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Process for recovering alkali metals and sulfur from alkali metal sulfides and polysulfides

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1330350
Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from alkali monosulfide and polysulfides in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide in the anolyte compartment, causes alkali metal ions to pass through the alkali ion conductive membrane to the catholyte compartment, and reduces the alkali metal ions in the catholyte compartment. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution and may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten.
Research Organization:
Ceramatec, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
FE0000408
Assignee:
CERAMATEC, INC. (Salt Lake City, UT)
Patent Number(s):
9,475,998
Application Number:
14/210,891
OSTI ID:
1330350
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (4)

High temperature naphthenic acid corrosion of steel in high TAN refining media journal September 2008
Desulphurization of gasoline by metallic sodium journal July 1976
Hydrodesulfurization and Hydrodenitrogenation book January 2002
Carboxylic Acids in Petroleum and Sediments book January 1975

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