SPONTANEOUS DEPOSITION OF METALS USING FUEL FED CATALYTIC ELECTRODE

摘要

The present invention encompasses the use of a specific fuel fed electrode in depositing metals from solutions thereof and in the absence of an external applied potential. The electrode comprises an electrically conductive porous substrate wearing on one surface thereof a fuel activating catalyst. The porosity of the substrate is sufficient that the current density at the surface of the substrate opposite the catalyst will assure substantially complete depletion of metal ions very near the surface of the porous substrate, whereby the catalyst surface and the pores remain substantially free of deposited metal.