Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical reactor for partially oxidizing methane and cogenerating electrical energy. A solid-state ionic reactor is described in which a solid electrolyte is provided with a cathode and a perovskite type anode having a wide range of oxygen nonstoichiometry. The cell generates electrical energy as a result of the chemical potential difference brought about by the catalytic oxidation of methane at the anode with oxygen that chemically diffuses from the cathode through the solid-state ionic conductor.

Abstract: The production of high pressure oxygen comprises the use of an electrolysis cell having an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed therebetween, an anode chamber, a cathode chamber and a means for regulating pressure. The cathode chamber has a porous sheet which contacts the cathode and imparts structural integrity to the ion exchange membrane. Low or ambient pressure water enters the cathode chamber, wicks through the porous sheet, contacts the cathode, and osmotically transports across the ion exchange membrane from the cathode to the anode. At the anode, water electrolysis produces hydrogen ions and oxygen. The means for regulating pressure retains the oxygen within the anode chamber until the oxygen has attained the desire high pressure. Upon attaining the desired high pressure, the oxygen is removed from the anode chamber at a rate commensurate with the production of additional oxygen.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for concentrating oxygen is provided. The electrochemical device comprises a cathode for reducing oxygen to peroxide. An anode is provided for oxidizing the peroxide to form oxygen according to a two electron process. A solid polymer electrolyte diffuses the peroxide from the cathode to the anode.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor for measuring oxygen in the ppb range. The sensor comprises an electrochemical cell. The oxygen is metered to the cathode based on gaseous phase diffusion to provide a measurement proportional to volumetric concentration. Hydrogen is metered to the anode in an amount in excess of the oxygen being reduced at the cathode. A current is generated which is linear to the volumetric concentration of the oxygen in the sample gas. The concentration of the oxygen is measured based on the current generated.

Abstract: A solid state electrolytic cell for separating oxygen or nitrogen from the air which employs a flexible, ductile ceramic composite as the solid electrolyte is provided. The ductile ceramic composite solid electrolyte comprises a continuous, ordered, repeating, interconnected ductile metallic array substantially surrounded by and intimately integrated within a ceramic matrix. The cell is connected to a power supply so when current is passed through the cell, oxygen or nitrogen is separated from the air passing through the cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic ozone generating apparatus comprising a closely adhered electrode structure of(i) an anode composed of an electrically conductive porous material carrying an ozone generating catalyst,(ii) a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid ion-exchange membrane which is a solid electrolyte, and(iii) a cathode composed of a gas electrode carrying a catalyst, andmeans for supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the cathode side,wherein the gas electrode as the cathode has a hydrophilic property and a hydrophobic property and carries a catalyst unevenly distributed therein at the ion-exchange membrane side, and a process for generating ozone using the apparatus. The electrolysis is conducted while supplying an oxygen-containing gas to the cathode side.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the storage and the conversion of energy hng a H.sub.2 /O.sub.2 /H.sub.2 O system by switching the mode of operation electrolytic/fuel cell reaction, with a cell being utilized which is composed of an anode compartment, a cathode compartment and an ion exchange membrane as the electrolyte. Bifunctional oxidation electrodes are utilized as electrodes in the anode compartment so that during electrolytic operation oxygen is formed and during fuel cell operation hydrogen is oxidized and with a bifunctional reduction electrode also being utilized in the cathode compartment so that during electrolytic operation hydrogen is formed and during fuel cell operation oxygen is reduced.

Abstract: A compact power storage system can efficiently generate electric power by storing surplus electric power, and can be constructed in a short working period without being restricted by conditions of the location where it is to be installed. The power storage system comprises a unitary electrolytic and fuel cell having a solid oxide electrolyte, a steam feed system for feeding steam to the cell, a hydrogen store and an oxygen store for storing hydrogen and oxygen produced in the cell, a heat-exchanger system for receiving heat of the exhaust from the cell, a space-heating hot water feed system for heating water using heat obtained from the exhaust, and a space-heating cold water feed system communicating with an absorption refrigerating machine for cooling water through the absorption process using heat obtained from the heat-exchanger system.

Abstract: Solid membranes comprising an intimate, gas-impervious, multi-phase mixture of an electronically-conductive material and an oxygen ion-conductive material and/or a mixed metal oxide of a perovskite structure are described. Electrochemical reactor components, such as reactor cells, and electrochemical reactors are also described for transporting oxygen from any oxygen-containing gas to any gas or mixture of gases that consume oxygen. The reactor cells generally comprise first and second zones separated by an element having a first surface capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions, a second surface capable of reacting oxygen ions with an oxygen-consuming gas, an electron-conductive path between the first and second surfaces and an oxygen ion-conductive path between the first and second surfaces. The element may further comprise (1) a porous substrate, (2) an electron-conductive metal, metal oxide or mixture thereof and/or (3) a catalyst.

Abstract: A solid composition provides high oxygen ion conductivity, and includes a metal oxide combined with multiple dopants. The oxide may, for example, include zirconia, bismuth trioxide, thoria or halfnia. The dopants are chosen such that they are of similar ionic radius to the oxide, but such that they generally have different valences. For example, zirconium has a +4 valence, while dopants are usually chosen which have +2 or +3 valences. Possible dopants include materials such as magnesia, yttria, and oxides of calcium, barium, strontium, lanthanum, and scandium. It has been found that choosing the dopants such that they exist in the composition at specified ratios results in surprising ability to transport oxygen ions. In the case of a composition which includes magnesia and yttria dopants placed within a zirconia matrix, it has been found desirable to maintain the ratio of the mole percentages of the magnesia to the yttria in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10.

Abstract: An oxygen concentration controlling element where the shortest distance between the anode and cathode separated by a solid electrolyte film is set not larger than 50 .mu.m, thereby to accelerate the back-diffusion of water generated in the cathode to the anode and dispense with a tank or a pump for supplying water to the anode. An oxygen concentration or humidity controlling apparatus where a photoelectric element is disposed at an opening of a to-be-controlled space to the atmospheric air and the electric energy from the photoelectric element is accumulated in a secondary battery, thus realizing space-saving apparatus which can operate continuously though the power is turned off, and a humidity controlling apparatus functioning both as a humidifier and as a dehumidifier.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor for measuring oxygen in the ppb range. The sensor comprises an electrochemical cell. The oxygen is metered to the cathode based on gaseous phase diffusion to provide a measurement proportional to volumetric concentration. Hydrogen is metered to the anode in an amount in excess of the oxygen being reduced at the cathode. A current is generated which is linear to the volumetric concentration of the oxygen in the sample gas. The concentration of the oxygen is measured based on current generated.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention comprises a galvanic cell including a gas generating electrode, a counter electrode and an aqueous electrolyte enclosed in a housing. The device has one or more openings, by which the generated gas is released to the environment. The device also contains means for electrically connecting said gas generating electrode and said counter electrode and for establishing a current flow between said gas generating electrode and said counter electrode for generating a predetermined quantity of gas by said gas generating electrode for release from said opening of said galvanic cell. The objective of the cell is to generate and release oxygen or hydrogen gas, thereby defining a new type of cell. The device is referred to as a "gas generator cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic dispensing device includes a first contractible chamber for receiving a liquid to be dispensed, and a second contractible chamber for receiving a gas to control the rate of dispensing of the liquid from the first chamber. An electrolytic cell generates a gas which is fed to the second chamber to dispense liquid from the first chamber in accordance with the electrical current conducted through the electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes a partition of an ion-permeable, but gas-impermeable, material separating its two electrodes. The partition is effective to permit gas generated at one electrode to be fed to the second chamber, and to block from the second chamber gas generated at the other electrode, and thereby to prevent the formation of a hazardous mixture of gases.

Abstract: A solid state electrolyte cells apparatus and method of producing is disclosed. The apparatus can be used for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing feedstock or as a fuel cell for reacting fluids. Cells can be stacked so that fluids can be introduced and removed from the apparatus through ceramic distribution members having ports designed for distributing the fluids in parallel flow to and from each cell. The distribution members can also serve as electrodes to membranes or as membrane members between electrodes. The distribution member design does not contain any horizontal internal ports which allows the member to be thin. A method of tape casting in combination with an embossing method allows intricate radial ribs and bosses to be formed on each distribution member. The bosses serve as seals for the ports and allow the distribution members to be made without any horizontal internal ports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrowinning metal from particulate waste metal material is provided whereby waste metal material is mixed with an electrolyte to form a suspension. The suspension is separated into portions. A first portion enters the anodic compartment and a second portion is filtered and enters the cathodic compartment where metal is electrowon onto a rotating cathode.

Abstract: A porous or nonporous hydrophilic, insoluble electrolyte allows a reducing condition to be produced at a negative electrode from a low content of moisture in the electrolyte and reduces oxidants by catalyzed production of water. A constant current with a low voltage is applied between a positive catalyzed electrode and a negative catalyzed electrode, each separated by a hydrophilic, insoluble, cationic exchange electrolyte therebetween containing moisture. The cell may consist of corrugated sheets of electrolyte, opposite sides of which may carry the catalytic electrode material; air to be treated is moved across the negative electrode only.

Abstract: A device for the continuous disinfection of and removal of nitrate/nitrite ions as well as other adsorbable organic impurities from water and a process for using the device are disclosed. Three or more containers may be arranged in series in the direction of water flow. A first container may contain a water reservoir with a level control. A second container may contain a gaseous disinfecting agent producing device, which may be a cartridge releasing hypochloric acid through a membrane. Alternatively, the gaseous disinfecting agent producing device may be a sodium chloride electrolytic cell having a diaphragm. A third container may include a plurality of acrylic filters and a nitrate-specific ion exchanger. A fourth container may include an activated charcoal filter.

Abstract: A device for separating and compressing carbon dioxide from a carbonate salt comprises an anion membrane and a cation membrane. The anion and cation membranes define a fluid feed compartment. The anion membrane has an anode disposed on it. The cation membrane has a cathode disposed on it. An enclosed carbon dioxide collection compartment, in which carbon dioxide pressure can be regulated, is located adjacent to the anode. The device also has an enclosed scrubbing fluid collection compartment adjacent to the cathode and means for inducing an electrical potential across the anode and cathode. The device is capable of supplying carbon dioxide at high pressures when a carbonate salt is fed to the fluid feed compartment and an electrical potential is induced across the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for use in photoelectrochemical reactions includes as its reactive surface a metal oxide porous ceramic membrane of a catalytic metal such as titanium. The reaction vessel includes a light source and a counter electrode. A provision for applying an electrical bias between the membrane and the counter electrode permits the Fermi levels of potential reaction to be favored so that certain reactions may be favored in the vessel. The electrical biasing is also useful for the cleaning of the catalytic membrane.

Abstract: Removal of gas from an oxidant containing liquid stream by chemically reacting hydrogen and the oxidant gas. The hydrogen is prevented from dissolving in the liquid by an electrochemical hydrogen pump that transports the hydrogen, as ions, back to the hydrogen side of the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to control reverse current flow in stacks of membrane electrolytic cells during off-line periods. One method includes the introduction of a stripping gas flow to the anolyte solution of the cells during an interruption of normal positive current flow. In another embodiment, reverse current flow is controlled by introducing at least one soluble reducing agent to the anolyte solution during an interruption of normal positive current flow. Also disclosed is a porous sparging apparatus useful in introducing a stripping gas flow to a stack of membrane electrolytic cells.

Abstract: A dehumidifier for removing moisture from a gas containing moisture comprises a first electrode which is in contact with a gas containing moisture on a first surface thereof and, when a positive voltage is applied thereto, which produces protons from said moisture, a proton conductive solid having first and second portions which is connected to a second surface of the first electrode at the first portion and allows the protons to pass therethrough, and a second electrode which is connected to the second portion of the proton conductive solid on a first surface thereof and in contact with air on a second surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first electrode, the proton conductive solid, and the second electrode are formed as a laminate. When a negative voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, hydrogen or water is produced from the protons passed through the proton conductive solid.

Abstract: An electrochemical device (10) capable of generating oxygen from air (23) upon application of an electrical current, is made containing a plurality of adjacent cells (12) and (12') electrically connected in series, where each cell contains optional support (22), inner, porous oxygen electrode (20), dense, solid oxide electrolyte (14) on top of the inner oxygen electrode, and outer, porous air electrode (16) on top of the electrolyte, where dense segments of interconnection material (18) are disposed between cells, the interconnection electrically connecting the outer air electrode from one cell to the inner oxygen electrode from an adjacent cell, where the device contains gas impermeable, dense, contacting segments of electrolyte (14) and interconnection material (18) and can contain two end portions at least one of which provides for oxygen delivery.

Abstract: The invention is a ceramic solid electrolyte based electrochemical oxygen concentrator cell and the method for fabricating said cell. The cell is based on a doped cerium oxide ceramic solid electrolyte and lanthanum strontium cobaltite ceramic electrodes.

Abstract: Gas diffusion oxygen cathodes, oxygen consuming electrochemical cells utilizing such cathodes, and a method of preparing such cathodes are disclosed. The cathode comprises an electronically conductive porous body defining respective gas and electrolyte contacting surfaces. The cathode is prepared by forming the porous body, disposing the electrolyte contacting the gas contacting surface with a gaseous atmosphere. Current is passed through the porous body at a degree of electrode polarization much higher than normal whereby modification of the electrode material is effected. If desired, a transition metal macrocycle catalyst may be incorporated in the electrode and is subjected to pretreatment as well. The inventive electrodes exhibit superior voltage performance under oxygen reduction polarization conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an electrolytic cell for treating fluids with gases that are evolved by electrolysis comprising an anode compartment separated from a cathode compartment by a diaphragm, and a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable window formed in the anode and the cathode compartment, or formed in the anode or the cathode compartment, wherein the window is formed such that a gas evolved in the anode or cathode compartment or gases evolved in these two compartments are allowed to pass through the window to make contact with a fluid to be treated, said fluid being located outside said electrolytic cell, thereby treating the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the vaporization of volatile active compounds and mixtures of active compounds according to which the active compound or the mixture of active compounds is conveyed from its storage vessel by the use of an electrolytically produced gas stream into the room which is to be supplied with a vaporizing mixture of active compounds, and is there caused to vaporize directly or by the use of inert vaporizers.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having improved current efficiency and a method for electrochemically reacting a liquid electrolyte with a gas in an electrochemical cell. The cell has at least two electrodes separated by a cell separator wherein at least one of said electrodes is a porous, self-draining, gas diffusion electrode. In one embodiment of the invention, an electrolyte is flowed through said cell separator into a porous, self-draining electrode and simultaneously the electrode is fed with a mixture of a reactive gas and water or an electrolyte. In another embodiment of the invention in which the cell separator is an ion exchange permselective membrane, a mixture of a reactive gas and an electrolyte are fed to the porous, self-draining electrode. Preferably said porous, self-draining electrode is a cathode.

Abstract: A combination seal and membrane tentering member suitable for use in an electrolytic cell of the filter press type. The seal/tentering member for a filter press type electrolytic cell includes an inflatable gasket member interposed between a first and second insulator members, said insulator members having a recess defining a compartment adapted for receiving the inflatable gasket member, said insulator members interposed between a pair of cell frame flanges and a membrane member interposed between the insulator members. Aqueous alkali metal chloride solution may be electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A single assembly of a water heating system for heating the water and air in a room, and an electrochemical reactor which activates a gas alarm for human safety upon detection of a predetermined dosage of gas, such as, for example, a fatal dose of a gas such as carbon monoxide, and which detoxifies the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a disk for the separation of oxygen from gases, or for the pumping of oxygen, uses a substantially circular disk geometry for the solid electrolyte with radial flow of gas from the outside edge of the disk to the center of the disk. The reduction in available surface area as the gas flows toward the center of the disk reduces the oxygen removal area proportionally to provide for a more uniform removal of oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrolytic cell comprising a microporous separator of the diaphragm type, anolyte and catholyte compartments made of plastic materials and metal electrodes with a multipicity of perforations in the electrochemically active area made preferentially by punching perforations of pre-selected shapes. Also disclosed is the presence of a separation chamber located on top and being an integral part of the anolyte compartment for separating the anodic gases from the expent anolyte solution. Also disclosed are methods for mounting and sealing all of the elements of the electrolytic cell that allow for differences in the thermal expansion of the metal and plastic parts. Further disclosed is a method for attaching together several cells to form a stack, where the cells within the stack can be connected in series or in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for controlling the pressure load on gaskets of an electrolysis cell by comparing the internal cell pressure to the pressure of the hydraulic fluid to the cell compressor and activating a controller for adjusting the pressure to a set point based on the data obtained by the comparison. The apparatus includes a hydraulic compressor adapted for pressing cell members together, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure inside the electrolysis cell, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the compressor, and a controller for controlling the amount of hydraulic fluid to and from the compressor.

Abstract: A single assembly of an air processing structure member for air cleaning and humidifying, and an electrochemical reactor which activates a gas alarm for human safety upon detection of a predetermined dosage of gas, such as for example a fatal dose of a gas such as carbon monoxide, and which detoxifies the gas.

Abstract: There is described a simple two compartment electrochemical cell which may be associated in multiples in parallel for electrochemically freeing alkanolamines of the heat stable salt forming anions found or formed in acid gas conditioning thermal regenerative sorbent processes using alkanolamines as sorbents for acid gases, the cell having an anion exchange membrane separating the cell into two compartments and an anode comprised of platinum or a platinum coated electroconductive metal electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus which comprises a first enclosure for containing a first fluid, a second enclosure for containing a second fluid, a pathway between the first and second enclosures through which the first fluid can leak from the first enclosure into the second enclosure, and means for admitting into said pathway a third fluid under greater pressure than either the first fluid or the second fluid, whereby the third fluid leaks into the first and second enclosures and prevents the first and second fluids from intermixing.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an electrolysis cell having a plurality of electrically energized gas conduits is combined with an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for effecting electrochemical reaction between two fluid phases, the first of which is liquid, which apparatus is characterized byan electrode permeable to the fluids,means for containing the first fluid phase in contact with the electrode,means for charging the second fluid phase to the electrodemeans for removing a reaction product of the two phases from the electrode, andmeans for rotating the electrode about an axis, such that when the second fluid phase is charged to the electrically charged, rotating electrode permeated with the first fluid phase, the second fluid phase permeates the electrode from the point of charging and the reaction product is removed from the electrode; a series cell cascade comprising at least two such electrode assemblies in series; and a process for effecting electrochemical reaction between two fluid phases, one of which is a liquid, using such an electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method for extracting oxygen from a fluid environment, which comprises the steps of (1) contacting a first fluid environment containing oxygen with a first surface of a first oxygen permeable membrane having a first and a second surface, wherein the membrane separates the environment from an interior space of a closed container, (2) transporting a carrier fluid into contact with the second surface of the membrane, wherein the carrier fluid is confined in the closed container and the carrier fluid contains a binding-state oxygen carrier, whereby oxygen which diffuses through the membrane binds to the carrier to give a bound oxygen complex, (3) transporting the carrier fluid containing the bound oxygen complex to a first electrode compartment of an electrochemical cell which forms a second portion of the closed container, (4) electrochemically modifying the binding-state oxygen carrier to an oxidation state having less binding affinity for oxygen, thereby releasing free oxygen into the carrier fluid and produ

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell which is useful to reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide at a cathode and a process employing the cell. The cell not only avoids the safety hazard of a hydrogen explosion of the prior art cells but also avoids the need for a rigid separating means and cathode.

Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical cell which is useful to reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide at a cathode. The cell avoids the safety hazard of a hydrogen explosion of the prior art cells. The cell has an added advantage in that the dimensions of the cathode are not limited by hydrostatic pressures or by the capacity of the channels and pores of the cathode.

Abstract: The invention is an electrode/gas chamber combination comprising:a gas-permeable, vertically disposed electrode having oppositely disposed first and second vertical surfaces;a gas supply chamber in fluid and electrical contact with the electrode at a plurality of points,said gas supply chamber having a plurality of compartments, at least including a gas inlet compartment, an intermediate compartment, and a gas outlet compartment,each of said compartments being connected to its adjoining compartments through a fluid permeable structure, andwherein at least a portion of some of said compartments open onto portions of a first surface of the electrode thereby providing a pathway for a gas to contact the first surface of the electrode; andwherein at least a portion of the walls of the gas supply chamber are electrically conductive to provide a pathway for electrical current to flow from a power supply to the electrode.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer having at least one electrolytic cell containing a gas diffusion cathode, a current distributor, an anode supported by a wall of the electrolytic cell housing, and spacing means separating the current distributor which is in contact with said gas diffusion cathode from said ion exchange membrane wherein the force exerted by gas pressure applied to one face of the gas diffusion cathode is transmitted to said anode via said current distributor, and/or said spacing means, and said ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a layered article of manufacture or quilt suitable to be useful to construct an electrolytic cell for manufacturing hydrogen peroxide. In use the quilt is placed upon a planar anode and the upper surface contacted with a current collector.

Abstract: An axially elongated, electrochemical cell assembly is made, containing a plurality of cell elements each made up of an electronically conductive, porous, inner electrode, an annular, solid electrolyte contacting and surrounding said first electrode, and an annular, electronically conductive, porous, outer electrode contacting and surrounding said electrolyte, with annular, electronically conductive, interconnection members disposed between and bonded to cell elements, where the inner electrodes of the cell elements are electronically connected through the interconnection member, and the outer electrodes of the cell elements are physically and electronically segmented from each other; where a plurality of such cell assemblies can be connected by a sleeving means and placed in the generating chamber of an electrochemical cell generator, which also has an associated dual gaseous reactant input, at least one combustion product chamber, and a combustion product gas exhaust.

Abstract: An apparatus used in high pressure electrolytic cell operation which allows a cell to be operated at high pressures while providing balanced interface pressures between circulating liquids and gases. Each liquid and gas compartment in the cell is connected to a holding tank. Gas pressure in the holding tank is allowed to build up to the pressure required for cell operation before it is released. Positive displacement pumps circulate liquids through the cell at a pressure equal to the pressure of gases contained in the holding tanks. Gases are back-pressured into the gas compartments of the cell at a pressure equal to the pressure of the gases contained in the holding tanks thereby balancing the pressures of gases and liquids in the cell while allowing for circulation of the liquids.

Abstract: A chlorine generating apparatus is disclosed herein by which chlorine gas and/or sodium hypochlorite is generated in small quantities from a brine solution economically enough to be practical for use in the backyard swimming pool. The apparatus includes a freestanding unit utilizing only salt, water and electricity as its raw materials to generate the chlorine required. A chlorine-generating electronic cell incorporates a pumping action for forcibly urging the resulting product through a mixing unit to a storage tank without the use of mechanical pumps. A process is included whereby hardness minerals are precipitated from incoming raw water preventing mineral buildup on the cathode portion of the electronic cell.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic cell of simple construction capable of satisfactorily producing periodates comprises a plurality of cathodes mounted vertically in parallel to the long sides of a cell body and spaced at equal intervals from each other, a plurality of open anodic compartment boxes with plate separators adapted to maintain the equal intervals, one or more anodes inserted in the compartment boxes, a plurality of PVC diaphragms mounted on both sides of the anodic compartment boxes in parallel to the cathodes, an anolyte inlet mounted in the lower part of the anodic compartment boxes and an anolyte outlet mounted in the upper part of the opposite side of the anodic compartment boxes, a cell cover provided with air intake holes and cell gas exhaust pipes, and perforated PVC lids for the cathodic compartments positioned between the cell cover and the upper level of the catholyte.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing carbon dioxide to the product includes a reduction cell which has a dual porosity cathode, a catholyte chamber having an inlet, a passageway through which passes an electrolyte, a dual porosity cathode separating the passageway from the catholyte chamber, an anolyte chamber has an inlet and an outlet. A porous anode with a hydrophobic barrier separates the passageway from the anolyte chamber. A source provides a d.c. voltage across the cathode and the anode. Water is provided to the inlet of the anolyte chamber, while an electrolyte is provided to the passageway. Carbon dioxide is provided to the inlet of the catholyte chamber so that the carbon dioxide is electrochemically reduced within the dual porosity cathode with the electrolyte and hydrogen ions so as to cause the reduction of the carbon dioxide to a product and to cause oxygen to be emitted from the outlet of the anode chamber. The product is removed from the electrolyte after leaving the electrolytic cell.