STUDY OF ELECTROLYTIC REDUCTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE
Abstract
Electrolytic methods for regeneration of oxygen from carbon dioxide were studied to design a closed-cycle life support system. Two different electrolyte systems were studied: molten alkali carbonates and solid oxides. Mixtures of lithium and potassium carbonates were suitable and could be operated in two different fashions. If operated below the decomposition voltage of the alkali carbonates, the decomposition of the carbon dioxide was direct while operation above the decomposition potential involved the intermediate formation of alkali metals and subsequent reduction of the carbon dioxide with the alkali metal. Using solid mixed oxides of thorium with either yttrium or lanthanum as the electrolyte was feasible because of migration of oxygen ions by means of vacancies existing in the anionic lattice. Cells operate in the temperature range from 400 to 900 C and gas chromatographic analyses have demonstrated the production of oxygen from carbon dioxide.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0282938
Entities
People
- Horace W. Chandler
- Willem Oser