Disclosed are packaging systems and method useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.

Bioelectrochemical systems comprising a microbial fuel cell (MFC) or a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) are provided. Either type of system is capable of fermenting insoluble or soluble biomass, with the MFC capable of using a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) organism to also hydrolyze an insoluble biomass, and an electricigen to produce electricity. In contrast, the MEC relies on electricity input into the system, a fermentative organism and an electricigen to produce fermentative products such as ethanol and 1,3-propanediol from a polyol biomass (e.g., containing glycerol). Related methods are also provided.

This invention concerns a method for the production of at least a furanic compound having at least one aldehyde function and electrical power, by oxidizing at least a furanic compound having at least one hydroxyl function.

The present invention relates to a microbial fuel cell (MFC) unit, which comprises at least one cathode, at least one anode, which is arranged at a distance from the cathode, preferably in direction of gravity, the anode being in free contact with a surrounding medium, provided that the number of cathodes or anodes is more than one, the anode(s) and cathode(s) being connected with each other through an external electrical circuit. The fuel cell unit comprises also locating means for positioning the unit within the surrounding medium, and the fuel cell unit is free from any membranes located between the cathode(s) and the anode(s).

The present invention relates to a direct alcohol fuel cell comprising a housing containing a proton exchange membrane (PEM) separating an anode section from a cathode section, which anode section and which cathode section are contained in the housing, the cathode section comprising a cathode collection element having one or more ventilation holes, which cathode collection element is electrically connected to a cathode catalyst, which cathode catalyst is in diffusive communication with a gaseous oxidant, and the anode section comprising an anode collection element electrically connected to an anode catalyst, the DAFC comprising an oleophobic filter covering the ventilation hole(s). The oleophobic filter may be held in place using any appropriate means as desired. The fuel cell is suited for a microelectronic device.

Disclosed are packaging systems and method useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.

A fuel cell for use in downhole applications stores steam created by the chemical reaction in a desiccant like Zeolite. The fuel cell also uses ambient hydrostatic pressure to increase cell voltage and power-density.

Bioelectrochemical systems comprising a microbial fuel cell (MFC) or a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) are provided. Either type of system is capable of fermenting insoluble or soluble biomass, with the MFC capable of using a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) organism to also hydrolyze an insoluble biomass, and an electricigen to produce electricity. In contrast, the MEC relies on electricity input into the system, a fermentative organism and an electricigen to produce fermentative products such as ethanol and 1,3-propanediol from a polyol biomass (e.g., containing glycerol). Related methods are also provided.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a forward osmosis-type fresh water composite system includes: a fuel cell device that has a cathode electrode in which carbon dioxide supplied from a plant is converted into carbonate ion (CO.sub.3.sup.2?) and an anode electrode that produces electric energy by reacting the carbonate ion (CO.sub.3.sup.2?) with hydrogen and discharges the carbon dioxide; and a carbon dioxide collection unit that reacts the carbon dioxide supplied from the fuel cell device and water supplied from the outside with ammonia separated from a draw solution separation unit so as to produce a high-concentration draw solution and then supplies the high-concentration draw solution to a forward osmosis separation device.

The invention relates to a cell plate assembly for adjoining an anode side of a membrane electrode assembly of a solid-state compressor, including adjacent first and second cell plates, each having a channel structure incorporated therein. The second cell plate includes a number of passages typically connecting the therein incorporated channel structure with the anode side of the membrane electrode assembly. The channels of the respective channel structures are interconnected at the interfacing surfaces of the first and second cell plates, wherein the channels incorporated in the second cell plate enclose an angle with the channels incorporated in the first cell plate. The invention further relates to a solid-state compressor including a cell plate assembly according to the invention and a method for operating such a solid-state compressor.