a perfluorinated sulfonic acid ionomer or a hydrocarbon-based ionomer; and from about 95% to about 99% of a solvent, said solvent consisting essentially of a polyol; wherein said composition is substantially free of water and wherein said ionomer is uniformly dispersed in said solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Yu Seung Kim, Kwan-Soo Lee, Tommy Q. T. Rockward
  • Patent number: 8227372
    Abstract: The invention is directed to core/shell type catalyst particles comprising a Mcore/Mshell structure with Mcore=inner particle core and Mshell=outer particle shell, wherein the medium diameter of the catalyst particle (dcore+shell) is in the range of 20 to 100 nm, 5 preferably in the range of 20 to 50 nm. The thickness of the outer shell (tshell) is about 5 to 20% of the diameter of the inner particle core of said catalyst particle, preferably comprising at least 3 atomic layers. The inner particle core (Mcore) of the particles comprises metal or ceramic materials, whereas the material of the outer shell (Mshell) comprises precious metals and/or alloys thereof. The core/shell type catalyst particles are preferably supported on suitable support materials such as carbon black and can be used as electrocatalysts for fuel cells and for other catalytic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Lopez, Michael Lennartz, Dan V. Goia, Carsten Becker, Stéphanie Chevalliot
  • Patent number: 8216956
    Abstract: A layered electrocatalyst for oxidizing ammonia, ethanol, or combinations thereof, comprising: a carbon support integrated with a conductive metal; at least one first metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the carbon support, wherein the at least one first metal plating layer is active to OH adsorption and inactive to a target species, and wherein the at least one first metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns; and at least one second metal plating layer at least partially deposited on the at least one first metal plating layer, wherein the at least one second metal plating layer is active to the target species, and wherein the at least one second metal plating layer has a thickness ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 microns, forming a layered electrocatalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Publication number: 20120156589
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell with excellent durability, a manufacturing method thereof, and a fuel cell using the same. The electrode catalyst for the fuel cell includes a carbon support, a metal catalyst material supported by the carbon support, and a benzimidazole-based or benzotriazole-based compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Suk-gi HONG, Chan-ho Pak
  • Patent number: 8197556
    Abstract: A method for producing a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell by preparing a positive electrode by applying a positive electrode mixture onto a positive electrode core material, the mixture containing a positive electrode active material mainly made of a lithium nickel composite oxide and a binding agent containing polyvinylidene fluoride; measuring the amount of carbon dioxide gas generated when a layer of the positive electrode mixture is removed out of the positive electrode and the layer is heated to 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower in an inactive gas atmosphere; selecting a positive electrode satisfying the following formulas: y<(1.31x?258)/1000000(200?x<300)??formula 3 y<1.20x?225/1000000(300?x?400)??formula 4 where x is a heating temperature (° C.) and y is the amount of carbon dioxide gas (mole/g) per 1 g of the lithium nickel composite oxide measured; and preparing the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell by using the positive electrode selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Takeda, Yoshio Kato, Shingo Tode, Masanori Maekawa, Shigeki Matsuta
  • Patent number: 8198206
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ink for producing catalyst layers for electrochemical devices. The ink comprises catalyst materials, ionomer material, water and at least one organic solvent. The organic solvent belongs to the class of tertiary alcohols and/or the class of aliphatic diketones and bears functional groups which are stable to oxidative degradation in the ink. This prevents formation of decomposition products in the ink. The ink of the invention displays a high storage stability and is used for producing catalyst-coated substrates for electrochemical devices, in particular fuel cells (PEMFCs, DMFCs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Walter Behl, Marco Lopez
  • Patent number: 8192595
    Abstract: A transition metal/carbon nanotube composite includes a carbon nanotube and a transition metal oxide coating layer disposed on the carbon nanotube. The transition metal oxide coating layer includes a nickel-cobalt oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei University
    Inventors: Ho-jung Yang, Hyo-rang Kang, Kwang-bum Kim, Jin-go Kim
  • Patent number: 8183174
    Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-doped ruthenium oxide material by heating a mixture of a doping metal and a source of ruthenium under an inert atmosphere. In some embodiments, the doping metal is in the form of iridium black or lead powder, and the source of ruthenium is a powdered ruthenium oxide. An iridium-doped or lead-doped ruthenium oxide material can perform as an oxygen evolution catalyst and can be fabricated into electrodes for electrolysis cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas I. Valdez, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan
  • Patent number: 8178462
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which comprises a Ru-containing metal microparticle supported on an electrically conductive carbon carrier, wherein M2RuX6 [M=at least one member selected from H, Li, Na, K and NH4; X=at least one member selected from Cl, Br, I and NO3] is used as a precursor of Ru. It becomes possible to produce an electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, which is improved in the methanol oxidation activity per mass or surface area of the catalyst compared with a conventional Pt- and Ru-carrying carbon catalyst prepared by using a Ru raw material having an average valency of 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Konishi
  • Patent number: 8178463
    Abstract: A multimetallic nanoscale catalyst having a sore portion enveloped by a shell portion and exhibiting high catalytic activity and improved catalytic durability. In various embodiments, the core/shell nanoparticles comprise a gold particle coated with a catalytically active platinum bimetallic material. The shape of the nanoparticles is substantially defined by the particle shape of the core portion. The nanoparticles may be dispersed on a high surface area substrate for use as a catalyst and is characterized by no significant loss in surface area and specific activity following extended potential cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Vojislav Stamenkovic, Nenad M. Markovic, Chao Wang, Hideo Daimon, Shouheng Sun
  • Patent number: 8173204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of electrochemistry and describes a method and an apparatus for producing fuel cell components, in particular membrane electrode units (“MEUs”) for membrane fuel cells. In the case of the method according to the invention, anode and cathode electrodes are applied to two neighboring heated rollers that are subjected to a vacuum. The applied vacuum has the effect that they are introduced exactly in position into a roller nip and then laminated with an ion-conducting membrane. Due to the extended heat influencing zone, high production rates are achieved with the method according to the invention. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a rolling mill with heatable vacuum rollers. It has advantages due to the simple construction and the absence of transfer locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lutz Rohland
  • Publication number: 20120103828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode comprising an electrically conductive substrate and a catalytically active layer, wherein the catalytically active layer is based on two catalytically active components and comprises iridium, ruthenium or titanium as metal oxide or mixed oxide or mixtures of the oxides, wherein the total content of ruthenium and/or iridium based on the sum of the elements iridium, ruthenium and titanium is at least 10 mol %, and wherein the electrode comprises at least one oxidic base layer which is applied to the electrically conductive substrate and is impermeable to aqueous electrolytes comprising NaCl and/or NaOH and/or HCl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Jürgen Kintrup, Rainer Weber, Ruiyong Chen, Vinh Trieu, Harald Natter, Rolf Hempelmann
  • Patent number: 8168025
    Abstract: The present invention is related to methods of making membrane electrode assembly components. The methods include transferring a catalyst layer to a polymer electrolyte membrane or a gas diffusion layer. Methods of making membrane electrode assemblies with these components are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: BDF IP Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Ronald Mah, Kyoung J. Bai, Siyu Ye, David S. de Haan, Goran R. Vlajnic, Andrew Leow
  • Patent number: 8163437
    Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell anode comprising a porous anode body, which comprises a nickel-based alloy and at least one ceramic additive dispersed throughout the anode body. The amount of the ceramic additive in the anode body is between 5 and 50% by volume. The nickel-based alloy is Ni—Cr or Ni—Al, and the ceramic additive is one of CeO2, yttrium doped ceria, yttrium doped zirconia, TiO2, Li2TiO3, LiAlO2 and La0.8Sr0.2CoO3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdelkader Hilmi, Chao-Yi Yuh, Mohammad Farooque
  • Patent number: 8163442
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane, the catalyst-coated membrane manufactured by the method, and a fuel cell including the catalyst-coated membrane manufactured by the method. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a mask including a masking film layer and a first adhesive layer laminated on the masking film layer, and having patterns in which portions corresponding to the portions of an electrolyte membrane to be coated with catalyst are removed; (b) attaching the mask on one surface or both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane; (c) coating catalyst ink on the electrolyte membrane through the patterns of the mask so as to form a catalyst layer; and (d) removing the masking film layer and the first adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Min Song, Jin Nam Park, Sung Eun Kim, Sang Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20120077667
    Abstract: A method of preparing a nitrogen containing electrode catalyst by converting a high surface area metal-organic framework (MOF) material free of platinum group metals that includes a transition metal, an organic ligand, and an organic solvent via a high temperature thermal treatment to form catalytic active sites in the MOF. At least a portion of the contained organic solvent may be replaced with a nitrogen containing organic solvent or an organometallic compound or a transition metal salt to enhance catalytic performance. The electrode catalysts may be used in various electrochemical systems, including a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Di-Jia LIU, Shengqian Ma, Gabriel A. Goenaga
  • Patent number: 8137741
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a fuel cell component in which a deposition mechanism deposits loading material particles onto the fuel cell component and an actuation mechanism actuates the deposition mechanism. A unit provides a tape fixing agent to the fuel cell component and loaded material particles so as to retain the particles on the fuel cell component. Other fuel components are retained to the fuel cell component also using a tape fixing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvador E. Correa, Thomas M. Lucas, Lawrence J. Novacco
  • Patent number: 8137515
    Abstract: A method for producing a diamond electrode comprising synthetically produced and electrically conductive (doped) diamond particles, which are embedded into a support layer of electrically non-conductive material. The doped diamond particles are introduced as a single layer between two films that form the support layer, the films then being permanently connected to each other and the diamond particles being exposed on both sides of the support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pro Aqua Diamantelektroden Produktion GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wesner, Robert Hermann, Michael Schelch, Wolfgang Staber
  • Publication number: 20120052414
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for an electrode catalyst layer includes: containing a conductive carrier on which a catalyst is supported, a substrate, an electrolyte resin and a supercritical fluid inside a closed container (S102 to S106); and cooling the substrate to form an electrode catalyst layer, having the conductive carrier on which the catalyst is supported and the electrolyte resin, on the substrate (S 108).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Yuichiro Hama, Takayoshi Doi
  • Patent number: 8124556
    Abstract: Accordingly, in various embodiments, the present invention provides methods for making electrochemically active materials. Methods include making an electrochemically active material by reacting a platinum group metal salt in a organic solvent to yield a mixture, then heating the mixture to create a metal-organic solvent complex and an acid, followed by removing at least a portion of the acid, and yielding an electrochemically active material comprising the metal-organic solvent complex. In an exemplary embodiment, the resulting electrochemically active material may be used for coating an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Scot P Sandoval, Michael D Waite, Casey J Clayton
  • Patent number: 8114538
    Abstract: An electrocatalyst for an electrochemical cell of the present invention includes a metal catalyst containing metal that has a metal oxidation potential of 0.5V or higher to 1.5V or lower, and is directly involved in an electrode reaction. Further, the electrocatalyst includes an aromatic heterocyclic compound having a six-membered cyclic structure containing a heteroatom, wherein the heteroatom has a metal coordination capacity that is not directly involved in the electrode reaction. The aromatic heterocyclic compound is heterogeneously adsorbed and coordinated on a surface of the metal catalyst while interposing the heteroatom therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takekawa, Hiroshi Ogawa, Hidenobu Shiroishi
  • Publication number: 20120028169
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support for an electrode of a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell, a fuel cell, and a platinum-supported catalyst, and an electrode using the same. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which linear crystalline carbon nanofibers and nonlinear crystalline carbon particles with increased surface area and improved crystallinity are used to enhance the active site of catalyst particles and ensure the durability of the catalyst by the crystalline carbon materials. The linear crystalline carbon nanofibers are grown to have a predetermined fiber diameter by heat treatment at a high temperature in a gas phase of hydrocarbon in an inert gas atmosphere using an oxide such as Ni, Fe, Mn, etc. as a catalyst. The crystallinity of the linear crystalline carbon nanofibers is also improved by the heat treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Bum Wook Roh, Ki Sub Lee
  • Patent number: 8101298
    Abstract: A method of fabricating fibres of silicon or silicon-based material comprises the steps of etching pillars on a substrate and detaching them. A battery anode can then be created by using the fibres as the active material in a composite anode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nexeon Ltd.
    Inventors: Mino Green, Feng-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 8071503
    Abstract: An electrocatalyst, suitable for use in a fuel cell, comprises an alloy having a single crystalline phase, wherein the alloy consists of 5-95 at % palladium, 5-95 at % ruthenium and less than 10 at % of other metals, provided that the alloy does not consist of 50 at % palladium and 50 at % ruthenium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Janet Mary Fisher, David Thompsett