Magnetically enhanced composite materials and methods for making and using the same

• US 6,355,166 B1
• Filed: 10/29/1999
• Issued: 03/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
• Original Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
• Inventors: Dunwoody, Drew C., Minteer, Shelley, Zook, Lois Anne, Spolar, Catherine, Chung, Hachull, Leddy, Johna, Amarasinghe, Sudath
• Primary Examiner(s): Reifsnyder, David A.
• Application Number:
  US09/429,931
• Time in Patent Office: 865 Days
• Field of Search: 429/10, 429/12, 429/127, 429/40, 210/222, 210/223, 210/243, 204/280, 204/283
• US Class Current: 210/223
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 49/00 Separating dispersed particles from gases, air or vapours by other methods
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 1/00 Magnetic separation
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 1/01 by addition of magnetic adjuvants
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 1/023 Separation using Lorentz force, i.e. deflection of electrically charged particles in a magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 1/025 High gradient magnetic separators
• CPC Class Codes: B03C 1/035 Open gradient magnetic separators, i.e. separators in which the gap is unobstructed, characterised by the configuration of the gap
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 25/00 Nanomagnetism, e.g. magnetoimpedance, anisotropic magnetoresistance, giant magnetoresistance or tunneling magnetoresistance
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 40/00 Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 24/08 by application of heat or pressure and heat C23C24/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 30/00 Coating with metallic material characterised only by the composition of the metallic material, i.e. not characterised by the coating process C23C26/00, C23C28/00 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C23C 6/00 Coating by casting molten material on the substrate
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 11/00 Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 13/00 Diaphragms; Spacing elements
• CPC Class Codes: C25D 3/54 of metals not provided for in groups C25D3/04 - C25D3/50
• CPC Class Codes: G21F 9/12 by absorption; by adsorption; by ion-exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 1/0027 Thick magnetic films forming thick magnetic films H01F41/16
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 1/0054 Coated nanoparticles, e.g. nanoparticles coated with organic surfactant
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 1/009 bidimensional, e.g. nanoscale period nanomagnet arrays H01F10/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 10/007 ultrathin or granular films H01F10/005 and H01F10/3227 take precedence; applying ultrathin or granular layers to substrates H01F41/301
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 41/24 from liquids
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 41/26 : using electric currents , e.g. electroplating
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 41/301 : for applying ultrathin or granular layers ultrathin or granular layers H01F10/007
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/42 : Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells H01M10/60 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2300/0082 : Organic polymers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/02 : Electrodes composed of, or comprising, active material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/36 : Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/86 : Inert electrodes with catalytic activity, e.g. for fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/8605 : Porous electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/8892 : Impregnation or coating of the catalyst layer, e.g. by an ionomer
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/90 : Selection of catalytic material
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/9083 : on carbon or graphite
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/926 : on carbon or graphite
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/00 : Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04225 : during start-up
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04302 : applied during start-up
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/1004 : characterised by membrane-electrode assemblies [MEA] H01M8/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/1007 : with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised H01M8/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/1009 : with one of the reactants being liquid, solid or liquid-charged H01M8/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/241 : with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/249 : comprising two or more groupings of fuel cells, e.g. modular assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 : Fuel cells

Abstract

Materials and methods for making and using magnetically enhanced composite materials are provided. Surfaces coated with such composites can be used to improve fuel cells, material separators, and other applications. A variety of devices can incorporate such composites, including fuel cells, separators, batteries, and electrodes that effect electrolysis of magnetic species.

Claims

1. A magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction, comprising:

an electrode system, comprising

a cathode having a cathode surface,

an anode having an anode surface,

a microstructured magnetic composite material disposed on at least one of said anode surface and said cathode surface, and

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode,

 

wherein

 

when

an oxidant is reduced at the cathode, and

a fuel is oxidized at the anode,

then

a first electrical current flows between the cathode and the anode, wherein the first electrical current has a magnitude which is greater than a second electrical current produced by a conventional nonmagnetic fuel cell.

2. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 1, wherein the microstructured magnetic composite material further comprises:

a first material having a first magnetism; and

a second material having a second magnetism,

wherein the microstructured magnetic composite material further comprises;

an arrangement of said first and second materials; and

a plurality of boundaries between said first and second materials, wherein each boundary

is adapted to provide a plurality of paths through the microstructured magnetic composite material, and

has at least one said magnetic field within at least one of said plurality of paths.

3. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 2, wherein the microstructured magnetic composite material comprises magnetic microparticles as the first material, and platinized carbon particles as the second material.

4. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 1, further comprising:

first and second chemicals; and

an interfacial boundary located at each anode surface and each cathode surface,

 

wherein

each molecule of the first chemical has at least one electron having a plurality of quantum mechanically allowed spin states,

each molecule of the second chemical has a nucleus susceptible to electron-nuclear spin polarization, and

 

when

said magnetic field source is actuated to produce said magnetic field, and

molecules of said first and second chemicals are located at or close to said interfacial boundary and within said magnetic field,

 

then

at least one electron of a molecule of the first chemical is polarized to another spin state, and

said at least one spin polarized electron induces spin polarization of the nucleus of a molecule of the second chemical to effect transfer of at least one electron from one of said molecules of said first and second chemicals to the other molecule to effect said otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction between molecules of said first and second chemicals.

5. The magnetic fuel cell for effecting an otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 4, wherein first and second chemicals independently comprise reaction intermediates, ions, or adsorbates.

6. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 1, wherein

the separator is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to create a PEM fuel cell;

the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, and a peroxide; and

the fuel is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, acetic acid, and acetic anhydride.

7. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 6, wherein

when the magnetic PEM cell operates at about 55°

C., a first power output results that is at least about 75% greater than a second power output that results when a conventional nonmagnetic PEM fuel cell operates at about 70°

C.

8. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 6, wherein

when the magnetic PEM fuel cell operates at about 20°

C., a third power output results that is close in magnitude to a second power output that results when a conventional nonmagnetic PEM fuel cell operates at about 70°

C.

9. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 6, wherein

the magnetic PEM fuel cell is capable of operating at a pressure of oxygen at the cathode, and a pressure of hydrogen at the anode, wherein said pressure of oxygen and said pressure of hydrogen are independently less than or equal to about atmospheric pressure.

10. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 6, wherein air is used as the oxidant at the cathode.

11. The magnetic PEM fuel cell wit enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 6, wherein

a plurality of magnetic PEM fuel cells is configured in parallel to enhance electrical current output,

in series to enhance voltage output, or

both in parallel and in series to enhance both current output and voltage output.

12. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of magnetic PEM fuel cells is built as a set of patch cells on a single proton exchange membrane.

13. A magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction, comprising:

an electrode system, comprising

a cathode, having a cathode surface,

an anode, having an anode surface, and

a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode;

a first material having a first magnetism;

a second material having a second magnetism;

a magnetic field source adapted to produce a magnetic field in at least a portion of said electrode system; and

a microstructured magnetic composite material, comprising

an arrangement of said first and second materials, and

a plurality of boundaries between said first and second materials, wherein each boundary

is adapted to provide a plurality of paths through the microstructured magnetic composite material, and

has at least one said magnetic field within at least one of said plurality of paths;

the microstructured magnetic composite material is disposed on at least one of the surface of the anode or the surface of the cathode to create an electrode surface coating; and

when an oxidant is reduced at the cathode, and a fuel is oxidized at the anode, a first electrical current flows between the cathode and the anode, wherein

the first electrical current has a magnitude which is greater than a second electrical current produced by a conventional nonmagnetic fuel cell.

14. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 13;

wherein the magnetic field source is selected from the group consisting of;

an external magnet,

an internal magnet,

a microstructured magnetic composite material,

both an external magnet and a microstructured magnetic composite material, and

both an internal magnet and a microstructured magnetic composite material.

15. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 14, further comprising:

first and second chemicals; and

an interfacial boundary located at each anode surface and each cathode surface,

 

wherein

each molecule of the first chemical has at least one electron having a plurality of quantum mechanically allowed spin states,

each molecule of the second chemical has a nucleus susceptible to electron-nuclear spin polarization, and

 

when

said magnetic field source is actuated to produce said magnetic field, and

molecules of said first and second chemicals are located at or close to said interfacial boundary and within said magnetic field,

 

then

at least one electron of a molecule of the first chemical is polarized to another spin state, and

said at least one spin polarized electron induces spin polarization of the nucleus of a molecule of the second chemical to effect transfer of at least one electron from one of said molecules of said first and second chemicals to the other molecule to effect said otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction between molecules of said first and second chemicals.

16. The magnetic fuel cell for effecting an otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 15, wherein the first and second chemicals independently comprise reaction intermediates, ions, or adsorbates.

17. A magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 13, further comprising:

first and second chemicals,

 

wherein

each molecule of the first chemical has at least one electron having a plurality of quantum mechanically allowed spin states,

each molecule of the second chemical has a nucleus susceptible to electron-nuclear spin polarization,

at least one electron of a molecule of the first chemical is polarized to another spin state, and

said at least one spin polarized electron induces spin polarization of the nucleus of a molecule of the second chemical to effect transfer of at least one electron from one of said molecules of said first and second chemicals to the other molecule to effect said or otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction between molecules of said first and second chemicals.

18. The magnetic fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 13, wherein

the separator is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) to create a PEM fuel cell;

the oxidant is selected from the group consisting of air, oxygen, and a peroxide; and

the fuel is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, acetic acid, and acetic anhydride.

19. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 18, wherein

when the magnetic PEM cell operates at about 55°

C., a first power output results that is at least about 75% greater than a second power output that results when a conventional nonmagnetic PEM fuel cell operates at about 70°

C.

20. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 18, wherein

when the magnetic PEM fuel cell operates at about 20°

C., a third power output results that is close in magnitude to a second power output that results when a conventional nonmagnetic PEM fuel cell operates at about 70°

C.

21. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 18, wherein

the magnetic PEM fuel cell is capable of operating at a pressure of oxygen at the cathode, and a pressure of hydrogen at the anode, wherein said pressure of oxygen and said pressure of hydrogen are independently less than or equal to about atmospheric pressure.

22. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 18, wherein air is used as the oxidant at the cathode.

23. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 18, wherein

a plurality of magnetic PEM fuel cells is configured in parallel to enhance electrical current output,

in series to enhance voltage output, or

both in parallel and in series to enhance both current output and voltage output.

24. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of magnetic PEM fuel cells is built as a set of patch cells on a single proton exchange membrane.

25. The magnetic PEM fuel cell with enhanced function due to effecting at least one otherwise quantum mechanically spin forbidden or kinetically disfavored chemical reaction according to claim 13, wherein the microstructured magnetic composite material comprises magnetic microparticles as the first material, and platinized carbon particles as the second material.