Patent ID: 6241871
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: C25B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A process for gas phase electrochemical oxidation of H.sub.2 S to sulfur and water or hydrogen using an electrolysis cell having an anode chamber on one side of a solid proton conducting membrane and a cathode chamber on the other side of said membrane, said process comprising:passing H.sub.2 S-containing gas through said anode chamber to contact a catalytic anode, where it reacts to produce elemental sulfur, protons and electrons;passing protons through said membrane from the anode chamber to the cathode chamber;and either passing an oxygen-containing gas through the cathode chamber to contact a catalytic cathode, where it reacts with protons and electrons producing water or forming hydrogen in the cathode chamber;characterized in that both the anode chamber and the cathode chamber are maintained at a temperature of at least 120.degree. C. and an elevated pressure sufficient to keep the membrane moist and liquid sulfur is removed from the anode chamber and water or hydrogen is removed from the cathode chamber.