Ronald B Cook

US Patent:

49591312, Sep 25, 1990

Filed:

Oct 14, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/257727

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL
Anthony F. Sammells - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Gas Research Institute - Chicago IL

International Classification:

C25B 304

US Classification:

204 59R

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for gas phase electrochemical reduction of CO. sub. 2 and/or CO to hydrocarbons at ambient temperatures. The process is carried out by passing an electrical current between a cathode in contact with one side of a hydrogen ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte and an anode in ionic communication with the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte. In one embodiment, the anode material may be in contact with the opposite side of the hydrogen ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte, and in another embodiment, an anode may be separated from the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte by an aqueous inorganic salt solution. At least one of CO. sub. 2 and CO are passed in contact with the cathode and hydrogen ions passing through the solid polymer electrolyte reduce at least a portion of the CO. sub. 2 and CO to gaseous hydrocarbon products such as CH. sub. 4 and C. sub. 2 H. sub. 4 at the solid polymer electrolyte/cathode interface.

US Patent:

48971677, Jan 30, 1990

Filed:

Aug 19, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/234387

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL
Robert C. MacDuff - Naperville IL
Anthony F. Sammells - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Gas Research Institute - Chicago IL

International Classification:

C25C 112
C25B 304

US Classification:

204 521

Abstract:

A process for electrochemical reduction of CO. sub. 2 to CH. sub. 4 and C. sub. 2 H. sub. 4 providing both high current densities and high Faradaic efficiencies. The process is carried out in an electrochemical cell wherein copper is electrodeposited in situ on the cathode surface making freshly deposited copper available for the electrochemical reduction. Faradaic efficiencies of about 75 to about 98 percent for production of CH. sub. 4 and C. sub. 2 H. sub. 4 are obtained.

US Patent:

47056096, Nov 10, 1987

Filed:

Nov 13, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/929868

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL

International Classification:

C25C 300

US Classification:

204 59R

Abstract:

A method deriving phenyl isocyanate includes providing an electrolyte. The electrolyte is separated by an ion transferrable member so as to form a catholyte and an anolyte from the electrolyte. A cathode is placed in the catholyte and an anode is placed in the anolyte. Benzene and potassium isocyanate are provided to the anolyte. An electric voltage is applied across the cathode and the anode causing a reaction of the benzene and potassium isocyanate to yield phenyl isocyanate.

US Patent:

46197435, Oct 28, 1986

Filed:

Jul 16, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/755528

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL

Assignee:

Texaco Inc. - White Plains NY

International Classification:

C25B 304

US Classification:

204 77

Abstract:

Apparatus for reducing oxalic acid to a product includes a cell. A separator which separates the cell into two chambers; a catholyte chamber and an anolyte chamber. Each chamber has an inlet and an outlet. A porous cathode having a catalyst is arranged within the catholyte chamber so that an aqueous catholyte, having ammonium chloride, entering the inlet of the catholyte chamber will pass through the cathode. A porous anode is arranged within the anolyte section so that an aqueous electrolyte, having ammonium chloride, entering the inlet of the anolyte section will pass through the anode and exit through the outlet of anolyte section. A source provides the catholyte which is a mixture of oxalic acid and an aqueous electrolyte, having ammonium chloride, to the inlet of the catholyte chamber while another source provides the electrolyte to the inlet of the anolyte chamber. A d. c. voltage is provided between the cathode and the anode so as to cooperate in the reduction of oxalic acid within the porous cathode to a product which exits the catholyte chamber by way of its outlet.

US Patent:

46094393, Sep 2, 1986

Filed:

Oct 7, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/784296

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL

Assignee:

Texaco Inc. - White Plains NY

International Classification:

C25B 300

US Classification:

204 74

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for the electrochemical reduction of a nitroaromatic to a dye includes a housing divided into two sections by membrane. An electrolyte solution including a non-aqueous electrolyte dimethylformamide and a supporting electrolyte is provided to the two sections of the housing. A cathode is located in one section of the housing while an anode is located in the other section. A nitroaromatic is provided to the section having the cathode. A direct voltage is provided to the cathode and to the anode so that a current can pass and cooperate in a reaction between the nitroaromatic and the electrolyte solution to provide a dye.

US Patent:

50229702, Jun 11, 1991

Filed:

Sep 28, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/413639

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL
Anthony F. Sammells - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Gas Research Institute - Chicago IL

International Classification:

C25B 304

US Classification:

204 72

Abstract:

A process for photoelectrochemical reduction of CO. sub. 2 and/or CO to gaseous hydrocarbons, predominately methane, in a liquid aqueous containing electrolyte dispersion of semiconductors in the presence of copper which may be deposited on the semiconductor surface or dispersed in the electrolyte and transiently in contact with the semiconductor surface.

US Patent:

46392963, Jan 27, 1987

Filed:

Jan 31, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/824811

Inventors:

Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL

Assignee:

Texaco Inc. - White Plains NY

International Classification:

C25C 100

US Classification:

204 59R

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for forming ethylene glycol from sodium methoxide includes combining the sodium methoxide with an anhydrous methanol to provide a mixture. The mixture is then flowed past an anode and then past a cathode. A DC voltage is provided across the anode and the cathode so that the mixture forms ethylene glycol as a product.

US Patent:

49977253, Mar 5, 1991

Filed:

Sep 27, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/413526

Inventors:

Nirupama U. Pujare - Naperville IL
Ronald L. Cook - Aurora IL
Anthony F. Sammells - Naperville IL

Assignee:

Gas Research Institute - Chicago IL

International Classification:

H01M 810

US Classification:

429 17

Abstract:

A solid oxide fuel cell and process for direct conversion of natural gas into DC electricity concurrently with the electrocatalytic partial oxidation of methane to C. sub. 2 hydrocarbon species C. sub. 2 H. sub. 4, C. sub. 2 H. sub. 6, and minor amounts of C. sub. 2 H. sub. 2.