Electrolytic production of hydrogen
US4081337A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1977 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25B1/02
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A cyclic electrolytic process for the manufacture of hydrogen from carbonaceous material such as coal, agricultural wastes and garbage to produce commercial hydrogen. An alakli metal sulfate is reduced to an alkali metal sulfide by reaction of the sulfate and carbonaceous fuel at an elevated temperature. The sulfide and impurities derived from the fuel are digested with an aqueous solution to dissolve the sulfide and separate out the impurities. The solution of the alkali sulfide is added to electrolytic cells in which an electric current is utilized to generate hydrogen at the cathode while oxidizing the sulfide substantially to sulfate at the anode. The cell electrolyte temperature is greater than 150.degree. C and less than 350.degree. C. Under these conditions the polarization problem encountered in hydrogen/oxygen cells is substantially avoided. The alkali sulfate is then separated from the electrolyte stream exiting from the electrolytic cells, reduced again by burning with fuel and recycled to the electrolytic cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.