Active material for fuel cell anodes incorporating an additive for precharging/activation thereof
US6613471B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hydrogen storage alloy active material for the anode of Ovonic instant startup/regenerative fuel cells. The active material includes a hydrogen storage alloy material with a water reactive chemical hydride additive, which, upon utilization of the active material in an anode of an alkaline electrolyte fuel cell, gives the anode added benefits, not attainable by using hydrogen storage alloy material alone. These added benefits include 1) precharge of the hydrogen storage material with hydrogen; 2) higher porosity/increased surface area/reduced electrode polarization at high currents; 3) simplified, faster activation of the hydrogen storage alloy; and 4) optionally, enhanced corrosion protection for the hydrogen storage alloy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.