Reactor process using metal oxide ceramic membranes

Patent · Fri Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:869271

Anderson, Marc A ^[1]

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1. Madison, WI

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.

• Research Organization: LOCKHEED MARTIN ENRGY SYST INC
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (Madison, WI)
• Patent Number(s): US 5308454
• OSTI ID: 869271
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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