Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell, in particular a methanol fuel cell which has an anion-conductive membrane. The protons required for the formation of hydroxyl ions are supplied to the cathode chamber in the form of water. The water resulting from the reaction is produced at the anode. The method requires the use of alkaline media both in the anode chamber and in the cathode chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for deposition of a catalyst, in particular a method for coating a membrane electrode unit (MEA) for a fuel cell. Said method requires no external electrical field as usual for conventional galvanic techniques. The support for the catalytic layer is first capacitively charged (pseudocapacitance). When brought into contact with an electrolyte solution, comprising the catalyst in the form of dissolved metal salt ions, an in-situ reduction (deposition) of the metal salt ions to give metallic catalyst occurs at the site of contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a methanol fuel cell comprising a membrane which conducts metallic cations, in which the metallic cations induce the transport of the charge inside the membrane and are advantageously guided in a circuit in the form of a base from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber. The inventive methanol fuel cell prevents the methanol drag associated with proton-conductive membranes, thus producing higher power outputs on a regular basis. A separate transport of the water produced by the reaction is not necessary.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrochemically depositing a catalyst, especially a noble metal, from a precursor layer which is present on a membrane and in which the catalyst material is present in the form of salts that are soluble in the membrane material. According to the method, the membrane is surrounded by an atmosphere containing water vapour during the deposition process, this atmosphere ensuring the stability and ionic conductibility of the membrane. In contrast to methods used up until now, this prevents the soluble catalyst salt from being dissolved out the precursor layer. The method can be carried out in a simple device comprising a sealable vessel which can be advantageously tempered, a holder for receiving a membrane/precursor unit, a gas supply and electrical contacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for deposition of a catalyst, in particular a method for coating a membrane electrode unit (MEA) for a fuel cell. Said method requires no external electrical field as usual for conventional galvanic techniques. The support for the catalytic layer is first capacitively charged (pseudocapacitance). When brought into contact with an electrolyte solution, comprising the catalyst in the form of dissolved metal salt ions, an in-situ reduction (deposition) of the metal salt ions to give metallic catalyst occurs at the site of contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell, in particular a methanol fuel cell which has an anion-conductive membrane. The protons required for the formation of hydroxyl ions are supplied to the cathode chamber in the form of water. The water resulting from the reaction is produced at the anode. The method requires the use of alkaline media both in the anode chamber and in the cathode chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a methanol fuel cell comprising a membrane which conducts metallic cations, in which the metallic cations induce the transport of the charge inside the membrane and are advantageously guided in a circuit in the form of a base from the cathode chamber to the anode chamber. The inventive methanol fuel cell prevents the methanol drag associated with proton-conductive membranes, thus producing higher power outputs on a regular basis. A separate transport of the water produced by the reaction is not necessary.

Abstract: In a method for the manufacture of an electrode-electrolyte unit with a catalytically active layer a metal salt solution is placed layer-like between an electrolyte layer and an electrolyte and the metal in the metal salt solution is precipitated from the metal salt in situ between the two layers.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for processing fuel for a fuel cell to which fuel is supplied through a fuel line, a reactor is disposed in the fuel line and an oxygen-containing compound is added to the fuel in the fuel line and is decomposed in the reactor for releasing oxygen which oxygen is adsorbed by the reactor. Impurities in the fuel which can be oxidized are also adsorbed by the reactor and are oxidized by the oxygen adsorbed by the reactor.

Abstract: In an anode structure for a high temperature fuel cell which has a non-catalytic phase and a catalytic phase with respect to methane-vapor reforming reactions, a substrate with a bi-polar plate disposed thereon has areas of different catalytic activity levels, that is, an area in which the regular catalytic metallic phase has been replaced by a catalytic metallic phase with low catalytic activity whereby the methane vapor reforming reaction is delayed in the areas of reduced catalyst activity.

Abstract: Porous electrodes are obtained by a method in which a layer of a powder mixture comprising (a) finely divided carbonyl metal having a low bulk density and high frictional resistance and (b) a pulverulent component which is catalytically active or can be activated by alkali treatment, in an a/b ratio of about 3:1 to 1:3, is applied by rolling to one or both sides of a framework-forming metallic substrate having adhesion-promoting surface roughness, and said layer is consolidated by electrodeposition of metal, after which activation is finally effected if necessary. Superficial oxidation of the powder particles, which decreases from the outer surface of the layer toward the support and gradually dissolves in the electroplating bath, promotes extensive consolidation of the layer by electrodeposition.

Abstract: An electrolyzer for alkaline electrolysis of water has a diaphragm-electr sandwich arrangement wherein a predetermined narrow spacing to provide a minimum distance is maintained between the diaphragm surface and the superjacent electrode. The spacing is provided by a single layer of a filament of predetermined thickness disposed in an array. The filament is strung in a plurality of lengths disposed in a common plane so that the thickness of the spacing is the same as the thickness of the single layer which is equal to the filament thickness. The array is secured by a retaining wire which engages a groove provided in a cell frame of the electrolyzer. The filament is made of plastic material which can withstand electrolysis conditions. An apparatus and method for stringing the filament to provide the array are also described.

Abstract: In a process for reduction or oxidation of materials in aqueous solution by assing a reagent gas through a finely porous catalyst layer into the solution, bodies of electrically conducting material which in the aggregate have a large surface are brought into electrically conducting connection with the catalyst layer on its side facing the solution in order to increase the rate of conversion of the dissolved material. The conducting bodies are distributed in the solution at least in the region of the catalyst layer and increase the effective surface for the conversion of the dissolved material. The invention is particularly useful in connection with catalyst layers provided with an electrically conducting protective cover through which gas and solution may pass on the side of the catalyst layer facing the solution as disclosed in a related application of the same inventors Ser. No. 500,941 filed June 3, 1983.

Abstract: A diaphragm for alkaline electrolysis, specifically for alkaline electrolysis of water, comprises a fine-pored, predominantly ceramic layer, which is preferably supported by a superficially oxidized structural framework or mesh. The diaphragm in use is sandwiched between two electrodes and is provided, on one or both sides, with fairly coarse-grained protuberances distributed over the surface and embedded into the fine-pored predominantly ceramic layer, which grains project out of the diaphragm surface. In view of the projection of the grains to form protuberances, and in spite of the fact that the adjacent electrodes are in contact with the diaphragm, a certain minimum distance is maintained between the diaphragm and each electrode, whereby, deposits on the electrodes, caused by unavoidable corrosion phenomena within the electrolysis apparatus, cannot propagate into the diaphragm.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of thin activated electrodes including a base metal, which can be iron, cobalt or nickel, with a good adhering active surface layer. Both the base metal and the surface layer are galvanically sequentially deposited as separate layers on a removable electrically-conductive carrier. The surface layer is deposited as an activatable alloy including the base metal and a leachable metal, particularly zinc. The galvanizing deposited layers are subsequently separated as a unit from the carrier. The alloy is activated by leaching the leachable metal therefrom before, during or after separation of the carrier. Two activatable layers of alloy can be deposited on the carrier with a layer of the base metal deposited between the alloy layers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a NiO-based ceramic oxide diaphragm for the alkaline water electrolysis. The diaphragm, in accordance with the invention, contains 0.5 to 10% by weight (estimated as Ti based on the oxide mass) of titanium oxide in the porous NiO layer. Diaphragms of this type are obtained, in particular, by the oxidative sintering of a mass of nickel powder which has been applied under pressure to a nickel support, especially one consisting of nickel wire gauze. In the process the titanium is in the form of titanium metal, titanium oxide or a titanium compound which is added to the initial nickel powder. The titanium is present in the form of its oxide after the oxidation sintering treatment. In an alternative embodiment of the process, an already sintered porous mass of nickel or nickel oxide can be impregnated with a titanium compound and calcined to convert the titanium compound to its oxide.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with an electrochemical gas analyzer for determining the sulphur dioxide content of certain gases in particular, flue gases. The device comprises a measuring cell containing a measuring electrode for the determination of the depolarization current and further comprising an unpolarizable electrode in the same electrolyte. The gas input flow is utilized to cause a circulation of electrolyte containing the dissolved gas which moves in the space between the measuring and counter-electrode. The electrolyte is continuously renewed and the electrolyte leaving the cell is regeneratd and recycled. The sulphur dioxide dissolved in the electrolyte is removed outside the cell by treatment with air in the presence of activated charcoal.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrolyzer for alkaline water electrolysis whose cells are formed by a diaphragm provided with electrodes between 2 bi-polar separator plates as well as a process for the construction thereof.

Abstract: A diaphragm of porous sinter material for alkaline water electrolysis characterized by a porous sinter metal oxidized at least partially to metal oxide. A frame structure of the sinter body is provided especially wire net. The base metal of the sinter body is formed by nickel, iron or copper. The method includes forming a porous metal sinter body and oxidizing the same at elevated temperature in oxygen-containing atmosphere. The method for production of nickel oxide diaphragms furthermore includes applying to a nickel net a pasty mass of nickel powder containing a binder and burning. Applying in a thin layer as by brushing nickel powder of a particle size of about 1 to 10 mm in a rubber solution in toluene upon a carrier, especially a nickel net, and this arrangement is subjected to sintering at 700.degree. to 1,000.degree. C. for a time or duration of 10 to 20 minutes in inert or reducing atmosphere especially in hydrogen and the sinter body which is obtained is subjected to roasting in air at 1000.degree.

Abstract: A porous oxide diaphragm for alkaline electrolysis, in particular water etrolysis, consisting of an in situ oxidized metal powder layer applied onto a permeable framework-forming carrier without heat treatment before oxidation, as well as a process for the manufacture thereof and its utilization.