Abstract: The present invention provides a molten-salt electrolytic refining apparatus for refining a raw-material alloy containing indium using a molten-salt electrolytic refining method. The molten-salt electrolytic refining apparatus includes a reaction crucible provided in a reaction container so as to be filled with a molten-salt electrolytic solution, an anode and a cathode immersed in the molten-salt electrolytic solution, an anode crucible in which a liquid raw-material alloy is contained, a cathode crucible in which at least one raw-material metal included in the raw-material alloy is recovered in a liquid phase, and a heater provided so that the temperature of the molten-salt electrolytic solution is adjusted to be equal to or greater than the melting temperature of the raw-material alloy. The present invention also provides a molten-salt electrolytic refining method which includes recovering indium (In) from an indium-tin (In—Sn) alloy using a molten-salt electrolytic solution containing fluoride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for lithiation of an intercalation-based anode or a non-reactive plating-capable foil or a reactive alloy capable anode, whereby utilization of said lithiated intercalation-based anode or a plating-capable foil or reactive alloy capable anode in a rechargeable battery or electrochemical cell results in an increased amount of lithium available for cycling, and an improved reversible capacity during charge and discharge.

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: An electrolytic cell and system used for making nitrogen trifluoride consisting of a computer and an electrolytic cell having a body, an electrolyte, at least one anode chamber that produces an anode product gas, at least one cathode chamber, and one or more fluorine adjustment means to maintain fluorine or hydrogen in the anode product gas within a target amount by adjusting the concentration of fluorine in said anode product gas, and the process that controls the system.

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: A fluorine gas generating device 100 is provided which facilitates the maintenance operation of recovery and replacement of an adsorbing material that adsorbs hydrogen fluoride and supplies fluorine gas in a stable manner. The device comprises a refining line 20 that includes refining devices that, with the aid of adsorbing material, remove hydrogen fluoride gas that has been evaporated from a molten salt of an electrolytic tank 1 and mixed to fluorine gas generated at a positive pole 103a of the electrolytic tank. The refining line 20 comprises a first refining section 21 that includes at least two refining devices arranged in parallel and a second refining section 22 that includes at least two refining devices arranged in parallel and is positioned downstream of the first refining section 21. Fluorine gas that has passed through either one of the refining devices of the first refining section 21 is selectively led to either one of the refining devices of the second refining section.

Abstract: An electrolyzer is comprised of an anode and a cathode which are in contact with an electrolytic solution, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode is composed of an electric conductor having a gas permeable structure comprising a gas generating surface at which gas is generated by electrolysis of the electrolytic solution, a plurality of through holes leading from the gas generating surface to a different surface and allowing the gas generated on the gas generating surface to selectively pass therethrough, and a gas releasing surface which is the different surface for releasing the gas supplied from the gas generating surface via the through holes. At least one of a surface treatment which causes the gas generating surface to be lyophilic for the electrolytic solution and a surface treatment which causes the gas releasing surface to be lyophobic for the electrolytic solution is performed.

Abstract: Haloamine biocides are prepared via multi-step processes in an integrated apparatus comprising an electrochemical cell and a mixing chamber, wherein active halogen donor species are electrochemically generated and subsequently reacted with amine-containing compositions to form haloamine biocide. Haloamine biocides prepared according to such processes are used to treat liquids in order to inhibit, reduce, and/or control microorganism growth therein.

Abstract: A process and an anode for the production of nitrogen trifluoride or fluorine where the anode in the electrolytic cell is made primarily from parallel ordered anisotropic carbon, including needle coke and/or mesocarbon microbeads. The parallel ordered anisotropic carbon anodes minimize the production of CF4 and improve the purity of the nitrogen trifluoride or fluorine gas produced. Additionally, the anodes may be molded, instead of extruded or machined, providing for improved dimensional and mechanical integrity of the anode.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a nuclear material may include electrolytically reducing the nuclear material in a first molten salt electrolyte of an electroreducer to produce a reduced material. A reducer waste may accumulate in the first molten salt electrolyte as a byproduct of the electroreduction. After the electroreduction, the reduced material may be electrolytically dissolved in a second molten salt electrolyte of an electrorefiner to produce a purified metal product on a refiner cathode assembly of the electrorefiner. As a result of the electrorefining, a first refiner waste may accumulate in the second molten salt electrolyte and a second refiner waste may accumulate in a refiner anode assembly of the electrorefiner. The reducer waste from the electroreducer and the first refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a ceramic waste form, while the second refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a metallic waste form.

Abstract: A fluorine/fluoride gas generator which has an electrolyte made of mixed molten salt containing hydrogen fluoride in an electrolytic cell including an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, and generates a gas containing fluorine by electrolyzing the electrolyte, includes a raw material supply pipe for supplying an electrolysis raw material, reaching the inside of the electrolyte in the electrolytic cell, a normally-closed valve provided in the middle of the raw material supply pipe, and a bypass pipe provided with a normally-open valve, joining the raw material supply pipe on the downstream side from the normally-closed valve to a gas phase area of the electrolytic cell. Accordingly, the electrolyte is prevented from being suctioned into the raw material supply pipe in the fluorine/fluoride gas generator, and solidification of the electrolyte inside the raw material supply pipe can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conductive diamond electrode structure for use in electrolytic synthesis of a fluorine-containing material with a fluoride ion-containing molten salt electrolytic bath, which comprises: a conductive electrode feeder; and a conductive diamond catalyst carrier comprising a conductive substrate and a conductive diamond film carried on a surface thereof, wherein the conductive diamond catalyst carrier is detachably attached to the conductive electrode feeder at a portion to be immersed in the electrolytic bath. Also disclosed is an electrolytic synthesis of a fluorine-containing material using the conductive diamond electrode structure.

Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.

Abstract: A fluorine gas generator is provided with which the gases used and/or generated, in case of leakage thereof, can be prevented from mixing together as far as possible and, even in case of gas leakage into the outside of the generator system, the leakage gas can be treated safely and in which the maintenance, exchange and other operations are easy to carry out. The generator comprises a box-shaped body containing an electrolyzer for fluorine gas generation, and the box-shaped body is divided into two or more compartments, including a compartment containing the electrolyzer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (M1X) by electrolysis in a melt of M2Y, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M2 deposition occurs at a electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.e., M1X) or by means of diffusion extracted from the case material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M1. The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic synthesis method of nitrogen trifluoride, comprising electrolytically synthesizing nitrogen trifluoride gas from ammonium fluoride in an ammonium fluoride-containing molten salt mixture using a carbonaceous electrode as an anode, wherein the method comprises: a step of dissolving, in the molten salt mixture, metal ions capable of electrolytically yielding a highly oxidized metal fluoride through reaction with fluorine radicals (F.) that are generated upon the discharge of fluoride ions which are a component of the ammonium fluoride, thereby reacting the metal ions with the fluorine radicals (F.) to yield the highly oxidized metal fluoride, and reacting the highly oxidized metal fluoride with ammonium ions on a surface of the electrode and in a solution to synthesize nitrogen trifluoride gas.

Abstract: A carbon electrode for producing gaseous nitrogen trifluoride comprising a dense texture with an average pore size of 0.5 ?m or less is provided. The carbon electrode contains a carbonaceous material, and 3 to 10 wt % of at least one selected from magnesium fluoride and aluminum fluoride which have a melting point not lower than the baking temperature of the carbonaceous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for electrolyzing molten salt that can enhance the concentration of metal-fog forming metal in the molten salt by carrying out the electrolysis under conditions that the molten salt containing the chloride of metal-fog forming metal is supplied from one end of an electrolytic cell to a space between an anode and a cathode in a continuous or intermittent manner to provide a flow rate in one direction to the molten salt in the vicinity of the surface of the cathode and thus to allow the molten salt to flow in one direction in the vicinity of the surface of the cathode. According to the present invention, while high current efficiency is maintained, only the molten salt enriched with metal-fog forming metal such as Ca can be effectively taken out. Further, this method can easily be carried out by using the electrolytic cell according to the present invention.

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: A conductive diamond electrode including a conductive substrate comprising a carbonaceous material, a conductive diamond catalyst layer formed on a surface of the conductive substrate, and a carbon fluoride formed on an exposed portion present on the surface of the conductive substrate. The formed carbon fluoride prevents the conductive substrate from contacting with an electrolytic solution, thereby suppressing corrosion of the substrate. A long life of the electrode can be attained.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for current control in gas generators capable of generating a fluorine or fluoride gas by and in which the electrolysis can be maintained in an optimum condition, stable operation is possible and no manpower is demanded. According to the method of current control in gas generators for generating a fluorine or fluoride gas by electrolysis of an electrolytic bath 5 comprising a hydrogen fluoride-containing mixed molten salt using a carbon electrode as the anode 4a, the range of voltage fluctuation between the cathode 4b and anode 4a as occurring when a certain current is applied to the gas generator is measured, and current application is continued while varying the current amount to be applied according to the voltage fluctuation range.

Abstract: Oxygen is removed from metal or metalloid oxides by electrolysis in a fused salt, to produce elements or alloys, so as to prevent problems of cell contamination and poor power efficiency, particularly in scaled up electro-deoxidation processes. Cell current is controlled not to exceed a selected threshold for substantially all of the electrolysis process. The process may include a first constant current phase and a second constant voltage phase.

Abstract: An electrode for electrolyzing an electrolyte comprising an ammonium fluoride (NH4F)-hydrogen fluoride (HF)-containing molten salt and having a composition ratio (HF/NH4F) of 1 to 3 to prepare a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas and an electrolyte for use in the preparation of NF3 gas, and a preparation method of the NF3 gas by the use of the electrode and the electrolyte. The electrode comprises nickel having 0.07 wt % or less of Si content and containing a transition metal other than nickel. The electrolyte also contains a transition metal other than nickel.

Abstract: A process for producing high-purity nitrogen trifluoride gas by molten salt electrolysis using a nickel electrode and ammonium hydrogenfluoride as an electrolyte, wherein carbon element constituting impurity gases entrained in a crude gas, among impurities in the nickel electrode as an anode is controlled to an amount of 400 wt ppm or less. The process allows high-purity nitrogen trifluoride gas to be produced with a purity of 4N or higher.

Abstract: A process for preparing sodium and aluminum chloride electrochemically is described in which, in an electrolytic cell containing aluminum as an anode and sodium as a cathode which are separated from one another by a sodium ion-conducting solid electrolyte, a fused electrolyte essentially containing sodium tetrachloroaluminate is electrolyzed in the anode compartment, aluminum chloride formed in this process is evaporated from the electrolytic cell and sodium is removed from the cathode compartment.

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: In the electrolytic production of magnesium from an electrolyte comprising magnesium chloride and impurity quantities of magnesium oxide which adversely affects the efficiency of cell operation, the magnesium oxide is chemically and electrolytically removed from the electrolyte by sparging the electrolyte with hydrogen and/or hydrocarbon gas adjacent the anode such that MgO reacts with H.sub.2 or, e.g., CH.sub.4 and Cl.sub.2 (generated at the anode) under the electrical potential of the cell to form magnesium chloride. Similarly, magnesium oxide may be mixed and stirred in molten magnesium chloride and reacted with Cl.sub.2 and H.sub.2 (and/or hydrocarbon) to form anhydrous MgCl.sub.2 for use in magnesium production.

Abstract: A method for the production of nitrogen trifluoride (NF.sub.3) and hydrogen (H.sub.2) gas, starting with a molten flux including at least ammonia (NH.sub.3), a metal fluoride, and hydrogen fluoride (HF), including the steps of: circulating the molten flux from an electrolyzer, to an ammonia solubilizer, to a nitrogen trifluoride reactor, to a hydrogen fluoride solubilizer, and back to the electrolyzer; maintaining the quantity of the molten flux substantially constant by adding ammonia (NH.sub.3) and a carrier gas to the ammonia solubilizer and by adding hydrogen fluoride (HF) and a carrier gas to the hydrogen fluoride solubilizer; producing fluorine (F.sub.2) gas and hydrogen (H.sub.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is now provided a process for the production an anhydrous magnesium chloride-containing melt or electrolyte containing very low levels of MgO, typically less than 0.2% by weight MgO, directly from hydrated magnesium chloride feeds. More specifically, the process comprises the steps of a) feeding hydrated magnesium chloride in a furnace containing molten electrolyte from a magnesium electrolysis cell to produce a melt, the temperature in the furnace being maintained between 450.degree. and 65.degree. C.; b) simultaneously injecting an anhydrous hydrogen chloride-containing gas into the melt in an amount below the stoichiometric requirement of 2 moles of HCl per mole of magnesium chloride produced from hydrated magnesium chloride, and agitating the melt to keep any magnesium oxide in suspension in them melt, to dehydrate the magnesium chloride and react with the MgO in the melt so that the melt contains not more than 0.