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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of generating hydrogen and oxygen from water

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5697074
A method is claimed of generating oxygen and hydrogen from water in which an acidic electrolyte containing formaldehyde is electrolyzed and produces oxygen and a gas which contains a low molecular-weight hydrocarbon. The low molecular-weight hydrocarbon is subjected to a catalytic conversion with water to produce synthesis gas consisting predominantly of hydrogen and carbon monoxide which are reacted to yield methanol. The methanol, in turn, is reacted to produce formaldehyde which is introduced into the electrolysis itself and hydrogen which is recovered. 9 claims.
Assignee:
Kernforschungsanlage Juelich Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
Patent Number(s):
US 4175013
OSTI ID:
5697074
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English