An electrical energy generating element includes a first porous electrode, an eggshell membrane, and a second porous electrode. The first porous electrode, the eggshell membrane, and the second porous electrode are stacked on each other in that order. The present application also relates to an electrical energy generating device, a method for generating electrical energy, and a decorative ring.

Systems and methods are provided for generating electric power using low grade thermal energy from a vehicle. The methods may include surrounding at least a portion of a coolant conduit system with a flexible thermo-electrochemical cell including a nanoporous cathode electrode, a nanoporous anode electrode, and an electrolyte. A coolant fluid may be circulated through the coolant conduit system, which is in thermal communication with a power generating unit, such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell stack. The method includes maintaining a temperature gradient in the electrolyte solution by contacting the anode electrode with the coolant conduit system, and exposing the cathode electrode to a temperature lower than a temperature of the coolant conduit system. Generated electrical charges can be collected for subsequent use.

Systems and methods are provided for generating electric power using low grade thermal energy from a vehicle. The methods may include surrounding at least a portion of a coolant conduit system with a flexible thermo-electrochemical cell including a nanoporous cathode electrode, a nanoporous anode electrode, and an electrolyte. A coolant fluid may be circulated through the coolant conduit system, which is in thermal communication with a power generating unit, such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell stack. The method includes maintaining a temperature gradient in the electrolyte solution by contacting the anode electrode with the coolant conduit system, and exposing the cathode electrode to a temperature lower than a temperature of the coolant conduit system. Generated electrical charges can be collected for subsequent use.

At least a portion of the enclosure of a thermal battery is formed of a ceramic material that is non-porous and electrically-non-conductive. The thermal battery includes at least one cell, a squib that when activated causes the at least one cell to become active, and an enclosure that surrounds the at least one cell and the squib. Squib terminals and battery terminals extend through the enclosure and are electrically connected to the squib and to the at least one cell, respectively. At least the portion of the enclosure through which the squib and battery terminals extend is formed of the ceramic material. The enclosure includes a container and a header. At least the header is made from the ceramic material, and preferably both the container and the header are made from the ceramic material.

At least a portion of the enclosure of a thermal battery is formed of a ceramic material that is non-porous and electrically-non-conductive. The thermal battery includes at least one cell, a squib that when activated causes the at least one cell to become active, and an enclosure that surrounds the at least one cell and the squib. Squib terminals and battery terminals extend through the enclosure and are electrically connected to the squib and to the at least one cell, respectively. At least the portion of the enclosure through which the squib and battery terminals extend is formed of the ceramic material. The enclosure includes a container and a header. At least the header is made from the ceramic material, and preferably both the container and the header are made from the ceramic material.

A metal-gas battery including: a battery core including: a metal anode; a non-aqueous electrolyte; a porous cathode; and terminals for providing electrical power from the battery core. The metal-gas battery further including a gas generator configured to be activated by electrical power to generate a pressurized gas; and a gas container having an opening through which the generated gas can move from the gas container into the porous cathode to activate the battery core

A base material is made of a flexible resin, and formed in the shape of a sheet provided with a hollow portion. The base material can be wrapped around, for example, a forearm, an upper arm, a wrist, or the like. A sweat absorption unit is made of a plurality of fibers, and is arranged at the hollow portion for taking up sweat that has been taken in by a suction port. The sweat absorption unit is made of, for example, paper made of cellulose. A sodium ion detection electrode, a potassium ion detection electrode, and a reference electrode are allowed to contact the sweat that has been suctioned from the suction port of the sweat absorption unit and taken up into the sweat absorption unit, to detect ions contained in the sweat.

In one aspect, solar energy systems are described herein. In some embodiments, such a comprises an electrochemical cell comprising a photoelectrode, a counter electrode, and an ion transport membrane disposed between the photoelectrode and counter electrode. The cell further comprises a first electrolyte solution disposed in fluid communication with the photoelectrode and the membrane, and a second electrolyte solution disposed in fluid communication with the membrane and the counter electrode. The first and/or second electrolyte solution comprises a solvated redox pair. Additionally, the cell also comprises a storage electrode, a first external electrical connection between the photoelectrode and the counter electrode, and a second external electrical connection between the counter electrode and the storage electrode. Components of the system define a liquid junction photovoltaic cell under light conditions and a galvanic cell under dark conditions.

A metal-gas battery including: a battery core including: a metal anode; a non-aqueous electrolyte; a porous cathode; and terminals for providing electrical power from the battery core. The metal-gas battery further including a gas generator configured to be activated by electrical power to generate a pressurized gas; and a gas container having an opening through which the generated gas can move from the gas container into the porous cathode to activate the battery core.

An electrochemical reactor includes positive and negative electrodes. A conductive and/or dielectric liquid is provided between the positive and negative electrodes. A first isolation member provided on the positive electrode isolates the positive electrode from the liquid, and a second isolation member provided on the negative electrode isolates the negative electrode from the liquid. The first and second isolation member each includes a liquid-repellent porous membrane. The reactor further includes a pressure-applying member which pressurizes the liquid to fill the pores of the first and second liquid-repellent porous membranes with the liquid, thereby causing an electrochemical reaction involving the positive and negative electrodes.