Method for generating hydrogen and oxygen

• US 4,225,401 A
• Filed: 12/22/1978
• Issued: 09/30/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1978
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
• Original Assignee: Kernforschungsanlage Julich Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
• Inventors: Mergel, Jurgen, Divisek, Jiri
• Primary Examiner(s): Andrews, R. L.
• Application Number:
  US05/972,334
• Time in Patent Office: 648 Days
• Field of Search: 204/129, 204/295
• US Class Current: 205/354
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 1/04 by electrolysis of water
• CPC Class Codes: C25B 9/73 of the filter-press type
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/36 Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis

Abstract

Method and apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen. Water is electroically decomposed in an electrolysis cell having a molten electrolyte which contains alkali ions and has a high OH^- ion activity. The anode and cathode chambers are separated from one another by a separator made of an ion conducting aluminum oxide modification known as β-Al₂ O₃. Hydrogen and oxygen are then separately withdrawn.

Claims

1. A method of generating hydrogen and oxygen by electrolytic decomposition of water in an electrolysis cell having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber provided with electrodes for applying a decomposition voltage, which method comprises in combination the steps of:

adding to said cell a molten alkali ion containing electrolyte having a high OH^- ion activity;

introducing water to said cell;

separating said anode and cathode chambers by an ion conducting aluminum oxide modification known as β

-Al₂ O₃,

applying an electrolysis current, and

separately withdrawing hydrogen and oxygen from said cathode and anode chambers respectively.

2. A method in combination according to claim 1, in which said electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of an alkali hydroxide and a mixture of alkali hydroxides.

3. A method in combination according to claim 2, in which said electrolyte also comprises at least one alkali salt.

4. A method in combination according to claim 2, in which said electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and a mixture of lithium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.

5. A method in combination according to claim 1, which includes the step of carrying out said electrolysis at 300°

to 600°

C.

6. A method in combination according to claim 1, in which said electrolyte contains at least one compound which is hygroscopic at operating temperature.

7. A method in combination according to claim 1, which includes the step of introducing said water to the electrolyte melt as water vapor and at above atmospheric pressure.