40826 November 13, 1996 NexTech Materials, Ltd. Although oxygen-conducting ceramics are used as electrolytes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), their requirements for high temperature operation cause material compatibility problems. The primary… More

100 Tubular SOFC with Deposited Nano-Scale YSZ Electrolyte--NexTech Materials, Ltd., 720 Lakerview Plaza Boulevard, Suite I, Worthington, OH 43085-4733; (614) 766-4895 Dr. Scott L. Swartz, Principal Investigator Mr. William J. Dawson, Business Official DOE Grant No.… More

This project is aimed at the development of a low-cost, portable system to provide oxygen in the home to patients with chronic lung and heart related diseases, e.g., COPD. This new in-home oxygen delivery system, based on ceramic technology, will improve the quality of life for hundreds of… More

100 Tubular SOFC with Deposited Nano-Scale YSZ Electrolyte--NexTech Materials, Ltd., 720 Lakerview Plaza Boulevard, Suite I, Worthington, OH 43085-4733; (614) 766-4895 Dr. Scott L. Swartz, Principal Investigator Mr. William J. Dawson, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82443 Amount: … More

Not Available Optical storage systems and memories are emerging rapidly as a solution to address the next generation requirement of high data-density and fast access time, and have created demand for high-speed and large-volume data handling interconnects between optical memory devices and… More

65874 Replacing air with oxygen in industrial applications improves the efficiency of oxidation reactions and reduces polluting emissions, including NOx. Therefore, the demand for inexpensive, high purity oxygen is steadily rising. This project will develop ceria-based membrane materials for… More

65886 New fossil fuel energy systems are required that consume less fuel and generate less greenhouse gases and polluting emissions. Moreover, the cost of these systems must be comparable to that of current systems. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a candidate technology for meeting these… More

"Numerous applications within the military and medical fields would benefit from compact and electrically efficient oxygen generation systems. Ceramic-based electrochemical oxygen generation systems are under consideration for military applications,including oxygen supplies for aircraft, medevacs,… More

65886 New fossil fuel energy systems are required that consume less fuel and generate less greenhouse gases and polluting emissions. Moreover, the cost of these systems must be comparable to that of current systems. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a candidate technology for meeting these… More

65886 New fossil fuel energy systems are required that consume less fuel and generate less greenhouse gases and polluting emissions. Moreover, the cost of these systems must be comparable to that of current systems. The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a candidate technology for meeting these… More

The development of compact, lightweight and continuous power sources to replace battery-based systems offers substantial advantages for military operations. Fuel cells offer high energy density (up to 1000 Wh/kg) and operate continuously as long as fuelis provided. Advantages of fuel cells include… More

70832 NOx is an unwanted by-product from combustion equipment, gas turbines, incinerators, kilns, and power plants. There is a need for the continuous monitoring of NOx in the presence of other combustion products, in the range 200-800¿C, and in various utility plant locations. This… More

"Fuel cell systems are being considered for naval vessels, including surface ships and submarines, for propulsion, auxiliary, and emergency power generation. The use of logistic diesel fuels as a source of hydrogen for PEM fuel cells would allowimplementation of fuel cell technology without… More

Military applications such as aircraft and military require compact and efficient oxygen generation systems. In this program, NexTech Materials is collaborating with Northrop Grumman to produce a Ceramic Oxygen Generator (COG) capable of meeting theseneeds. The critical component for COG systems… More

70580 A major obstacle to the commercialization of planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is the lack of sealing materials that are chemically and mechanically robust. Seals must withstand both the oxidizing and reducing atmospheres and the thermal cycling that accompany SOFC operation, while… More

70580 A major obstacle to the commercialization of planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is the lack of sealing materials that are chemically and mechanically robust. Seals must withstand both the oxidizing and reducing atmospheres and the thermal cycling that accompany SOFC operation, while… More

72676S03-I This project will develop a high-efficiency, low-cost, scalable spray deposition method for applying electrolyte and electrode layers to silicon oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In Phase I, a number of SOFC cells will be spray coated and processed so that film quality, film thickness, and… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project (DARPA SBIR- Topic SB031-005) will focus on the formation of grain-oriented (textured) 0.675Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-.0.325PbTiO3 (PMN-32.5PT) ceramics for various high performance sensor and transducerapplications. NexTech proposes to grain-orient… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on the formation of improved performance, lead-free, piezoelectric ceramics for various high performance sensor and transducer applications. The piezoelectric response of Barium Zirconium Titanate (BZT) ceramic compositions will be… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project proposes to focus on the formation of grain-oriented (textured) lead-free piezoelectric and dielectric ceramics for various electroceramic and transducer applications. The overall objective of this project will be to produce lead-free ceramics… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on the development of high-performance hydrocarbon reforming catalysts for fuel processors of fuel cell systems. The objective of this research project is to determine feasibility of novel composite materials approach for… More

As solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) approach commercialization, interest in broader applications of this technology is mounting. While the first commercialized systems are being designed to provide 3-5 kW in stationary and automotive auxiliary power unit (APU) applications, aerospace and military… More

New power systems are needed for U.S. Army vehicles, to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce reliance on the fuel supply train. Solid-oxide fuel cell systems provide compelling advantages in fuel efficiency, fuel flexibility, and fuel impurity tolerance. The same fuel efficiency advantages provided… More

High altitude uninhabited air vehicles (UAVs) offer the opportunity to enhance border security and provide early warning for missile defense programs. These platforms offer an inexpensive alternative to satellite or manned reconnaissance aircraft, but require a night-time power source to augment… More

Fuel cell systems are being considered for naval vessels, including surface ships and submarines, for propulsion, auxiliary, and emergency power generation. The primary advantages of fuel cell power generation include increased efficiency, lower weight and smaller size, less pollution, and reduced… More

New power systems are needed for U.S. Army vehicles, to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce reliance on the fuel supply train. Solid-oxide fuel cell systems provide compelling advantages in fuel efficiency, fuel flexibility and fuel impurity tolerance. The same fuel efficiency advantages provided… More

Current conventional methods of fabricating titania based ceramics have not resulted in superior materials performance. This project will utilize the nano-architecture of existing silica based micro-algae that have been chemically converted to demonstrated ceramic photo-catalyst materials while… More

The U.S. Air Force has identified a need for lightweight electrochemical energy production for systems where gravimetric and volumetric power densities are of premium importance. These devices will provide and/or supplement the primary power systems on air platforms such as monitoring and… More

As solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) approach commercialization, interest in broader applications of this technology is mounting. While the first commercialized systems are being designed to provide 3-5 kW in stationary and automotive auxiliary power unit (APU) applications, military and aerospace… More

In this SBIR Phase I proposal (Topic X9.01), NexTech Materials, Ltd. proposes to develop a high efficiency ceramic oxygen generation system which will separate O2 from the CO2-rich (95%) Martian atmosphere through a solid-oxide electrolysis process at 750-850?aC. The CO2 electrolysis process will… More

The U.S. military requires a reliable fuel supply and efficient power generation technologies, and ideally one that does not require importing of oil from politically unstable regions of the world. Fuel cell power generation from hydrogen is an attractive option, especially if the hydrogen is… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project aims to demonstrate the enhanced electrochemical performance and oxidation-reduction stability of a novel planar solid oxide fuel cell component. This research program will optimize the cell architecture, composition and geometry to assure cell… More

Proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (p-SOFCs) offer significant advantages in operating temperature and fuel utilization compared to other types of fuel cells. This project will advance the materials science and manufacturing technology for ceramic proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells… More

The United States Navy has a critical need for improved power systems for unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) systems. Power and energy density are critically deficient in current UUV platforms, and limit mission time and capability of current systems. Tethered systems and battery powered systems… More

In this SBIR Phase I proposal (Topic OSD06-EP1), NexTech Materials, Ltd. will comparatively test anode materials sets for SOFCs for operation on sulfur-containing (200 ppmv H2S) fuels between 700-850,aC. Cell performance and stability will be characterized in both sulfur-containing hydrogen and… More

This proposal directly supports development of alternative and renewable energy. Specifically, this project involves development and demonstration of a simplified method for operating solid oxide fuel cells directly on bio-ethanol. Renewable bio-fuels, such as ethanol, present significant advantages… More

Hydrogen is one of the most important reactants in the petroleum and chemical industries. The United States produces around 41 million metric tons of hydrogen annually, and the demand for hydrogen is expected to increase significantly with the building of the hydrogen economy. About 80% of… More

In order to improve the performance of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), this project will incorporate a nano-scale catalyst within the SOFC cathode. The innovation will allow improved, inexpensive and stable metals to be used for electrical interconnection and gas manifolding. Further, decreasing… More

In this SBIR Phase II proposal (Topic OSD06-EP1), NexTech Materials, Ltd. will seek further development of the solid oxide fuel cell anode materials that were explored in Phase I. In Phase II, NexTech will use the anode platform that was established in Phase I to improve the understanding of… More

In this Phase I STTR program, NexTech Materials, Ltd. (NexTech) and the University of Florida (UF) will collaboratively demonstrate a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) design and materials set tailored to provide military users with a rugged, compact power supply, operating at temperatures below 600… More

During Phase I of NexTech's project with ONR, NexTech developed a system concept based on its proprietary solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology capable of meeting the Navy's energy density requirements for large-diameter unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) systems. Phase II of this project will… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop a new approach for removing tars from gasified biomass, which will enable the cost effective and efficient use of biomass to produce power, liquid fuels and value added chemicals. The objective of this project is develop an… More

The proposed research will satisfy three of the USDA's strategic goals as discussed below: (1)The project will enhance economic opportunities for agricultural producers by facilitating the providing impetus for the establishment of a bio-ethanol infrastructure, leading to a new agricultural industry… More

In this proposed SBIR project, NexTech Materials will determine feasibility of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for large-scale (100+ kW) power generation from military logistic fuels. In Phase I, a conceptual design for a fuel cell power system operating on logistic fuel will be established in order… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project focuses on improving efficiency and reducing cost associated with the production of energy, liquid fuels, and value-added chemicals from gasified biomass. Unlike most other sources of biofuels, gasification would not directly compete with… More

Due to the threat of global warming, and the economic need for energy independence, the Department of Energy is seeking alternative means of energy production. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) offer a route for more efficient use of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass, with less pollution compared to… More

Demand for fuel-efficient and reliable electrical power is escalating within the U.S. military. Fuel cells, which provide compact, efficient and energy-dense power, could find immediate application as portable battery chargers, auxiliary power units for silent-watch missions, and primary power for… More

Availability of robust and reliable sensors for battery health monitoring is essential to the safe implementation and use of re-chargeable batteries in military applications. Lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, silver-zinc, and lithium ion batteries, for example, are critical to a number of existing and… More

In this project NexTech Materials, Ltd. will design and demonstrate a 10-kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system that can operate on JP 5 diesel fuel. The system will be designed to meet critical Navy needs for unmanned aerial vehicle systems that can operate on heavy diesel fuel with better… More

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will investigate the sensing mechanisms underlying a new nitrogen oxides (NOx) sensor technology that also has the potential for ammonia sensing. This project will optimize materials for dual NOx and NH3 sensing through experimentation and… More

Coal is an abundant source of energy in the USA, but is not currently utilized effectively. Recently, the DOE has begun a carbon sequestration program is to develop advanced CO2 capture and compression technology for existing coal-fired plants with increased efficiency with no more than a 35%… More

A number of process-based manufacturing analyses have been performed for SOFCs, providing cohesive feasibility analyses for a wide range of cell and stack designs. These studies have been broad in scope; however, with limited depth on any particular stack technology and lacking a detailed analysis… More

Due to the threat of global warming, and the economic need for energy independence, the United States Department of Energy is developing alternative means of energy production. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells offer a route for more efficient use of fossil fuels, bio-fuels, and biomass, with less pollution… More

In this Phase II SBIR project, NexTech Materials will continue development of high power density solid oxide fuel cell power systems for ship-service applications. The system being developed is based on planar stacks of NexTech"s proprietary FlexCells, which offer unprecedented sulfur tolerance… More

Demand for fuel-efficient and reliable electrical power is escalating within the U.S. military. Fuel cells, which provide compact, efficient and energy-dense power, could find immediate application as portable battery chargers, auxiliary power units for silent-watch missions, and primary power for… More

To make SOFC systems more manufacturable and reduce costs, lower cost stainless steels have been substituted into the stack design wherever possible, including as alternatives to traditional ceramic interconnects within the stack and high-cost nickel-based superalloys in balance of plant (BoP)… More

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will investigate a new family of low-cost non-precious metal ammonia selective oxidation catalysts for use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. The selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia/urea is widely applied to… More

In this proposed SBIR project, NexTech Materials will design, develop and demonstrate a 10-kW scale, power dense and sulfur tolerant solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack for military ground vehicle auxiliary power units. NexTech has already established a conceptual design for this stack, which… More