A Microreactor for Hydrogen Production by Catalytic Methanol Reforming (Technology #: 121903-01)

Lehigh University Office of Technology Transfer
posted on 04/22/2009

Portable electronic devices are constantly increasing in functionality, and thus continue to require increased amounts of power to maintain operation. Although rechargeable batteries have been instrumental in running laptops, cellular phones, digital cameras, and handheld computers, their charge carrying capacity is quickly approaching the theoretically maximum. Consequently, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with potential energy storage densities about 7 to 8 times that of the state-of-the art rechargeable batteries, have become a viable alternative to the battery as a portable power source. The given technology offers a working microreaction system for use as a sustained source of hydrogen fuel for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells through catalytic steam reforming of methanol.

ADVANTAGES

PEM fuel cells have potential energy storage densities of about 7 to 8 times that of the state-of-the art rechargeable batteries.

APPLICATIONS

This technology can be used in conjunction with a fuel cell as a power source for portable electronic devices.

STATUS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

This technology is protected under US patent: 7,541,007

Mayuresh Kothare's Lehigh Page

Advantages

PEM fuel cells have potential energy storage densities of about 7 to 8 times that of the state-of-the art rechargeable batteries.

Detailed Description

Portable electronic devices are constantly increasing in functionality, and thus continue to require increased amounts of power to maintain operation. Although rechargeable batteries have been instrumental in running laptops, cellular phones, digital cameras, and handheld computers, their charge carrying capacity is quickly approaching the theoretically maximum. Consequently, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, with potential energy storage densities about 7 to 8 times that of the state-of-the art rechargeable batteries, have become a viable alternative to the battery as a portable power source. The given technology offers a working microreaction system for use as a sustained source of hydrogen fuel for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells through catalytic steam reforming of methanol.

File Number: 121903-01

Web site: http://www.lehigh.edu/ott

Other Information: A U.S. provisional patent and utility patent application have been filed. *Inventors:*
"Mayuresh Kothare":http://expert1.cc.lehigh.edu/LehighExperts/ExpertDetail.aspx?ExpertID=70114840"target=_blank Faculty R. L. McCann Associate Professor Chemical Engineering Ashish Pattekar Researcher Palo Alto Research Center Licensing Opportunities: ● Exclusive ● Non-exclusive ● Research Sponsorship ● Product Development Partnerships (PDP) Contact Information: Office of Technology Transfer Lehigh University 354 Whitaker Laboratory 5 East Packer Ave. Bethlehem, PA 18015 Phone: (610) 758-5841 Fax: (610) 758-5888

Patent Number(s):	2004/0179980

This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact Yatin Karpe at Lehigh University Office of Technology Transfer for more information.

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