A metal-air battery includes: an air electrode; a negative electrode; an ion exchange membrane that separates the air electrode and the negative electrode from each other; an air-electrode-side electrolytic solution that is disposed between the air electrode and the ion exchange membrane; and a negative-electrode-side electrolytic solution that is disposed between the negative electrode and the ion exchange membrane. The negative-electrode-side electrolytic solution contains a surfactant.

The invention relates to a composite multilayer carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) reduction catalyst, comprising a catalyst layer comprising at least one metal compound, the catalyst layer having opposed first and second sides; a hydrophobic gas-diffusion layer provided on the first side of the catalyst layer; a current collection structure provided on the second side of the catalyst layer. The metal is preferably copper. The invention also relates to a method for electrochemical production of a hydrocarbon product, such as ethylene, using said catalyst.

The invention relates to a composite multilayer carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) reduction catalyst, comprising a catalyst layer comprising at least one metal compound, the catalyst layer having opposed first and second sides; a hydrophobic gas-diffusion layer provided on the first side of the catalyst layer; a current collection structure provided on the second side of the catalyst layer. The metal is preferably copper. The invention also relates to a method for electrochemical production of a hydrocarbon product, such as ethylene, using said catalyst.

A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube is positioned in the middle of the main tube coaxially with the main tube. With this structure the vortex tube outputs primarily Hydrogen from one end and Carbon-based constituents from the other end. In some embodiments a second vortex tube receives the Carbon output of the first vortex tube to establish a water gas shift reactor, producing Hydrogen from the Carbon output of the first vortex tube.

A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube is positioned in the middle of the main tube coaxially with the main tube. With this structure the vortex tube outputs primarily Hydrogen from one end and Carbon-based constituents from the other end. In some embodiments a second vortex tube receives the Carbon output of the first vortex tube to establish a water gas shift reactor, producing Hydrogen from the Carbon output of the first vortex tube.

This invention describes a sustainable, renewable, and inexpensive process to produce electrical energy with zinc air fuel cells (ZAFC) not comprised of a corrosive alkaline electrolyte. The cell's zinc hydroxide waste product is reduced to zinc metal by heat from carbothermal solar concentration. Further research to improve the efficiency of the electrode design and improve zinc oxide reduction is encouraged. The benefits of ZAFC as a primary source of electricity to include underdeveloped countries is discussed.

This invention describes a sustainable, renewable, and inexpensive process to produce electrical energy with zinc air fuel cells (ZAFC) not comprised of a corrosive alkaline electrolyte. The cell's zinc hydroxide waste product is reduced to zinc metal by heat from carbothermal solar concentration. Further research to improve the efficiency of the electrode design and improve zinc oxide reduction is encouraged. The benefits of ZAFC as a primary source of electricity to include underdeveloped countries is discussed.

Provided is a catalytically active particle comprising an alloy, said alloy comprising: greater than or equal to 50 atomic % ruthenium (Ru); and 1 to 50 atomic % of one or more transition metals (M) selected from cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe), wherein the sum of the atomic percentages of Ru and M is greater than 65 atomic % of the alloy, and wherein, in the particle, the alloy is not fully or partially encapsulated by a layer of platinum atoms. Devices and processes employing the catalytically active particle are also provided.

Disclosed is a method of operating an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (AMFC) with direct ammonia feeding. The method may include providing AMFC comprising an anode inlet for receiving ammonia and a cathode inlet for receiving oxygen containing gas; operating the AMFC at an operation temperature of above 80° C.; providing the oxygen containing gas; to a cathode of the AMFC at a pressure above the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the operation temperature; maintaining the pressure during the operation of the AMFC as to maintain water in substantially liquid phase near the cathode; and providing the ammonia to an anode of the AMFC.

Disclosed is a method of operating an Alkaline Membrane Fuel Cell (AMFC) with direct ammonia feeding. The method may include providing AMFC comprising an anode inlet for receiving ammonia and a cathode inlet for receiving oxygen containing gas; operating the AMFC at an operation temperature of above 80° C.; providing the oxygen containing gas; to a cathode of the AMFC at a pressure above the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at the operation temperature; maintaining the pressure during the operation of the AMFC as to maintain water in substantially liquid phase near the cathode; and providing the ammonia to an anode of the AMFC.