Abstract: A process, preferably continuous, for producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting in the liquid phase at least one oxidizable organic substance in the presence of a mixture comprising at least one conductive catalyst and an aqueous alkaline carbonate electrolyte, wherein at least one bicarbonate composition produced by reaction of the electrolyte is regenerated and the at least one oxidizable organic substance comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon, for example methanol and/or dimethyl ether. In a preferred embodiment the alkaline electrolyte is regenerated using steam. Various advantageous reaction schemes are described, utilizing, e.g., co-current and countercurrent stream flow and alternative tower sequence arrangements.

Abstract: A liquid phase process for producing hydrogen gas in a reactor comprising the step of combining at least one oxidizing reactant with liquid water and at least one alkaline electrolyte to form a mixture having a pH, wherein the pH of the mixture is substantially maintained at a value of about 10.5 or greater and conducting a reaction in the presence of an electron transfer material that permits the movement of electrons. An alternative method produces hydrogen gas from a reaction in an electrochemical cell, the reaction characterized by an overall thermodynamic energy balance and half-cell reactions occurring at each of an anode and cathode. Energy transfers, such as thermal and electric, are analyzed and controlled in order to satisfy the thermodynamic energy balance of the reaction for efficient hydrogen production.

Abstract: Liquid phase processes for producing fuel in a reactor comprising the step of combining at least one oxidizable reactant with liquid water and at least one electrolyte to form a mixture and conducting a fuel-producing reaction in the presence of an electron transfer material, wherein the mixture permits the movement or transport of ions and electrons to facilitate the efficient production of the fuel. An alternative embodiment produces fuel in an electrochemical cell, the reaction characterized by an overall thermodynamic energy balance according to the half-cell reactions occurring at the anode and cathode. Energy generated and/or required by the system components is directed according to the thermodynamic requirements of the half-cell reactions, thereby realizing improved fuel production efficiency.

Abstract: A process, preferably continuous, for producing hydrogen gas comprising contacting in the liquid phase at least one oxidizable organic substance in the presence of a mixture comprising at least one conductive catalyst and an aqueous alkaline carbonate electrolyte, wherein at least one bicarbonate composition produced by reaction of the electrolyte is regenerated and the at least one oxidizable organic substance comprises a oxygenated hydrocarbon, for example methanol and/or dimethyl ether. In a preferred embodiment the alkaline electrolyte is regenerated using steam. Various advantageous reaction schemes are described, utilizing, e.g., co-current and countercurrent stream flow and alternative tower sequence arrangements.

Abstract: A tunnel protected electrochemical device features channels fluidically communicating between manifold, tunnels and cells. The channels are designed to provide the most efficient use of auxiliary power. The channels have a greater hydraulic pressure drop and electrical resistance than the manifold. This will provide a design with the optimum auxiliary energy requirements.

Abstract: The cell of the invention comprises a housing, a zinc or cadmium anode, a chemically non-reactive counterelectrode and cathodic halogen. The cathodic halogen is selected from chlorine and bromine, and preferably is bromine. The cell also is provided with an aqueous metal halide containing electrolyte in which the metal ions are of the same metal as the metal of the anode and halide anions are of the same halogen as the cathodic halogen material. Importantly, in the present invention, anion exchange resins provide a convenient means for storing the halogen generated during charging of the cell and providing a source of halogen to be used in the discharge of the cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the pH level in a zinc-bromine battery features reacting decomposition hydrogen with bromine in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst encourages the formation of hydrogen and bromine ions. The decomposition hydrogen is therefore consumed, alloying the pH of the system to remain substantially at a given value.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: Electrochemical systems having a plurality of cells which are hydraulically and electrically connected in series develop shunt currents in the electrolyte of adjacent cells. The shunt currents are reduced or eliminated by the placing of an electrical bypass across two adjacent intercell conduits, and applying a protective current through the electrical bypass in a direction of the shunt currents and of a magnitude that can effectively reduce the shunt currents.

Abstract: The invention features an electrochemical cell having two fluid-containing compartments separated by a non-selective microporous membrane. Select ions which would normally pass through the membrane under the influence of an ionic field, are prevented from passing through the membrane by a polyelectrolyte which has migrated through the compartment fluid to the membrane. The polyelectrolyte acts as an ionic barrier to the passage of select ions, thus effectively increasing the ion-selective capability of the membrane and, hence, the coulombic efficiency of the electro-chemical cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction features a novel co-extruded plastic electrode in an interleaved construction with a novel integral separator-spacer. Also featured is a leak and impact resistant construction for preventing the spill of corrosive materials in the event of rupture.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxiliary electrodes. The invention teaches the reduction or elimination of these shunt currents in such devices with minimized power consumption. Shunt current nulling tunnels are provided which interconnect with electrolyte supply channels feeding the cells of the electrochemical device. Power consumption for the shunt current-nulling tunnels is reduced by designing the tunnels to have an increasing electrical resistance towards their mid-portions. Another embodiment of the invention features an increasing electrical resistance towards the mid-portion of the tunnels and a decreasing electrical resistance towards the mid-portion of the manifolds.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxilary electrodes. In electrochemical devices including those having a circulating electrolyte, such electrodes are designed to have a generally annular shape in order to provide a substantially uniform current density profile along a common electrolyte carrying manifold. The uniform current density profile allows for the elimination of these harmful shunt currents with a minimum of power consumption.

Abstract: Monopolar battery performance may be enhanced by circulating the electrolyte. A circulating electrolyte configuration for this type of system, however, gives rise to undesirable shunt current effects when used in series arrays. A protective current is applied to reduce or eliminate the shunt currents. The application of the protective current in aqueous monopolar battery systems will result in a REDOX reaction couple, wherein water is electrically consumed at the protective current anode and electrically replaced at the protective current cathode.

Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxiliary electrodes. In electrochemical devices including those having a circulating electrolyte, such electrodes are designed to have a generally annular shape in order to provide a substantially uniform current density profile along a common electrolyte carrying manifold. The uniform current density profile allows for the elimination of these harmful shunt currents with a minimum of power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of minimizing shunt currents in electrochemical devices which have a plurality of cells connected, at least in part, in series and which have a common electrolyte which is fed to at least two of the cells as a shared electrolyte from a common manifold via individual inlet channels, whereby an electrical electrolytic conductive bypass path is created around such cells and through said shared electrolyte, resulting in undesirable shunt currents. This method involves providing electrolyte tunnels which connect the individual inlet channels and applying a protective current through said electrolyte tunnels and thus through said shared electrolyte, the protective current being of a magnitude which effectively at least reduces said shunt currents. Thus, a single protective current may be applied such that shunt currents are minimized, and preferably are totally eliminated.

Abstract: The invention features an electrochemical cell having two fluid-containing compartments separated by a nonselective microporous membrane. Select ions which would normally pass through the membrane under the influence of an ionic field, are prevented from passing through the membrane by a polyelectrolyte which has migrated through the compartment fluid to the membrane. The polyelectrolyte acts as an ionic barrier to the passage of select ions, thus effectively increasing the ion-selective capability of the membrane and, hence, the coulombic efficiency of the electrochemical cell.