GRADIENT INTERFACE COMPOSITES AND METHODS THEREFOR

摘要

Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries a nd effect transport and separation of different chemical species. Devices utilizing the composites include a separator, an electrode (804) for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode (804) for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte specie s, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites ca n be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance an d reduced weight. Some other composites enable rechargeable batteries that hav e longer secondary cycle life and improved output power. Still other composite s, disposed on the surface of electrodes, prevent passivation of those electrod es and enable direct reformation of liqui fuels. Methods involving these composites provide distinct ways for these composites to be utilized.