US Patent 8211594 - Nanometal particles for methanol fuel cathode

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/8211594.html

This patent from QuantumSphere Inc. deals with the problem of platinum cost in fuel cells using a composition including metal nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:

1. A composition suitable for use in a direct methanol fuel cathode, the composition comprising nanoparticles comprising a metal core and a shell comprising an oxide of the core metal material, the composition further comprising platinum alloy particles substantially devoid of an oxide shell, and an ion-conducting polymer.

US Patent 7955755 - Metal nanoparticles for fuel cell cathode

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7955755.html

This patent from QuantumSphere teaches an improved efficiency fuel cell cathode formed from metal oxide coated metal nanoparticles. Claim 1 reads:

1. A direct methanol fuel cell cathode comprising a composition supported on a conductive substrate, the composition comprising:

(i) reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of (a) a core of metal and/or metal alloy and (b) a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core;

(ii) platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell, and

(iii) an ionomer.

US Patent 7897294 - Sintered nanomaterial catalyst

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7897294.html

This patent is from a company called QuantumSphere and teaches nanoscale nickel particles used as catalysts in fuel cells. Claim 1 reads:

1. An electrode configured for use in electrochemical applications, the electrode consisting of a uniform mixture of catalytic nano-sized material sintered to form a solid compact.

US Patent 7709127 - Nanocatalytic recharging composition

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7709127.html

QuantumSphere is a company dedicated to enabling breakthrough performance in portable power and clean-technology. This is one of their patents focusing on a portable cartridge for refueling fuel cells. Claim 1 reads:

1. A portable cartridge comprising an electro-catalytic fueling composition suitable for use in recharging an electrochemical system, the composition comprising:

an electrolyte and catalytic nanoparticles,

wherein the composition is in solid phase suitable for storage within the portable cartridge, and

wherein the portable cartridge is configured to permit the introduction of fluid therein to change the phase of the composition from solid to liquid.