System and method for electrochemical energy conversion and storage

1. An electrochemical energy conversion and storage system comprising:

an electrochemical energy conversion device, in fluid communication with a source of an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and an oxidant, for receiving, catalyzing and electrochemically oxidizing at least a portion of the hydrogen to generate electricity, a hydrogen depleted liquid, and water; and

a vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid;

wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least two secondary hydroxy groups represented by the following structure

wherein R 3 and R 4 are independently hydrogen, a C 1 -C 6 ahphatic radical, a C 5 -C 12 cycloahphatic radical, or a C 6 -C 12 aromatic radical; and Y is oxygen, sulfur or NH.

2. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the source of the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and the vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid comprise a liquid storage unit.

3. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 2 , wherein the liquid storage unit comprises a first compartment for an organic liquid carrier of hydrogen and a second compartment for hydrogen depleted liquid.

4. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least one non-hydroxyl heteroatom.

5. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least one compound having structure IV

wherein R 3 and R 4 are independently hydrogen, a C 1 -C 6 aliphatic radical, a C 5 -C 12 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C 6 -C 12 aromatic radical; and Y is oxygen, sulfur or NH.

6. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises nitrogen.

7. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen further comprises an inert additive to facilitate liquid flow within the system.

8. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen further comprises an additive to enhance the electrochemical reaction.

9. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the electrochemical energy conversion device is a PEM fuel cell.

10. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a catalyst.

11. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a recharging component for connecting the electrochemical conversion system to a source of electricity for rehydrogenating the hydrogen depleted liquid across the electrochemical energy conversion device.

12. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the source of electricity is at least one of a source of DC electricity, a wall outlet, or an energy storage device.

13. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising a source of water.

14. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 13 , wherein the source of water is at least one of an onboard storage tank or a household source of water.

15. An electrochemical energy conversion system comprising:

a storage tank for a source of organic liquid carrier of hydrogen;

a PEM fuel cell comprising a solid electrolyte, in fluid communication with the

storage tank and an oxidant, for receiving, catalyzing and electrochemically oxidizing at least a portion of the hydrogen to generate electricity, a hydrogen depleted liquid, and water;

a vessel for receiving the hydrogen depleted liquid;

a recharging component for connecting the electrochemical conversion system

to a source of electricity for rehydrogenating the hydrogen depleted liquid across the

electrochemical energy conversion; and

a source of water;

wherein the organic liquid carrier of hydrogen comprises at least two secondary

hydroxy groups represented by the following structure

wherein R 3 and R 4 are independently hydrogen, a C 1 -C 6 ahphatic radical, a C 5 -C 12 cycloahphatic radical, or a C 6 -C 12 aromatic radical; and Y is oxygen, sulfur or NH.

16. An electrochemical energy conversion system in accordance with claim 15 wherein the solid electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sulfonated polymers, phosphonated polymers, proton conductive ceramics, and composites comprising a proton-conductive ceramic and a polymeric material.