Abstract: The invention relates to bipolar plates for electrochemical fuel cell assemblies, and in particular to configurations of bipolar plates allowing for multiple fluid flow channels for the passage of anode, cathode and coolant fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell for metal electrowinning equipped with a device useful for preventing the adverse effects of dendrite growth on the cathodic deposit. The cell comprises a porous conductive screen, positioned between the anode and the cathode, capable of stopping the growth of dendrites and avoiding that they reach the anode surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrodic apparatus suitable for the electrodeposition of nonferrous metals, for example for the electrolytic production of copper and other nonferrous metals from solutions of ions, comprising an electrode and at least one ionpermeable screen intended for protection of the said electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell for metal electrowinning equipped with a device useful for preventing the adverse effects of dendrite growth on the cathodic deposit. The cell comprises a porous conductive screen, positioned between the anode and the cathode, capable of stopping the growth of dendrites and preventing them from reaching the anode surface.

Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic diamond is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; (b) conducting electrolysis of water to provide hydrogen; (c) reacting the carbon dioxide obtained from step (a) with the hydrogen obtained from step (b) to produce methane; and (d) using the hydrogen obtained from step (b) and the methane obtained from step (c) to produce a synthetic diamond by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

Abstract: Modular cathode assemblies are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include a basket through which fluid electrolyte may pass and exchange charge with a material to be reduced in the basket. The basket can be divided into upper and lower sections to provide entry for the material. Example embodiment cathode assemblies may have any shape to permit modular placement at any position in reduction systems. Modular cathode assemblies include a cathode plate in the basket, to which unique and opposite electrical power may be supplied. Example embodiment modular cathode assemblies may have standardized electrical connectors. Modular cathode assemblies may be supported by a top plate of an electrolytic reduction system. Electrolytic oxide reduction systems are operated by positioning modular cathode and anode assemblies at desired positions, placing a material in the basket, and charging the modular assemblies to reduce the metal oxide.

Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing carbon dioxide and producing fuels such as alcohol using a solvent including a nanoparticle organic hybrid material and a secondary fluid are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing a solvent including a nanoparticle organic hybrid material and a secondary fluid, the material being configured to capture carbon dioxide; introducing a gas including carbon dioxide to the solvent until the material is loaded with carbon dioxide; introducing at least one of catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction and a proton source to the solvent; heating the solvent including the material loaded with carbon dioxide until carbon dioxide loaded on the material is electrochemically converted to a fuel.

Abstract: Spliced bipolar plates for fuel cells are provided. The spliced bipolar plate includes a supporting plate and a splice plate. The supporting plate has three inlet openings and three outlet openings formed thereon. A plurality of coolant flow channels are provided on one side of the supporting plate, while a recess of a uniform thickness is provided on the opposite side of the supporting plate. One side of the recess is opened to a transverse or a longitudinal side of the supporting plate. The splice plate is divided into a reaction zone part and an extended part by the supporting plate. The size of the reaction zone part is substantially the same as the volume of the recess such that the reaction zone part is received in the recess, connecting the splice plate to the supporting plate. The extended part of the splice plate is projected beyond the supporting plate.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to apparatuses for and methods of conducting electrical current in an oxygen and liquid metal environment. In another aspect, the invention relates to methods for production of metals from their oxides comprising providing a cathode in electrical contact with a molten electrolyte, providing a liquid metal anode separated from the cathode and the molten electrolyte by a solid oxygen ion conducting membrane, providing a current collector at the anode, and establishing a potential between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed are electrochemical cells and methods for producing a halide of a non-alkali metal and for electrorefining the halide. The systems typically involve an electrochemical cell having a cathode structure configured for dissolving a hydrogen halide that forms the halide into a molten salt of the halogen and an alkali metal. Typically a direct current voltage is applied across the cathode and an anode that is fabricated with the non-alkali metal such that the halide of the non-alkali metal is formed adjacent the anode. Electrorefining cells and methods involve applying a direct current voltage across the anode where the halide of the non-alkali metal is formed and the cathode where the non-alkali metal is electro-deposited. In a representative embodiment the halogen is chlorine, the alkali metal is lithium and the non-alkali metal is uranium.

Abstract: The present technology discloses a method for producing aluminum from alumina in an electrolytic cell through the use of carbon monoxide as a partial or total reactant with aluminum oxide. The present technology also discloses the structure of an electrolytic cell configured to house this reaction.

Abstract: A provided emergency stop facility includes an alternative gas supply facility capable of supplying a cooling medium in a refining device as an alternative gas instead of an entrained gas shut-off by closure of an entrained gas shut-off valve with loss of a driving source caused by the emergency stop; an alternative entrained gas shut-off valve switching between supply and shut-off of an alternative gas to a hydrogen fluoride supply passage; and an instrumentation gas supply facility for emergency stop having an instrumentation gas shut-off valve enabling supply of an instrumentation gas by opening with loss of the driving source caused by the emergency stop, wherein at the emergency stop of the fluorine gas generating apparatus, the alternative entrained gas shut-off valve is opened upon receipt of the supply of the instrumentation gas, and the alternative gas is supplied to the hydrogen fluoride supply passage.

Abstract: A galvanic cell and methods of using the galvanic cell is described for the recovery of uranium from used nuclear fuel according to an electrofluorination process. The galvanic cell requires no input energy and can utilize relatively benign gaseous fluorinating agents. Uranium can be recovered from used nuclear fuel in the form of gaseous uranium compound such as uranium hexafluoride, which can then be converted to metallic uranium or UO2 and processed according to known methodology to form a useful product, e.g., fuel pellets for use in a commercial energy production system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic process, methods and apparatus for the preparation of carbon monoxide and in particular to electrolysis of molten carbonates to yield carbon monoxide which may be used for chemical storage of electrical energy and further as chemical feedstock for other organic products.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cathode power distribution system and/or method of using the same for power distribution. The cathode power distribution system includes a plurality of cathode assemblies. Each cathode assembly of the plurality of cathode assemblies includes a plurality of cathode rods. The system also includes a plurality of bus bars configured to distribute current to each of the plurality of cathode assemblies. The plurality of bus bars include a first bus bar configured to distribute the current to first ends of the plurality of cathode assemblies and a second bus bar configured to distribute the current to second ends of the plurality of cathode assemblies.

Abstract: An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides.

Abstract: An aluminium production electrolytic cell (4) comprises a bath (8) with bath contents (8a), at least one cathode electrode (10) in contact with said contents (8a), at least one anode electrode (6) in contact with said contents (8a), and a hood (16), defining interior area (16a), covering at least a portion of said bath (8). The electrolytic cell (4) is equipped for vent gases to be drawn from said interior area (16a). The electrolytic cell (4) also comprises at least one heat exchanger (52) for cooling at least a portion of the vent gases drawn from interior area (16a), prior to circulation thereof to interior area (16a).

Abstract: A provided emergency stop facility includes an alternative gas supply facility capable of supplying a cooling medium in a refining device as an alternative gas instead of an entrained gas shut-off by closure of an entrained gas shut-off valve with loss of a driving source caused by the emergency stop; an alternative entrained gas shut-off valve switching between supply and shut-off of an alternative gas to a hydrogen fluoride supply passage; and an instrumentation gas supply facility for emergency stop having an instrumentation gas shut-off valve enabling supply of an instrumentation gas by opening with loss of the driving source caused by the emergency stop, wherein at the emergency stop of the fluorine gas generating apparatus, the alternative entrained gas shut-off valve is opened upon receipt of the supply of the instrumentation gas, and the alternative gas is supplied to the hydrogen fluoride supply passage.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus generating a fluorine gas by electrolyzing hydrogen fluoride in molten salt, includes: an electrolytic cell including, above a liquid level of molten salt, a first gas chamber into which a product gas mainly containing the fluorine gas generated at an anode immersed in the molten salt and a second gas chamber separated from the first gas chamber into which a byproduct gas mainly containing a hydrogen gas generated at a cathode immersed in the molten salt; a hydrogen fluoride supply source retaining hydrogen fluoride to be replenished in the electrolytic cell; a refining device trapping a hydrogen fluoride gas evaporated from the molten salt in the electrolytic cell and mixed in the product gas generated from the anode to refine the fluorine gas; and a recovery facility conveying and recovering the hydrogen fluoride trapped in the refining device in the electrolytic cell or the hydrogen fluoride supply source.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating highly pure fluorine gas in a stable and safe manner by electrolyzing an electrolytic bath 2 comprising hydrogen fluoride in the form of a molten mixed gas is provided which comprises an electrolytic cell 1 divided, by a partition wall 16, into an anode chamber 3 in which an anode is disposed and a cathode chamber 4 in which a cathode is disposed, pressure maintenance means for maintaining the anode chamber 3 and cathode chamber 4 at atmospheric pressure, and liquid level sensing means 5, 6 capable of sensing the levels of the electrolytic bath 2 in the anode chamber 3 and in the cathode chamber 4, respectively, at three or more level stages.

Abstract: A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic process, methods and apparatus for the preparation of carbon monoxide and in particular to electrolysis of molten carbonates to yield carbon monoxide which may be used for chemical storage of electrical energy and further as chemical feedstock for other organic products.

Abstract: A method of producing aluminium in a Hall-Héroult cell with prebaked anodes, as well as anodes for the same. The anodes are provided with slots in a wear (bottom) surface thereof for gas drainage. The slots are 2-8 millimeters wide, and preferably 3 millimeters.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell (10) contains a number of carbon anodes (12) having top, bottom and side surfaces, operating in molten electrolyte (17) in an aluminum electrolysis cell (10), where gas bubbles (28) are generated at the anode surfaces and where alumina particles (20) are added to the top of the molten electrolyte, where the carbon anodes (12) have one inward slot (21) passing through the carbon anode (12) along the longitudinal axis 40 of the carbon anode and also passing through only one front surface (25) of the carbon anode, where the height (32) of the slot (21) is from about 45% to 80% of the anodes thickness and the slotted front surfaces (25) are disposed toward the center of the electrolysis cell so that generated gas bubbles (28) are directed to the alumina particles.

Abstract: An electrolytic apparatus for an oxide electrolytic method includes an interior of an electrolytic vessel, a common cathode and two types of anodes different in shape and arrangement, a first electrolysis controller is connected between the cathode and the first anode, and a second electrolysis controller is connected between the cathode and the second anode. The electrolytic processing of the substance in the electrolytic vessel is carried out such that a pair of the cathode and one of the anodes is used for main electrolysis and a pair of the cathode and the other anode is used for auxiliary electrolysis. By this apparatus, prevention of the ununiform distribution of the electrodeposit, improvement of the processing speed and improvement of the durability of the crucible are achieved, whereby the recycling of spent nuclear fuels based on the nonaqueous reprocessing method is made feasible in a commercial scale.

Abstract: A stack, to be used in a fuel cell or electrolyzer, includes a collector layer, at least one diffusion layer and at least one anchoring layer. The collector layer being a metal foil or metal plate or foamed metal sheet, the diffusion layer can be a metal mesh or expanded metal sheet. An anchoring layer having a thickness of less than 0.5 mm can include metal fibers and be sintered between the collector layer and the diffusion layer.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolytic cell comprises a vessel filled with a molten salt bath, an anode immersed in the bath, and a cathode immersed in the bath, and the cathode is hollow.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating fluorine gas by electrolysis of an electrolytic bath comprising a hydrogen fluoride-containing mixed molten salt in which generator the position of the electrolytic bath liquid surface in the electrolytic cell can be safely controlled even during suspension of electrolysis therein is provided. The generator comprises an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated from each other by a partition wall and is provided with electrolytic bath liquid level controlling means for controlling the electrolytic bath liquid level in at least one of the anode chamber and cathode chamber during suspension of fluorine gas generation.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell (10) contains a number of carbon anodes (12) having top, bottom and side surfaces, operating in molten electrolyte (17) in an aluminum electrolysis cell (10), where gas bubbles (28) are generated at the anode surfaces and where alumina particles (20) are added to the top of the molten electrolyte, where the carbon anodes (12) have at least two inward slots (21) passing through the carbon anode (12) along the longitudinal axis 40 of the carbon anode and also passing through only one front surface (25) of the carbon anode, where the height (32) of the slots (21) is from about 45% to 80% of the anodes thickness and the slotted front surfaces (25) are disposed toward the center of the electrolysis cell so that generated gas bubbles (28) are directed to the alumina particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of molten aluminium by electrolysis of an aluminous ore, preferably alumina, in a molten salt mixture, preferably a sodium fluoride—aluminium fluoride-based electrolyte. The invention describes an electrolysis cell for said production of aluminium by use of essentially inert electrodes in a vertical an/or inclined position, where said cell design facilitates separation of aluminium and evolved oxygen gas by providing a gas separation chamber (14) arranged in communication with the electrolysis chamber (22), thus establishing an electrolyte flow between the electrolysis chamber (22) and the gas separation chamber (14).

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell which includes a light transmissive enclosure, a semiconductor photoanode disposed within the light transmissive enclosure, a semiconductor photocathode disposed within the light transmissive enclosure, and an electrolytic solution disposed entirely between the semiconductor photoanode and the semiconductor photocathode. This is achieved by the use of semiconductor photoelectrodes (photoanodes and photocathodes) which include a proton exchange membrane having an electrolyte facing surface in contact with the electrolytic solution and a light transmissive wall facing surface, and having a photo electro-catalyst disposed on the light transmissive wall facing surface.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical synthesis of ammonia gas comprising providing an electrolyte between an anode and a cathode, providing hydrogen gas to the anode, oxidizing negatively charged nitrogen-containing species present in the electrolyte at the anode to form an adsorbed nitrogen species, and reacting the hydrogen with the adsorbed nitrogen species to form ammonia. Preferably, the hydrogen gas is provided to the anode by passing the hydrogen gas through a porous anode substrate. It is also preferred to produce the negatively charged nitrogen-containing species in the electrolyte by reducing nitrogen gas at the cathode. However, the negatively charged nitrogen-containing species may also be provided by supplying a nitrogen-containing salt, such as lithium nitride, into the molten salt electrolyte mixture in a sufficient amount to provide some or all of the nitrogen consumed in the production of ammonia.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generating apparatus for generating fluorine gas of high purity by electrolysis of a mixed molten-salt comprising hydrogen fluoride, the fluorine gas generating apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell which is separated into an anode chamber 5 and a cathode chamber 7 by a partition wall 28, and pressure keeping means 50 for supplying gas to the anode chamber 5 and the cathode chamber 7, respectively, to keep an interior of the anode chamber 5 and an interior of the cathode chamber 7 at a certain pressure.

Abstract: A drained-cathode cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises one or more anodes (14) suspended over one or more cathodes (16). The or each anode (14) and cathode (16) respectively have a sloped V-shaped active anode surface (22) and parallel sloped inverted V-shaped drained cathode surfaces (18) facing one another and spaced apart by two sloped inter-electrode gaps (20), arranged so the electrolyte circulates upwardly in the sloped inter-electrode gaps (20) assisted by anodically produced gas and then returns from a top part (22′) to a bottom part (22″) of each inter-electrode gap (20) along an electrolyte path (26,27,36,37).

Abstract: A process and electrolytic cell for reducing in an ionic alkali metal compound, the cell containing anode and cathode electrodes, by supplying an electrolyte containing the alkali metal compound to the cell, applying an electric voltage to the cell to reduce said alkali metal compound at the cathode, and passing hydrogen or a hydrogen containing gas to at least one electrode while the compound is reduced at the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochemical generator of pure pressurized high pressure hydrogen comprising a molten hydroxide or eutectic mixture electrolyte electrochemical pressurizing chamber bounded by a hydrogen-selective anode and a hydrogen-selective otherwise gas impermeable cathode respectively connected to a D.C. power supply, with the pressurizing chamber maintained at a temperature between the melting point of the electrolyte and about 600° C., wherein, upon passing D.C. current between the anode and cathode, pure hydrogen arriving on the electrolyte bounding with the anode substantially instantaneously reacts with hydroxyl ions from the electrolyte to form water and electrons and evolves pressurized pure hydrogen gas on the cathode, with such substantially instantaneous reaction at the anode creating a suction effect which effectively pumps pure hydrogen permeating through said anode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding a metal, for example sodium, to a melt of a material, for example aluminum, in a vessel, in which a molten compound of the metal or a solution of a compound of the metal is provided in a container (12), the container being positioned outside the vessel, the compound is electrolytically decomposed and ions of the metal are caused to pass through a wall of a solid-state electrolyte (14) which is a conductor therefor, from a first side of the wall to an opposite second side thereof, and to combine with electrons at the second side of the wall and then to flow as molten metal from the container into the melt in the vessel.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell (10) for producing a molten metal having a density less than a density of a molten electrolyte used for producing the metal in the cell. The cell includes a section (14) for the electrolysis of a salt of the the metal contained in a molten electrolyte to form droplets of the metal in molten form contained in the electroylte; electrodes (18) within the electrolysis section for effecting the electrolysis; a metal recovery section (15) for separation of the metal from the electrolyte to form a molten metal layer, having an upper suface, floating on an upper surface of the molten electrolyte; a tapping device for periodically removing molten metal from the cell; and a reservoir (25) for withdrawal and temporary holding of molten metal separated from the electrolyte in the metal recovery section. The reservoir has a means to remove liquid from the reservoir without permanently removing the liquid from the cell.

Abstract: A cell of advanced design for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of an aluminium compound dissolved in a molten electrolyte, has a cathode (30) of drained configuration, and at least one non-carbon anode (10) facing the cathode both covered by the electrolyte (54). The upper part of the cell contains a removable thermic insulating cover (60) placed just above the level of the electrolyte (54). Preferably, the cathode (30) comprises a cathode mass (32) supported by a cathode carrier (31) made of electrically conductive material which serves also for the uniform distribution of electric current to the cathode mass (32) from current feeders (42) which connect the cathode carrier (31) to the negative busbars.

Abstract: A cell of advanced design for production aluminum by the electrolysis of an aluminum compound dissolve in a molten ectrolyte, has a cathode (30) of drained configuration, and at least one non-carbon anode (10) facing the cathode both covered by the electrolyte (54). The upper part of the cell contains a removable thermic insulating cover (60) placed just above the level of the electrolyte (54). Preferably, the cathode (30) comprises a cathode mass (32) supported by a cathode carrier (31) made of electrically conductive material which serves also for the uniform distribution of electric current feeders (42) which connect the cathode carrier (31) to the negative busbars.

Abstract: Magnesium metal is produced by electrolysis of magnesium chloride employing a high surface area anode, for example, a porous anode to which hydrogen gas is fed. Hydrogen chloride is formed from the chloride ions at the anode, rather than chlorine gas; the process also has the advantage of operating at a lower voltage with a lower energy requirement than the conventional process in which chlorine gas is generated at the anode.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the production of nitrogen trifluoride (NF.sub.3), starting with an anhydrous molten flux including ammonia (NH.sub.3), a metal fluoride (MF), and hydrogen fluoride (HF). The apparatus includes an electrolyzer, an ammonia solubilizer, a hydrogen fluoride solubilizer, a nitrogen trifluoride reactor, two compressors, two pumps, three condensers a gas recycle loop, and, two flux loops of the same component ternary flux, but each loop with different concentration.

Abstract: The present invention includes a conceptually new process to produce primary aluminum through the modification/adaptation for the HHC of a non-consumable anode of the type used for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with the provision to electrochemically utilize/burn a fuel. The present invention is believed to work most effectively when the dissolution and fragility problems of the zirconia-base solid electrolyte can be sufficiently alleviated, e.g., through the use of a lower electrolysis temperature, through the use of melt additives to restrict dissolution, and/or through modern methods for the fabrication/deposition of the electrolyte onto an appropriate internal metal anode. The present invention thus achieves, through the use of the solid-electrolyte-coated anode, the long-sought non-consumable anode. The electrochemical oxidation, inside the NCA in accordance with the present invention, of an inexpensive fuel, e.g.

Abstract: A low temperature method and apparatus for removing halides from relatively low temperature gas mixtures (below about 150.degree. C.) using an electrochemical cell provided with inert electrodes and an electrolyte which will provide anions compatible with the halide anions formed at the anode. The electrolyte is elected to provide inert stable cations at the temperatures encountered. The gas mixture is passed by the cathode where the halides are converted to X.sup.-. The anions migrate to the anode where they are converted to a stable gaseous form at much greater concentration levels. Current flow may be effected by utilizing an external source of electrical energy or by passing a reducing gas such as hydrogen past the anode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful process for the production of a molten metal by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis compartment, a metal recovery compartment, and a partition separating upper parts of said compartments, said process comprising: electrolysing in said electrolysis compartment an electrolyte containing a fused salt of said metal said electrolyte being of greater density than said metal; continuously withdrawing the product metal mixed with said electrolyte in a stream from said electrolysis compartment to a top part of said metal recovery compartment; allowing said metal to form in said metal recovery compartment a pad floating on said electrolyte; maintaining said pad out of contact with said partition; and recovering said pad.

Abstract: In an electrolysis cell wherein powdered material are added to a bath of molten electrolyte, the anode is provided with a duct through which the powdered material may be fed to the electrolyte. Simultaneously, a gas which is preferably inert, is also fed together with the powdered material through the duct, and both are injected beneath the surface of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful process for the production of a molten metal by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell having an electrolysis compartment, a metal recovery compartment, and a partition separating upper parts of said compartments, said process comprising: electrolysing in said electrolysis compartment an electrolyte containing a fused salt of said metal said salt being of greater density than said metal; continuously withdrawing the product metal mixed with said electrolyte in a stream from said electrolysis compartment to a top part of said metal recovery compartment; allowing said metal to form in said metal recovery compartment a pad floating on said electrolyte; maintaining said pad out of contact with said partition; and recovering said pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing halides from high temperature gas mixtures (150.degree.-1000.degree. C.) using an electrochemical cell provided with inert electrodes and an electrolyte which will provide anions compatible with the halide anions formed at the anode. The electrolyte is elected to provide inert stable cations at the temperatures encountered. The gas mixture is passed by the cathode where the halides are converted to X.sup.-. The anions migrate to the anode where they are converted to a stable gaseous form at much greater concentration levels. Current flow may be effected by utilizing an external source of electrical energy or by passing a reducing gas such as hydrogen past the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical refining of a low carbon steel melt is provided.

Abstract: A method for electrochemical refining of an impurity-containing melt using a solid electrolyte ionic conductor to remove the impurity from the melt is provided. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method, and a batch and a continuous method for electrochemical refining of a melt.