Disposable Electrolytic Cell with Bi-polar Electrode, and Method of Use Thereof

Abstract

An electrolytic cell that generates metal hydroxides from metallic anode material utilizing small metal particles or fines. Metal fines are impregnated in an open cell or reticulated foam material and rolled into a cylindrical shape having a fixed electrode in the center and on the outer surface of the cylinder. Basket cells with larger metal pieces disposed therein in a packed bed configuration may alternatively be utilized.

1 . A disposable electrolytic cell comprising:
 at least one cathode; and   at least one anode, wherein said at least one anode comprises a porous material and metal particles, and wherein said metal particles are disposed within said porous material.   
     
     
         2 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said porous material comprises an open cell foam. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said metal particles decompose to metal hydroxide under application of an electrical current through said disposable electrolytic cell. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one anode is bipolar. 
     
     
         5 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one anode is pre-blended in a basket. 
     
     
         6 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one anode is pre-blended in a cartridge cell configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , further comprising a disposable housing, wherein said at least one cathode and said at least one anode are removably disposed within said housing. 
     
     
         8 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one anode is automatically electrically connected without additional wiring by insertion into said housing. 
     
     
         9 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said disposable electrolytic cell comprises a packed bed electrolytic cell. 
     
     
         10 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one anode comprises a blend of different materials in a packed bed. 
     
     
         11 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said metal particles comprise metal fines. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable electrolytic cell of  claim 1 , wherein said metal particles comprise scrap metal electrodes. 
     
     
         13 . A method of forming metal hydroxides, said method comprising the steps of:
 impregnating a porous material with small particles;   utilizing said impregnated porous material in an electrolytic cell, wherein said small particles decompose to metal hydroxides when current is passed through said electrolytic cell from said power source.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said small particles comprise metal fines, said method further comprising the step of:
 retaining said metal fines in place in an open cell foam.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said small particles comprise scrap metal electrodes, said method further comprising the step of:
 disposing said scrap metal electrodes in a packed bed electrolytic cell.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of:
 connecting said disposable electrolytic cells to a power source. 
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
 passing an electrolyte through said disposable electrolytic cell.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said electrolyte comprises wastewater. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of:
 allowing said electrolyte to flow freely through said disposable electrolytic cell.   
     
     
         20 . A high efficiency electrolytic cell comprising:
 a centrally-disposed perforated cathode;   an anode, wherein said anode comprises a porous material and metal particles, and wherein said metal particles are disposed within said porous material;   a second perforated cathode disposed outside of said anode; and   an electrolyte, wherein said electrolyte flows within said centrally-disposed perforated cathode, and wherein said electrolyte flows via perforations in said centrally-disposed perforated cathode to said anode, and wherein said electrolyte flows from said anode to said second perforated cathode, and wherein said electrolyte exits said high efficiency electrolytic cell via perforations in said second perforated cathode.