ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE AND METHODS FOR ENERGY CONVERSION
The present invention relates to an electrochemical device. The device features an anode constructed of materials such that the device can be chemically recharged. In addition, the device is capable of switching between operating as a fuel cell or as a battery. The switch can occur without cessation of electrical output. In certain aspects of the invention, the device is capable of operating at a temperature of less than 1000° C. Other aspects feature a liquid anode which allows higher output, dispersion of fuel and minimal stresses in an interface comprising the anode. Preferably the anode is a liquid at a temperature of less than 1000° C. The invention also relates to methods for energy conversion in which a continual electrical output can be produced in both the presence of fuel without anode consumption or the absence of fuel.
1 - 113 . (canceled)
114 . An electrochemical device, comprising:
a first electrode comprising a liquid metal at a temperature at which the electrochemical device is operated;
a solid-state electrolyte in ionic communication with the first electrode, the solid-state electrolyte comprising a metal oxide and/or a mixed metal oxide and remaining solid at the temperature at which the electrochemical device is operated; and
a second electrode in ionic communication with the solid-state electrolyte.
115 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the solid-state electrolyte has a formula (ZrO 2 )(HfO 2 ) a (TiO 2 ) b (Al 2 O 3 ) c (Y 2 O 3 ) d (Y d O 3 ) d (M x O y ) e where a is from 0 to about 0.2, b is from 0 to about 0.5, c is from 0 to about 0.5, d is from 0 to about 0.5, x is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 2, y is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 3, e is from 0 to about 0.5, and M is selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc.
116 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the solid-state electrolyte comprises YSZ.
117 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the solid-state electrolyte comprises ZrO 2 .
118 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the second electrode comprises a metal.
119 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode comprises tin.
120 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode comprises silver.
121 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode comprises copper.
122 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode comprises bismuth.
123 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode further comprises a current collector.
124 . The electrochemical device of claim 123 , wherein the current collector comprises LSM.
125 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , further comprising a source of fuel exposable to the first electrode.
126 . The electrochemical device of claim 125 , wherein the fuel comprises a carbonaceous material.
127 . The electrochemical device of claim 125 , wherein the fuel comprises syngas.
128 . The electrochemical device of claim 125 , wherein the fuel comprises hydrogen gas.
129 . The electrochemical device of claim 125 , wherein the fuel comprises natural gas.
130 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode comprises a chemically reducing environment.
131 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode is substantially tubular.
132 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode is substantially surrounded by the solid-state electrolyte.
133 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the solid-state electrolyte is substantially surrounded by the second electrode.
134 . The electrochemical device of claim 114 , wherein the first electrode is the anode and the second electrode is the cathode.
135 . An apparatus, comprising:
at least first and second electrochemical devices, each of the electrochemical devices independently comprising a first electrode comprising a liquid metal at a temperature at which the electrochemical device is operated, a solid-state electrolyte in ionic communication with the first electrode, and a second electrode in ionic communication with the solid-state electrolyte, wherein the solid-state electrolyte comprises a metal oxide and/or a mixed metal oxide and remains solid while supplying the fuel to the electrochemical device; and
an interconnect in electrical communication with the first electrode of the first electrochemical device and the second electrode of the second electrochemical device.
136 . A method, comprising:
supplying fuel to an electrochemical device comprising a first electrode comprising a liquid metal at a temperature at which the electrochemical device is operated, a solid-state electrolyte in ionic communication with the first electrode, and a second electrode in ionic communication with the solid-state electrolyte, wherein the solid-state electrolyte comprises a metal oxide and/or a mixed metal oxide and remains solid while supplying the fuel to the electrochemical device.