Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for producing higher hydrocarbons from lower hydrocarbons, e.g. by gas phase electrocatalytic polymerization of methane. This is done using an electrolysis cell having an anode chamber on one side of a solid electrolyte and a cathode chamber on the other side of the solid electrolyte. According to this process, methane-containing gas is passed through the anode chamber to contact a catalytic anode which is connected to one side of the solid electrolyte, this solid electrolyte comprising a solid proton conducting membrane. An inert gas or oxygen is passed through the cathode chamber to contact a catalytic cathode which is connected to the other side of the proton conducting membrane. The membrane is designed so that H+ is capable of passing through the membrane from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for gas phase electrochemical oxidation of H2S to sulfur and water or steam using an electrolysis cell having an anode chamber on one side of a solid proton conducting membrane and a cathode chamber on the other side of the membrane. The process comprises the steps of passing H2S-containing gas through the anode chamber to contact a catalytic anode, where it reacts to produce elemental sulfur, protons and electrons. The protons pass through the membrane from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber. An oxygen-containing gas is passed through the cathode chamber to contact the catalytic cathode, where it reacts with protons and electrons to produce water or steam. During the process, both the anode chamber and cathode chamber are maintained at a temperature of at least 120° C. and an elevated pressure sufficient to keep the membrane moist.

Abstract: A process is described for decomposing hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and sulfur. The process comprises mixing hydrogen sulfide with a volatile basic solution and introducing this mixture into an electrolytic cell having an anode and a cathode. By operation of this cell, hydrogen is formed at the cathode and a solution containing polysulfide is formed at the anode. The polysulfide-containing solution is separated and distilled to recover sulfur and the remaining volatile basic solution is recycled to be mixed with further hydrogen sulfide.