Cell and method for electrolysis of water and anode therefor

Aylward

[45] Apr. 21, 1981

[54] CELL AND METHOD FOR ELECTROLYSIS OF WATER AND ANODE THEREFOR

[76] Inventors: Robert A. Frosch, Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, with respect to an invention of John R. Aylward, Vernon, Conn.

[21] Appl. No.: 161,255

[22] Filed: Jun. 20, 1980

[51] Int. a.3 C25B 1/08; C25B 1/10;

C25B 9/00; C25B 11/08

[52] U.S. a 204/129; 204/290 R;

204/290 F; 204/291; 204/252; 204/266

[58] Field of Search 204/129, 290 R, 290 F,

204/291, 252, 258, 266

[56] References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

3,853,739 12/1974 Kolb et al 204/290 F

3,878,083 4/1975 De Nora et al 204/290 F

3,922,226 11/1975 Entwisle 204/290 F

3,926,751 12/1975 De Nora et al 204/290 F

3,993,653 11/1976 Blum et al 204/290 F

Primary Examiner—R. L. Andrews

Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Carl O. McClenny; John R. Manning; Marvin F. Matthews

[57] ABSTRACT

An electrolytic cell for the conversion of water vapor to oxygen and hydrogen included an anode comprising a foraminous conductive metal base member having a coating thereon of 65-85 weight percent iridium oxide and 15-35 weight percent of a high temperature resin binder. Also included are a matrix member and a cathode, with the matrix member containing an electrolyte and the cathode being substantially inert to the electrolyte. The foraminous metal member is most desirably expanded tantalum mesh, and the cell desirably includes reservoir elements of porous sintered metal in contact with the anode to receive and discharge electrolyte to the matrix member as required. Upon entry of a water vapor-containing airstream into contact with the outer surface of the anode and thence into contact with iridium oxide coating, the water vapor is electrolytically converted to hydrogen ions and oxygen with the hydrogen ions migrating through the matrix to the cathode and the oxygen gas produced at the anode to enrich the air stream passing by the anode.

20 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures