High rate electrochemical devices

Abstract

A device and system useful for highly efficient chemical and electrochemical reactions is described. The device comprises a preferably porous electrode and a plurality of suspended nanoparticles diffused within the void volume of the electrode when used within an electrolyte. The device is suitable within a system having a first and second chamber preferably positioned vertically or in other special arrangements with respect to each other, and each chamber containing an electrode and electrolyte with suspended nanoparticles therein. When reactive metal particles are diffused into the electrode structure and suspended in electrolyte by gasses, a fluidized bed is established. The reaction efficiency is increased and products can be produced at a higher rate. When an electrolysis device can be operated such that incoming reactants and outgoing products enter and exit from opposite faces of an electrode, reaction rate and efficiency are improved. Ideally, this device and system can be used to rapidly produce significant quantities of high purity hydrogen gas with minimal electricity cost.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 716,375, filed on Mar. 9, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The inventions disclosed herein generally relate to improved electrochemical systems and their use and, in particular, to water electrolysis devices for the production of high purity hydrogen and oxygen, and catalysts for these devices which promote increased electrical and cost efficiency, and methods of using such devices and for the production of hydrogen and oxygen.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Hydrogen is a renewable fuel that produces zero emissions when used in a fuel cell. In 2005, the Department of Energy (DoE) developed a new hydrogen cost goal and methodology, namely to achieve $2.00-3.00 / gasoline U.S. gallon equivalent (gge, delivered, untaxed, by 2015), independent of the pathway used to produce and deliver hydrogen. The principal method to produce hydrogen is by stream refo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]When immersed within an electrolyte, the metal particles can float freely and can substantially infuse into the porous/reticulate metal plate to create an electrode with extremely high surface area.

[0012]The electrodes in this invention can be applied to a variety of devices, including a hydrogen generation electrode in a water electrolyzer system. In such an embodiment, the electrode can function as a fluidized bed. At least one advantage is that the electrode can be operated at currents (rates) exceeding 1 A/cm2 and efficiencies in excess of 65% (measured by voltammetric or galvanometric electrochemical testing.), which in turn means that large amou

Problems solved by technology

Typical electrodes have a far lower surface area and thus cannot opera

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