Abstract:
A catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H 2 ) and deuterium (D 2 ) from the gaseous to the solid ionic form. The cell includes a non-conductive sealed housing and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the housing which absorbs H 2  and/or D 2  gas and stores it in a solid ionic form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr). Each end of the electrode is plated with a layer of gold and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H± and/or D± storage. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H 2  and/or D 2  gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H 2  and/or D 2  in the electrode to each encapsulated confinement to effect long-term storage of the ion form H± and D± in a solid form for later use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to catalytic systems and fuel cells, and more particularly to a hydrogen/palladium-type catalytic electrode cell system and process for the storing of hydrogen and deuterium in the solid form. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Catalytic devices and systems for storing hydrogen and deuterium from a gaseous state into a solid form appear to be well known. In my prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,943,355 and 5,036,031 I disclose catalytic particles and methods of manufacture for absorbing and storing high amounts of hydrogen for later use as a catalyst. 
     Basic Chemistry 
     The basic chemistry of the formulation of one form of a hydrogen/palladium fuel cell is as follows:
 
H 2 (gas)Pd→2 Pd H(solid)PdH + +Pd H − (an ionic conversion)  1.
 
D 2 (gas)2Pd→2 PdD(solid)PdD + +Pd D − (an ionic conversion)  2.
 
where Pd H +  and Pd H −  (likewise for Pd D +  and Pd D − )
     3. The hydrogen ions are internally bound as a cation (Pd H + ) and anion (Pd H − ) where the palladium base is a Zwitter ion.
       The solid metal matrix palladium (Pd) is similar in ion exchange characteristics to an ion exchange resin from polymeric spherical mobile sulfonated styrene-divinyl benzene where the hydrogen ion (H + ) is exchanged in the resin as:
 
RSO 3   − H + →RSO 3   − +H +   4.
 
The cross linking of the polystyrene by the divinyl benzene controls the swelling of the ionic bound species. The movement of the H +  ion internal to the resin matrix (hydrated) is similar to that of a row of balls in linear contact with one another. If one of the terminal balls imparts a force to the balls, the other end will move
   
       

                                
This is one of the possible mechanisms for ionic motion in the solid resin matrix. One of the other effects of ion loading of the resin matrix is a tendency to swell due to the hydration (water molecules) associated with the ion i.e. the cross-linking of the divinyl benzene restrains this hydration expansion.
 
     The higher the cross-linking, the less the hydrational expansion. The resin matrix can support an anion (H + ) and a cation (CSO 3   − ). This dual characteristic is a Zwitter ion. 
     Now the ion exchange resin has been briefly described, the Pd material will be shown to be like in its reaction to a hydride (or Deuteride). 
     Pd, in the equations (1) (2) &amp; (3) with hydrogen (H 2 ) and deuterium (D 2 ) gas in equations (1) and (2) has an internal movement toward the positive and negative electrodes. Incorporating the H +−  or D +−  into the Pd matrix will cause the Pd matrix to expand. When there are zones in the Pd metal matrix that can absorb more H +−  or D +−  they will expand to the point of rupture or cracking. 
     These loci of matrix (Pd) expansion are where the highest concentration of Pd H +−  and/or Pd D +−  occur and, in all probability, the location of nuclear fusion if the Pd matrix can withstand the hydride or deuteride expansion. If the matrix does not remain intact, a rupture or crack will form and
 
2H +−  or 2D +− →H 2  or D 2 
 
i.e., leak off the power source due to these ruptures or cracks
 
     Plasma 
     A solid plasma-like product is produced from palladium (Pd) solid and hydrogen (H 2 ) or deuterium (d) gas. This product is referred to herein as a solid plasma and may be expressed as follows:
 
Pd D 1.0 →Pd D +   0.5  . . . Pd D −   0.5   6.
 
Solid Plasma=H + −H −  or D + −D −  or T− + T −   7.
 
     The well-known thermonuclear fusion is created by the creation of the ions. 
                                
These ions may be held in a magnetic vessel by confinement, referred to as Magnetic Confinement Fusion (MCF) as an example of Internal Confinement Fusion ICF.
 
                               TABLE I               Summary of Constants                                    1.0 g atom of D 2  gas = 22.5 1 mole           1.0 g atom = 2 × 2 = 4.0 g D 2  (1.0 mole)           1.0 g atom = 4 × 10 23  atoms/mole           1.0 g onto of Pd = 106 g (1.0 mole)           density of Pd = 12.02 g/cc           1.0 mole of Pd = 106/12/cc = 8.82 cc = 1.0 mole Pd           1.0 mole of Pd           Pd D 1.0  = 0.5 Mole of D 2             or gas equivalent of 11.25 L = 11,250 cc           and 9.9 cc as a solid in Pd, or           1278 to 1 gas to solid ratio, or           1278 cc of D 2  gas will condense to 1.0 cc of Pd D 1.0                          
Solid plasma (1.0) cc is the condensed plasma form of 1278 cc plasma in the gaseous form. MCF thermo-nuclear macro explosions by hot plasma are called Inertial Confinement Fusion or ICF. The Takemak reaction is the most well known ICF in an attempt to produce controlled nuclear fusion power. After about $30 billion dollars in R/D, the Takemak project has not been successful. Other gas or plasma programs are using magnetic field configurations of plasma confinement fusion or a magnetic mirror system (Takemak c) linear pinch.  Fundamentals of Plasma Physics,  J. A. Bittencourt-Springer, 3rd edition.
 
8. Low Temperature Nuclear Reactions
 
     In the monthly journal, NATURE, a reactor for a neutron supply operates in the following equation:
 
+ 1 D 2 + 1 D 2 →He 3 +N
 
     See NATURE, 28 Apr. 2005, Seth Putterman et al. pp. 1057 1077 &amp; 1115. 
     Physics Dept. Chem. Dept CNSL 4 of California. 
     Using a plasma induced from a pyroelectric crystal through a D 2  gas striking a Er D 3  Erbium deutride target emitting neutrons at a temperature of 12.4° C. provides a low temperature nuclear D-D reaction as shown in  FIG. 7 . (See Supra at pg. 1079). Referring to  FIG. 7 . Naranjo and colleagues&#39; prior art apparatus for neutron generation is there shown at A. The chamber A is filled with deuterium gas at low pressure (0.7 pascals). As the crystal B is heated, the potential builds across the crystal. Deuterium ions (deuterons) are generated at the tungsten tip, and accelerated towards the target C. The electrons fall back to the crystal electrode. The ions strike the deuterium target (ErD 3 ), and some generate 2.5 MeV neutrons. Electrons knocked from the target surface are repelled by the suppression grid and fall back on to the target rather than being accelerated back to the crystal. This D-D nuclear reactor is also magnetically confined. 
     The present invention provides an improved catalytic electrode cell system and process for the uptake or absorption of hydrogen and/or deuterium gas after which a plasma reaction within the cell forces the H 2 -D 2  to the encapsulated ends of the electrode where stored in solid form for later use as a catalytic component such as in a fuel cell environment. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H 2 ) and deuterium (D 2 ) from the gaseous to the solid form. The cell includes a non-conductive housing defining a sealable interior volume and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the interior volume which absorbs H 2  and/or D 2  gas and stores it in a solid form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr) and may be formed as a solid strip, a perforated strip, or preferably, a screen mesh. The screen mesh is preferably nickel/palladium plated. Each end of the electrode is preferably plated with a layer of gold which forms a barrier to hydride or deuteride ions and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H +−  and/or D +−  storage. First and second gas chambers cooperatively act to introduce H 2  and/or D 2  gas into said interior volume for absorption by the electrode. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H 2  and/or D 2  gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H +−  and/or D +−  in and on the electrode to each encapsulated confinement zone to effect long-term storage of the H +−  and/or D +−  as a solid for later use. 
     It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved catalytic electrode for the absorption or uptake of deuterium and/or hydrogen gas and the processing of it through plasma reaction into a solid form stored at the ends of the electrode. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide a catalytic electrode which will store greater amounts of the fuel cell components of hydrogen and deuterium in their solid form. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide for the storage of deuterium and hydrogen in the solid form in a safe room temperature environment. 
     In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified schematic view of the system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the catalytic cell of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of another and preferred embodiment of the catalytic cell. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation section view of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of still another embodiment of the catalytic cell and electrode positioned therein. 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the system similar to that of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is an apparatus for neutron generation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, and firstly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the system of the invention is there shown generally at numeral  10  in  FIG. 1  and includes a catalytic cell  12  having an elongated tubular non-conductive housing  14  preferably made of Pyrex glass and including non-conductive stoppers  16  and  18  sealably engaged into each end of the housing  14 . 
     System  10  further includes a first and second gas chamber  26  and  34 , respectively which, for experimental purposes, are in the form of a conventional syringe. Each of these gas chambers  26  and  32  are in fluid communication with the interior volume  40  of the cell  12  by conduits  30  and  36  which are sealingly engaged through the end stoppers  16  and  18  and valve controlled at  28  and  34 , respectively. 
     The system  10  further includes an electrode  20  mounted within the interior volume, this electrode  20  is preferably formed of a strip of pure palladium (Pd) material but may also be formed of titanium (Ti) or zirconium (Zr). The width, length and thickness of this electrode  20  is 5.0 cm long by 0.007″ thick and 1.20 cm wide so as to fit into a PYREX glass tube having an I.D. of 1.3 cm. 
     The electrode  20  extends to define end portions thereof which form confinement zones  22  and  24 . These confinement zones  22  and  24  are partially formed by non-conductive polyester resin encapsulations at  36  and  38 . To further define each of these confinement zones  22  and  24 , a thin layer of electroplated gold (Au) is formed thereon. A source of low d.c. voltage, preferably a 9-volt d.c. battery cell is connected by conductive wires at  42  and  44  sealingly engaged through the corresponding stoppers  16  and  18  to the corresponding confinement zones  22  and  24 , respectively. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , another and preferred embodiment of the catalytic cell is there shown generally at numeral  50 . This cell  50  includes the tubular non-conductive glass housing  14  previously described with rubber stoppers  52  and  54  sealingly engaged into each end thereof. The catalytic electrode  60  is, in this embodiment  50 , formed of a screen mesh material preferably formed of nickel screen with a thin palladium plating formed thereover. The material used to form this electrode  60  is described as nickel mesh available from Alfa Aesar having a mesh size of 40 and a wire size of 1.3 mm (0.005″). 
     Solder connected at  66  and  68  to each end portion of the electrode  60  are gold electroplated palladium strips  61  and  63  which are encapsulated by a cured polyester resin material at  70  and  72  to complete each of these confinement zone areas  62  and  64 . Conductive wires  74  and  76  extend sealingly through each of the rubber stoppers  52  and  54  to be solder connected to the confinement zone areas  62  and  64 . Inlet and outlet tubes  78  and  80 , sealingly connected to the gas chambers  26  and  32  of  FIG. 1 , are also sealingly engaged through the end stoppers  52  and  54 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , yet another embodiment of the invention is there shown generally at numeral  90  and also includes a tubular non-conductive Pyrex glass housing  14  having non-conductive rubber stoppers  92  and  94  sealingly engaged at each end thereof to define a sealed interior volume  96 . The electrode  100  is formed of a strip of palladium (Pd) material as previously described with respect to  FIG. 2  except for the addition of a series of perforations or holes  102  which appear to enhance loading of the electrode  100  as will be described more completely herebelow. 
     Each of the end confinement zones  104  and  106  as extensions of the electrode  100 , are encapsulated by polyester resin at  108  and  110 , conductive wires  116  and  118  are soldered or braised onto the confinement zones  104  and  106  and extend sealingly out through stoppers  92  and  94  to be connected to a source of d.c. voltage as previously described. Inlet and outlet tubes  112  and  114  are also sealingly engaged through the stoppers  92  and  94  for connection to the gas chambers of  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring lastly to  FIG. 6 , an alternate system of the invention is there shown generally at numeral  120  and is similar to  FIG. 1  previously described and includes a catalytic cell  12  having an elongated tubular non-conductive housing  14  formed preferably of PYREX glass and non-conductive stoppers  16  and  18  sealably engaged into each end of the housing  14 . The electrode  20  includes the confinement zones  22  and  24  as previously described, each of which have a conductive wire  42  and  44 , respectively, extending in sealed fashion outwardly from stoppers  16  and  18 , respectively. 
     This embodiment  120  further includes ceramic capacitors  122  and  124  positioned between a high d.c. voltage source in the range of up to 1000 v.d.c., each of these capacitors  122  and  124  having a capacitor rating of 0.1 μF. By this arrangement, a high voltage and zero current are imposed upon the electrode  20  and the corresponding confinement zones  22  and  24  so as to substantially accelerate the deuteride and/or hydride ion charging process. Table II below dramatizes the dramatic effect that the higher d.c. voltage has upon the time required to charge the electrode. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE II 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 D 2  Uptake Rate 
                   
               
               
                 Voltage (d.c.) 
                 ml. per hr. 
                 Δ T 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 50 
                 v. 
                 1.0 
                 nil 
               
               
                 150 
                 v. 
                 3.0 
                 nil 
               
               
                 300 
                 v. 
                 6.0 
                 nil 
               
               
                 960 
                 v. 
                 24.0 
                 nil 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Vacuum Test 
     With this assembly, remove syringe and replace it with a vacuum pump. Open the three-way valve with the other 3-way valve closed. Apply 30″ Hg vacuum. Close 3-way valve and determine the system holding of 30″ Hg vacuum. It should hold for 3.0 hours. This vacuum test is to insure that outside air cannot contaminate the isotope gas. As described below, during electrode loading as H 2  or D 2 , gas is drawn from the first syringe. A vacuum is created in the cell, causing the syringe to feed more gas. During this vacuum, the system cannot leak outside air as this would destroy gas usage data. 
     As the loading progresses, the Tc (cell temp) is compared to the ambient Ta. The uptake of gas to a 1:1 atomic ratio is computed by the dimensions of the electrode free space. 
                     L   ×   W   ×   T   ×   Density   ⁢       [     g   ⁢           ⁢     /     ⁢           ⁢   cm     ]       [     M   ⁢           .   Wt   .     ]         =       ⁢     Wt   ⁢           ⁢   Pd   (     Vol   ⁢           ⁢   of   ⁢           ⁢   free   ⁢           ⁢   electrode   ⁢           ⁢   space   ⁢           ⁢   Pd                       Mole   _     ×   22.4   ⁢           ⁢   L     =       ⁢       Vol   .           ⁢   of     ⁢           ⁢   gas   ⁢           ⁢       D   2     ÷   2     ⁢           ⁢   to   ⁢           ⁢   give   ⁢           ⁢   2   ⁢           ⁢   Pd   ⁢           ⁢   D                 
The gas is loaded into electrode (Pd) free space to the point of Pd D 0.6 . Then the battery connected creating a ± charged zone A until Pd D −  and Pd D +  the D −  and D +  ionic deuterium migrates to the confined zones A +  and A − .
 
     This charge loading of D 2  continues until a positive differential of Tc (thermocouple) is observed. 
     Operation 
     Hydrogen Isotope (Gas) Confinement 
     Cell showing D 2 -H 2  gas uptake from syringe reservoir. The gas uptake is on demand by the reaction of 
                                
The Zwitter ion D +  &amp; D 1  are formed on the Palladium (Pd) metal matrix. The cell is quality control tested with the retention of 30″ Hg vacuum for 24 hours to insure an accurate gas uptake.
 
Cell Design
 
     Free Pd vol.=0082 cm 3 . Confinement vol=0.11 cm 3 . 100. cc of D 2  gas. Loading the confinement zone Pd (12.3 cc D 2 ) will be by ±9 Vd.c. The 9 v.d.c. battery is thru a 100 ohms (Ω) resistor outside of the cell. 
                                                                                         TABLE III                   H 2  &amp; D 2  Gas Loading            Time   D 2  Uptake   Gas Available           (days)   (c.c.)   (c.c.)   ΔT (° C.)                    Start   0.0   52.5           1   6.0   46.5   0°         1   7.5   45.0   0°         1   11.5   40.   0°         2   17.5   34.   0.1°       3   21.5   30.   0.1°       4   36.5   15.   0.5°       Recharge Syringe       60.   2.6°       5.   43.5   53.   0.5°       6   48.5   48.   0.6°       6   58       0.7°       7   64   42.   0.6°       8   69   37.   0.2°       9   74   32.   0.2°       10   78   28.   0.0°       11   80   26.   0.0°       Recharge Syringe       59.       12   83   56.   0.3°       13   88   51.   0.4°       14   91   48.   0.3°       15   94   45.   0.4°       18   106   32.   0.3°       19   109   29.   0.5°       20   110   28   0.5°       21   112   26            Change to H 2     50 (no battery)                22    7 + 112 = 119   43   0.3°       23   16.5 + 112 − 128.5   32.5   0.5°       24   17.5 + 112 = 129.5   32   0.6°                   0.7°                   1.0°       25   23.5 + 112 = 135.5   26   1.10°                     
D 2  is twice vol. of H 2 ; therefore, a gas volume uptake of 112 cc D 2  is about equivalent to a H 2  of 224 cc. The previous prior art H 2  loading limit of known catalysts is about 100 cc. The present invention displays a D 2  and H 2  gas uptake increase of about 125%.
 
     Three embodiments of the electrodes have been described hereinabove. Experimental results indicate that all three embodiments are generally characterized as being capable of absorbing and storing approximately the same volume of hydrogen and deuterium and gas. However, the flat uninterrupted continuous electrode described in  FIGS. 1 and 2  requires a gas loading time period as set forth in Table III hereinabove of approximately 30 to 35 days to fully charge. The screen mesh electrode embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4  has surprisingly demonstrated a charging or loading rate of only two (2) days to be fully absorbed of hydrogen and/or deuterium gas. The perforated electrode of  FIG. 5  has demonstrated a gas-loading rate of approximately eight (8) days to fully charge and absorb hydrogen and/or deuterium gas to its maximum. In each case, the gas absorbed is converted to a solid state in the ionic form at the confinement zones at each end of the electrode during the absorption process as previously described. 
     Once each of the electrodes has been fully charged, it may be removed and stored for further use as a catalytic element. However, less ion leakage has been found to occur if the electrode is left sealed within the housing. During sealed storage, a low vacuum pressure occurs which may enhance storage. 
     While the instant invention has been shown and described herein in what are conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is recognized that departures may be made there from within the scope of the invention, which is therefore not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be afforded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent apparatus and articles.