Abstract: An electrochemical separation of oxygen from oxygen containing gaseous mixtures, such as air, using an oxygen containing molten inorganic salt electrolyte retained in a porous matrix between two gas porous catalytic electrodes wherein oxygen is separated from the gaseous mixture when electrical potential is applied across the electrodes providing movement of non-metallic oxygen containing ion from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation of oxygen from oxygen containing gaseous mixtures, such as air, using an oxygen containing molten inorganic salt electrolyte retained in a porous matrix between two gas porous catalytic electrodes wherein oxygen is separated from the gaseous mixture when electrical potential is applied across the electrodes providing movement of non-metallic oxygen containing ion from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: A hydrogen forming process and apparatus wherein one side of a hydrogen ion porous and molecular gas non-porous metallic foil is contacted with mixed gases comprising molecular hydrogen formed by a chemical reaction in a hydrogen production zone. The molecular hydrogen is dissociated and passed as ionic hydrogen to the other side of the metallic foil from which it is withdrawn, thereby removing hydrogen from the hydrogen production zone. This invention is particularly advantageous in favorably shifting the equilibrium of steam/methane reforming reactions and water-gas-shift reactions providing high yields of high purity hydrogen.

Abstract: A dual compartment anode structure for use in molten carbonates fuel cells having an electrolyte porous metallic plate structure with one face adapted to contact the electrolyte and an opposite face having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom, a hydrogen ion and molecular hydrogen and electrolyte non-porous metallic foil having one face in contact with the ends of the ribs to define an anode reacton gas compartment therebetween, and a corrugated metallic current collector having a plurality of peaks with one face at the peaks in contact with the opposite face of the metallic foil defining an anode fuel gas compartment therbetween. The dual compartment anode structure of this invention provides separation between the electrolyte and the fuel thereby permitting internal cell reforming of hydrogen containing fuels without poisoning of the reforming catalyst and provides greater cell stability due to reduction in corrosion and reduced electrolyte and electrode loss.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation of oxygen from oxygen containing gaseous mixtures, such as air, using a molten nitrate salt electrolyte retained in a porous matrix between two gas porous catalytic electrodes wherein oxygen is separated from the gaseous mixture when electrical potential is applied across the electrodes providing movement of ionic NO.sub.3 - from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: A dual compartment anode structure for use in molten carbonates fuel cells having an electrolyte porous metallic plate structure with one face adapted to contact the electrolyte and an opposite face having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom, a hydrogen ion and molecular hydrogen and electrolyte non-porous metallic foil having one face in contact with the ends of the ribs to define an anode reaction gas compartment therebetween, and a corrugated metallic current collector having a plurality of peaks with one face at the peaks in contact with the opposite face of the metallic foil defining an anode fuel gas compartment therebetween. The dual compartment anode structure of this invention provides separation between the electrolyte and the fuel thereby permitting internal cell reforming of hydrocarbon containing fuels without poisoning of the reforming catalyst and provides greater cell stability due to reduction in corrosion and reduced electrolyte and electrode loss.

Abstract: Reduction of electrode metal dissolution in electrolyte between two metal electrodes of a voltaic cell by adding an electrode metal dissolution reduction agent to the electrolyte prior to operation of the cell, the electrode metal dissolution reduction agent being a sacrificial electrode metal, a metal promoting common ion effect with one of the electrode metals, seed metal particles serving as precipitation sites for an electrode metal, and combinations thereof. Reduction of the electrode metal dissolution in the electrolyte of a voltaic cell is also achieved by maintaining a partial pressure of carbon dioxide of about 0.5 to about 1.5 atmospheres in the electrolyte during operation of the cell. The method and electrolyte is particularly suited for molten carbonate fuel cells.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of partially oxidized organic compounds at the catalytic anode of a fuel cell wherein oxide anions formed at the fuel cell cathode by ionization of oxygen containing gas are transported by a molten salt oxygen containing electrolyte to the catalytic anode where selective partial oxidation of organic compounds is facilitated by the catalytic anode. Suitable catalytic anodes include catalysts selected from elements of the Periodic Table appearing in a group selected from the group consisting of Group IB, IIB, IIIA, VB, VIB, VIIB and VIII, in metallic oxide or cermet form. The process of this invention is particularly useful in the production of methanol by partial oxidation of methane.

Abstract: High temperature fuel cell wet seal strips around the periphery of a separator plate fabricated utilizing powder metallurgy technique. The material composition of said wet seal may be variably graded to afford ease of bonding of said wet seal with the separator plate on one side and provide corrosion inhibition on the other side in communication with an electrolyte. Similar wet seals may be formed from a single metal powder with surface treatment of the surface adjacent the electrolyte to provide resistance to corrosion by the electrolyte.

Abstract: A molten alkali metal carbonates fuel cell porous anode with a stabilizing agent to maintain porosity and surface area during fuel cell operation. A molten alkali carbonates fuel cell having the above stabilized anode and a method for production of such porous anodes.

Abstract: A high temperature molten carbonate fuel cell ferrous metal cell housing having about 2 to about 70 weight percent aluminum content in the cell housing surface wet seal area prior to cell operation providing corrosion inhibition during fuel cell operation.

Abstract: An improved molten carbonate fuel cell electrolyte wherein the inert support matrix is predominately LiAl0.sub.2 having crystalline structure with an average L/D greater than about 3 and surface area greater than about 5 sq. meters/gram and the carbonates composition is a ternary lithium-potassium-sodium or binary lithium-potassium or lithium-sodium carbonates composition having a thermal expansion of about 1.5 to about 3.5 .times. 10.sup.-5 inch/inch .degree. C. The improved molten carbonate fuel cell electrolyte of this invention provides fuel cell electrolytes capable of containing 50 to 70 wt. percent carbonate components to provide high power densities while providing a thin electrolyte which is resistant to physical damage on thermal cycling of the fuel cell. The electrolyte of this invention may also be reinforced with metallic alloys to provide additional strength characteristics.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved paste electrolyte composition for use in a high-temperature molten carbonate fuel cell, using substantially pure alkali metal aluminate formed from reactive alumina as the only inert material in the electrolyte. Finely divided reactive alumina substantially completely free of silica is admixed with alkali metal carbonates and fired to remove carbon dioxide to form as final inert carrier material substantially pure inert alkali metal aluminate. The initial composition of the starting mixture is selected so that the final composition is between 40 and 70% by weight alkali metal carbonates. In contrast to magnesia supported fuel cells which show a 40% drop-off in power output, the aluminate paste electrolyte-utilizing fuel cells of the invention show essentially no deterioration.