| 摘要 |
An electrode apparatus for use in an electrochemical cell, which permits hydrogen gas generated at the cathode to be recirculated directly to the anode. The electrode apparatus comprises: a. an ion-permeable membrane (10) separating the anode compartment (12) and cathode compartment (14) and liquids contained therein; b. hydrogen electrodes, cathode (16) and anode (18), in their respective compartments (12 and 14) and in contact with the membrane (10), each comprising a porous hydrophobic catalytic structure which permits the passage of hydrogen gas both along and perpendicular to the longitudinal surface (20 and 26) of the electrode (12 and 14) and having an external portion (24 and 30) extending outside of the electrode compartment (12 and 14) and exposing the edge surface (22 and 28) of the electrode; and c. a gas chamber (32) connected to the external portions (24 and 30) of the electrodes and providing for transfer of gas from the cathode (18) directly to the anode (16). Hydrogen gas generated at the cathode (18) passes through the cathode and along the length (26) thereof to the edge surface (28) thereof, into the gas chamber (32), and then to the edge surface (22) of the anode and along and through the length (20) of the anode (16). Thus, hydrogen gas from the cathode (18) is recirculated to replenish hydrogen consumed at the anode (16) during operation of the electrochemical cell. <IMAGE> |
