Electrolytic apparatus with polymeric electrode and methods of preparation and use

Abstract

The invention provides low cost methods and apparatus that utilize at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode to electrolytically generate desirable products.

1 . An electrolytic apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell having at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode. 
   
   
       2 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode comprises electrically conductive carbon disposed in a thermoplastic polymeric binder. 
   
   
       3 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the polymeric binder comprises polyethylene. 
   
   
       4 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a body encasing at least a portion of the electrolytic cell, at least a portion of the body comprising carbon disposed in a polymeric binder. 
   
   
       5 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the body serves as at least one electrode of the electrolytic cell. 
   
   
       6 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a source of an electrolyte comprising at least one of a halite and a halide. 
   
   
       7 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the electrolyte comprises a chlorite. 
   
   
       8 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the electrolyte comprises a chloride. 
   
   
       9 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the electrolyte further comprises at least one oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of chlorates, perchlorates, hypohalites, permanganates, chromates, and peroxides. 
   
   
       10 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a source of electrical potential connected to the at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode and providing less than about 3 volts to the electrolytic cell. 
   
   
       11 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a circuit constructed to regulate the electrical potential to the electrolytic cell to at least about 2 volts. 
   
   
       12 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode serves as a cathode. 
   
   
       13 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode comprises at least one metallic core. 
   
   
       14 . The electrolytic apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one carbon-filled polymeric electrode comprises an electrocatalytic coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface thereof. 
   
   
       15 . A method comprising providing an electrolytic cell having at least one carbon-loaded polymeric electrode. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising establishing an electrical current through the at least one carbon-loaded polymeric electrode. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein establishing the electrical current comprises providing current with a potential of less than about 3 volts. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein establishing the electrical current comprises providing current with a potential of at least about 2 volts. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein establishing the electrical current comprises connecting a terminal of an electrical source to a carbon-loaded polymeric cathode of the electrolytic cell. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein establishing the electrical current further comprises connecting a terminal of an electrical source to a carbon-loaded polymeric electrode having an electroactive coating disposed on at least a portion a surface thereof. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein establishing the electrical current comprises connecting an electrical source to a carbon-loaded polymeric electrode having a metallic core. 
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein establishing the electrical current comprises conducting current from an electrical source to a carbon-loaded polymeric electrode through an electrically conductive reticulated member contacting at least a portion of the carbon-loaded polymeric electrode.