Energy, Cleantech & Environmental

1-50 of 59 technologies within Energy, Cleantech & Environmental RSS ATOM

Innovation Enhances Catalyst Activity in High-Energy Ethanol Fuel Cells, Enabling Long-Term Stability, Reduced Degradation

2022-003 – The University of Central Florida invention is a design strategy for discovering new materials and catalysts for energy conversion. The method seeks to regulate the local bonding and local coordination environment (LCE) of the classic metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) catalysts by infusing fluorine (F)-coordination. As a result, the rationally designed catalyst shows a maximum power... Read More

Multilayered Carbon Fiber Composite with Superior Strength for High Energy Storage

2021-095 – The University of Central Florida invention is a carbon fiber energy storage system for electric vehicles. The storage devices have an alternating location pattern arrangement of cathode/anode mats and glass/Kevlar mats. This design improves the shear and impact strength of the energy storage devices.

All-Solid-State Lithium (Li) Rechargeable Battery With Prolonged Life and Stable Charge/Discharge Performance

11654 – The University of Central Florida invention describes the cell structure of an all‐solid‐state lithium secondary battery. The proposed design enables uniform lithium deposition to prevent the formation of dendrites. In addition, the design allows a controlled growth of lithium towards a specific direction into a designated area in the cell. The use of lithium metal anodes causes... Read More

Zn-Based Alloys for High-Performance and Long-Cyclability Aqueous Batteries

11656 – The University of Central Florida invention is a universal strategy for designing a high-performance, safe, alloy anode for aqueous (water) batteries. Metal anode instability, including dendrite growth, metal corrosion, and hetero-ions interference, occurring at the electrolyte/electrode interface of aqueous batteries, are among the most critical issues hindering their widespread... Read More

Solid Solution Approach for Redox Active Metal Organic Frameworks with Tunable Redox Conductivity

11495 – A method for producing a metal-organic framework (MOF) with redox conductivity and comprising redox-active linkers, each having ω-alkylferrocene groups The University of Central Florida invention relates to methods for the development of a solid-state battery based on a new concept of a redox and ionically graded single-phase metal-organic framework (MOF).

Storing Energy in a Carbon Fiber-Based Electric Vehicle Body Panel

11614 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a dual-purpose device that can store energy and provide structural support as a body panel of an electric vehicle. The UCF carbon fiber for storing energy (CASE) electrode achieves more than 100,000 charge-discharge cycles with less than 15 percent degradation of capacitance. With this approach, an electric vehicle can... Read More

Green Sorption Media for Nutrient Removal and Recovery

34382 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a filtration system that effectively removes nitrogen and phosphorus from water and transforms the compounds into reusable byproducts: ammonia and aluminum phosphate. The UCF aluminum-based green environmental media, AGEM, compositions can co-treat stormwater runoff, wastewater effluent, and agricultural discharge. ... Read More

Method of Synthesizing High-Efficiency Bifunctional Electrocatalysts

34352 – University of Central Florida researchers have developed a method to produce efficient, cost-effective, and bifunctional (that is, anodic and cathodic) catalyst for water electrolysis applications. The new catalyst is a quarternary iron/nickel phosphoselenide nanoporous film (FeNi-PSe NF) with superior electrocatalytic properties that enable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and... Read More

Storing Energy in the Carbon Fiber-Based Electric Vehicle Body Panel

34545 – The University of Central Florida invention is a hierarchical architecture‐based carbon fiber for storing energy. The CASE electrode invention has an unprecedented 100,000 charge‐discharge cycles with less performance degradation. Currently, the electric vehicle industry is targeting to achieve more than 500 miles/charge. To increase the miles/charge of the electric vehicles, more... Read More

Graphene-Carbon Fiber Electrodes for Robust Supercapacitors

34229 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a simple, low-cost method of creating electrodes for flexible, robust supercapacitors. The UCF invention resolves the performance and safety issues associated with producing supercapacitors for wearable electronic devices. It also offers a way to build commercially available supercapacitors with high specific... Read More

Low‐Cost Biopolymer-Metal Sensor for Onsite Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

34204 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed an inexpensive, reliable sensor that can rapidly and simultaneously detect traces of multiple heavy metals in water. With its unique biopolymer-metal composite thin film, the device provides improved sensitivity for identifying toxins in situ, including mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, thallium, lead and zinc. ... Read More

Low-Cost, Multi-Input, Single Resonant Tank LLC Converters

34179 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a new multi-input power DC-DC converter that uses a single LLC resonant tank to transfer energy and perform power conversion from multiple sources. With other technologies, the number of switches and circuit components increases with each added power source, thus raising total costs and reducing reliability. In... Read More

Method for Growing Perovskite Quantum Dots on Any Material

34410 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a unique method of creating structures for ultra-thin, highly efficient optoelectronic devices. Current methods (such as depositing PQDs onto a graphene substrate or applying them via spin-coating or dipping) produce structures that offer limited carrier mobility and photoresponsivity. In contrast, the UCF method... Read More

Solar Energy Device Boosts Optical Absorption of Thin-Film PV Cells

34405 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a way to increase the broadband optical absorption of thin-film solar cells regardless of their thickness or intrinsic absorption. Thin-film technologies (less than 10 μm) reduce the material cost of solar cells and provide added flexibility. However, their reduced light absorption capacity results in lower cell... Read More

Low-Temperature Catalysts for Effective Reduction of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Emissions

34359 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida and BASF Corporation have developed a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology that can efficiently remove nitrogen oxide (NO) emissions at temperatures less than 200 degrees Celsius. Nitrogen oxides are major pollutants emitted from internal combustion engines. Examples include gasoline and diesel vehicles and stationary... Read More

Scalable Approach for Fabricating Thermally Stable, Low-Temperature Catalysts

34292 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a low-cost, scalable approach for using any reducible metal oxide or mixed metal oxide materials to fabricate thermally stable, low-temperature catalysts. The UCF invention offers a solution for automakers tasked with meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards. For example, future catalytic systems will need... Read More

As shown in the example, at least a portion of the precious metal (PGM–platinum group metal) encapsulated between the base material and the irreducible metal oxides may be shuttled to the surface of the metal oxide to form stable, catalytically active sites that can resist sintering at high temperatures.

Low-Cost Method for Producing Highly Stable, Active Precious Metal Catalysts

34303 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a novel universal technique for fabricating precious metal catalysts that exhibit both high catalytic activity and excellent thermal stability. UCF’s Reverse Loading and Metal Shuttling Strategy offers a low-cost solution to traditional fabrication methods, such as those that require complex preparation procedures or... Read More

Inexpensive Software Automatically Controls Multiple Existing HVAC Systems in a Building to Minimize Energy Use Without Sacrificing Comfort

34072 – Integrated HVAC Control for Multiple Space Conditioning Systems©: Smart thermostat software for optimizing the use of a building’s different heating and air conditioning systems. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a software system that provides automatic, centralized control of different space conditioning systems in a home or office buildings. For example,... Read More

The UCF liquid metal coating promotes the uniform deposition of lithium ions in a battery cell and prevents dendritic growth. It thus provides a stable solid electrolyte interface for separating the lithium metal anode from the electrolyte.

Low-Cost Lithium Battery Cell With Coating that Prevents Dendrite Growth

34036 – Battery cell’s novel coating stabilizes lithium metal surfaces, enabling the development of next-generation energy storage technologies such as lithium-air and lithium-sulfur batteries. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed an inexpensive battery cell that overcomes the safety hazards, performance problems and capacity loss associated with using lithium metal as... Read More

Catalyzed biomass mechanochemical conversion process with example reaction products and potential commercial applications.

Solid Acid Catalyzed Hydrolysis Technology Offers A Non-Toxic Path to Producing Biofuels and Specialty Chemicals From Biomass Feedstock

31649 – New mechanocatalytic process breaks down biomass, including lignin, into sugars or other specialty chemicals via a non-toxic path. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed technologies that provide a more efficient and inexpensive method to produce biofuels and specialty chemicals like vanillin or syrinealdehyde. The hydrolysis technology enables companies, such as... Read More

Weather-Responsive Smart Ventilation System Using Multiple Parameters

33948 – New whole-house mechanical ventilation controls enhance HVAC systems to provide homeowners with added energy savings and indoor air comfort UCF researchers have developed a smart ventilation system that can be used with new or existing residential heating and cooling systems to improve indoor air quality, reduce costs and save energy. Most ventilation control systems are simplistic, using... Read More

Figure 1. Example of a flexible solar cell fabricated using the new UCF light trapping invention.

Omnidirectional, Polarization-Independent, All-Dielectric Light Trapping Scheme

33979 – Novel biomimetic design approach enables manufacturers to cost-effectively produce ultrathin, flexible, durable solar cells that capture the most energy from daylight as it strikes from multiple directions. UCF researchers have developed a novel architecture and process for producing low-cost, ultrathin, flexible and durable solar cells that can be easily fabricated using roll-to-roll... Read More

Hot Water Tank Insulation System Can Reduce Heat Loss by 20-30 Percent

33887 – Inexpensive, easy-to-install FlexCap insulation system enables consumers to save energy and lower hot water heating costs UCF researchers have invented an insulation system that can reduce a hot water tank’s heat loss by as much as 30 percent. Based on testing performed by the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), a hot water tank can lose a significant amount of heat through its top... Read More

The new UCF AMTS/NMTS System safely removes PCB-contaminated building materials and leaves structures intact.

New Formulation for Removing PCB-Contaminated Materials

33844 – Safe, Odor-Neutral Paste Removes Toxins from Paint and Concrete While Leaving Structures Intact A UCF researcher has developed a new formulation for remediating halogenated compounds, such as toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), that maintains a paste structure without requiring a covering or sealant and excludes offensive odor materials. This new formulation still maintains an... Read More

Example of the solar-powered “Anywhere Fan.”

Solar-Powered Portable Fan Generates Greater Airflow while Saving Energy

30736 – Low-cost, portable, solar-powered “Anywhere Fan” enables disaster relief teams to cool and ventilate homes during power outages caused by natural disasters. A UCF researcher has invented a portable, solar-powered fan that requires less power than existing personal and ventilation fans and generates about 30 percent more airflow. Besides being energy-efficient, the new “Anywhere Fan” is... Read More

As shown in the example, the PV-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater system has a residential compressor-refrigerant-based storage type water heating system with (A) PV modules and microinverters, (B) a programmable smart controller, and (C) a resistance heating circuitry that allows the resistance heater to work with varying levels of electrical power.

Photovoltaic-Assisted Heat Pump Water Heater Integrates Use of Solar and Conventional Energy Sources

33803 – Energy-Saving System Provides Steady, Reliable Supply of Hot Water by Dynamically Switching Between Solar Energy and Electricity from a Power Grid UCF researchers have developed a heat pump water heater (HPWH) system that enables homes and businesses to maintain a steady supply of hot water while optimizing energy usage from both solar panels and conventional power sources. Cost-efficient... Read More

Polymer-Derived Ceramic Composite Heat Exchangers for Power Plants

33747 – Innovative, scalable ceramic-based recuperator system enables Brayton cycle turbines to boost energy production in traditional and S-CO power plants UCF researchers have invented a revolutionary way for existing fossil fuel-fired power plants to significantly reduce their maintenance costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce even more electricity in the process. By simply... Read More

Illustration of the invention’s one-body array of 1D/2D core/shell nanowires. As illustrated, the nanowires are directly integrated on metal current collectors.

Core/Shell Nanowires for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitors

33802 – Hybrid material offers supercapacitor with unprecedented energy storage, cycle life, strength, and flexibility for next-generation cell phones, displays and wearables UCF researchers have invented novel materials that enable next-generation supercapacitors to outperform current state-of-the-art energy storage technologies, including lithium thin-film batteries, porous graphene,... Read More

Figure 1. Example of new architecture devices manufactured using the Laser-Assisted Manufacturing Process Using Microfluidic Suspensions and Dry Powders. The basic Intermediate Band Solar Cell design shows the nanostructural feature of the barrier layer with Si nanodots embedded in 3C-SiC (not to scale).

Laser-Assisted Microfluidics Technology for Additive Manufacturing

33718 – New low-cost manufacturing process produces high-performing intermediate band solar cells. UCF researchers have invented a novel additive manufacturing system and methods for thin film fabrication specifically useful in fabricating higher performance solar photovoltaic (PV) cells at a fraction of the cost of traditional PV cell manufacturing methods. Today’s commercial solar cells are... Read More

Synchronous DC Link Voltage Control System Lowers the Cost of Solar Microinverters While Improving Reliability and Power Density

33719 – New microinverter controller quickly and accurately prevents voltage ripple and harmonic distortion in solar energy conversion without needing high value film or electrolytic capacitors UCF researchers have invented a robust DC link voltage control system that improves the performance, reliability and power density of two-stage microinverters used in solar photovoltaic (PV) energy... Read More

Figure 1. Example of the integrated energy harvesting and storage device (IEHSD) interwoven into a jacket.

New Filament Combines Solar Energy Harvesting and Storage Capabilities

33596 – Energy-smart filaments enable soldiers to recharge equipment without weighty, bulky batteries UCF researchers have invented a weavable filament that both captures and stores solar energy simultaneously—two capabilities that have only been available in separate devices until now. Thin and ribbon-like, the solid-state Integrated Energy Harvesting and Storage Device (IEHSD) enables... Read More

UCF researcher Fernando Uribe-Romo, Ph.D., in the lab with a photoreactor containing the new MOF.

‘Artificial Photosynthesis’ for Clean Air and Energy Production using Titanium-Based Metal Organic Framework (MOF) and Visible Blue Light

33636 – Low-cost invention can help power plants reduce carbon dioxide emissions while producing solar fuel UCF researchers have developed a simple, low-cost way to fight global warming and produce new, storable energy. The breakthrough technology provides a titanium-based metal organic framework (MOF) that reacts with visible (blue) light to photocatalytically reduce carbon dioxide (CO) into two... Read More

Illustration of the synthesis of 2-D covalent organic frameworks

Method of Shaping Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks Yields Fast, Stable, Solid-State Electrolytes

33494 – New process can be used to build faster, safer solid-state electrolytes for batteries in portable devices, cars and airplanes UCF researchers have developed a low-cost method for processing two-dimensional (2-D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can safely be used as electrolytes in solid-state, rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The new method offers a better alternative... Read More

Scheme of swelling-deswelling encapsulation-based fabrication process of perovskite/polymer composite films

New Method Produces Highly Stable, Luminescent Perovskite-Polymer Composites

33465 – UCF researchers have developed a simple, cost-effective method of fabricating perovskite-polymer composite materials with high photoluminescence quantum efficiency, exceptional moisture insensitivity and long-term stability. The new process resolves the instability issues that occur when organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials are exposed to external stresses (such as heat,... Read More

The trailer-based, diesel motor powered hot water apparatus

Eco-friendly, Scalable Device Kills and Controls Fire Ants and other Ground-dwelling Insects

33225 – Fire ants are an ecological and financial problem in the worldwide. These pests upset and destroy natural ecosystems, are considered a public health threat, and have detrimental economic effects in agriculture (e.g., large mounds damage machinery), ranching (e.g., the loss of newborn livestock), and recreation and tourism (e.g., the loss of game birds as well as rendering park and resort... Read More

Get More Power from Your Low Power Inverters

32995 – A three-phase grid tied micro-inverter using controlled-based soft switching A group of UCF researchers have developed a three-phase micro-inverter for low power applications, specifically batteries, solar panels, or fuel cells, with higher power density and efficiency. The entirely new control approach eliminates the need for expensive additional parts often required of hard switched... Read More

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Perspective views of an arc-type APTV

New Velocimeters Provide Improved Sensing Capabilities in Aquatic Environments

33297 – Introducing the Automatic Pulse Tracer Velocimeter (Cross-type and Arc-type) Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed two novel devices: Cross-type automatic pulse tracer velocimeter (Cross-type APTV) and Arc-type automatic pulse tracer velocimeter (Arc-type APTV). The devices assist in the measurement of velocity and direction of water in both wells and wetland... Read More

SEM images of superhydrophobic coatings on glass substrates. a) and b) coatings without ceria nanoparticles. c) and d) coatings with ceria nanoparticles

Water-Based Coating Provides Superior Water and Dust Resistance

33012 – Water and dust buildup on a variety of surfaces, such as decks, pillars, ceiling fans, refrigerator cooling coils, and blinds, can cause many problems including reduced performance and life, as well as increased maintenance cost. Dust resistant and moisture resistant coated mechanical components can reduce energy consumption via aerodynamic drag reduction during operation—in particular,... Read More

(1) Shows an initial step of adding aqueous cerium nitrate to a non-polar solution with a surfactant to form reverse micelle for the synthesis of ceria nanoparticles. (2) Shows the formation of nano-sized micelles. (3) An enlarged drawing of one micelle showing aqueous precursor solution surrounded by coordinated surfactant molecules

Reduce Soot Emissions & Increase Combustion Engine Efficiency

30303 – A method of synthesis for generating oxygen storing nanoparticles, the methods for uniformly mixing said particles into both solid and liquid fuels, and the utility of said particles as a soot reducing additive Partial or incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, most often resulting from inadequate oxygen supplies within the fuel, results in atmospheric pollutants such as soot. Many... Read More

Schematic of a photovoltaic and thermoelectric hybrid cell

Hybrid PV/ Thermal Solar Cell with Significantly Increased Efficiency and Longevity

31159 – Methods and designs for significant improvement in solar cell efficiency and longevity by utilizing a hybrid construction of photovoltaic and reversible thermoelectric cell elements in three different operating modes Photovoltaic (PV) cells, or solar cells, are devices that convert light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. Solar cells are often physically connected and... Read More

structural model of a CdS/Cd,Zn1_xS:Mn!ZnS core/shell/shell of the present invention

Synthesis of Core/Shell/Shell Quantum Dots with Improved Luminescent and Semi-Conducting Properties

31141 – The technology represents methods for the synthesis of quantum dots with a core/shell/shell structure and compositions which allow one to customize the particles excitation band-gaps. It also provides a variety of semi conducting alloys for creating the core of the quantum dots as well as several metal dopants for the shell. Quantum dots (semiconductor nanoparticles) exhibit both strong... Read More

(a) and (b) show simplified representations of an intrisic and an extrinsic fiber optic based sensor system, respectively, according to an embodiments of the present invention

Ultra-sensitive Detection of Environmental Contaminants and biologically important molecules Using Coated Quantum Dots

30939 – Methods and apparatus for efficiently generating the reagents (quantum dots with a partial and/or fully semi-conducting outer shell for the selective detection of several substances) and the optical system for detecting said substances. The rise of industry has provided humanity with numerous benefits. Unfortunately, harmful byproducts often result from these advancements. For example,... Read More

Schematic diagram showing the formation of the CNT filled with Pd-nanoparticles in the arc-discharge in solution method

Super Absorbent Palladium Filled Carbon Nanotubes for the Storage and Detection of Hydrogen Gas

30222 – A one-step arc-discharge in solution method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes containing metals, such as palladium Hydrogen gas is currently utilized for a variety of industrial, commercial and scientific purposes. In the future the world looks to utilizing this gas as a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels, but many challenges must be overcome in order to bring hydrogen... Read More

The synthesis of micron sized bimetal catalyst and there uses thereof for safely degrading nitro explosive compounds at the site of contamination

Environmental Remediation of TATP, TNT and RDX Nitro Explosives Utilizing Bimetal Micro Catalysts

31605 – The synthesis of micron sized bimetal catalyst and there uses thereof for safely degrading nitro explosive compounds at the site of contamination Grounds subject to heavy munitions, waste streams leading from industrial facilities and other various sites where nitro explosives, such as TNT and RDX, are utilized become subjected to hazardous levels of contamination from these compounds.... Read More

Side view of a basin and the water table showing the mass balance and the soil 10 zone beneath the bottom of the basin and the water table

Sorption and Filtration Media Mixes and Systems For Passive, Inexpensive Removal and Treatment of Wastewater and Stormwater

31205 – This technology is available for sale and distribution by a UCF licensee, for more information please contact Andrea Adkins. Levels of nitrates, ammonia, and other pollutants in drinking water are strictly enforced by the EPA and must be kept to a minimum. Prolonged exposure and ingestion of nitrate is harmful to infants. High levels of phosphorous in natural water systems such as lakes,... Read More

Block diagram of an exemplary system for detecting and identifying biological pathogens or chemical contaminants

Airborne Contamination Detection via Optical Waveform Matching

31080 – The invention represents a method for the detection of airborne contaminants by means of optical correlation between a known target response and the sample of question. By spectrally shaping a broadband probe source, this technology may selectively test for specific agents over a broadband range of wavelengths. In today’s world, airborne chemicals and biological agents, both innocent and... Read More

A cross sectional depiction of example HIT solar cell, according to an example embodiment

High-Yield Manufacturing of Thin Solar Cells via Reduced-Handling Process

33257 – Thinner wafers are critical for reduced cost and increased efficiency Thin solar cells can offer higher performance and efficiency than standard cells, but the main technical challenge of breakage remains. Compared to standard, thicker counterparts, thin cells as a whole incur more damage when handled during the manufacturing process, thwarting high-yield manufacturing of thin solar cells.... Read More

A schematic view of a hydrogen gas generation device using LiBH4 tablets

Organic Catalyst for Higher Rate of Hydrogen Generation & Efficient Solid-State Storage

31560 – A method for controlling the generation of hydrogen gas from a metal borohydride solution with organic pigment catalysts. A comparably priced but more active catalyst in the process to solidify hydrogen that overcomes its significant barrier to automotive adoption is a move toward sustainability, environmental protection, and energy independence. Storing hydrogen safely and efficiently... Read More

Schematic of a burner. Note the four primary zones of importance: heat exchanger, vaporization zone, mixing chamber, combustion chamber

Enhanced Catalysts & Apparatus for Heat Generation, Internal Combustion Engines, and Thermoelectric Power

32844 – As electronic devices become increasingly complex and widespread, so does the demand for portable electric power generation. Portable electronic devices powered by traditional batteries are limited by their short lifetime, energy capacity, and relatively limited accessibility. Portable generators run on hydrocarbon fuels including kerosene and diesel, overcome the limitations of batteries,... Read More

An example double stage DC/AC inverter system having a series LLC resonant circuit that disclosed variable frequency iteration MPPT may be practiced with

Maximum Power Point Tracking: Direct Frequency Modulation in Resonant Converters

32999 – Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an essential technique used to harvest photovoltaic (PV) power within various environments. Due to their effectiveness and ease of use, perturb and observe (P&O) algorithms are the most commonly used for MPPT. However, with its fixed perturbation increments, conventional P&O is difficult to balance the tracking speed and oscillation requirements.... Read More

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