Reactor process using metal oxide ceramic membranes
A reaction vessel for use in photoelectrochemical reactions includes as its reactive surface a metal oxide porous ceramic membrane of a catalytic metal such as titanium. The reaction vessel includes a light source and a counter electrode. A provision for applying an electrical bias between the membrane and the counter electrode permits the Fermi levels of potential reaction to be favored so that certain reactions may be favored in the vessel. The electrical biasing is also useful for the cleaning of the catalytic membrane. Also disclosed is a method regenerating a porous metal oxide ceramic membrane used in a photoelectrochemical catalytic process by periodically removing the reactants and regenerating the membrane using a variety of chemical, thermal, and electrical techniques. 2 figures.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- Assignee:
- Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Madison, WI (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5308454; A
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-925443
- OSTI ID:
- 7202639
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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