METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPROVED CATALYTIC ACTIVITY IN THE PURIFICATION OF FLUIDS

摘要

The activity of catalysts used in promoting the oxidation of certain oxidizable species in fluids can be enhanced via electrochemical methods, e.g., NEMCA. In particular, the activity of catalysts used in the selective oxidation of carbon monoxide can be enhanced. A purification system that exploits this effect is useful in purifying reformate supplied as fuel to a solid polymer electrolyt e fuel cell stack. The purification system comprises an electrolytic cell with fluid diffusion electrodes. The activity of catalyst incorporated in the cell anode is enhanced.