Robert H Spitzer

US Patent:

40813371, Mar 28, 1978

Filed:

Apr 22, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/789999

Inventors:

Robert Spitzer - New York NY

International Classification:

C25B 102

US Classification:

204129

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.

US Patent:

40367142, Jul 19, 1977

Filed:

Jan 24, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/543912

Inventors:

Robert Spitzer - New York NY

Assignee:

E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Inc. - Wilmington DE

International Classification:

C25B 116
C25B 126
C25B 102
C25B 122

US Classification:

204 99

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing alkali metal ions, for example, the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. In one embodiment, a composite membrane comprising at least an ion-conductive polymer and a metal permeable to alkali metal is used in an electrolytic cell. An illustration of such a polymer is a perfluorocarbon polymer containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, in intimate contact with a layer of mercury. Another aspect is the use of elevated pressures or other techniques substantially to eliminate the presence of normally gaseous products from the electrolyte. For example, high pressures may be employed to dissolve chlorine in a brine electrolyte and/or liquefy it. In another aspect, sodium sulfate is electrolyzed in a cell comprising a composite membrane, a formaminous anode, and a diaphragm between the composite membrane and anode; the oxygen produced is withdrawn through the anode.