Activated Reactants to Reduce Fuel Cell Overpotentials
Company: JSJ Technologies, LLC Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / STTR / 2012 / 2Abstract: …g less energy than thermodynamically predicted. Reduction of electrochemical overpotentials in electrochemical systems has been the prime objective of physical electrochemistry. A number of alternative approaches exist to potentially activate the reactant entering a fuel … more
HIGH PERFORMANCE HYDROXYL EXCHANGE MEMBRANE (HEM) FOR ALKALINE FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS
Company: Bettergy Corp. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: The U.S. Military has a strong need for very high-energy density (>1000 WH/kg), light weight power sources for communications and other advanced electronic devices The possible solution is replacing the battery with proton exchange membrane (PEM) based hydrogen fuel … more
SBIR Phase I: Novel Catalysts Based on Doped Carbon Nano-Fibers
Company: PH Matter, LLC Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NSF / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: …of the cost. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be related to more efficient forms of energy storage and usage. The strongest value proposition is for replacement of precious metals for use in air electrodes used in applications ranging from fuel … more
SBIR Phase II: Mixed Oxide Sulfur-Tolerant Water Gas Shift Catalysts
Company: PH Matter, LLC Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NSF / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: … of energy. The technology developed and refined during the Phase II NSF SBIR program could have application to a wide range of other catalytic reactions as well. Potential applications include: lean burn diesel engine exhaust treatment,hydrocarbon reforming for fuel … more
High Throughput Ionic and Electronic Transport Probing System
Company: Asylum Research Corporation Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOE / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: There currently is no effective, commercially available system for nanoscale probing and testing of battery and fuel cell materials in the low oxygen and humidity environments required for functional measurements. Such a probing system is critically needed… more
Integral Multi-Fuel Reactor for Efficient Power Delivery Systems
Company: Acumentrics Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: The increased need for portable efficient power has led to the use of the fuel cell as a means of delivering that power. However, portable power also means the ability to utilize any available fuel as the situation would arise. A fuel reformer is needed… more
A Non-Catalytic Fuel Flexible Reformer
Company: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: The proposed SBIR Phase I program will develop an innovative fuel flexible reformer for a portable Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power generation system used in the battlefields. The fuel reformer is non-catalytic and can operate with different fuels… more
Adaptive VCS Condenser with Integrated VCHPs for Aircraft Thermal Management
Company: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: … commercial electronics cooling applications that require a tight temperature control and an isothermal cold plate, such as electronics in NASA Mars Exploration Rover WEB or NASA's Scientific Balloons. One of the commercial applications for VCHP heat exchangers are fuel… more
Purification of Biogas for Fuel Cells
Company: Altex Technologies Corporation Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: Altex Technologies and the Pennsylvania State University propose the BioPure-FC biogas purification system, which is designed to purify biogas from landiflls and wastewater-treatement plants to levels compatible with fuel-cell systems. PSU's novel sorbents combined with… more
Real-Time In-Situ Metrology for Lithium-Ion Battery R&D and Manufacturing
Company: Applied Spectra, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOE / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: … requires electrochemical storage to compensate the time lag between production and consumption. Our analytical technology will be also useful in many other fields where localized mapping is necessary, including rapid in-situ characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel … more
SBIR Phase II: High Efficiency BioMass Power Generation Using Liquid Tin Anode Fuel Cell
Company: CellTech Power, LLC Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NSF / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will continue the commercial development of the Liquid Tin Anode Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (LTA-SOFC) for direct conversion of biomass to electrical power. The LTA-SOFC is a transformational energy… more
SBIR Phase I: Development of advanced biocathode for enhancement of current density of Microbial Fuel Cells
Company: ElectroChem, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NSF / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: This small Business Innovation Research Phase² project proposes the research of advanced Bio-cathode Microbial Fuel Cell (BcMFC). Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) generates power from renewable energy sources. However, the… more
Nanostructured Carbon Nanosheet Electrode for Enzymatic Fuel Cells
Company: Luna Innovations Incorporated Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / STTR / 2012 / 1Abstract: Enzymatic fuel cells provide significant potential for increased energy density with low costs through the use of renewable fuel sources and biocatalysts. Their real-world application is primarily limited by 1) the lack of effective enzyme immobilization… more
PowerCube: Integrated Power, Propulsion, and Pointing for CubeSats
Company: Tethers Unlimited, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NASA / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: … to enable the low-cost CubeSat platform to be used to conduct high-performance missions. The PowerCube concept integrates three innovative component technologies to provide these capabilities: First, a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water-electrolysis fuel … more
Metallic Fiber Papers for Gas Diffusion Layers
Company: Giner, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NASA / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: Hydrogen/oxygen polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEMFCs) are an attractive means of generating electricity in lunar and space applications due to their high energy density. The PEMFC generally consists of an MEA supported on two sides by gas diffusion media. … more
Long-Life MEAs and Catalysts for PEM Electrolyzers/Fuel Cells
Company: Giner, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NASA / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: Nanostructured Thin Films (NSTF), used as substrates for catalysts, have proven to be highly active for oxygen reduction in fuel cells. This improvement in activity is expected to transfer to electrolyzer technology as the NSTF substrate layer, with a… more
Carbon Nitride Supported Iridium Oxide (IrO2) Catalyst for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis
Company: Giner, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOE / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: …ydrogen production from proton exchange membrane electrolysis. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The synthesized catalyst will be first used in the electrolysis industry for cost reduction. Its approach may be extended to other wide applications including fuel … more
Enzymes-based Passive Microfluidic Biological Fuel Cells
Company: Giner, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: … in this way, biofuels are driven in a flow-through mode along microfludic channels in the biofuel cell substrate. Due to the nature of laminar flow, the anolyte and catholyte form two streams with minimal interfacial diffusion effect that leads to a membraneless fuel … more
New Electrolytes for Rechargeable Lithium-Air Battery with Increased Cycle Life for Silent Watch Applications
Company: Giner, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: … be improved for extended lithium anode rechargeability, electrolyte stability and decreased air cathode polarization. During Phase I Giner demonstrated a design approach for the cell based on its experience with high voltage electrolytes and cathode structures used in fuel… more
High-Temperature Microsample Testing System
Company: HYSITRON, INC. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: … many frontier researchers eager to perform unprecedented thermo-mechanical characterizations. Strong demand for the proposed instrument will be derived from researchers and industries whose applications are in advanced alloys, various composite materials, high temperature fuel… more
SBIR Phase I: Synergistic Combinations of New Materials&Systems for Scalable Desulfurization of Distributed Biogas Resources
Company: IntraMicron, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NSF / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: … a fundamentally new means for biogas (landfill gas) desulfurization that produces less waste, allows recycle of recovered sulfur, and provides annualized operating costs a fraction of current practice. Inexpensive biogas cleanup is required for subsequent combustion, fuel … more
Compact, In-Line Sensor for Direct Measurement of Sulfur in Liquid JP-8
Company: Mainstream Engineering Corporation Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: Fuel cell technology has progressed to the point where fuel desulfurization and reforming have become the limiting factors. Both solid-oxide and polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells are poisoned by sulfur compounds in the fuel. This Phase II effort will… more
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathode Enhancement Through a Vacuum-Assisted Infiltration Technique
Company: Materials & Systems Research, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOE / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: SOFC technology promises to provide an efficient method by which electricity can be generated from coal-derived syngas, biofuels, and natural gas, while increasing energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The large capital costs attributed to the cathode low performance and long-term… more
SBIR Phase II: Planar ZEBRA Battery Development
Company: Materials & Systems Research, Inc. Agency/Program/Year/Phase: NSF / SBIR / 2012 / 2Abstract: … battery integration and operation flexibility suitable for intermittent renewable energy storage applications (wind, solar power and geothermal) with high round-trip efficiencies. It also enables thermal integration with internal- combustion engines or solid oxide fuel… more
Purification of Biogas for Fuel Cells
Company: Reactive Innovations, LLC Agency/Program/Year/Phase: DOD / SBIR / 2012 / 1Abstract: Biogas from anaerobic digestion of biological wastes is a renewable energy resource. It has been used to provide heat, shaft power and electricity. While methane is a major component of biogas, other constituents (chiefly carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide) lower the energy content and introduce… more