Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing a material for a hard tissue contact tool, which can satisfactorily impart functionality and can improve surface treatment efficiency, and a hard tissue contact tool. The process for producing a material for a hard tissue contact tool comprises the step of subjecting an electroconductive material having a surface formed of at least one material selected from the group consisting of zirconium, a zirconium compound, and a zirconium alloy to cathode polarization treatment in an aqueous electrolyte solution containing an effective amount of hydrogen peroxide. The production process can produce a material for a hard tissue contact tool which can realize efficient precipitation of calcium phosphate on its surface upon implantation in a living body.

Abstract: The invention relates to various embodiments of an environmentally beneficial method for reducing carbon dioxide. The methods in accordance with the invention include electrochemically or photoelectrochemically reducing the carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode, e.g., an inert metal counterelectrode, in one cell compartment and a metal or p-type semiconductor cathode electrode in another cell compartment that also contains an aqueous solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst of one or more substituted or unsubstituted aromatic amines to produce therein a reduced organic product.

Abstract: Electrocatalytic generation of halogenated biocides are disclosed by electrolyzing low salinity water with an applied current. The direction of the applied current is reversed periodically, for a shorter duration, and at a lower current density. Mixed types of electrodes are utilized without a significant reduction in reliability and performance.

Abstract: Aqueous composition containing at least one salt in an amount of at least 30 g/kg of composition, of which the total organic carbon content is at least 1 ?g of C/l and at most 5 g of C/l of composition and which contains at least one carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of removing protons and/or producing a base solution using a gas diffusion anode and a cathode electrolyte comprising dissolved carbon dioxide, while applying 2V or less across the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A valve system includes a gas generator coupled to a first chamber and a passage for conveying a flow of fluid therethrough. The first chamber is configured to hold a gas generated by the gas generator. The chamber includes a diaphragm deformable in response to an increase in an amount of the gas in the first chamber received by the gas generator. A deformation of the diaphragm in response to the increase in the amount of the gas in the first chamber inhibits flow of the fluid through the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for membrane electrolysis cells comprising a grooved metal support favouring the gas release and the electrolyte renewal on its surface. The grooved geometry of the support may be obtained by erosion of a metal sheet with abrasive media in a continuous process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical method and reactor in which at least one electrochemical reaction compartment (5, 6) comprises a plurality of microchannels whose grooves have a cross section of at least partially curved contour with a radius of curvature greater than 30 ?m and an area of between 2500 ?m2 and 20000 ?m2. Application to the synthesis of diastereoisomers by continuous regeneration of NADH or NADPH.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell is controlled for operation under varying electrical power supply conditions. A flow of feed stock to the cell includes an electrolysis reactant at a controlled concentration. A varying amount of electrical power is supplied to the cell to produce an electrolysis reaction that generates a first reaction product at a first side of the cell and a second reaction product at a second side of the cell. The reactant concentration is adjusted as the electrical power varies to substantially maintain the cell at its thermal neutral voltage during cell operation. The cell may be used in an electrolysis system powered by a renewable energy source with varying power output (e.g., wind, solar, etc.).

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an electrochemical reactor (1, 13), in particular but not exclusively for vatting sulphur dye or vat dye as well as to methods of using such a reactor and to uses of such a reactor.

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: The present invention is directed to cell plates for an electrolyser module and to an electrolyser module incorporating the plates. The plates comprise an electrolysis chamber opening, at least one degassing chamber opening, and at least one gas-liquid conduit opening. The plates further comprise a channel connecting the electrolysis chamber opening and the gas-liquid conduit opening. The present invention is directed further to a process and apparatus for separating a gas-liquid mixture generated at an electrolysis cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing combustible fluid at an efficiency rate of above 65%. The apparatus 10 comprises an electrolysing cell 12 for electrolysing the aqueous electrolytic solution; a separator 16 where the combustible fluid and the solution is separated; a power supply 14 for supplying a DC voltage of from 1 V to 6 V; and a pump for circulating the solution through the apparatus 10. The electrolysing cell 12 includes a first electrode 18 and a second electrode 20 spaced from the first electrode 18 and a plurality of intermediate electrodes 22 disposed between the first and second electrodes 18 and 20 respectively. The power supply 14 applies the DC voltage across the electrodes 18, 20 and 22 to electrolyse the solution, while the solution is circulated through the apparatus 10.

Abstract: An electrolytic device and method for generating a disinfecting solution that utilizes an electrical circuit and storage battery. The electrical circuit preferably conditions the power received from a variety of power sources to charge the storage battery and conditions the power stored in the storage battery to provide the appropriate power to maximize the disinfection efficacy of the disinfecting solution. The device may incorporate one or more other devices such as an LED, an electrical power takeoff, a clock, a compass, a transmitter device, a receiver device, a position locating device, a direction indicating device, and/or a camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the electrochemical treatment of an aqueous solution in an electrolytic cell is described. Output solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine is produced by applying a substantially constant current across the cell between an anode and a cathode while passing a substantially constant throughput of chloride ions through the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite material formed by millimeter-scale particles of magnetic material A and a conductive liquid B. The material is characterized in that the material A is chosen from magnetic compounds and magnetic alloys and is in the form of particles, the mean size of which is between 0.1 and 2 mm, and in that the support fluid B is a conductive fluid chosen from metals, metal alloys and salts that are liquid at temperatures below the Curie temperature of the material A, or from mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous articles, including porous ceramic materials, which can be used in a variety of settings, but find particular use in connection with electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, as well as methods of their manufacture and use. The porous ceramic may have, in some aspects of the invention, an average pore size of between about 1 micrometer and about 300 micrometers, and in some cases, certain advantageous permeability characteristics with respect to species useful in certain types of electrochemical devices. In some cases, the ceramic may be sufficiently porous to allow gaseous molecules (e.g., air or oxygen, gaseous fuels, etc.) and/or liquids (e.g., water or liquid fuels) to be transported therethrough, and/or the ceramic may be substantially resistive or impermeable to a liquid such as a non-wetting liquid, for instance, a liquid metal such as liquid (molten) tin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device for making a liquid/liquid or gas biphasic system using a first liquid or a gas and a second liquid, non-miscible with each other, the device having a first hydrophobic surface for the second liquid, the first liquid forming a layer (6) on said first hydrophobic surface. The device comprises means for introducing a drop (7) of the second liquid into the layer of first liquid or gas and in contact with said first hydrophobic surface, and means for displacing the drop on said first hydrophobic surface along a determined path, the device having on the path of the drop, at least one wetting defect causing, upon passing of the drop over this defect, failure of the triple line of contact of the drop on the first hydrophobic surface and inclusion of first liquid (8) or gas into the drop. The invention also relates to the associated method.

Abstract: A method for increasing the reliability of an electrolyzer cell stack includes providing multiple electrolyzer cell stacks. Each electrolyzer cell stack includes multiple cells separated by electrically conductive interconnects. The method may further include generating, using an external power source, an electrical current through each of the electrolyzer cell stacks to produce a fuel. The method may further include electrically connecting an interconnect of a first electrolyzer cell stack to an interconnect of a second electrolyzer cell stack located at a substantially equivalent electrical potential. This allows current to flow from one electrolyzer cell stack to another in the event a cell fails or creates a point of high resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving high output efficiency from an electrolysis system (100) using a plurality of electrolysis cells all located within a single electrolysis tank (101) is provided. Each individual electrolysis cell includes a membrane (105-107), a plurality of metal members comprised of at least a first and second metal member (117/118; 125/126) and at least a third and fourth metal member (121/122; 129/130), and a plurality of high voltage electrodes comprised of at least an anode (119; 127) and a cathode (123; 131). Within each cell, the high voltage anode is interposed between the first and second metal members and the high voltage cathode is interposed between the third and fourth metal members. The high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes is pulsed.

Abstract: An electrolysis system (100) and method of using same is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (115/116) of a first type, at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (117/118) of a second type, and at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (121/122). The low voltage applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) and the high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes (121/122) is pulsed with the pulses occurring simultaneously with the same pulse duration. Low voltage is also applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) during part, or all, of the period of each cycle occurring between pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving high output efficiency from an electrolysis system (100) using a plurality of electrolysis cells all located within a single electrolysis tank (101) is provided. Each individual electrolysis cell includes a membrane (105A) and at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of different polarity (115A/116A). The electrolysis system also includes at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (119A/120A). In at least one embodiment, the low voltage electrodes within each electrolysis cell are comprised of at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of a first type (115A/116A) and at least one pair of low voltage electrodes of a second type (117A/118A). In at least one other embodiment, the low voltage electrodes within each electrolysis cell are comprised of at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (701A/702A). The voltage applied to the electrodes is pulsed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous polyelectrolyte materials, particularly nanoporous polyelectrolyte materials and to methods of making such materials. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to nanoporous polyelectrolyte spheres. In a preferred form of the invention, the materials are manufactured with the use of mesoporous silica spheres as templates. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such materials, and in particular, to a method of manufacturing such materials by a layer-by-layer process.

Abstract: A power generating apparatus and a power generating method capable of reducing a power generating price by generating a power by high head turbines and a generator used in a dam type or conduit type power plant even if the head of water is small. The power generating apparatus comprises first water wheels (2) driven by the flow of water (W1), pumps (3) connected to the first water wheels (2) and pumping up a part of the water (W1), a pressure control valve (7) raising the pressure of the water (W1) discharged from the pumps (3) to a predetermined pressure, a second water wheel (4) installed on the ground and driven by the water (W1) from the pressure control valve (7), and a generator (5) installed on the ground and driven by the second water wheel (4).

Abstract: The present invention demonstrates the synthesis by electropolymerization of a new stable n-doping conjugated polymer poly(3,4-difluorothiophene) that may easily be electrochemically characterized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling two phase flow in electrolytic cells. The present invention is directed to any electrolytic cell, including but not limited to upflow electrolytic cells that comprise parallel electrodes in a vertical orientation. Fluid control strips are preferably added between the anode and cathode electrodes to control flow of fluid and gas bubbles generated between the electrodes in order to avoid the detrimental effects of gas bubbles on the conductivity of the fluid solution, and thereby increase production and operational efficiency of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: The invention of present application relates to a method for enabling a hybrid carbon nanotube having an arbitrary composition ratio to be readily manufactured, and the hybrid carbon nanotube. A method for manufacturing a hybrid carbon nanotube, which comprises immersing a carbon nanotube having open pores in a solution having a dopant substance dissolved therein to effect a doping reaction, thereby preparing a hybrid carbon nanotube comprising a carbon nanotube and a dopant substance introduced therein.

Abstract: A gated electrode structure for altering a potential and electric field in an electrolyte near at least one working electrode is disclosed. The gated electrode structure may comprise a gate electrode biased appropriately with respect to a working electrode. Applying an appropriate static or dynamic (time varying) gate potential relative to the working electrode modifies the electric potential and field in an interfacial region between the working electrode and the electrolyte, and increases electron emission to and from states in the electrolyte, thereby facilitating an electrochemical, electrolytic or electrosynthetic reaction and reducing electrode overvoltage/overpotential.

Abstract: A cleaning system includes: a sulfuric acid electrolytic portion configured to electrolyze a sulfuric acid solution to generate an oxidizing substance in an anode chamber, a concentrated sulfuric acid supply portion configured to supply a concentrated sulfuric acid solution to the anode chamber, and a cleaning treatment portion configured to carry out cleaning treatment of an object to be cleaned using an oxidizing solution comprising the oxidizing substance. The sulfuric acid electrolytic portion has an anode, a cathode, a diaphragm which is provided between the anode and the cathode, the anode chamber which is demarcated between the anode and the diaphragm and a cathode chamber which is demarcated between the cathode and the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the concentration of a first inorganic compound in a first aqueous solution of a first process of a heavy chemical plant, the method comprising (a) feeding the first solution having the first compound at a first concentration and a first water vapor pressure to an osmotic membrane distillation means comprising a hydrophobic, gas and water vapor permeable membrane separating (i) a first chamber for receiving the first solution, from (ii) a second chamber for receiving a receiver feed aqueous solution having a second water vapor pressure lower than the first water vapor pressure; (b) feeding the receiver aqueous feed solution to the second chamber as to effect transfer of water vapor through the membrane from the first chamber to the second chamber, and to produce (i) a resultant first solution having a second concentration of the first compound greater than the first concentration and (ii) a diluted receiver feed aqueous solution; and (c) collecting the resultant first solution.

Abstract: The sterilization method disclosed includes the steps of providing a sterilization chamber; placing the article into the sterilization chamber; equalizing the temperature of the article and the sterilization atmosphere; sealing the sterilization chamber; applying a vacuum of a preselected vacuum pressure to the sterilization chamber; supplying water vapour to the sterilization chamber under vacuum; supplying ozone-containing gas to the sterilization chamber; maintaining the sterilization chamber sealed for a preselected treatment period; and releasing the vacuum in the sterilization chamber; whereby a vacuum pressure is used which lowers the boiling temperature of water in the sterilization chamber below the temperature in the sterilization chamber. One or more ventilating cycles can be added to the preferred method for removing the remaining ozone and humidity from the sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing an array of oriented nanofibers that involves forming a solution that includes at least one electroactive species. An electrode substrate is brought into contact with the solution. A current density is applied to the electrode substrate that includes at least a first step of applying a first substantially constant current density for a first time period and a second step of applying a second substantially constant current density for a second time period. The first and second time periods are of sufficient duration to electrically deposit on the electrode substrate an array of oriented nanofibers produced from the electroactive species. Also disclosed are films that include arrays or networks of oriented nanofibers and a method for amperometrically detecting or measuring at least one analyte in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer ensuring a satisfactory circulation of electrolyte, high electrolytic efficiency and great ridigity. An anode chamber partition in a flat sheet form is joined to a cathode chamber partition in a flat sheet form. An electrode retainer member in a sheet form is joined to at least one partition at a belt-like junction. A projecting strip with an electrode joined thereto is located between adjacent junctions. A space on an electrode surface side of the electrode retainer member defines a path through which a fluid goes up in the electrode chamber, and a space that spaces away from the space defines a path through which an electrolyte separated from a gas at a top portion of the electrode goes down.

Abstract: A solid oxide regenerative fuel cell system is used to supply power in a fuel cell mode and to generate metabolic oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel reserve in an electrolysis mode. The system may also be used as a secondary power source or for energy peak shaving applications.

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: The invention is relative to an electrolytic cell comprising electrodes spaced apart from the back-wall by means of ribs, wherein a portion of the contact surface between the electrodes and the ribs is free from constraints in order to permit the complete removal of the electrodes once they have to be replaced by removing only partially the original contact surface, so that positioning of the substitute electrodes is allowed on the residual portion. A method for substituting the electrodes of the cell which leaves the distance between the electrode surface and the back-wall unvaried is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bipolar multi-purpose electrolytic cell for high current loads has a frame, two electrode edge plates with metal electrode sheet, and power supply and of bipolar plates. Each includes a plastic electrode base body with electrode rear spaces and/or with coolings spaces that are incorporated on one or both sides: incorporated supply and discharge lines for the electrolyte solutions and the cooling medium, metal electrode sheets which are applied to both sides of the base body and are solid and/or perforated in the electrochemically active area: electrolyte sealing frames, which rest on the solid metal electrode sheets and which are made of flexible plastic, and: ion exchanger membranes, which rest on the perforated metal electrode sheets and/or on the electrolyte sheets and/or on the electrolyte sealing frames and which are provided for separating the electrode spaces.

Abstract: A battery sheath made of formed and cold-rolled sheet metal as well as a process for manufacturing the battery sheath are proposed. In the process, cold-rolled strip stock is provided on at least one side with a coating of Ni, Co, Fe, Sn, In, Pd, Bi or their alloys in an electroplating bath, e.g., a Watts-type bath. As an additional component, the electroplating bath contains electrically conductive particles such as carbon, carbon black, graphite, TiS2, TaS2, MoSi2. These particles are deposited on the base material during electroplating together with Ni, Co, Fe, Sn, In, Pd, Bi or their alloys. The sheet metal side with, for example, the carbon-containing electroplated coating faces preferably inwardly when the sheet is formed into a battery sheath. Batteries with battery sheaths produced in this manner exhibit reduced increase in internal resistance, even with prolonged storage, as compared to known batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to produce brine of improved purity by dissolving salt that contains a calcium sulfate source in water, in the presence of a retarding agent, while using one or more co-retardants to bind contaminants that could interfere with the retarding agents.

Abstract: A level sensing system includes a flow control device disposed in fluid communication with a liquid outlet stream of a hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus and a controller disposed in operable communication with the flow control device. The controller is configured to receive and quantify input data corresponding to a measure of the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from a proton exchange membrane electrolysis cell. A method of maintaining a liquid level in the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus includes deriving the rate of generation of hydrogen gas from the electrolysis cell, transmitting a value corresponding to the rate of generation to the flow control device, and adjusting the flow rate of the liquid exiting the hydrogen/water phase separation apparatus correspondingly with the rate of generation of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: An electrolyte line extends from the outlet of an electrolysis device to a collecting tank and from the same back to the inlet of the electrolysis device. The electrolyte is passed from the outlet of the electrolysis device to a first container which is disposed at a higher level than a second container. Electrolyte collected in the first container is periodically discharged through a first syphon line into the second container, and electrolyte collected in the second container is periodically discharged through a second syphon line into the collecting tank which is disposed at a lower level than the second container. The outlet end of each syphon line is disposed at a distance above the liquid level of the container disposed thereunder, so that electrolyte always flows only in one of the two syphon lines or in none of the syphon lines. When electrolyte flows in none of the two syphon lines, electrolyte is preferably supplied from the collecting tank into the second container.

Abstract: Reactor for carrying out electrochemical reactions with an electrode and a counter-electrode are known, whereby the electrodes are separated form one another by a capillary gap. Such reactors do not comprise a homogeneous flow rate distribution in the capillary gap which can thus lead to a reduction of selectivity and of local temperature increases. In addition, high ohmic resistance requires the use of conducting salts. The aim of the invention is to provide a reactor in which the voltage drop in the electrolyte is minimized and which can be better optimized over a short resistance time distribution. To this end, the capillary gap comprises at least one channel as a reaction chamber having a height less than or equal to 200 &mgr;m. According to the inventive method, the volume flow of the educt current is measured such that the flow of the educt current is laminar over the length of the channel having a height less than or equal to 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A method of preparing organic acids (fulvic, humic, and ulmic) for use as an electrolyte for producing high ionizations of precious metals (such as silver) which entails leaching out the organic acid from its source, stabilizing the organic acid first with ascorbic acid followed by sodium benzoate, removing cations, and using the organic acid as an electrolyte. A precious metal (such as silver) is used as a sacrificial electrode in this electrolyte. A non-sacrificial electrode could either be the same precious metal or an inert non-precious metal (titanium or graphite carbons). If the same material is used for the non-sacrificial electrode as for the sacrificial electrode, the size of each electrode may be about the same. If different material is used for the non-sacrificial electrode, its size should be larger that of the sacrificial electrode. Current at about 2 or more volts is applied to the electrodes and the ionization process begins yielding high concentrations of ionized precious metals.

Abstract: An electrolytic process for the preparation of a compound having a charged electrolytic cell fitted with at least one anode and at least one cathode in a single compartment with a reaction mixture. An electric potential is applied to the at least one anode and at least one cathode under conditions to promote formation of a compound on one of the cathodes or the anode to define a formation electrode. The formation electrode is then agitated.

Abstract: A solid phase synthesis method for the preparation of diverse sequences of separate polymers or nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical placement of monomers of nucleic acids at a specific location on a substrate containing at least one electrode that is preferably in contact with a buffering or scavenging solution to prevent chemical crosstalk between electrodes due to diffusion of electrochemically generated reagents.

Abstract: An improved electrolyzer is disclosed herein. The electrolyzer includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet at a common end. Within the housing are disposed electrode elements, and a passageway that connects the inlet to the outlet. In accordance with the improvement disclosed and claimed herein, a divider is disposed in the fluid flow passageway between the inlet and outlet. It serves to cause fluid entering the inlet to flow through one section of the passageway, and then through another section of the passageway before exiting through the outlet.

Abstract: The electroactive product of the present invention is a metal cyanide film on a substrate, wherein the improvement is the metal cyanide film having a flux throughput capacity greater than 0.54 millicoulombs/second-cm2 as measured by the specific cyclic voltammetry procedure. The improved metal cyanide film generally has a flux throughput capacity greater than that of unimproved metal cyanide film wherein the improved metal cyanide film was deposited at a slow rate. The present invention enjoys the advantages of greater cation equivalent loading capacity, and achieving ion separations using half the amount of electricity as other electrochemical ion separations.

Abstract: Electrochemical processes using solid gas-impervious membranes are disclosed for gas cleanup by (A) providing an electrochemical cell comprising first and second zones separated by a solid gas-impervious membrane comprising a mixed metal oxide material of a perovskite structure having electron conductivity and oxygen ion conductivity, (B) passing a gas containing N2O, NO, NO2, SO2, SO3, or a mixture thereof, in contact with the membrane in the first zone, and (C) passing a gas capable of reacting with oxygen in contact with the membrane in the second zone. More particularly, the mixed metal oxide material of a perovskite structure comprises a combination of elements selected from the group consisting of lanthanides, alkaline earth metals, Y, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, and Nb, oxides thereof, and mixtures of these metals and metal oxides. Advantageously a catalyst is present in the first zone.