Abstract: A method for the electrochemical preparation of alkanedicarboxylic acids involves a ring-opening oxidation with a doped Ni(O)OH foam electrode in an aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for making hypochlorous acid using saltwater with sodium bicarbonate. The system includes an electrolytic cell, a quantity of saltwater solution, and a quantity of sodium bicarbonate. The quantity of saltwater solution is poured into the electrolytic cell and then undergoes an electrolytic process. As a result of the quantity of saltwater solution going through the electrolytic process, a hypochlorous acid solution is yielded. In order to ensure a pure hypochlorous acid solution is formed, the quantity of sodium bicarbonate can be added into the electrolytic cell along with the quantity of saltwater solution before the electrolytic process or the quantity of sodium bicarbonate can be added into the hypochlorous acid solution after the hypochlorous acid solution is yielded. This process adjusts the pH level of the hypochlorous acid solution, and thus, produces a purer hypochlorous acid solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a process that allow for the selective electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide with high energy efficiency, using a cathode comprised of bismuth in combination with an anode such as an anode comprised of platinum. The electrolysis system may be comprised of a single or two compartment cell and may employ an organic electrolyte or an ionic liquid electrolyte. The invention permits the storage of solar, wind or conventional electric energy by converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide and liquid fuels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and a method for achieving efficient production of hydrogen in a hydrogen generator, comprising at least a hydrogen generator, a liquid in said hydrogen generator to produce hydrogen from, and a ceramic that emits infrared at wavelengths covering at least a portion of 3-20 micrometers range so that said liquid can be excited with infrared at said wavelengths before or during the production of hydrogen for improved hydrogen production efficiency. The use of infrared-excited electrolyte solution in a hydrogen generator helps reduce the energy consumption, lower operating voltage, and thus reduce the cost of the production of hydrogen.

Abstract: Redox signaling gels are disclosed. Such gels include a composition with at least one reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a rheology modifier. Also presented herein is a process for making the gels which includes making the composition by taking the steps of purifying water to produce ultra-pure water, combining a salt to the ultra-pure water to create a salinated water, electrolyzing the salinated water at a temperature of 4.3 to 5.8° C. such that the electrolyzing is accomplished with an anode, cathode and power source such that the power source comprises a transformer and a rectifier and does not comprise a filter capacitor.

Abstract: Electrodes are positioned substantially in contact with at least one surface of a solid to generate or absorb alkali metals when a voltage is applied between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and equipment for the elaboration of electrolytic chlorine oxidants, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite substances, using elements that result in an ecological process and confers a high efficiency in the production of these substances, permitting the generation of a product of very high performance and efficiency.

Abstract: The invention will be applied in industry and households. The method includes performance of an electrolysis process. A first heat-transferring fluid is heated directly in the electrolytic cell (2) by the heated electrolyte (3). A second heat-transferring fluid is heated with the released oxy-hydrogen gas (4) by a gas flame burner (5). Both heat-transferring fluids—through independent from each other circulation circuits (6, 7)—give their heat in an accumulating vessel (8) which contains the liquid (1) to be heated. The method and the device for its realization allow heating the liquid within a short period of time and with low energy consumption. Small-sized devices are designed according to the invention, with high efficiency and safety in use and no harmful environmental emissions are released. The direct use of energy from alternative sources is possible.

Abstract: According to aspects described herein, methods and systems provided by the present invention for hydrogen gas production include a RED stack including one or more RED subunits, and use of a saline material including a heat regenerable salt. The salinity driven energy, provided by the one or more RED subunits, completely eliminates the need for an external power source to produce hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing vanillin, which comprises an electrochemical oxidation of an aqueous, lignin-comprising suspension or solution at an anode, wherein the anode used is a silver electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical system and method are disclosed for On Site Generation (OSG) of oxidants, such as free available chlorine, mixed oxidants and persulfate. Operation at high current density, using at least a diamond anode, provides for higher current efficiency, extended lifetime operation, and improved cost efficiency. High current density operation, in either a single pass or recycle mode, provides for rapid generation of oxidants, with high current efficiency, which potentially allows for more compact systems. Beneficially, operation in reverse polarity for a short cleaning cycle manages scaling, provides for improved efficiency and electrode lifetime and allows for use of impure feedstocks without requiring water softeners. Systems have application for generation of chlorine or other oxidants, including mixed oxidants providing high disinfection rate per unit of oxidant, e.g. for water treatment to remove microorganisms or for degradation of organics in industrial waste water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical-catalytic converter, which can remove nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs) and particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas. The electrochemical-catalytic converter comprises a cell module, wherein nitrogen oxides are decomposed to form nitrogen through electrochemical promotion, and wherein carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter are catalyzed to form carbon dioxide and water by an oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A method and electrochemical cell for recovery of metals is provided, where the electrochemical cell includes an anode disposed in an anodic chamber, a cathode disposed in a cathodic chamber, an ion-conducting separator disposed between the anode and the cathode to physically separate the anodic and cathodic chambers, a basic pH anolyte containing a sacrificial reductant disposed within the anodic chamber, an acidic pH catholyte containing metal ions disposed within the cathodic chamber, and an electrical connection between the anode and the cathode. The method includes applying a voltage or an electrical current to an electrolytic cell across the cathode and the anode and is sufficient to reduce the metal ions to form an elemental metal species at the cathode, and to oxidize the sacrificial reductant at the anode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for fabricating graphene, and comprises at least the following steps. First, a first electrode and a second electrode are inserted into an electrolyte without contacting. The first electrode is graphite, and the electrolyte comprises at least an ionic liquid. A potential difference will be produced between the first electrode and the second electrode to let the ionic liquid enter into each layer of the first electrode to form a plurality of graphene.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a disinfectant from an aqueous solution of sodium chloride by using a diaphragm electrolyser is disclosed. The method comprise channeling a fresh water flow inside a tubular cathode, separating 0.4-0.8% of the quantity of the fresh water flow and channeling the separated fresh water flow into the cathode chamber. Next, 16-20% of sodium chloride at the concentration of 0.02-1.2% is channeled to the anode chamber after a sodium chloride mixer. Fresh water flow is channeled from inside the cathode to a branch of an anode chamber in a cover-mixer of an electrolyser. The flow, originating from the cathode chamber, is discharged for utilization, wherein an anolyte flow from the anode chamber is channeled to the branch of the anode chamber. The concentration of active chlorine in the anolyte is reduced by employing a water supply to a predetermined level required of a disinfectant and the disinfectant with a pH level of 5.5-7.5 is discharged from the electrolyser.

Abstract: A system includes a photoelectrolysis system having a solar collector configured to collect and concentrate solar radiation to heat water, generate electricity, or both. The system also includes an electrolysis unit configured to electrolyze the heated water using at least the generated electricity to produce a first gas mixture and a second gas mixture. The first gas mixture includes oxygen and steam and the second gas mixture includes hydrogen and steam. The system further includes a first device configured to receive and use the first gas mixture as well as a hydrogen membrane configured to receive and separate the hydrogen and steam mixture into a hydrogen component and a steam component.

Abstract: Processes for electrolysis of alkali metal chlorides with oxygen-consuming electrodes having startup and shutdown conditions which prevent damage to the constituents of the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and a method of electrochemical oxidation of manganese(II) ions to manganese(III) ions in the electrolytic cell are described. The electrolytic cell comprises (1) an electrolyte solution of manganese(II) ions in a solution of at least one acid; (2) a cathode immersed in the electrolyte solution; and (3) an anode immersed in the electrolyte solution and spaced apart from the cathode. Various anode materials are described including vitreous carbon, reticulated vitreous carbon, woven carbon fibers, lead and lead alloy. Once the electrolyte is oxidized to form a metastable complex of manganese(III) ions, a platable plastic may be contacted with the metastable complex to etch the platable plastic. In addition, a pretreatment step may also be performed on the platable plastic prior to contacting the platable plastic with the metastable complex to condition the plastic surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell and a method of electrochemical oxidation of manganese (II) ions to manganese(III) ions in the electrolytic cell are described. The electrolytic cell comprises (1) an electrolyte solution of manganese(II) ions in a solution of 9 to 15 molar sulfuric acid; (2) a cathode immersed in the electrolyte solution; and (3) an anode immersed in the electrolyte solution and spaced apart from the cathode. Various anode materials are described including vitreous carbon, reticulated vitreous carbon, and woven carbon fibers.

Abstract: A process for upgrading an oil feedstock includes reacting the oil feedstock with a quantity of an alkali metal, wherein the reaction produces solid materials and liquid materials. The solid materials are separated from the liquid materials. The solid materials may be washed and heat treated by heating the materials to a temperature above 400° C. The heat treating occurs in an atmosphere that has low oxygen and water content. Once heat treated, the solid materials are added to a solution comprising a polar solvent, where sulfide, hydrogen sulfide or polysulfide anions dissolve. The solution comprising polar solvent is then added to an electrolytic cell, which during operation, produces alkali metal and sulfur.

Abstract: Water is heated to a process temperature of an electrolyzer, e.g., more than 500° C. Then, the water is electrolyzed in the electrolyzer to form product gases hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). The product gas hydrogen (H2) is compressed by a compressing apparatus and cooled by a cooling medium that feeds the thermal energy to heat the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing vanillin, which comprises an electrochemical oxidation of an aqueous, lignin-comprising suspension or solution at an anode, wherein the anode used is a silver electrode.

Abstract: A method for producing methanol includes dissolving carbon dioxide in water to obtain a two-phase coexistence aqueous solution that is pressurized and heated to a critical state to separate critical state carbon dioxide and critical water. The critical state carbon dioxide is reduced to critical state carbon monoxide. The critical water is electrolyzed to obtain super critical state hydrogen and super critical state oxygen. The critical state carbon monoxide reacts with the super critical state hydrogen to produce methanol. Furthermore, a device for producing methanol is also provided in the present invention, comprising a mixing unit, a conversion unit and a synthesis unit, and which is highly effective in producing methanol and frugal in energy use.

Abstract: A method for producing zinc is disclosed. The method includes an electrolysis step and a reduction step. The electrolysis step includes pressurizing and heating liquid water to a critical state to obtain critical water, and electrolyzing the critical water to obtain super critical state hydrogen and super critical state oxygen. The reduction step includes reacting the super critical state hydrogen with a zinc oxide to reduce the zinc oxide to zinc.

Abstract: An electrolytic reactor and related methods are provided for supplementing the air-intake of an internal combustion engine with hydrogen. In one embodiment, the reactor has a core defined by a plurality of whole metal plates separated by peripheral gaskets; an inlet for providing an electrolyte to the core; a gas and effluent outlet, and a pump to force an electrolyte through the core.

Abstract: Provided is a sterilization method and apparatus for medical instruments. In the method, a solution containing chlorine and having a temperature of about 60° C. or more is prepared. An electrode is disposed in a container containing the solution and the medical instrument is immersed in the solution such that the medical instrument is disposed over the electrode. The solution is electrolyzed by applying a current to the electrode to generate sterilizing components of free chlorine comprising hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), OH radical, and ozone (O3) and sterilize the medical instrument by the components which move up in the opposite direction of gravity from the electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering chlorine gas or an alkali metal from an electrolytic cell having an acid-intolerant, alkali-ion-selective membrane are disclosed. In some cases, the cell has an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment with an acid-intolerant, alkali-ion selective membrane separating the two. While a cathode is disposed within a catholyte solution in the catholyte compartment, a chlorine-gas-evolving anode is typically disposed within an aqueous alkali-chloride solution in the anolyte compartment. As current passes between the anode and cathode, chlorine ions in the anolyte solution can be oxidized to form chlorine gas. In some cases, the cell is configured so the chlorine gas is rapidly removed from the cell to inhibit a chemical reaction between the chlorine gas and the anolyte solution. In some cases, a vacuum or a heating system is used to increase the rate at which chlorine gas exits the cell. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Electrochemical systems and methods for producing hydrogen. Generally, the systems and methods involve providing an electrochemical cell that includes an anolyte compartment holding an anode in contact with an anolyte, wherein the anolyte includes an oxidizable substance having a higher standard oxidation potential than water. The cell further comprises a catholyte compartment holding a cathode in contact with a catholyte that includes a substance that reduces to form hydrogen. Additionally, the cell includes an alkali cation conductive membrane that separates the anolyte compartment from the catholyte compartment. As an electrical potential passes between the anode and cathode, the reducible substance reduces to form hydrogen and the oxidizable substance oxidizes to form an oxidized product.

Abstract: A water electrolyzer comprises a reservoir of water, one or more cells, a source of pulse width modulated direct current electricity, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a cooling system. Said electrode cells are submerged in said reservoir of water. Said source of pulse width modulated direct current electricity attaches to said positive terminal and said negative terminal of said water electrolyzer. Said electrode cells each comprise a cathode having a positive terminal and an anode having a negative terminal. Said cathode and said anode comprise different materials. Said positive terminal attaches to said electrode cells with one or more positive lines. Said negative terminal attaches to said electrode cells with one or more negative lines. Said cooling system is capable of cooling said reservoir of water. Said water electrolyzer produces and can deliver one or more gases through a fluid connection with an engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing ammonia suitable for use as a reductant in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR), a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), or a flue gas conditioning system is provided. A method for treating combustion exhaust gas with ammonia is provided that includes the electrolytic hydrolysis of urea under mild conditions. The electrolysis apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, which may be operatively coupled to an exhaust gas treatment system to provide an apparatus for reducing nitrogen oxides (NOx) and/or particulate in exhaust gases.

Abstract: An electrochemical process and device for the controlled and uniform heating of electrically-conductive fluids, the process or device having at least one reactor and at least one power source with at least one electrode and at least one additional conductive material for direct heating of the fluid and for producing electrochemical changes of the fluid to result in at least one property change of the fluid and at least one product.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid sulfur electrolyzer to generate hydrogen is provided that includes the steps of providing an anolyte with a concentration of sulfur dioxide, and applying a current. During steady state generation of hydrogen a plot of applied current density versus concentration of sulfur dioxide is below a boundary line. The boundary line may be linear and extend through the origin of the graph with a slope of 0.001 in which the current density is measured in mA/cm2 and the concentration of sulfur dioxide is measured in moles of sulfur dioxide per liter of anolyte.

Abstract: The ability to switch at will between amperometric measurements and potentiometric measurements provides great flexibility in performing analyses of unknowns. Apparatus and methods can provide such switching to collect data from an electrochemical cell. The cell may contain a reagent disposed to measure glucose in human blood.

Abstract: A high capacity chlorine dioxide gas generator includes an anolyte loop for generating chlorine dioxide gas and a cooling system connected to said anolyte loop. A chlorine dioxide solution generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source, an absorption loop fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream, and a cooling system that functions in the chlorine dioxide gas source or the absorption loop. A method of generating chlorine dioxide solution includes providing a chlorine dioxide gas source, dissolving chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream using an absorption loop fluidly connected to the chlorine dioxide gas source, and cooling the chlorine dioxide in at least one of the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing conductive inorganic oxide particles in which conductivity is furnished by doping a dopant metal component into the inorganic oxide particle including preparing an inorganic oxide particles-containing slurry which contains the inorganic oxide particles, the inorganic oxide particles-containing slurry which is made to contain a dopant metal component and an electrolysis method is carried out for electrolytic doping to dope a dopant metal component into the inorganic oxide particles by using a electrolytic doping unit, filtering and drying the slurry after finishing the electrolytic doping and collecting particles by filter, and firing the particles collected by filter to obtain conductive inorganic oxide particles.

Abstract: An electrolyser including a stack of a plurality of elementary electrolysis cells, each cell including a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte provided between the cathode and the anode. An interconnection plate is interposed between each anode of an elementary cell and a cathode of a following elementary cell, the interconnection plate being in electric contact with the anode and the cathode. A pneumatic fluid is to be brought into contact with the cathodes, and the electrolyser further includes a mechanism ensuring circulation of the pneumatic fluid in the electrolyser for heating it up before contacting the same with the cathodes.

Abstract: An electrolyser for high-temperature electrolysis configured to operate in an allothermal mode, including an enclosure configured to maintain an electrolytic bath under high or very high pressure of several tens of bars, in which at least one electrolysis plate is arranged, and a heater internal to the enclosure. The electrolysis plate includes a plurality of electrolysis cells lying side by side in substantially one same plane, each electrolysis cell including an anode and a cathode. The heater uses a heat-carrier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e., LME Grade A copper cathode or equivalent), which is advantageous.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell includes an inner chamber containing a stack of porous anode and cathode plates with separators therebetween. Electrolyte is circulated through the porous anodes and cathodes in the inner chamber to generate hydrogen and oxygen gas. A plurality of electrolysis cells can be mounted together to form an electrolyzer unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and a method for the production of hydrogen. The system advantageously combines an independent high temperature heat source with a solid oxide electrolyzer cell and a heat exchanger located between the cathode inlet and the cathode outlet. The heat exchanger is used to extract heat from the molecular components such as hydrogen derived from the electrolysis. A portion of the hydrogen generated in the solid oxide electrolyzer cell is recombined with steam and recycled to the solid oxide electrolyzer cell. The oxygen generated on the anode side is swept with compressed air and used to drive a gas turbine that is in operative communication with a generator. Electricity generated by the generator is used to drive the electrolysis in the solid oxide electrolyzer cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for activation of a low reactivity, non-polar chemical compound. In one example embodiment, the method comprises introducing the low reactivity chemical compound to a catalyst. At least one of (a) an oxidizing agent or a reducing agent and (b) a polar compound is provided to the catalyst and the chemical compound. An alternating current is applied to the catalyst to produce an activation reaction in the chemical compound. This activation reaction produces a useful product. The present invention also relates to a method for oxidizing aromatic compounds by electrocatalysis to oxidized products.

Abstract: In a method for producing sodium hypochlorite, brine solution is piped from the brine tank to a first inlet in a first electrolyzer cell of an electrolyzer assembly while simultaneously piping chilled water from a chiller having a temperature range from about 10° C. to about 25° C. to the first inlet so that the brine solution combines with the chilled water. The chilled brine solution is electrolyzed in the first electrolyzer cell. The hypochlorite and brine solution resulting from electrolysis occurring in the first cell is piped to a second inlet in a second electrolyzer cell in the electrolyzer assembly while simultaneously piping chilled water from the chiller having a temperature range from about 10° C. to about 25° C. to the second inlet so that the chilled water combines with the hypochlorite and brine solution. Each cell can have more than one inlet, preferably up to 6 inlets. The chilled hypochlorite and brine solution are electrolyzed in the second cell.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of manganese dioxide comprising subjecting an aqueous bath comprising manganese sulfate (MnSO4) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to electrolysis in a closed cell wherein the electrolysis bath is maintained at an elevated temperature above 110° C., preferably above 115° C. and at superatmospheric pressure. Desirably the bath can be maintained at an elevated temperature between about 115° C. and 155° C. The electrolysis is carried out preferably at elevated current density of between about 12.5 and 37 Amp/sq. ft (135 and 400 Amp/sq. meter) which allows for smaller or fewer electrolysis units. An MnO2 product having a specific surface area (SSA) within desired range of between 18-45 m2/g can be obtained. A doping agent, preferably a soluble titanium dopant is employed to help obtain the desired specific surface area (SSA) of the MnO2 product. The manganese dioxide product in zinc/MnO2 alkaline cells gives excellent service life, particularly in high power application.

Abstract: The method of removing sulfurous compounds (organic and inorganic) from any fluid (gas or liquid) phase by contacting said fluid (gas or liquid) with the reactive metal to form a metal sulfide recovering said fluid (gas or liquid) free from said sulfurous compound and containing compounds free from sulfur and recovering electrochemically said reactive metal from said sulfur to return said metal to elemental form to release elemental sulfur, said separating being done at temperatures above melting point of sulfur.