Abstract

A compact hydrogen generator is coupled to or integrated with a fuel cell for portable power applications. In the process of producing hydrogen for the generator via thermocatalytic decomposition (cracking, pyrolysis) of hydrocarbon fuels in an oxidant-free environment, novel carbon products are produced with filamentary surfaces, "octopus"-like carbon filaments, single carbon nanotube fibers and the like. Two novel processes are disclosed for the production of carbon filaments and a novel filamentous carbon product useful in the clean-up of oil spills on the surface of water. The apparatus can utilize a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, including natural gas, propane, gasoline, and sulfurous fuels. The hydrogen-rich gas produced is free of carbon oxides or other reactive impurities, so it can be directly fed to any type of a fuel cell. The hydrogen generator can be conveniently integrated with high temperature fuel cells to produce an efficient and self-contained source of electrical powe

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 7,473,466

Application Serial Number

10/623,227

Issue Date

1-6-2009

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Department

FSEC

Allowance Date

10-11-2008

Filing Date

7-18-2003

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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