초록 ▼

Gas diffusion electrodes, gas generating or consuming electrochemical cells utilizing such electrodes, and a method of preparing such electrodes are disclosed. The electrode comprises an electronically conductive porous body defining respective gas and electrolyte contacting surfaces. The electrode

Gas diffusion electrodes, gas generating or consuming electrochemical cells utilizing such electrodes, and a method of preparing such electrodes are disclosed. The electrode comprises an electronically conductive porous body defining respective gas and electrolyte contacting surfaces. The electrode is prepared by forming the porous body, disposing the electrolyte contacting surface in contact with an electrolyte, and contacting the gas contacting surface with a gaseous atmosphere. Current is passed through the porous body at a degree of electrode polarization much higher than normal whereby modification of the electrode material is effected. If desired, a catalyst may be incorporated in the electrode and is subjected to pretreatment as well. The inventive electrodes exhibit superior voltage performance under oxygen polarization conditions.

대표청구항 ▼

A gas diffusion cathode adapted for use in an oxygen consuming electrochemical cell, said cathode being prepared by the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a porous body defining a gas contacting surface and an opposed liquid contacting surface of electronically conductive active carbon havi

A gas diffusion cathode adapted for use in an oxygen consuming electrochemical cell, said cathode being prepared by the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a porous body defining a gas contacting surface and an opposed liquid contacting surface of electronically conductive active carbon having a transition metal macrocycle catalyst adsorbed thereon; (b) disposing said porous body in contact with an aqueous alkaline electrolyte at said liquid contacting surface and in contact with a hydrogen or an inert gaseous atmosphere at said gas contacting surface; and, (c) passing current through said porous body while in contact with said electrolyte and said gaseous atmosphere at an intensity and for a duration sufficient to effect a desired predetermined degree of improvement in the oxygen reduction polarization behavior of said cathode.