US4409301A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Bifunctional gas diffusion electrode
Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Co
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Filing: 1981-12-21
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Granted: 1983-10-11
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Expires: 2001-12-21
Abstract
Abstract A bifunctional gas-diffusion electrode operative alternately for gas consumption and gas evolution comprises a gas-side layer in which gas consumption takes place, an electrolyte-side layer where gas evolution takes place and an intermediate rectifying layer of semi-conducting material arranged between the gas-side layer and the electrolyte-side layer so as to prevent unwanted gas evolution in the gas-side layer. The rectifying layer may be a p-n junction or may form part of a Schottky barrier junction.
Inventors
- 👤 Herman F. Angerer
- 👤 Nenad R. Tomov
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:28
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M4/00; H01M4/86; H01M4/8605; H01M4/8615; H01M10/00; H01M10/34; H01M10/345; H01M12/00; H01M12/08; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A composite bifunctional porous gas-diffusion electrode operative alternately for gas consumption and gas evolution, comprising a gas-side layer operative for gas consumption, an electrolyte-side layer operative for gas evolution and current-collection means associated with the electrolyte-side layer, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate rectifying layer of semi-conducting material between the gas-side layer and the electrolyte-side layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A composite bifunctional porous gas-diffusion electrode operative alternately for gas consumption and gas evolution, comprising a gas-side layer operative for gas consumption, an electrolyte-side layer operative for gas evolution and current-collection means associated with the electrolyte-side layer, characterized in that it comprises an intermediate rectifying layer of semi-conducting material between the gas-side layer and the electrolyte-side layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 1, wherein the rectifying layer of semi-conducting material is a p-n junction diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 2, wherein the gas-side layer is operative for gas reduction, and the layer of semi-conducting material has a p-type conduction zone facing the gas-side layer and an n-type conduction zone facing the electrolyte-side layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 2, wherein the gas-side layer is operative for gas oxidation, and the layer of semi-conducting material has an n-type conduction zone facing the gas-side layer and a p-type conduction zone facing the electrolyte-side layer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 1, wherein the layer of semi-conducting material contacts a layer of metal to form a Schottky barrier junction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 1, wherein the layer of semi-conducting material is porous and electrolyte-permeable.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 1, wherein the current-collection means is a foraminate metal current collector of sandwich construction in which the layer of semi-conducting material is encapsulated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 7, wherein the layer of semi-conducting material is sandwiched between two foraminate sheets of nickel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 1, wherein the gas-side layer comprises a hydrophobic body having a hydrophilic part in contact with the layer of semi-conducting material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The bifunctional electrode of claim 9, wherein the gas-side layer comprises carbon, hydrophobic material and a catalyst.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
87 words
A secondary metal-gas battery comprising a metal electrode, a porous gas-diffusion bifunctional electrode having a gas-side layer operative during discharge for gas consumption, an electrolyte-side layer operative during charging for gas evolution and current-collection means associated with the electrolyte-side layer, electrolyte between the metal electrode and the electrolyte-side of the bifunctional electrode, and means for supplying gas to the gas-side layer of the bifunctional electrode, characterized in that the bifunctional electrode comprises an intermediate rectifying layer of semiconducting material between the gas-side layer and the electrolyte-side layer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
87 words
A secondary metal-gas battery comprising a metal electrode, a porous gas-diffusion bifunctional electrode having a gas-side layer operative during discharge for gas consumption, an electrolyte-side layer operative during charging for gas evolution and current-collection means associated with the electrolyte-side layer, electrolyte between the metal electrode and the electrolyte-side of the bifunctional electrode, and means for supplying gas to the gas-side layer of the bifunctional electrode, characterized in that the bifunctional electrode comprises an intermediate rectifying layer of semiconducting material between the gas-side layer and the electrolyte-side layer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4333993A
Cited
US4341848A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-10-10 | 1987-04-11 | 1987-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-10-10 | 1991-04-11 | 1991-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-10-10 | 1995-04-11 | 1995-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |