Patent ID: 8177946
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: B01D,C25B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for forming metal hydroxide, comprising: a hydroxyl-producing cathode; an acid-producing anode; a DC electricity source connected to said hydroxyl-producing cathode and said acid-producing anode, said power source capable of producing a DC electric current path between said hydroxyl-producing cathode and said acid-producing anode; a metal carbonate mass positioned near or around said acid-producing anode; a water solution into which the said acid-producing anode and said hydroxyl-producing cathode are at least partially submerged, said water solution having a sufficient ion concentration to allow said DC electric current to pass in said electric current path between said acid-producing anode and said hydroxyl-producing cathode; and wherein said DC electric current is of sufficient voltage to electrochemically split water, generating hydroxyl ions at said hydroxyl-producing cathode and generating acid at said acid-producing anode, said acid being of sufficient concentration to dissolve at least some of said metal carbonate mass into metal ions and carbonate ions, and wherein said metal ions travel toward said hydroxyl-producing cathode and form metal hydroxide, and wherein said carbonate ions travel toward said acid-producing anode and form carbonic acid or carbon dioxide and water or carbonic acid and carbon dioxide and water.