Bio-electrochemically assisted microbial reactor that generates hydrogen gas and methods of generating hydrogen gas
US7491453B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 17, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 19, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/37
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. One system for producing hydrogen includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber. An anode is provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber and a cathode is also provided which is at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber. The cathode is spaced apart at a distance in the range between 0.1-100 centimeters, inclusive, from the anode. A conductive conduit for electrons is provided which is in electrical com…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.