Treating Electrolyte Or Bath Without Removal From Cell Other Than Agitating, Moving, Regenerating, Replenishing, Or Replacing Consumed Material During Synthesis Patents (Class 205/351)
  • Patent number: 10844496
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems that relate to electrochemically oxidizing metal halide with a metal ion in a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state; halogenating an unsaturated hydrocarbon or a saturated hydrocarbon with the metal halide with the metal ion in the higher oxidation state; and oxyhalogenating the metal halide with the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state in presence of an oxidant. In some embodiments, the oxyhalogenation is in series with the electrochemical oxidation, the electrochemical oxidation is in series with the oxyhalogenation, the oxyhalogenation is parallel to the electrochemical oxidation, and/or the oxyhalogenation is simultaneous with the halogenation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A Albrecht, Ryan J Gilliam, Kyle Self, Michael Joseph Weiss
  • Patent number: 10711093
    Abstract: The present specification relates to an ion exchange membrane, an electrochemical cell, a flow battery and a fuel cell comprising the same, and a method for manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sikwon Moon, Tae Geun Noh, Sungyeon Kim, Sujin Byun, Bong Hyun Jeong, Geungi Min, Jeongbae Lee
  • Patent number: 10526714
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and device for using CO2 mineralization to produce sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate and output electric energy. The device comprises an anode area, an intermediate area, and a cathode area. The anode area and the intermediate area are spaced by a negative ion exchange membrane (2). The intermediate area and the cathode area are spaced by a positive ion exchange membrane (3). The anode area, the intermediate area, and the cathode area can accommodate corresponding electrolytes. An anode electrode (1) is disposed in the anode area, a cathode electrode (4) is disposed in the cathode area, and the cathode electrode and the anode electrode are connected through a circuit. A raw material hydrogen gas inlet is disposed in the anode area, and a CO2 inlet and a product hydrogen gas outlet are disposed in the cathode area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SICHUAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Heping Xie, Yifei Wang, Tao Liu, Jinlong Wang
  • Patent number: 10407785
    Abstract: The additive for high-purity copper electrolytic refining of the present invention is an additive which is added to a copper electrolyte in electrolytic refining for high-purity copper and is formed of a non-ionic surfactant that includes a hydrophobic group containing an aromatic ring and a hydrophilic group containing a polyoxyalkylene group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Kubota, Yoshie Tarutani, Kiyotaka Nakaya
  • Patent number: 10266954
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems that relate to electrochemically oxidizing metal halide with a metal ion in a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state; halogenating an unsaturated hydrocarbon or a saturated hydrocarbon with the metal halide with the metal ion in the higher oxidation state; and oxyhalogenating the metal halide with the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state in presence of an oxidant. In some embodiments, the oxyhalogenation is in series with the electrochemical oxidation, the electrochemical oxidation is in series with the oxyhalogenation, the oxyhalogenation is parallel to the electrochemical oxidation, and/or the oxyhalogenation is simultaneous with the halogenation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Albrecht, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kyle Self, Michael Joseph Weiss
  • Patent number: 9957621
    Abstract: There are provided electrochemical methods and systems to form one or more organic compounds or enantiomers thereof selected from the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted dioxane, substituted or unsubstituted dioxolane, dichloroethylether, dichloromethyl methyl ether, dichloroethyl methyl ether, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, phosgene, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Albrecht, Dennis Solas, Margarete K. Leclerc, Michael Joseph Weiss, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kyle Self
  • Patent number: 9885119
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells and photoelectrochemical cells for the reduction of furfurals are provided. Also provided are methods of using the cells to carry out the reduction reactions. Using the cells and methods, furfurals can be converted into furan alcohols or linear ketones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kyoung-Shin Choi, John James Roylance, Stephen R. Kubota
  • Patent number: 9815702
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems containing a solar reactor having a mixture of plasmonic material and oxygen-conducting material that can convert carbon dioxide into a chemical feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: John Norbert Kuhn, Venkat R. Bhethanabotla, Yolanda Andreina Daza, Debosruti Dutta
  • Patent number: 9711804
    Abstract: This invention is directed to electrolysis-based devices and methods for recycling of electrolyte solutions. Specifically, the invention is related to regeneration of spent electrolyte solutions comprising metal ions such as electrolyte solutions used in metal/air batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: PHINERGY LTD.
    Inventors: Avraham Melman, Joel Lang, Ilya Yakupov
  • Patent number: 9680172
    Abstract: Flow type electrochemical cells are disclosed. The electrochemical cell has an anode half-cell, a cathode half-cell, and permeable separating layer. The half-cells are bounded by side elements. Respective porous electrodes are housed in the half-cells. The permeable separating layer is disposed between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell. An electrolyte region connected to an electrolyte feed and an electrolyte outflow region connected to an electrolyte drain are further provided. An electrolyte inflow region and an electrolyte outflow region are disposed on opposite sides of the porous electrodes such that inflowing electrolyte flows through the porous electrode perpendicularly to the permeable separating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG
    Inventors: Gregor Damian Polcyn, Niels Bredemeyer, Christoph Roosen, Dmitri Donst, Peter Toros, Peter Woltering, Dirk Hoormann, Philipp Hofmann, Stephan Köberle, Frank Funck, Wolfram Stolp, Bernd Langanke
  • Publication number: 20150119245
    Abstract: A method for production and storage of hypochlorous acid is disclosed. The method comprises using high purity water achieved by a combination of softening and reverse osmosis steps. The shelf life is further improved by storing the hypochlorous acid in opaque PET bottles or Nylon/PE bags or nylon bags in a box. Solutions stored in opaque PET bottles exhibit the best stability. Anticipated uses of the extended life hypochlorous acid solution include sanitizer for food contact and non-food contact surfaces, a streak-free cleaner for smooth surfaces and a cut flower life extender. Other biocide uses include water treatment in oil and gas production, cooling tower, lazy river and swimming pools, process water distribution systems, drinking water, portable humidifier, fish tanks and treatment of metalworking fluids and lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: EIJ Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Pollis Robertson, JR., Paul Theruviparampil, Louis Bailey
  • Publication number: 20150094254
    Abstract: A device for in-situ production of caustic and increasing alkalinity of a detergent and methods for increasing alkalinity of a detergent are disclosed. In particular, in situ electrochemical conversion of bicarbonate, sesquicarbonate or carbonate sources into caustic provides a safe means for increasing alkalinity of a detergent for a variety of cleaning applications. The invention further discloses methods for cleaning using the electrochemically enhanced detergent according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson
  • Publication number: 20140374271
    Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode comprising a liquid junction member matched with a filter. The junction member and the filter are situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. An array of nanochannels spans the junction member and provides fluid communication between the electrolyte solution and the sample solution. The filter is configured to allow a greater flux of electrolyte than that associated with the junction member. Preferably, the number of pores is greater than the number of nanochannels. The filter is preferably configured to have pores with an inner diameter that is the same or less than the inner diameter of the nanochannels. In some embodiment, the resistance of the filter is made lower relative to the resistance of the junction member by selecting suitable length, number, and inner diameter size for the pores of the filter relative to the nanochannels of the junction member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Scott T. Broadley, Herbert P. Silverman, Ta-Yung Chen, Steven R. Ragsdale
  • Publication number: 20140367273
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to organic products including formate and formic acid are provided. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may introduce an acidic anolyte to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce a bicarbonate-based catholyte saturated with carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a high surface area cathode including indium and having a void volume of between about 30% to 98%. At least a portion of the bicarbonate-based catholyte is recycled. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to at least one of a single-carbon based product or a multi-carbon based product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jerry J. Kaczur, Theodore J. Kramer, Kunttal Keyshar, Paul Majsztrik, Zbigniew Twardowski
  • Publication number: 20140332399
    Abstract: A Low Capacity Sodium Hypochlorite Generation (LCHG) system uses batching rather than the conventional continuous flow method in the production of sodium hypochlorite. Batching eliminates the need for metering pumps for brine and dilution water, as well as their associated controls and maintenance/servicing demands. Batching also precisely controls the ratio of brine to dilution water in the electrolyzer to produce a consistent strength sodium hypochlorite solution. Consequently, the LCHG system has fewer components, greater reliability and simpler maintenance than the continuous-flow on-site electrolytic chlorination systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Mario D. Cabrera
  • Patent number: 8871078
    Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140295301
    Abstract: The present invention provides in embodiments a method for purification of inlet gas/liquid streams in a fuel cell or electrolysis cell, the fuel cell or electrolysis cell comprising at least a first electrode, an electrolyte and a second electrode, the method comprising the steps of: —providing at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the first electrode of the fuel cell or electrolysis cell; and/or providing at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the second electrode of the fuel cell or electrolysis cell; and —purifying the gas/liquid streams towards the first and second electrode; wherein the at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the first electrode and/or the at least one scrubber in the gas/liquid stream at the inlet side of the second electrode comprises a material suitable as an electrolyte material and a material suitable as an electrode material, and wherein the material suitable as an electrolyte material and a mat
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF DENMARK
    Inventors: Sune D. Ebbesen, Mogens Bjerg Mogensen
  • Publication number: 20140260806
    Abstract: Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and an ammonia leach medium, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M. Robertson, Thomas R. Bolles, Dennis D. Gertenbach
  • Publication number: 20140251820
    Abstract: A method for recovering a metal from either an acidic or a basic solution using an aluminum cementation process is disclosed. The method involves adding an aluminum-containing powder to a tellurium-containing solution to precipitate tellurium from the tellurium-containing solution and then removing the precipitated tellurium therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Tim Mays, Matthew Omofoma, Wenming Wang
  • Publication number: 20140110268
    Abstract: A process and related electrode composition are disclosed for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation and/or hydrodeoxygenation of organic substrates such as biomass-derived bio-oil components by the production of hydrogen atoms on a catalyst surface followed by the reaction of the hydrogen atoms with the organic reactants. Biomass fast pyrolysis-derived bio-oil is a liquid mixture containing hundreds of organic compounds with chemical functionalities that are corrosive to container materials and are prone to polymerization. A high surface area skeletal metal catalyst material such as Raney Nickel can be used as the cathode. Electrocatalytic hydrogenation and/or hydrodeoxygenation convert the organic substrates under mild conditions to reduce coke formation and catalyst deactivation. The process converts oxygen-containing functionalities and unsaturated bonds into chemically reduced forms with an increased hydrogen content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James E. Jackson, Chun Ho Lam, Christopher M. Saffron, Dennis J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140097094
    Abstract: A recovery method of nickel according to the present invention comprises pretreatment step to prepare a solution for electrolysis by adding hexanesulfonate salt to a treatment solution including nickel, and nickel recovery step to recover nickel in a metal form by electrolysis of the above solution for electrolysis. The present invention can produce nickel in high purity with simple process with low cost, and can recover and reproduce nickel in a metal form with at least 99.5% of high purity and at least 90% of recovery rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hwa Young LEE, Byung Won CHO, Joong Kee LEE
  • Publication number: 20140034505
    Abstract: The present invention provides ruthenium or osmium complexes and their uses as a catalyst for catalytic water oxidation. Another aspect of the invention provides an electrode and photo-electrochemical cells for electrolysis of water molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Javier Jesus Concepcion Corbea, Zuofeng Chen, Jonah Wesley Jurss, Joseph L. Templeton, Paul Hoertz, Thomas J. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140001035
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes a positive electrode disposed in an electrolytic compartment, a negative electrode disposed in another electrolytic compartment, and a cell membrane positioned between the electrolytic compartment and the other electrolytic compartment. An electrolyte solution is disposed inside the electrolytic compartment and inside the other electrolytic compartment. The electrolyte solution is also in contact with the cell membrane. A transducer, which is directly attached to any of the negative electrode or the positive electrode, is capable of selectively transmitting vibrational energy to the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode. The vibrational energy selectively transmitted to the negative electrode and/or the positive electrode causes bubbles to form and to separate i) hydrogen gas bubbles from a surface of the negative electrode, ii) oxygen gas bubbles from a surface of the positive electrode, or iii) both i and ii.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nelson A. Kelly, Andrew M. Mance
  • Publication number: 20130256149
    Abstract: A microbial electrolysis cell having a brush anode is described. A method of producing products, such as hydrogen, at the cathode of the microbial electrolysis cell is also provided. The microbial electrolysis cell is configured in a cylindrical shape having an anode, cathode and anion exchange membrane all disposed concentrically. A brush anode spirally wound around the outside of the cylindrical microbial electrolysis cell is described. The method may include sparging the anode and/or cathode with air in some cases. In addition, CO2-containing gas may be injected into a cathode chamber to reduce pH is some cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Arizona Science and Technology Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Sudeep Popat, Prathap Parameswaran, Cesar Torres, Bruce Rittmann
  • Publication number: 20130248375
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for adjusting the salinity and/or hardness of a process waste stream so that the stream may be electrolyzed to form an oxidant or disinfectant. Also an electrolytic cell having certain features such as widely spaced electrodes, flushing capabilities, and insulating dividers that can accommodate waste streams that have varying salinity, hardness, and dissolved solids content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Justin Sanchez, Craig Andrew Beckman, Thomas Edward Muilenberg
  • Publication number: 20130206606
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode where the anode is contacted with a metal ion that converts the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state. The metal ion in the higher oxidation state is reacted with hydrogen gas, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, and/or a saturated hydrocarbon to form products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: CALERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: CALERA CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130199937
    Abstract: A method reducing carbon dioxide to one or more products may include steps (A) to (C). Step (A) may bubble said carbon dioxide into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in a divided electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode may reduce said carbon dioxide into said products. Step (B) may adjust one or more of (a) a cathode material, (b) a surface morphology of said cathode, (c) said electrolyte, (d) a manner in which said carbon dioxide is bubbled, (e), a pH level of said solution, and (f) an electrical potential of said divided electrochemical cell, to vary at least one of (i) which of said products is produced and (ii) a faradaic yield of said products. Step (C) may separate said products from said solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130180864
    Abstract: An improved electrolytic method for fabricating transparent conductive multi-component metal oxide powders is disclosed. By adjusting pH-value, the metal compositions that a transparent conductive oxide film requires are electrolyzed to form individual metal ion precursory solutions under the condition not to precipitate the solution. Then, the individual metal ion precursory solutions with the required composition ratio are mixed and the precipitate reaction is performed. Finally, transparent conductive multi-component oxide powders with the controlled composition ratio and composition homogeneity are obtained by calcining the washed, filtered, and dried co-precipitates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Hsin-Chun LU, Chia-Wei Li, Chen-Sung Chang, Ying-Yung Li, Jhih-Wei Mao, Ying-Chia Huang
  • Publication number: 20120308903
    Abstract: Catalysts that include at least one catalytically active element and one helper catalyst can be used to increase the rate or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. The helper catalyst can simultaneously act as a director molecule, suppressing undesired reactions and thus increasing selectivity toward the desired reaction. These catalysts can be useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2 or formic acid. The catalysts can also suppress H2 evolution, permitting electrochemical cell operation at potentials below RHE. Chemical processes and devices using the catalysts are also disclosed, including processes to produce CO, OH?, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, O2, H2, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2, and a specific device, namely, a CO2 sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Richard I. Masel
  • Publication number: 20120292197
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode where the anode is contacted with a metal ion that converts the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state. The metal ion in the higher oxidation state is reacted with hydrogen gas, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, and/or a saturated hydrocarbon to form products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Albrecht, Ryan J. Gilliam, Bryan Boggs, Kyle Self, Dennis W. Solas, Michael Kostowskyj, Margarete K. Leclerc, Alexander Gorer, Michael Joseph Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120292196
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode where the anode is contacted with a metal ion that converts the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state. The metal ion in the higher oxidation state is reacted with hydrogen gas, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, and/or a saturated hydrocarbon to form products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Albrecht, Ryan J. Gilliam, Bryan Boggs, Kyle Self, Dennis W. Solas, Michael Kostowskyj, Margarete K. Leclerc, Alexander Gorer, Michael Joseph Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120279870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrochemical reduction of oxygen in alkaline media, a catalyst comprising nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) having nanoparticles located on their surface being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Assmann, Elsa Karoline Schaedlich
  • Publication number: 20120234690
    Abstract: Bucket shovel type collection unit, used in an aluminum production cell, comprising: a) a means of fixing onto a mobile support; b) a connection actuated by a first actuator moving in relation to said mobile support in the vertical direction; c) a frame interdependent of said connection; d) at least one articulated bucket, swiveling around an axis assembled on said frame, having a blade and swiveling around said substantially horizontal axis. Said first actuator is connected to a programmable control system able to determine the altitude of said axis and the difference in altitude between said blade and said axis, define the vertical movement to be imposed on said collection unit, and define and transmit to said first actuator the appropriate control flow to impose said vertical movement. The control flow may be control current transmitted by a variable speed transmission to an electrical motor or an oil flow feeding the chamber of a hydraulic actuating cylinder, controlled by a servo-distributor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: E.C.L.
    Inventors: Arnaud Wattel, Stéphane David
  • Publication number: 20120085657
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cation-conductive ceramic membrane and an acidic anolyte. Generally, the cell includes an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment that are separated by a cation-conductive membrane. A diffusion barrier is disposed in the anolyte compartment between the membrane and an anode. In some cases, a catholyte is channeled into a space between the barrier and the membrane. In other cases, a chemical that maintains an acceptably high pH adjacent the membrane is channeled between the barrier and the membrane. In still other cases, some of the catholyte is channeled between the barrier and the membrane while another portion of the catholyte is channeled between the barrier and the anode. In each case, the barrier and the chemicals channeled between the barrier and the membrane help maintain the pH of the liquid contacting the anolyte side of the membrane at an acceptably high level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Sai Bhavaraju
  • Publication number: 20120048741
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean. For high current density cells, cleaning is preferably performed by reversing the polarity of the electrodes and applying a lower current density to the electrodes, preferably by adjusting the salinity or brine concentration of the electrolyte while keeping the voltage constant. Electrolyte flow preferably comprises water and brine flows which are preferably separately monitored and automatically adjusted. For bipolar cells, flow between modules arranged in parallel is preferably approximately equally distributed between modules and between intermediate electrodes within each module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Stewart, Matthew R. Santillanes, Kevin Schwarz, Justin Sanchez, Geofrey C. Showalter, Kyle Lee
  • Publication number: 20120034153
    Abstract: An electrolytic recycling method recovers two or more component elements of one or more compounds simultaneously. A compound, such as a compound semiconductor, to be recycled is dissolved in a liquid electrolyte. Electrolysis of the dissolved compound recovers component elements simultaneously at respective negative and positive electrodes by reduction and oxidation respectively. The component elements produced may be in respective condensed phases or include a gaseous phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David J. Bradwell, Sebastian Osswald, Donald R. Sadoway
  • Publication number: 20110315560
    Abstract: A process for producing one or more chemical compounds comprising the steps of providing a bioelectrochemical system having an anode and a cathode separated by a membrane, the anode and the cathode being electrically connected to each other, causing oxidation to occur at the anode and causing reduction to occur at the cathode to thereby produce reducing equivalents at the cathode, providing the reducing equivalents to a culture of microorganisms, and providing carbon dioxide to the culture of microorganisms, whereby the microorganisms produce the one or more chemical compounds, and recovering the one or chemical compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
    Inventors: Korneel P.H.L.A. Rabaey, Rene A. Rozendal
  • Publication number: 20110272291
    Abstract: Methods for the production of erythrose and/or erythritol are provided herein. Preferably, the method of producing erythritol includes the step of electrolytic decarboxylation of a ribonic acid or arabinonic acid reactant to produce erythrose and the step of electrolytic reduction or erythrose to produce erythritol. Optionally, the reactant can be obtained from a suitable hexose sugar, such as allose, altrose, glucose, fructose or mannose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Stapley, J. David Genders, Daniel M. Atherton, Peter M. Kendall
  • Publication number: 20110253549
    Abstract: A washing apparatus and a method of deodorizing washing water that can prevent the unpleasant smell of washing water are provided. An electrolytic water producing means 2 produces strong acidic water and strong alkaline water by electrolysis of an electrolytic solution. The produced strong acidic water and strong alkaline water are stored in an acid container 3 and alkali container 4, respectively. A mist container 5 connected to the alkali container 4 produces a deodorant mist upon receiving a part of the strong alkaline water in the alkali container 4. A discharge port 6a is selectively connected to the acid container 3, alkali container 4, or water pipe 8 so as to discharge the strong acidic water, strong alkaline water, or tap water. A mist ejection portion 7 is formed to spray the deodorant mist of the strong alkaline water in the mist container 5 around the strong acidic water or tap water discharged from the discharge port 6a so that the mist surrounds the strong acidic water or tap water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Minoru Kanno
  • Publication number: 20110114501
    Abstract: A method for purification of carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases is disclosed. The method generally includes steps (A) and (B). Step (A) may bubble the gases into a solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst in an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell may include an anode in a first cell compartment and a cathode in a second cell compartment. The cathode generally reduces the carbon dioxide into one or more compounds. The anode may oxidize at least one of the compounds into the carbon dioxide. Step (B) may separate the carbon dioxide from the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Kyle Teamey, Emily Barton Cole, Narayanappa Sivasankar, Andrew Bocarsly
  • Publication number: 20110100833
    Abstract: A method for producing chlorine dioxide with single-liquid electrolysis, wherein chlorine dioxide is generated by performing electrolysis by supplying a direct current to an electrolyte solution in a separating-membraneless electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode, the method includes: (a) a step of generating chlorine dioxide by performing electrolysis by supplying the direct current to the electrolyte solution, which contains an alkali chloride, an alkali chlorite and a pH adjusting agent, wherein a pH of the electrolyte solution is 4 to 8; (b) a step of supplying a replenishing electrolyte solution, containing the alkali chloride, the alkali chlorite, and the pH adjusting agent, to the electrolytic cell during the electrolysis; and (c) a step of taking out the generated chlorine dioxide from the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: TAIKO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeo Asada, Koichi Nakahara
  • Publication number: 20100276297
    Abstract: Electrowinning methods and apparatus are suitable for producing elemental deposits of high quality, purity, and volume. Respective cathodes are used during electrowinning for bearing the elemental product, segregating impurities, dissolving morphologically undesirable material, and augmenting productivity. Silicon suitable for use in photovoltaic devices may be electrodeposited in solid form from silicon dioxide dissolved in a molten salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: METAL OXYGEN SEPARATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Adam C. Powell, IV, Steve J. Derezinski, III
  • Publication number: 20100230294
    Abstract: A method and solution for eluting one of antimony(V) and a mixture of antimony(III) and antimony(V) from an ion exchange resin, comprises contacting the resin with an eluting solution comprising thiourea having a concentration of at least 0.002 M and hydrochloric acid having a concentration of at least 3 M. The method can be used for electrolytes in an industrial electrorefining process, by the further steps of contacting the electrolyte with an ion exchange resin to adsorb the antimony from the electrolyte and separating the resin from the electrolyte, before contacting the resin with the eluting solution comprising thiourea and hydrochloric acid. The method and solution address the difficulties of removing antimony(V), and allow for increased reuse of the resins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Patricio A. Riveros
  • Publication number: 20100224503
    Abstract: A low-energy method and system of forming hydroxide ions in an electrochemical cell. On applying a low voltage across the anode and cathode, hydroxide ions form in the electrolyte containing the cathode, protons form at the anode but a gas e.g. chlorine or oxygen does not form at the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kasra Farsad, Valentin Decker
  • Publication number: 20100200419
    Abstract: An alkaline production system comprising an electrochemistry unit comprising a hydrogen-oxidizing anode in communication with a cathode electrolyte; wherein the electrochemistry unit is operably connected to a carbon sequestration system configured to sequester carbon dioxide with the cathode electrolyte. In another embodiment, an electrochemistry unit comprising a hydrogen-oxidizing anode in communication with a cathode electrolyte; and a carbon sequestration system configured to sequester carbon dioxide with the cathode electrolyte; and methods thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, William Randall Seeker, Bryan Boggs, Nikhil Jalani, Thomas A. Albrecht, Matt Smith
  • Publication number: 20100193369
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for facilitating removal of molten metal from an electrolysis cell are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a container and an electrical source coupled to the container. The electrical source may be configured to provide complementary current to a spout of the container. This complementary current may create a complementary electromagnetic field at least proximal a tip portion of the spout. When the spout of the container receives the complementary current, and when the spout is in liquid communication with the molten liquid of the electrolysis cell, the complementary electromagnetic field of the complementary current may at least partially assist to increase the flow of molten metal into the spout of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Barnes, JR., Donald P. Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20100155258
    Abstract: A low-energy method and system of forming hydroxide ions in an electrochemical cell. On applying a low voltage across the anode and cathode, hydroxide ions form in the electrolyte containing the cathode, protons form at the anode but a gas e.g. chlorine or oxygen does not form at the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kasra Farsad, Valentin Decker
  • Publication number: 20100116681
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising an electrolysis vessel for receiving a liquid electrolyte that fills the vessel to a predetermined level, electrodes for passing an electric current through the electrolyte, a vent for allowing gases produced by the electrolytic process to leave the vessel and an air inlet means located substantially adjacent to the predetermined level for directing air into the vessel at a predetermined rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Julian Routh
  • Publication number: 20090321272
    Abstract: Sulfuric acid electrolysis process wherein; a temperature of electrolyte containing sulfuric acid to be supplied to an anode compartment and a cathode compartment is controlled to 30 degree Celsius or more; a flow rate F1 (L/min.) of the electrolyte containing sulfuric acid to be supplied to said anode compartment is controlled to 1.5 times or more (F1/Fa?1.5) a flow rate Fa (L/min.) of gas formed on an anode side as calculated from Equation (1) shown below and a flow rate F2(L/min.) of said electrolyte containing sulfuric acid to be supplied to said cathode compartment is controlled to 1.5 times or more (F2/Fc?1.5) a flow rate Fe (L/min.) of gas formed on a cathode side as calculated from Equation (2) shown below. Fa=(I×S×R×T)/(4×Faraday constant) ??Equation (I) Fe=(I×S×R×T)/(2×Faraday constant) ??Equation (2) I: Electrolytic current (A) S: Time: 60 second (Fixed) R: Gas constant (0.082 1·atm/K/mol) K: Absolute temperature (273.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicants: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Toshiba Corp., Ltd., Shibaura Mechatronics Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kato, Yusuke Ogawa, Hiroki Domon, Naoya Hayamizu, Makiko Tange, Yoshiaki Kurokawa, Nobuo Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090283417
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell that draws electrolyte from an electrolyte storage container to the inlet of the cell. The inlet of the cell preferably comprises a back flow prevention device that restricts flow of electrolyte from flowing back through the inlet of the cell. Gasses generated by the electrolysis operation, typically primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, forces electrolytic products such as oxidants out of the discharge port of the electrolytic cell, preferably in a continuous flow process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Sanchez, Jeffrey Phillip Krom, Kevin Schwarz, Craig Milroy, Rodney E. Herrington