Inert gas purifying system

摘要

A process and system for removing trace amounts of oxygen as an impurity in inert gases is disclosed. The process and system involve an electrochemical cell containing an oxygen ion transporting, solid state metal oxide electrolyte having a high thermodynamic potential and having only one thermodynamically stable valence state for the metal ion component of the electrolyte. The electrolyte is coated with a perovskite anode and a metallic cathode. Operation is conducted at high voltages, e.g., 1.5 volts and above, at elevated temperatures. Purification of inert gases to an oxygen content of about 1 ppm is readily achievable.