Abstract: There is presented an electrochemical sensor (100) for sensing an analyte in an associated volume (106), the sensor comprising a first solid element and a second solid element being joined to the first solid element, a chamber (110) being placed at least partially between the first solid element and the second solid element, said chamber comprising a reaction region (130), and a reservoir region (132) being connected with the reaction region, wherein an one or more analyte permeable openings (122) connect the reaction region (130) with the associated volume (106), and wherein the electrochemical sensor (100) further comprises an analyte permeable membrane (124) in said one or more analyte permeable openings, a working electrode (104) a reference electrode (108), and a guard electrode (109) arranged so as to enable reduction or oxidation of at least some reactants from at least a part of the reservoir region.

Abstract: There is presented an electrochemical sensor (100) for sensing an analyte in an associated volume (106), the sensor comprising a first solid element (126), a second solid element (128) being joined to the first solid element, a chamber (110) being placed at least partially between the first solid element and the second solid element, a working electrode (104) in the chamber (110), a reference electrode (108), and wherein one or more analyte permeable openings (122) connect the chamber (110) with the associated volume (106), and wherein the electrochemical sensor (100) further comprises an analyte permeable membrane (124) in said one or more analyte permeable openings, wherein the one or more analyte permeable openings are placed at least partially between the first solid element and the second solid element.

Abstract: A method and an electrochemical cell for hydrogen production by electrochemical decomposition of a sulfur-containing acid gas such as H2S or SO2 are disclosed. The method comprises electrolysis of the acid gas in solution in the presence of an absorbent, which may be chemical, physical, or a mixture thereof. In typical embodiments, the absorbent is alkanolamine-based.

Abstract: A method of making a graphene-containing material comprising the steps of: electrolytically reducing a transition metal oxide to a transition metal in an electrolytic cell using a molten salt electrolyte and a carbon anode; followed by extracting a dry graphene material from the electrolytic cell. Also provided is a graphene-containing material obtainable by the method of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolysis apparatus for collecting a nitrogen compound using ferric-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA), and more particularly, to an electrolysis apparatus for collecting a nitrogen compound in exhaust gas by supplying electric energy to cause a redox reaction of Fe-EDTA.

Abstract: An insulation assembly is provided, including: a body of an insulating material with a lower surface configured to contact a sidewall an electrolysis cell; an upper surface generally opposed to the lower surface; and a perimetrical sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface to surround the remainder of the body, the perimetrical sidewall including: an inner portion configured to face an anode surface of the electrolysis cell and provide a gap between the body and the anode surface of the electrolysis cell; wherein the body is configured to extend from the sidewall towards the anode surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method for separating and recovering uranium from a nuclear fuel element. The method includes immersing a nuclear fuel element containing nuclear fuel and cladding in a molten metal. The nuclear fuel includes uranium. The cladding is selectively dissolved from the nuclear fuel element when immersed in the molten metal. The nuclear fuel is separated from the cladding. The method then includes loading the nuclear fuel into a permeable basket that is electrically configured as an anode of an electrolytic cell. There are also a molten salt electrolyte and a cathode in the electrolytic cell. Then, the method includes applying an electric charge across the electrolytic cell. The molten salt electrolyte selectively transfers uranium from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production in an electrochemical cell of one or more of graphene, graphite nanoplatelet structures having a thickness of less than 100 nm, and graphane, wherein the cell comprises: (a) a negative electrode which is graphitic; (b) a positive electrode which may be graphitic or another material; and (c) an electrolyte selected from (i) an ionic liquid; (ii) a deep eutectic solvent; and (iii) a solid ionic conductor, optionally further comprising (iv) one or more ionic species, wherein the amount of (i), (ii) or (iii) and (iv) is greater than 50 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte; and wherein the electrolyte includes a mixture of different cations; and wherein the method comprises the step of passing a current through the cell to intercalate ions into the graphitic negative electrode so as to exfoliate the graphitic negative electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode for secondary batteries in which an electrode mix layer including an electrode active material is coated on an electrode collector, and a coating layer including aluminum (Al) and/or alumina (Al2O3) is formed on the electrode mix layer.

Abstract: A process for the production of energetically rich compounds comprising: using externally supplied thermal energy to heat an electrolyzable compound to a temperature greater than the ambient temperature; generating electricity from a solar electrical photovoltaic component; subjecting the heated electrolyzable compound to electrolysis with the solar generated electricity to generate an energetically rich electrolytic product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating an oxygen-consuming electrode as cathode for the electrolysis of alkali metal chlorides or hydrochloric acid, in an electrochemical cell, comprising feeding an oxygen-containing process gas to the electrode, wherein the oxygen-containing process gas is at least partly heated using a heat source from the electrolysis before contact with the oxygen-consuming electrode to a temperature which corresponds to not more than the temperature of the cathode space in the cell or is less than 50° C. below the temperature of the cathode space in the cell.

Abstract: Modular anode assemblies are used in electrolytic oxide reduction systems for scalable reduced metal production via electrolysis. Assemblies include a channel frame connected to several anode rods extending into an electrolyte. An electrical system powers the rods while being insulated from the channel frame. A cooling system removes heat from anode rods and the electrical system. An anode guard attaches to the channel frame to prevent accidental electrocution or damage during handling or repositioning. Each anode rod may be divided into upper and lower sections to permit easy repair and swapping out of lower sections. The modular assemblies may have standardized components to permit placement at multiple points within a reducing system. Example methods may operate an electrolytic oxide reduction system by positioning the modular anode assemblies in the reduction system and applying electrical power to the plurality of anode assemblies.

Abstract: Electrowinning methods and apparatus are suitable for producing elemental deposits of high quality, purity, and volume. Respective cathodes are used during electrowinning for bearing the elemental product, segregating impurities, dissolving morphologically undesirable material, and augmenting productivity. Silicon suitable for use in photovoltaic devices may be electrodeposited in solid form from silicon dioxide dissolved in a molten salt.

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: A method of producing metallic powder for use in the manufacture of a capacitor comprises the step of reducing a non-metallic compound to metal in contact with a molten salt. The salt comprises, for at least a portion of the process, a dopant element that acts as a sinter retardant in the metal. In preferred examples, the metallic powder is Ta or Nb powder produced by the reduction of a Ta or Nb oxide and the dopant is boron, nitrogen, or phosphorous.

Abstract: In a method for reducing a solid feedstock (110), such as a solid metal compound, feedstock is arranged on upper surfaces of elements (60, 80, 81) in a bipolar cell stack contained within a housing (25). A molten salt electrolyte is circulated through the housing so that it contacts the elements of the bipolar stack and the feedstock. A potential is applied to terminal electrodes (50, 60) of the bipolar stack such that the upper surfaces of the elements become cathodic and the lower surfaces of the elements become anodic. The applied potential is sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: The method, apparatus and product relate to the electrochemical reduction of a solid feedstock (20) to produce a product. A container (2) is filled with a fused salt (6), and one or more anodes (14) contact the fused salt. A cathode (18) is loaded with feedstock and engages with a transport apparatus (22, 36, 40) which locates and moves the cathode past the anodes(s), while the cathode and the feedstock contact the fused salt. As the cathode moves past the anodes(s), a voltage applied between the cathode and the anode(s) electrochemically reduces the solid feedstock to form the product.

Abstract: In a method of electrolytically reducing a solid feedstock, for example a solid metal oxide feedstock, an electrode module is positioned in a first position to be loaded with the feedstock. The loaded module is then transferred from the first position and engaged with an electrolysis chamber containing a molten salt. A voltage is applied to the electrode module to reduce the solid feedstock. The loaded module may be transferred within a transfer module.

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

Abstract: Electrowinning methods and apparatus are suitable for producing elemental deposits of high quality, purity, and volume. Respective cathodes are used during electrowinning for bearing the elemental product, segregating impurities, dissolving morphologically undesirable material, and augmenting productivity. Silicon suitable for use in photovoltaic devices may be electrodeposited in solid form from silicon dioxide dissolved in a molten salt.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic cell for obtaining aluminum, including a pot shell, at least one cathode block arranged at least partially in the pot shell, at least one anode suspended above the cell and dipping into the upper portion of the electrolytic cell, and an insulation at least partially covering the internal surface of the pot shell and located between the cathode block and the pot shell, the pot shell and the elements that it contains delimiting a crucible intended to receive an electrolytic bath in contact with the cathode block, characterized in that the insulation is at least partially made of carbon-based blocks having a heat conductivity lower than 1 W/m/K.

Abstract: Methods of forming graphene by graphite exfoliation, wherein the methods include: providing a graphite sample having atomic layers of carbon; introducing a salt and a solvent into the space between the atomic layers; expanding the space between the atomic layers using organic molecules and ions from the solvent and the salt; and separating the atomic layers using a driving force to form one or more sheets of graphene; the graphene produced by the methods can be used to form solar cells, to perform DNA analysis, and for other electrical, optical and biological applications.

Abstract: In a method for reducing a solid feedstock (110), such as a solid metal compound, feedstock is arranged on upper surfaces of elements (60, 80, 81) in a bipolar cell stack contained within a housing (25). A molten salt electrolyte is circulated through the housing so that it contacts the elements of the bipolar stack and the feedstock. A potential is applied to terminal electrodes (50, 60) of the bipolar stack such that the upper surfaces of the elements become cathodic and the lower surfaces of the elements become anodic. The applied potential is sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feedstock for reduction in an electrolytic cell, for example a non-metallic feedstock that can be reduced to metal on a commercial scale. The feedstock comprises a plurality of three-dimensional elements which are shaped such that a volume of the feedstock has between 35% and 90% free space (not including any microscopic porosity of the elements). The elements are also shaped as randomly-packable elements to minimise any settling, ordering or alignment of the feedstock, which would otherwise hinder or prevent fluid flow and/or current flow through the feedstock.

Abstract: An electrolytic recycling method recovers two or more component elements of one or more compounds simultaneously. A compound, such as a compound semiconductor, to be recycled is dissolved in a liquid electrolyte. Electrolysis of the dissolved compound recovers component elements simultaneously at respective negative and positive electrodes by reduction and oxidation respectively. The component elements produced may be in respective condensed phases or include a gaseous phase.

Abstract: In an electrolytic method for producing nano-scale carbon products, such as carbon nanotubes, first and second graphite electrodes contact a fused-salt electrolyte. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and first and second voltages are alternately applied to the electrodes. The first voltage is applied such that the first electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the second electrode, and the second voltage is applied such that the second electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the first electrode. The method thus advantageously converts the carbon of both electrodes to nano-scale carbon products.

Abstract: A spent oxide form nuclear fuel in a spent nuclear fuel assembly which has been taken out from a light water reactor is reacted with fluorine in fluorination treatment process and then separated into gaseous UF6 and solid converted fluoride. The UF6 is purified in UF6 treatment Process. In electrolysis using fused fluoride process, the converted fluoride is dissolved into a fused fluoride salt (a mixture of LiF and BeF2) filled into an electrolysis cell of an apparatus for electrolysis. A first electrode, which is an anode, and a second electrode, which is a cathode, are submerged into the fused fluoride. A mixture of the oxides Li2O and BeO are added to the fused fluoride. A metallic plutonium and a metallic uranium contained in the fused fluoride is deposited onto the second electrode by energizing of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A method of rapidly cooling molten mixtures of alkali metal alloys in which the metal components of said alloys have a wide divergence of melting points that result in separation of the alkali metals during cool down. A calcium-sodium alloy is produced in an electrolysis cell. A method of high pressure atomization of the calcium-sodium alloy and its subsequent rapid cooling produces a calcium nodular particulate that is encased in a sodium flocculant. The material manufactured is used as a nodular electrolytic flocculant reactant in the electrolyte of an alkaline battery.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolysis apparatus and a molten metal electrolyzing method using such a device are disclosed having an electrolysis vessel (4) accommodating melt electrolyte including melt metal chloride, and an electrode unit (1) having electrically conductive electrodes (8), first insulation members (9) covering upper end surfaces of the electrodes and fixed thereto while extending upward from the upper end surfaces, second insulation members (10) covering lower end surfaces of the electrodes and fixed thereto while extending downward from the lower end surfaces, and an electrode frame (12) composed of an insulating body surrounding the electrodes, the electrode unit being immersed in the melt electrolyte.

Abstract: A system providing excitation and selective transport and/or reaction of isotopologues. Two or more isotope effects are combined within a reaction cell to produce transient differentiation of isotopologues through excitation or chemical reaction followed by rapid separation or conversion. A current conductor adjacent to a fluid carries an excitation current produced by a switching source. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the conductor that interacts with a population of isotopologues within the adjacent fluid layer to produce a population of reaction intermediates or products that have an isotopic composition different from the initial isotopologues. An electrolytic power supply may also be connected to the conductor to provide a voltage that may be used to selectively attract and electrolyze a portion of the reaction intermediates or products within the adjacent fluid layer.

Abstract: In an electrolytic method for producing nano-scale carbon products, such as carbon nanotubes, first and second graphite electrodes contact a fused-salt electrolyte. A power supply is coupled to the electrodes and first and second voltages are alternately applied to the electrodes. The first voltage is applied such that the first electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the second electrode, and the second voltage is applied such that the second electrode is at a cathodic potential relative to the first electrode. The method thus advantageously converts the carbon of both electrodes to nano-scale carbon products.

Abstract: An electrode is steeped in a solution of Mg and B and a negative voltage is applied to the electrode so as to precipitate superconductive MgB2 on the electrode. Superconductive MgB2 is easily manufactured in various forms and at low costs without any special device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a molten salt electrolyzer in which an electrolytic bath in a solid form as contained in the electrolyzer is melted to automatically attain a state allowing electrolysis, which apparatus comprises detecting means for detecting the changes in state of the electrolyzer by means of detectors fitted to the electrolyzer, and adjusting means for adjusting, after using the detecting means, the liquid electrolytic bath levels to a state allowing electrolysis.

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: A method of electrochemically reducing a metal oxide to the metal in an electrochemical cell is disclosed along with the cell. Each of the anode and cathode operate at their respective maximum reaction rates. An electrolyte and an anode at which oxygen can be evolved, and a cathode including a metal oxide to be reduced are included as is a third electrode with independent power supplies connecting the anode and the third electrode and the cathode and the third electrode.

Abstract: This invention discloses and claims the low temperature reduction and purification of refractory metals, metal compounds, and semi-metals. The reduction is accomplished using non-aqueous ionic solvents in an electrochemical cell with the metal entity to be reduced. Using this invention, TiO2 is reduced directly to Ti metal at room temperature.

Abstract: A method of producing active ingredients of the sodium initiator and calcium moderator of a consumable electrode as a flocculant mixture in a single process operation extending from the point of their reduction during electrolysis to their molten state and subsequent atomization and mixture with talc and depolarizer agents and their application in electrode construction. The consumable electrode is used in the electrolytic gas generator reaction chamber of a second-generation fuel cell.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preheating a molten salt electrolysis cell having inert anodes (24) using recuperative gas heating by combusting a first gas outside the cell chamber (20) in a combustion chamber (2) and using to heat a second gas in recuperator (8) which second gas us passed to the cell chamber (20). The inert anode can be a cermet inert anode.

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

Abstract: A method of controlling the direct electrolytic reduction of a metal oxide or mixtures of metal oxides to the corresponding metal or metals. A non-consumable anode and a cathode and a salt electrolyte with a first reference electrode near the non-consumable anode and a second reference electrode near the cathode are used. Oxygen gas is produced and removed from the cell. The anode potential is compared to the first reference electrode to prevent anode dissolution and gas evolution other than oxygen, and the cathode potential is compared to the second reference electrode to prevent production of reductant metal from ions in the electrolyte.

Abstract: Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a reactant product into reactants. The electrode comprises an elongated box made of graphite having a first side and a second side opposite the first side with a space therebetween, the second side being porous to convey one of the reactants through it into the space as the reactants are produced without conveying the reactant product. The reactant conveyed through the porous portion into the electrode internal space exits the electrode through an outlet aperture at an end of the electrode.

Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a sputtering target material including electrolyzing a molten salt mixture containing a precious metal salt and a solvent salt, to thereby deposit a precious metal or a precious metal alloy. The method enables simplification of production steps and produces high-purity target materials. In addition, the electrodeposited precious metal or precious metal alloy is heat-treated at a temperature of at least 800° C. but lower than the melting point of the precious metal, to thereby produce a target material of higher purity.

Abstract: A spent reactor fuel processing method is provided for recovering at least any one of metallic nuclear fuel materials, in which the reactor fuel is composed by covering the metallic nuclear fuel material with a cladding tube made of alloy and having a melting point lower than that of the metallic nuclear fuel material and end plugs made of alloy are mounted to both ends thereof. The processing method comprises a cladding tube smelting separation process, a molten salt electrorefining process and a salt evaporation separation process for recovering metallic uranium, uranium and plutonium, or uranium, plutonium and transuranium elements.

Abstract: An anode positioning hoist supported on an overhead crane used in a smelting apparatus including a cathode with an upwardly facing surface and an anode with a downwardly facing surface. The anode positioning hoist includes a pair of channel members defining opposed vertical channels and a cylinder/piston assembly including a cylinder located between the channel members and a piston rod extending downwardly from the cylinder. A carrier is fixed to the piston rod for movement therewith and includes rollers guided in the channels. A connector assembly is mounted on the carrier to releasably secure the anode to the carrier. A control system including a counterbalance valve mounted on the cylinder and a pressure switch operates to cause extension of the piston rod until the downwardly facing surface of the anode engages the upwardly facing surface of the cathode. The control system thereafter causes retraction of the piston rod a predetermined distance to provide a desired anode-cathode gap.

Abstract: A process for smelting aluminum from a mixture of a double salt potassium-aluminum sulfate 2KAl(SO.sub.4).sub.2 and aluminum sulfate Al.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 with potassium sulfate K.sub.2 SO.sub.4 having a weight ratio of 2KAl(SO.sub.4).sub.2 to K.sub.2 SO.sub.4 in the range of 50/50 to 15/85. The mixture is heated to a eutectic temperature that makes it molten and electrolysis is used to precipitate out aluminum at the negative electrode and gases from SO.sub.4 ions at the positive electrode. A critical amount of a feed of 2KAl(SO.sub.4).sub.2 is added to replace that which was consumed in the electrolysis and to maintain the weight ratio which provides for the low eutectic melting temperature.