Cheap Efficient Energy from the Electrolysis of Carbon and Water

Abstract

The effects of loading six to eight weight per cent carbon black in 4.15 N H₂SO₄ electrolyte on the cell performance and reaction products from water electrolysis were studied. When only the anodic reaction is depolarized with carbon, a reduction in the open circuit potential by a factor of six is predicted theoretically, indicating that carbon slurry electrolysis consumes only 17% of the electrical energy that water electrolysis does. Experimental results confirm these thermodynamic predictions. If carbon is also present at the cathode, it is also possible theoretically to produce various organic compounds. Experimental evidence was obtained for the production of methane under this condition. All products can be produced at high current efficiencies but, only at high carbon reactivity. The feasibility of any such cell will be dependent upon significant additional research.