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WO2008066541A2 - Chambre pour réaction de lithium et de deutérium - Google Patents

Chambre pour réaction de lithium et de deutérium Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008066541A2
WO2008066541A2 PCT/US2006/048796 US2006048796W WO2008066541A2 WO 2008066541 A2 WO2008066541 A2 WO 2008066541A2 US 2006048796 W US2006048796 W US 2006048796W WO 2008066541 A2 WO2008066541 A2 WO 2008066541A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lithium
hydrogen
deuterium
aqueous
electrolyte
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2006/048796
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English (en)
Other versions
WO2008066541A3 (fr
Inventor
Carl R. Schlaikjer
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2008066541A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008066541A2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2008066541A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008066541A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21B—FUSION REACTORS
    • G21B3/00—Low temperature nuclear fusion reactors, e.g. alleged cold fusion reactors
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E30/00—Energy generation of nuclear origin
    • Y02E30/10—Nuclear fusion reactors

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electrochemical devices, and particularly devices intended to separate elements from electrolytic solutions containing their compounds. Further, this invention relates to a novel method for bringing reactants together apart from the electrolyte from which they are obtained, in a way which can be controlled by regulating the current or pressure.
  • Helium 4 was thought to be one of the products, but the amounts of helium 4 actually found have been at such a low levelthat many are skeptical as to whether it actually was a product of some nuclear reaction or just part of naturally occurring helium. In fact no one has yet produced the effect at a high enough power level to dispel these doubts.
  • Reaction 1 is presumed to be responsible for "excess heat" when deuterium is confined in a palladium lattice. However, it occurs during bombardment as a very minor fraction of the other ' two, which predict the formation of neutrons, helium 3, and tritium (hydrogen 3).
  • the purpose of this invention is principally to provide a better means for facilitating interactions occurring in systems which contain the materials discussed above.
  • the objective is to bring both deuterium and lithium into a metallic matrix at the same time.
  • the stated purpose is accomplished through electrochemical means, for example by reducing hydrogen (deuterium) from an aqueous electrolyte into the metallic matrix such as palladium. Yet an aqueous electrolyte seems hardly the only appropriate one to choose to admit lithium into the metallic matrix, since as already stated, metallic lithium reacts with water.
  • This invention seeks to eliminate this problem by providing a double-chambered electrochemical cell in which each chamber contains a different liquid electrolyte, one aqueous and the other non-aqueous.
  • the chambers are separated by an electronically conductive membrane such as palladium foil, impervious to each of the liquid electrolytes but capable of absorbing both elemental lithium and elemental hydrogen (deuterium).
  • the non-aqueous electrolyte is heat resistant and one from which lithium can be plated.
  • the membrane is made cathodic with respect to a lithium anode situated in the non-aqueous electrolyte, lithium is electrochemically plated on the membrane from the non-aqueous side. The metal will begin to diffuse into the membrane.
  • lithium and deuterium can be brought together within a metallic matrix by selecting a solid solution or compound of lithium with metals which are also capable of absorbing hydrogen (deuterium), for example, magnesium to which nickel has been added.
  • the alloy can be placed within a container from which ambient atmosphere is withdrawn, said container then being charged with hydrogen (deuterium) at a measured rate.
  • Fig. 1 is a representation of an electrochemical cell constructed according to this invention. Shown in this cross section are the two cylindrical electrolyte chambers, the membrane, for example palladium foil, the VitonTM O ring seals as a means for containing the electrolytes within the cell, the lithium anode on the non-aqueous electrolyte side, the inert anode on the aqueous side, the thermocouple for measuring io temperature, and the exhaust ports as a means to allow the hydrogen (deuterium) and oxygen generated during electrolysis to escape from the system without mixing with each other, and to allow the equalization of pressure on the non-aqueous side. Not shown are the clamp needed to hold the two chambers against the O ring seals and the palladium foil, and the two constant current DC power supplies needed to run i s current through each of the electrolyte chambers.
  • Fig. 2 shows a hollow tube of resilient metal or alloy such as stainless steel, in which is placed an alloy, as a powder or a sintered powder, capable of absorbing both lithium and hydrogen (deuterium).
  • an alloy as a powder or a sintered powder, capable of absorbing both lithium and hydrogen (deuterium).
  • One example is an alloy consisting of magnesium, lithium (preferably lithium 6) and nickel.
  • the tube includes an opening 0 to permit charging the tube with the alloy, and a valve through which air may be evacuated and hydrogen (deuterium) may be admitted.
  • Fig. 1 is a cross section of an electrochemical cell according to one embodiment of this invention.
  • the body is constructed from cylindrical borosilicate glass tubes, such as PyrexTM.
  • Element number 1 is a flat membrane, for example palladium foil, in which the hydrogen (deuterium) and the lithium are to be brought together. It is the common cathode, or the negative electrode where electrochemical reduction occurs. This electrode is connected to the negative terminal of each of the two direct current power supplies. The power supplies regulate the current through each half of the cell.
  • Element number 2 shows the position of the O ring seals which fit within flanges, 3, on each half of the cell. Not shown is the clamp needed to compress the flanges against the O rings and the common cathode, 1.
  • thermocouple During electrolysis in the aqueous (left) side, some, but not all of the hydrogen (deuterium) will be absorbed by the palladium, 1. That which is released will find its way to the vertical tube (arm) in which the thermocouple, 4, is positioned to measure temperature.
  • the thermocouple is situated in a glass sleeve (not shown) to protect it from the aqueous electrolyte, 7.
  • the thermocouple housing includes means such as matching ground glass joints to protect the electrolyte from the environment, and a port to which is attached a sealed flexible tube which leads the hydrogen (deuterium) released by electrolysis safely away from the cell.
  • the escaping hydrogen (deuterium) keeps the aqueous electrolyte stirred.
  • the sleeve, housing, and flexible tube are not shown.
  • Number 5 represents the electrolyte levels in each of the four arms in the cell. Since the common cathode, 1, is impervious to both electrolytes, the level in each half of the cell will not necessarily be the same. The level will be the same in each of the two arms on either side. It is only important that the two anodes, 6 and 9, be immersed in their respective electrolytes. For this reason, water (heavy water) has to be added to the aqueous side from time to time.
  • Number 6 represents the anode on the aqueous side, preferably a piece of metal foil.
  • the anode may be nickel if the electrolyte is caustic, or a noble metal such as platinum if the electrolyte is not caustic. It is placed high enough in its arm such that the oxygen released by electrolysis cannot escape back into the cell. It is attached to an electrical feedthrough such as a platinum wire which is hermetically sealed in a Pyrex ground glass joint. The joint fits into a corresponding joint on the cell. The electrical feedthough leads to the positive terminal of one of the direct cu ⁇ ent power supplies.
  • the joint containing the platinum wire also has a port for a sealed flexible tube similar to the one in the arm with the thermocouple, 4. This flexible tube prevents the atmosphere from entering the cell and leads the oxygen released by electrolysis safely away from the apparatus. For clarity, the seals and the tube are not shown.
  • Number 7 represents the aqueous electrolyte containing of course either water or heavy water.
  • the electrolyte should be as conductive as possible to minimize the energy needed to carry out electrolysis.
  • the most preferred electrolyte solutes are strong acids or bases, such as sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, toluenesulfonic acid or mixtures thereof, and lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, or cesium hydroxide (deuteroxide) or mixtures thereof.
  • alkali or alkaline earth sulfates or carbonates such as lithium, sodium, potassium, or magnesium sulfate, or sodium or potassium carbonate.
  • hyrdohalic acids such as hydrochloric acid, halide salts such as alkali chlorides, bromides, or iodides, or acids or salts of toxic or reactive species such as nitrates, chlorates, perchlorates, iodates, periodates, bromates, or oxalates.
  • Number 8 represents the nonaqueous electrolyte.
  • Many nonaqueous electrolytes have been identified which are stable at ambient temperature in the presence lithium and are, for example, useful in lithium batteries. Electrolytes for the purpose of this invention must be thermally stable at temperatures from ambient up to at least 100 degrees centigrade (the boiling point of water), preferably have relatively low vapor pressure over this range, and most important, not react with lithium at an appreciable rate at least up to and preferably beyond this temperature.
  • the most preferred electrolyte solvents are glycol ethers such as diethylene glycol dimethyl or diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl or diethyl ether, or tetraethylene glycol dimethyl or diethyl ether, the methyl and ethyl ethers of 1,3-propane diol and propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof.
  • glycol ethers such as diethylene glycol dimethyl or diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl or diethyl ether, or tetraethylene glycol dimethyl or diethyl ether, the methyl and ethyl ethers of 1,3-propane diol and propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof.
  • cyclic carbonate esters such as ethylene or propylene carbonate, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene and propylene sulfite, sulfolane, succinic anhydride, or mixtures thereof.
  • lithium salts include tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, trifluoroacetate, &/s-(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and 6w-(perfluoroethanesulfonyl) imide.
  • Number 9 represents the anode for the nonaqueous electrolyte, which contains metallic lithium, preferably lithium 6. It may for example consist of metallic lithium s pressed on a nickel screen, which is in turn connected to a platinum wire which is hermetically sealed within a borosilicate ground glass joint. Said platinum wire leads to the positive terminal of the second direct current power supply. Said joint in turn fits on a mating joint which seals the compartment and protects it from the environment. No gas is expected to form in the arm containing the lithium anode, 9, )0 but as the temperature rises, the vapor pressure of the solvent may lower the electrolyte level. In addition, hydrogen may diffuse through the palladium cathode, 1, and have to be expelled through the port at 10. Therefore, each arm on the nonaqueous side will have a port and sealed flexible tubing similar to the ones on the aqueous side. The cell is submerged in a circulated heat transfer fluid.
  • the cell could include means such as a catalyst to recombine the hydrogen (deuterium) and oxygen released by electrolysis, so that the addition of water (heavy 20 water) would not be necessary during operation.
  • the cell would be expected to accumulate oxygen, particularly shortly after startup, which might have to be vented, or the vapor volume preloaded with hydrogen (deuterium).
  • the cell could be sealed so that it could operate under pressure at higher temperature.
  • the nickel screen in the anode, 9, may consist instead of sponge metal of a 1 to 1 alloy of nickel and aluminum. Lithium does not alloy with nickel, but it will alloy with aluminum and will therefore wet and be absorbed within the metal sponge.
  • the cathode could be a long hollow cylindrical container filled with non-aqueous electrolyte and concentric with an inner lithium anode and an outer container filled with aqueous electrolyte. The whole assembly could be placed with similar cells in a heat transfer fluid.
  • Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment for carrying out the purpose of this invention by other than electrochemical means.
  • Object " 1 " represents a hollow cylindrical tube or container made of a metal or alloy such as stainless steel, capable of withstanding heat and corrosion.
  • a top or cover 2 made of the same material as container 1 , fits the open end of the container 1 , and can be tightly sealed to the tube, either by a tapered thread, an O ring seal, or both (3).
  • a reaction medium 4 is preferably a sintered powder prepared from an alloy capable of absorbing both hydrogen (deuterium) and lithium. Lithium and magnesium form solid solutions over the entire range of composition. Alloys of magnesium and nickel, (1 to 55% nickel) are capable of absorbing up to 7% hydrogen (deuterium) by weight (See R.L.
  • the alloy in a form such as nanoparticles, or ball- milled according to the cited references, to maximize the amount of hydrogen (deuterium) which can be absorbed.
  • the alloy is preferably placed within the tube under inert atmosphere, such as argon in a glove box, since these alloys are air sensitive.
  • a valve 5, such as a needle valve, and connecting tube 6, provide passages through which the ambient atmosphere is exhausted, and through which the hydrogen (deuterium) may be admitted at a measured rate.
  • the entire apparatus of Figure 2 (except for the valve 5) may be positioned in a heat transfer fluid such as water.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)
  • Battery Electrode And Active Subsutance (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif électrochimique constitué de deux chambres électrolytiques séparées par une cathode électroniquement conductrice commune, comme une feuille métallique. Sur un premier côté de la cathode commune se trouve un électrolyte non aqueux qui ne réagit pas au lithium et à partir duquel du lithium peut être plaqué. Sur l'autre côté de la cathode commune se trouve un électrolyte aqueux à partir duquel des isotopes d'hydrogène peuvent être réduits électrochimiquement sur la cathode commune. La cathode est imperméable à un quelconque électrolyte. L'anode placée sur le côté non aqueux contient du lithium ; sur le côté aqueux, l'anode est faite d'un matériau électriquement conducteur qui ne réagit pas avec l'électrolyte pendant la libération d'oxygène électrochimique. Le but de la cathode commune est d'amener le lithium élémentaire et l'hydrogène élémentaire ensemble par diffusion dans une matrice métallique, sans un quelconque électrolyte. De plus, un dispositif non électrochimique est décrit, qui permet à des isotopes de lithium et d'hydrogène d'interagir dans un alliage capable d'absorber les deux éléments dans une phase condensée.
PCT/US2006/048796 2005-12-27 2006-12-22 Chambre pour réaction de lithium et de deutérium Ceased WO2008066541A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US75457605P 2005-12-27 2005-12-27
US60/754,576 2005-12-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008066541A2 true WO2008066541A2 (fr) 2008-06-05
WO2008066541A3 WO2008066541A3 (fr) 2008-09-18

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PCT/US2006/048796 Ceased WO2008066541A2 (fr) 2005-12-27 2006-12-22 Chambre pour réaction de lithium et de deutérium

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US (1) US20070170051A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2008066541A2 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SMT201700242T1 (it) * 2009-11-04 2017-07-18 Ffgf Ltd Produzione di idrocarburi
TWI563716B (en) * 2014-07-16 2016-12-21 Prologium Technology Co Ltd Anode electrode
US10465302B2 (en) 2014-08-07 2019-11-05 Marathon Systems, Inc. Modular gaseous electrolysis apparatus with actively-cooled header module, co-disposed heat exchanger module and gas manifold modules therefor

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4490348A (en) * 1982-02-12 1984-12-25 Iwatani Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method for effecting hydrogen sorption and dissociation on an adsorbent metal
US5962165A (en) * 1994-07-22 1999-10-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Hydrogen-absorbing alloy, method of surface modification of the alloy, negative electrode for battery and alkaline secondary battery
JPH08176874A (ja) * 1994-12-27 1996-07-09 Yoshiaki Arata 超高圧ガス造出法
JP2000128502A (ja) * 1998-10-22 2000-05-09 Honda Motor Co Ltd 自動車の水素貯蔵タンクへの水素充填方法

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WO2008066541A3 (fr) 2008-09-18
US20070170051A1 (en) 2007-07-26

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