ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEMS WITH MAGNETIC ELECTRODES AND/OR ADDITIONAL EXCITATIONS AND METHODS RELATING THERETO

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/481,160 filed on Jan. 23, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/620,972 filed on Aug. 22, 2023, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to electrochemical systems and methods for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, in particular involving excitations provided to electrochemical cells.

BACKGROUND

Electrochemical systems are used in a variety of different technologies and applications. Electrochemical systems, and more particularly electrochemical cells, provide for the conversion of internal stored chemical energy to external electrical voltages and currents, or conversely, the conversion of applied electrical energy to internal or external stored chemical energy. These electrochemical systems contain positive and negative electrodes (cathode and anode, respectively).

Conventional electrochemical systems follow a standard design. These systems typically involve electrodes that are composed solely of electrical conductors, and often utilize direct unidirectional currents of electricity with slow variations as a function of time. As a result, the design of conventional electrochemical systems can limit the types of electrochemical reactions possible as well as the efficiency of current reactions.

A need therefore exists for improved systems and methods for electrochemical production of chemicals and/or effects, and in particular to make electrochemical systems and reactions more efficient, and to enable new electrochemical reactions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, methods for same, and kits for assembling, modifying or retrofitting an electrochemical system to incorporate application of excitations. The present disclosure recognizes that there are problems in the current systems and methodologies for effective electrochemical production of chemicals and/or effects, and provides improved systems and methods.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to an electrochemical system for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, the system comprising: an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode, and a power supply, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; and one or more assemblies operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency waves, and wherein: when one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein; or when both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing two or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method for enhanced electrochemical production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, the method comprising the steps of: providing a constant or variable electrical current to a cathode and an anode within an electrochemical cell, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; applying one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, and optionally directly to one or both of the cathode and the anode; and receiving or producing from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects, wherein the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency, and wherein: when one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, one or more excitations are applied to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein; or when both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, two or more excitations are applied to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, the method comprising the steps of: providing catalytic particles, the catalytic particles being non-magnetic; admixing the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; distributing the mixture onto a surface of a magnetic electrode such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the magnetic electrode; optionally removing a first amount of the application material from the mixture; applying a magnetic field to the catalytic particles to induce permanent magnetic moments and form magnetic catalytic particles; and optionally removing a second amount of the application material from the mixture to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a method for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, the method comprising the steps of: providing catalytic particles, the catalytic particles being magnetic; admixing the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; distributing the mixture onto a surface of a non-magnetic electrode or a magnetic electrode, such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the non-magnetic electrode or optionally the magnetic electrode; removing a first amount of the application material from the mixture; and when a non-magnetic electrode is used, providing an adhesive to the catalytic particles and the surface of the non-magnetic electrode to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure also relates to a kit for assembling, modifying or retrofitting an electrochemical system to incorporate application of excitations, the kit comprising: a first assembly for providing a first excitation to an electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system; and a second assembly for providing a second excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the first and second excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency.

Other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are evident in view of the detailed description provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages, permutations and combinations of the invention will now appear from the above and from the following detailed description of the various particular embodiments of the invention taken together with the accompanying drawings, each of which are intended to be non limiting, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electrochemical system for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects comprising an electrochemical cell and six excitations, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of two exemplary electrochemical cells comprising unipolar electrodes (A), or in some exemplary embodiments of the electrochemical system comprising bipolar electrodes (B).

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for enhanced electrochemical production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, the method comprising non-magnetic catalytic particles, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, the method comprising magnetic catalytic particles, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the suitable methods and materials are described below.

Electrochemical systems are used in a variety of different technologies and applications, particularly for the production of chemicals and/or effects. The ability to increase the efficiency of electrochemical reactions can import beneficial effects to these associated technologies and applications. A system or method of enhanced production of chemicals and/or effects is desired to improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and applicability of electrochemical cells.

The embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to systems and methods for enhanced production of chemicals and/or effects using electrochemical cells or systems, or to methods of making components for electrochemical cells and systems.

One advancement disclosed herein involves improvements in the electrodes themselves, such as by their being made magnetic (e.g. permanent or electromagnetic). Another advancement disclosed herein involves improvements in how the electrodes are employed, including for example variable (as opposed to constant) direct current operation. Another advancement disclosed herein involves the use of excitations (e.g. magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency waves. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, including various combinations of features, is shown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1
Embodiments of the Present Disclosure in Reference to Electrode
Structure, Direct Current (DC) Operation, and Excitations

Electrode Structure and DC Operations

	1. Electrical	2. Electrical	3. Magnetic	4. Magnetic
Excitations	& Constant	& Variable	& Constant	& Variable

Magnetic Fields

Electrical Pulses

Mechanical Vibrations

Sound (e.g. UltraSound)

Light

Radio Frequency

In reference to Table 1 above, the various embodiments are described in more detail throughout the present disclosure, including each of the excitations. In Table 1, the reference to “Electrical” means the non-magnetic electrical conductors as electrodes as described herein, whereas the reference to “Magnetic” means the magnetic electrical conductors or electromagnets as electrodes as described herein. The reference to “Constant” means that a constant input DC voltage to provide a constant current within the electrochemical cell, whereas the reference to “Variable” means a variable input DC voltage to provide a variable current within the electrochemical cell. The various excitations can be used individually alone, individually and alternating in usage, or simultaneously in any combination for enhancing the production of chemical and/or effects in an energy efficient manner as described herein.

Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide for the use of one or more assemblies and excitations as well as improved electrodes to enable new electrochemical reactions and to improve the efficiency of known electrochemical reactions. The present disclosure advantageously provides for the flexible and adjustable application of one or more excitations to an electrochemical cell for optimized production of one or more chemicals and/or effects at a minimized expenditure of energy for electrolysis, and thereby an optimized cost for production of the one or more chemicals and/or effects.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an electrochemical system for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, the system comprising: an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode, and a power supply, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; and one or more assemblies operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency waves, and wherein: when one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein, or when both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing two or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

As used herein, the term “assemblies” has a broad meaning as encompassing any device, apparatus, component, combination of components, or any combination thereof capable of providing the one or more excitations. Several embodiments and configurations are described herein and additional components and/or configurations would be known to the skilled person based on the disclosure herein.

The electrochemical cell, assemblies and methods described herein comprise and/or employ a power supply. As used herein, the term “power supply” is intended to refer to a physical component within the electrochemical cell or the assembly that provides the power; to an electrical interconnection or association with another physical component that provides the power (e.g. a wired connection), or to any combination thereof or any other means of providing power to the electrochemical cell or assemblies. Therefore, reference herein to an assembly power supply (e.g. magnet power supply, variable direct current power supply, pulsed electrical power supply, radio frequency power supply, vibration power supply, sound power supply, light power supply, etc.) encompasses both (i) embodiments where the assembly itself comprises a physical component that provides the power, and/or (ii) embodiments where another component in electrical interconnection or association with the assembly provides the necessary power to the assembly to generate or produce the excitation.

In some embodiments, the power supply of the electrochemical system and/or any one or more of the assemblies herein is a direct current that is constant unidirectional. In some embodiments, the power supply of the electrochemical system and/or any one or more of the assemblies herein is a direct current that is variable unidirectional or variable bidirectional, the variability being of any sign, magnitude, frequency, or sequence.

The electrochemical cell, assemblies and methods described herein comprise and/or employ a cathode and an anode comprising an electrical conductor. As used herein, the term “electrical conductor” is intended to refer to a material that allows the flow of electricity through the material in one or more directions. The term “electrical conductor” may be used interchangeably with the term “electrode”.

As used herein, the term “excitations” has broad meaning as encompassing any application of energy. While the systems and methods discussed herein are in the context of certain types of excitations and applications of energy, it will be appreciated that other applications may also be applicable. The one or more excitations may be provided at a frequency that is periodic or constant. As used herein, the term “periodic” may be used interchangeably with “pulsed”. As used herein, the term “constant” may be used interchangeably with “steady”.

The systems herein are configured in a manner such that one or more assemblies are capable of providing one or more excitations to an operating electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode, and a power supply. In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet, and the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet, and the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing two or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein.

As described herein, the systems of the present disclosure may include additional features relating to various aspects of performing the methods herein. For example, the systems may include various devices or components for applying the one or more excitations directly to one or both of the cathode and the anode, as well as for receiving or producing from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects. As will be understood by the skilled person, exemplary configurations of the systems are described herein without limitation.

In certain embodiments, the systems described herein may be used in methods for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, whereby the methods comprise the steps of providing a constant or variable electrical current to a cathode and an anode within an electrochemical cell, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; applying one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, and optionally directly to one or both of the cathode and the anode; and receiving or producing from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects.

The methods herein involve a step of providing a constant or variable electrical current to a cathode and an anode within an electrochemical cell, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet. In an embodiment, the electrical current comprises electrical energy provided from a power supply. The power supply may be any suitable device or component, as described herein. In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise a magnetic electrical conductor. In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise an electromagnet. In some embodiments, both of the cathode and the anode comprise a magnetic electrical conductor, an electromagnet, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, both of the cathode and the anode comprise a non-magnetic electrical conductor.

The methods herein involve a step of applying one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, and optionally directly to one or both of the cathode and the anode. In some embodiments, the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency waves. In some embodiments, the one or more excitations are applied by one or more assemblies. In some embodiments, the step of applying comprises about two excitations, about three excitations, about four excitations, about five excitations, or about six excitations.

The methods herein involve a step of receiving or producing from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects. In some embodiments, the one or more chemicals may be any organic or inorganic chemical. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the one or more chemicals may be carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, carbonate solids, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more chemicals is hydrogen, oxygen, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more chemicals is hydrogen. In some embodiments, the one or more effects is the generation of energy (e.g. direct current). In an embodiment, the energy is thermal energy. In an embodiment, the energy is electrical energy. In an embodiment, the energy is thermal and electrical energy.

In certain embodiments, the systems described herein may be used in methods for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, whereby the methods comprise steps of providing non-magnetic catalytic particles; admixing the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; distributing the mixture onto a surface of a magnetic electrode such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the magnetic electrode; optionally removing a first amount of the application material from the mixture; applying a magnetic field to the catalytic particles to induce permanent magnetic moments and form magnetic catalytic particles; and optionally removing a second amount of the application material from the mixture to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.

In other certain embodiments, the systems described herein may be used in methods for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, whereby the methods comprise steps of providing magnetic catalytic particles; admixing the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; distributing the mixture onto a surface of a non-magnetic electrode or a magnetic electrode, such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the non-magnetic electrode or optionally the magnetic electrode; removing a first amount of the application material from the mixture; and when a non-magnetic electrode is used, providing an adhesive to the catalytic particles and the surface of the non-magnetic electrode to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.

As used herein, the term “areal density” is intended to refer to the mass per unit area of the catalytic particles upon the surface of the non-magnetic and/or magnetic electrode.

In certain embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be the result of newly constructed electrochemical systems. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be the result of retrofitting an existing electrochemical system to allow for application of excitations.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a kit for assembling, modifying or retrofitting an electrochemical system to incorporate application of excitations, the kit comprising: a first assembly for providing a first excitation to an electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system; and a second assembly for providing a second excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the first and second excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency. As used herein, the terms “first assembly” and “second assembly” can be used interchangeably with “assemblies”. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a third assembly. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a fourth assembly. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a fifth assembly. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a sixth assembly. In some embodiments, the kit comprises more than six assemblies.

Embodiments of systems and methods herein are capable of enhancing the production of one or more chemicals and/or effects. As used herein, “enhancing” or “enhanced” refers to any improvement in producing the chemical and/or effects by electrochemical cells, such as for example and without limitation an improvement in yield of the chemical and/or effect; a reduction in the amount of energy or other resources (e.g. input electrolyte) required to produce a given quantity of the chemical and/or effect, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the enhanced production of the systems and methods herein is in relation to the production of hydrogen. Overall, the amount of energy stored in the produced hydrogen during the time of operation should ideally be as large a fraction of the input energy as is possible. The practical value may be less than what is theoretically possible, of course, due to the losses.

There are two issues with measuring the value of hydrogen gas. The first is water vapor that accompanies the produced hydrogen, as indicated in FIG. 2. It is necessary that the water vapor is removed from the output hydrogen stream to produce hydrogen of the high purity required for use in fuel cells. In an embodiment, this can be done using dryers and other operations, which themselves consume energy. The second issue is how to count the value of hydrogen for energy production. There are at least two measures for doing the energy accounting, referred to as Higher Heating Value (HHV) and Lower Heating Value (LHV). One explanation of the two measures is available from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). For the HHV, the water that is produced by burning hydrogen is condensed to a liquid, which adds the latent heat of vaporization (actually the reverse, condensation) to the energy from burning. For the LHV, the water remains in the vapor phase, so the latent heat is not captured. Hence, the HHV value is greater (higher) than the LHV value. In most applications where hydrogen is burned, the water is not condensed, and the LHV is more realistic. However, as described by the NREL: “In the United States, however, the efficiencies of appliances and heat engines usually are rated based on the HHV, whereas in European communities LHV is used. The use of LHV in calculating heat engine efficiencies yields greater efficiency numbers than those using HHV.” The second sentence in that quotation is because the energy from burning hydrogen is in the denominator of the equation for hydrogen production efficiency, with the electrical energy being in the numerator. The HHV and LHV for one kilogram of hydrogen are 142 and 120 MJ. The HHV and LHV for natural gas are 52 and 47 MJ.

Electrochemical Cell

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell comprises a galvanic cell or an electrolytic cell.

As used herein, the term “galvanic cell” is intended to refer to an electrochemical cell in which the internal chemical reactions proceed in the energetically favored direction to produce a voltage and electrical current to power an external load. For example, any battery, rechargeable or not, can be, without limitation, an example of a galvanic cell during its use to produce electricity. As used herein, the term “galvanic cell” may be used interchangeably with “voltaic cell”.

As used herein, the term “electrolytic cell” is intended to refer to an electrochemical cell in which an externally applied voltage drives the internal chemistry in the reverse direction to store charge and energy within the cell, or to create chemicals that can be removed from the cell and stored for later use. An electrolytic cell can be, for example and without limitation, a rechargeable battery when it is being recharged or a cell for the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen and/or oxygen. In certain embodiments, the electrochemical cell comprises an electrolytic cell.

The positive and negative electrodes in galvanic and electrolytic cells function to conduct electricity out of or into the liquid or solid electrolyte materials between them. That is, they must be conductors, and are commonly elemental or alloy metals. It is most common for conventional galvanic cells to produce direct (unidirectional) currents during their use, usually with only slow variations as a function of time. Similarly, the excitation of conventional electrolytic cells is usually done with direct currents (DC) that do not vary quickly in time.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell herein is a galvanic cell configured to provide one or more of the effects, such as without limitation those described herein (e.g. electricity in the form of direct current). In some embodiments, the direct current is constant unidirectional. In some embodiments, the direct current is variable unidirectional. In some embodiments, the direct current is variable bidirectional.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell herein is an electrolytic cell. In some embodiments, the electrolytic cell produces the one or more chemicals, such as without limitation those described herein (e.g. hydrogen). In some embodiments, either steady/constant input signals or varying input signals (slowly or quickly varying) may be used in the electrochemical systems herein, whether such system uses non-magnetic electrical conductors (conventional electrodes) or magnetic electrical conductors (magnetic electrodes as described herein). Indeed, in contrast to conventional electrolytic cells, some embodiments of the present disclosure include the use of variable unidirectional and variable bi-directional direct currents to cause or improve electrolysis.

In some embodiments, the direct current comprises a plurality of steady input signals, a plurality of varying input signals, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the direct current is varied periodically as a function of time without zeroing or reversing the plurality of input signals. In some embodiments, the direct current is varied periodically as a function of time by zeroing the plurality of input signals. In some embodiments, the direct current is varied periodically as a function of time by reversing the plurality of input signals.

Without being bound by any particular theory, variable direct currents may advantageously influence the rates of the electrochemical reactions as well as other characteristics.

In some embodiments, the direct current comprises a frequency less than about 1 Hz. In some embodiments, the direct current comprises a frequency between about 0.1 Hz and about 10 kHz, more particularly between about 0.5 Hz and about 5 Hz, and more particularly still between about 1 Hz and about 1 kHz. In some embodiments, the direct current comprises a frequency greater than about 1 kHz. As will be appreciated, any pulse shape or polarization for the direct current may be applicable.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell further comprises an electrolyte. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a fluid, a solid, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the solid comprises conductive material for small ions such as protons and/or lithium ions. In some embodiments, the solid comprises a disordered conductive material. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a solution, a gas, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises water, ions, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the electrolyte comprises one or more reactants, one or more products, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell further comprises insulation for protecting against waste heat from electrochemical reactions. In some embodiments, the insulation comprises a thermoelectric material for converting waste heat into electricity.

Electrodes

The electrochemical cell of the systems and methods described herein comprise at least two electrodes-one being a cathode and the other being an anode.

As will be appreciated, in electrolytic and galvanic cells, the anode is the electrode at which the oxidation half-reaction occurs, and the cathode is the electrode at which the reduction half-reaction occurs.

The cathode and the anode may comprise any external shape or form including, for example and without limitation, for example and without limitation, thin or thick foils of square, rectangular, or other shapes, either flat or else curved. In some embodiments, the cathode and/or anode may be in the shape of rectangles, cylinders, prisms, cubes, and the like. In some embodiments, each of one or both of the cathode and the anode individually are a single structure. In some embodiments, each of one or both of the cathode and the anode are comprised of a plurality of structures. In some embodiments, the cathode and the anode are the same shape. In some embodiments, the cathode and the anode are a different shape.

In some embodiments, the outer surface structures of the electrodes comprise minimal smooth areas, structured and textured surfaces with increased areas, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode are planar. As will be appreciated, cathodes and anodes may be of any suitable composition, structure, and/or size.

Any of the electrodes herein, whether cathode or anode, whether non-magnetic, magnetic or electromagnetic, can have simple surfaces or surfaces functionalized by any treatment or by the addition of catalytic or other particles, regardless of the shape of the surfaces. Thus, at least the following types of electrodes are encompassed herein: (i) non-magnetic electrical conductor, anode, simple; (ii) non-magnetic electrical conductor, anode, catalyzed; (iii) non-magnetic electrical conductor, cathode, simple; (iv) non-magnetic electrical conductor, cathode, catalyzed; (v) magnetic electrical conductor, anode, simple; (vi) magnetic electrical conductor, anode, catalyzed; (vii) magnetic electrical conductor, cathode, simple; (viii) magnetic electrical conductor, cathode, catalyzed; (ix) electromagnet, anode, simple; (x) electromagnet, anode, catalyzed; (xi) electromagnet, cathode, simple; and (xii) electromagnet, cathode, catalyzed.

All of these types of electrodes can be operated in various ways. For example, by steady unidirectional currents (Options 1 and 3; Table 1) or by varying the direct current levels in a manner to improve the energy efficiency of the electrochemical cell, e.g. in hydrogen production (Options 2 and 4; Table 1).

Non-Magnetic Electrical Conductor

In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise a non-magnetic electrical conductor. As used herein, reference to a “non-magnetic electrical conductor” is intended to encompass any form of electrode that does not have magnetic properties. Suitable electrodes would be well known to the skilled person having regard to the present disclosure as a whole. In some embodiments, the non-magnetic electrical conductor comprises or is made of a metal, such as for example copper, silver, platinum, nickel, aluminium, or an alloy thereof. In some embodiments, the non-magnetic electrical conductor comprises or is made of graphite or carbon.

In an embodiment of the systems and methods herein, only one of the cathode or anode is a non-magnetic electrical conductor, and the other comprises or is a magnetic electrical conductor or comprises or is an electromagnet. In an embodiment, it is the cathode that is the non-magnetic electrical conductor. In an embodiment, it is the anode that is the non-magnetic electrical conductor.

In an embodiment of the systems and methods herein, both the cathode and the anode are non-magnetic electrical conductors.

In some embodiments, the non-magnetic electrical conductors herein comprise one or more functional characteristics. For example, and without limitation, the non-magnetic electrical conductor may be catalytic. In some embodiments, the non-magnetic electrical conductors are catalytic due to their intrinsic chemistry, conductive thin coatings, affixed particles, or any combination thereof. Whatever the composition and structure of the surface catalysts, they improve the rates of desired reactions.

Magnetic Electrical Conductor

Without being bound by any particular theory, magnetic fields may improve the production of one or more chemicals and/or effects (e.g., hydrogen) by electrolysis of aqueous media through the provision of magnetic fields. However, inserting external magnets into the electrochemical cells can block the electric fields between the cathode and the anode as well as interfere with the necessary motion of ions in the electrolyte. Systems of the present disclosure advantageously disclose electrochemical cells containing one or both of a cathode and an anode comprising magnetic electrical conductors. Another advantage of magnetic electrical conductors is the absence of any additional moving parts and providing beneficial effects to the electrochemical reactions without the need to expend additional energy during operation.

In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise or are a magnetic electrical conductor. In some embodiments, only the cathode comprises or is a magnetic electrical conductor. In some embodiments, only the anode comprises or is a magnetic electrical conductor. In some embodiments, both the cathode and the anode comprise or are a magnetic electrical conductor.

In some embodiments, only a portion or a region of the magnetic electrical conductor may be a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the entirety of the electrically conductive material of the magnetic electrical conductor is magnetic. The magnetic material may be any suitable material, such as metals and metal alloys that can hold or carry a magnetic charge or field. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises magnetic metal alloys, rare-earth magnets, and ceramic magnets. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises ferritic stainless steel.

In preferred embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises or is made of a permanent magnet. In some embodiment, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises or is made of a permanent magnetic material that is electrically conductive. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises an electrically conductive material that has contained within, applied thereon, or any combination thereof, a permanent magnetic material. Thus, in certain embodiments, the electrodes in the electrochemical cell may comprise or be permanent magnetic electrodes. In an embodiment, the cathode is a permanent magnetic electrode. In an embodiment, the anode is a permanent magnetic electrode. In an embodiment, both the cathode and the anode are permanent magnetic electrodes.

Magnetic electrical conductors allow for the normal conduction of electricity while also supplying magnetic fields. The provision of magnetic electrical conductors as being comprised in one or both of the cathode and the anode advantageously provides stronger and more uniform magnetic fields in the regions near and between the cathode and the anode, wherein the desired electrochemical reactions occur.

In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises a single component structure or a plurality of component structures. In some embodiments, a plurality of magnetic components may be arranged into a single magnetic electrical conductor so as to provide long-term operation of the magnetic electrical conductor. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more magnetic components provided within a frame, a magnetic sheet whereupon one or more magnetic components are provided, or a non-magnetic sheet whereupon a plurality of magnetic components are provided on both sides of the non-magnetic sheet. For example, a plurality of smaller magnetic sheets may be tiled together into an overall area of a desired shape and size.

In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises a north pole and a south pole. In some embodiments, the north pole and the south pole are positioned on opposite faces of the magnetic electrical conductor. In an embodiment, the opposite faces are relative to an axis that is cross-sectional to the magnetic electrical conductor, for example an axis of a circular or cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises a magnetic field positioned perpendicular to a surface of one or both of the cathode and the anode such that the magnetic field extends beyond the one or both of the cathode and the anode. More particularly, in some embodiments, the magnetic field of the magnetic electrical conductor is oriented perpendicular a surface of the opposite faces such that the magnetic field extend outwards from the magnetic electrical conductor into a region of the electrochemical cell comprising the electrolyte. As will be appreciated, other orientations of the magnetic field may be applicable such that the one or more chemicals and/or effects are produced.

In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more chemical properties, one or more conductive thin coatings, one or more affixed particles, or a combination thereof for catalyzing production of the one or more chemicals and/or effects. For example, is some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises catalytic particles. Such magnetically catalyzed electrodes are described herein without limitation, including methods for their preparation. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more features for preventing degradation of the magnetic electrical conductor by the electrolyte. In an embodiment, the feature for preventing degradation may be a coating or a cover that is placed directly or indirectly over the electrode. In an embodiment, the feature for preventing degradation renders the magnetic electrical conductor impervious to the electrolyte within the electrochemical cell to prevent degradation of the magnetic electrical conductor by the electrolyte.

As used herein, the term “magnetic fields” may be used interchangeably with the term “magnetic forces”. In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more magnetic forces with a magnetic strength between about 0.2 microTesla and about 80 milliTesla, about 0.4 microTesla and about 60 milliTesla, about 0.6 microTesla and about 40 milliTesla, or about 0.8 microTesla and about 20 milliTesla. In certain embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more magnetic forces with a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla. Without being bound by any particular theory, the magnetic forces may act on the reactants of an electrochemical reaction, through action of catalysts in some embodiments, to orient the spins and molecules of the reactants to advantageously increase the rates of known electrochemical reactions or to make practical the rates of other electrochemical reactions. As will be appreciated, the rates of electrochemical reactions without the magnetic forces of the magnetic electrical conductor may, in the presence of catalytic particles or catalyzed electrodes, would be slower but may still be practical for the purpose of producing one or more chemicals and/or effects. In certain embodiments, the magnetic forces are directed in the region where the electrochemical reactions occur. Without being bound by any particular theory, the magnetic forces may, by themselves or with the interactions of catalysts, advantageously improve the production of currents from galvanic cells or improve the rates or efficiencies of the production of chemicals within electrolytic cells.

In some embodiments, the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more supports for mechanically resisting the one or more magnetic forces and/or providing stable positioning of the magnetic electrical conductor within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the one or more supports comprise an inert material. In some embodiments, the inert material comprises plastic, rubber, wood, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more supports comprise one or more sub-structural magnetic supports. Without being bound by any particular theory, insertion of the one or more supports as non-conducting spacers advantageously provides for permanent separation of two or more magnetic electrical conductors, thereby preventing detrimental interactions between the magnetic forces between counter (positive and negative) magnetic electrical conductors.

Electromagnet

In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise or are an electromagnet. In some embodiments, only the cathode comprises or is an electromagnet. In some embodiments, only the anode comprises or is an electromagnet. In some embodiments, both the cathode and the anode comprise or are an electromagnet.

Although electromagnets may be used in place of permanent magnetic electrodes, it will be appreciated that electromagnets may be less advantageous for reasons of space and geometry. Also, electromagnets require power, whereas permanent magnets do not.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet comprises flat-faced electromagnets, parallel pole electromagnets, standard lifting electromagnets, suspension electromagnets, laboratory electromagnets, and permanent electromagnets.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet comprises a magnetic field positioned perpendicular to a surface of one or both of the cathode and the anode such that the magnetic field extends beyond the one or both of the cathode and the anode. More particularly, in some embodiments, the electromagnet comprises a magnetic field positioned perpendicular to a surface of one or both of the cathode and the anode such that the magnetic field extends beyond the one or both of the cathode and the anode.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet comprises one or more magnetic forces with a magnetic strength between about 0.2 microTesla and about 80 milliTesla, about 0.4 micro Tesla and about 60 milliTesla, about 0.6 microTesla and about 40 milliTesla, or about 0.8 microTesla and about 20 milliTesla. In certain embodiments, the electromagnet comprises one or more magnetic forces with a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla.

In some embodiments, the electromagnet comprises one or more supports for mechanically resisting one or more magnetic forces and/or providing stable positioning of the electromagnet within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the one or more supports comprise an inert material. In some embodiments, the inert material comprises plastic, rubber, wood, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more supports comprise one or more sub-structural magnetic supports.

It will be appreciated that, as used herein, “one or both of the cathode and the anode” includes embodiments comprising both of the cathode and the anode.

Assemblies

The assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, all of the one or more assemblies are external to the electrochemical cell, but positioned in operational association. By “operationally associated” or “operational association”, it is meant that they are in a position sufficient for the particular excitation to reach or have any impact on the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a frequency that is constant. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a frequency that is periodic with predetermined time intervals. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a frequency that is periodic with random time intervals.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a duration that is constant. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a duration that is variable in a predetermined pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a duration that is randomly variable.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a magnitude that is constant. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a magnitude that is variable in a predetermined pattern. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a magnitude that is randomly variable.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise a protecting coating for preventing degradation of the one or more assemblies by the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the protective coating comprises an inert material. In some embodiments, the protective coating comprises plastic, Teflon™, and the like. As will be appreciated, any configuration, shape, or placement of the one or more assemblies may be applicable.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more external electromagnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte; and/or one or more external permanent magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte; and/or one or more internal permanent magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte; and/or one or more temporary magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte. As used herein, the reference to “external” means outside of the electrochemical cell and “internal” means within the electrochemical cell.

Excitations and Electrodes

Various particular embodiments of the electrochemical systems of the present disclosure are defined in the following rows (Table 2). For each embodiment listed in Table 2, the electrochemical cell may have non-magnetic electrodes (cathode and anode) or electrodes in which one or both (cathode and/or electrode) comprise a magnetic electrical conductor and/or an electromagnet. Irrespective of the type of electrode, it may or may not be functionalized with one or more catalysts.

TABLE 2
Embodiments for Simultaneous use of Excitations with Either Magnetic
or Non-Magnetic Electrodes, each with or without Catalysts

Electrochemical						Radio-
System	Magnetic	Electrical	Mechanical			Frequency
Embodiment	Field	Pulse	Vibration	Sound	Light	Wave

1	X
2		X
3			X
4				X
5					X
6						X
7	X	X
8	X		X
9	X			X
10	X				X
11	X					X
12		X	X
13		X		X
14		X			X
15		X				X
16			X	X
17			X		X
18			X			X
19				X	X
20				X		X
21					X	X
22	X	X	X
23	X	X		X
24	X	X			X
25	X	X				X
26	X		X	X
27	X		X		X
28	X		X			X
29				X	X
30	X			X		X
31	X				X	X
32		X	X	X
33		X	X		X
34		X	X			X
35		X		X	X
36		X		X		X
37		X			X	X
38			X	X	X
39			X	X		X
40			X		X	X
41				X	X	X
42	X	X	X	X
43	X	X	X		X
44	X	X		X	X
45	X		X	X	X
46		X	X	X	X
47		X	X			X
48	X	X		X		X
49	X		X	X		X
50		X	X	X		X
51	X	X			X	X
52	X		X		X	X
53		X	X		X	X
54	X			X	X	X
55		X		X	X	X
56			X	X	X	X
57	X	X	X	X	X
58	X	X	X	X		X
59	X	X	X		X	X
60	X	X		X	X	X
61	X		X	X	X	X
62		X	X	X	X	X
63	X	X	X	X	X	X

For each embodiment in Table 2 having the magnetic field, that magnetic field may be a constant or steady magnetic field, a variable magnetic field, a pulsed magnetic field, or any combination thereof. As will be appreciated from the disclosure herein, the magnetic field may be of any suitable orientation relative to the electrodes, and may be directed at one or both of the electrodes or at other portions of the electrochemical cell. In an embodiment, the magnetic fields are generated outside the electrochemical cell. In an embodiment, the magnetic field may be from a source within the electrochemical cell. In an embodiment, the magnetic field may be generated outside the electrochemical cell and from a source within the electrochemical cell. In any of the embodiments in which the magnetic field a constant or steady magnetic field, it may be provided by a permanent magnet. In an embodiment, that permanent magnetic may be within the electrochemical cell, outside the electrochemical cell, or any combination thereof. As will be appreciated, permanent magnets do not require a power supply.

For each embodiment in Table 2 in which one or both of the electrodes (cathode and/or anode) comprises a magnetic electrode, the magnetic electrode may further be a magnetically catalyzed electrode, such as those described herein. In embodiments having the magnetic field, that magnetic field may be a constant or steady magnetic field, a variable magnetic field, a pulsed magnetic field, or any combination thereof. Thus, there are various different ways and combinations in which magnetic electrodes, magnetic fields and magnetic catalytic particles may be employed in the electrochemical systems of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments are shown in Table 3. However, it will be appreciated that additional configurations and arrangements are encompassed herein, such as for example alternate types of external magnetic fields. For example, a permanent magnet may be used to provide a variable/pulsed magnetic field by moving the permanent magnet into and out of a position close to the electrochemical cell. Also, a temporary magnet may be used in any number of different configurations to provide either a constant or variable/pulsed magnetic field to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

TABLE 3
Embodiments of Electrochemical Systems Employing Magnetic
Electrodes, Magnetic Fields and Magnetic Catalytic Particles

Types of Electrodes

		Magnetic
		Electrical			External Applied Magnetic Fields

		Conductor		Magnetic	Permanent
Magnetic	Non-	(Permanent		Catalytic	Magnet	Electromagnet	Electromagnet
Embodiment	Magnetic	Magnet)	Electromagnet	Particles	(Constant)	(Constant)	(Variables)
M1	C/A				X
M2	C/A					X
M3	C/A						X
M4	C/A				X	X
M5	C/A				X		X
M6	C/A					X	X
M7	C/A				X	X	X
M8		C/A
M9		C/A			X
M10		C/A				X
M11		C/A					X
M12		C/A			X	X
M13		C/A			X		X
M14		C/A				X	X
M15		C/A			X	X	X
M16			C/A
M17			C/A		X
M18			C/A			X
M19			C/A				X
M20			C/A		X	X
M21			C/A		X		X
M22			C/A			X	X
M23			C/A		X	X	X
M24		C/A		C/A
M25		C/A		C/A	X
M26		C/A		C/A		X
M27		C/A		C/A			X
M28		C/A		C/A	X	X
M29		C/A		C/A	X		X
M30		C/A		C/A		X	X
M31		C/A		C/A	X	X	X
M32	C	A
M33	C	A			X
M34	C	A				X
M35	C	A					X
M36	C	A			X	X
M37	C	A			X		X
M38	C	A				X	X
M39	C	A			X	X	X
M40	C		A
M41	C		A		X
M42	C		A			X
M43	C		A				X
M44	C		A		X	X
M45	C		A		X		X
M46	C		A			X	X
M47	C		A		X	X	X
M48	C	A		A
M49	C	A		A	X
M50	C	A		A		X
M51	C	A		A			X
M52	C	A		A	X	X
M53	C	A		A	X		X
M54	C	A		A		X	X
M55	C	A		A	X	X	X
M56		C	A
M57		C	A		X
M58		C	A			X
M59		C	A				X
M60		C	A		X	X
M61		C	A		X		X
M62		C	A			X	X
M63		C	A		X	X	X
M64	A	C
M65	A	C			X
M66	A	C				X
M67	A	C					X
M68	A	C			X	X
M69	A	C			X		X
M70	A	C				X	X
M71	A	C			X	X	X
M72	A		C
M73	A		C		X
M74	A		C			X
M75	A		C				X
M76	A		C		X	X
M77	A		C		X		X
M78	A		C			X	X
M79	A		C		X	X	X
M80	A	C		C
M81	A	C		C	X
M82	A	C		C		X
M83	A	C		C			X
M84	A	C		C	X	X
M85	A	C		C	X		X
M86	A	C		C		X	X
M87	A	C		C	X	X	X
M88		A	C
M89		A	C		X
M90		A	C			X
M91		A	C				X
M92		A	C		X	X
M93		A	C		X		X
M94		A	C			X	X
M95		A	C		X	X	X
C/A = cathode and electrode; A = anode only; C = cathode only

For each embodiment in Table 3 having the external applied magnetic field (constant, variable/pulsed or both), that magnetic field may be of any suitable orientation relative to the electrodes, and may be directed at one or both of the electrodes or at other portions of the electrochemical cell (e.g. the region having the electrolyte). In embodiments having both constant and variable/pulsed magnetic fields, those fields may be directionally oriented in the same or different directions and their origin may be from the same or different location.

Although it is described in Table 3 that the magnetic fields (constant, variable/pulsed or both) are generated outside the electrochemical cell (i.e. external), it is also possible for the magnetic field to originate within the electrochemical cell by placing the magnet or electromagnet within the electrochemical cell. Thus, in an embodiment, the magnetic fields (constant, variable/pulsed or both) may be from a source within the electrochemical cell. In an embodiment, one or more of the magnetic fields (constant, variable/pulsed or both) may be generated outside the electrochemical cell and another one or more of the magnetic fields (constant, variable/pulsed or both) may be from a source within the electrochemical cell.

In reference to Table 3, it is shown that embodiments employing magnetic catalytic particles also employ a magnetic electrical conductor at the same electrode. This is because once an electrode has magnetic catalytic particles thereon, it will be a magnetic electrical conductor as a result of the presence of the magnetic catalytic particles. However, as described herein, the magnetic catalytic particles may be dispersed onto either a non-magnetic electrical conductor or a magnetic electrical conductor.

Each of the excitations will now be described in greater detail, without limitation.

Magnetic Fields

In some embodiments, the one or more excitations comprise magnetic fields. The magnetic fields may be constant, variable or pulsed. As used herein in reference to magnetic fields, “constant” refers to a continuous application of the magnetic field at the same or substantially similar strength; “variable” refers to variation in the strength of the magnetic field and/or the duration of application not being continuous; and “pulsed” refers to intermittent application of the magnetic field at the same or substantially the same strength. As used herein, the term variable encompasses pulsed and when the term variable is used, pulsed is included unless explicitly excluded.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more internal electromagnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more external electromagnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more external electromagnets comprise one or more coils provided externally to the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the one or more coils are operationally connected to the electrochemical cell for providing electricity and thereby magnetic fields. The one or more coils may be square, circular, rectangular, oval, triangular, and the like. In some embodiments, the one or more coils comprise stepwise variance of electrical currents provided therein.

Without being bound by any particular theory, providing coils outside of an electrochemical cell advantageously provides increased geometric/structural complexity to avoid interferences with the electrical operation and movement of ions in the electrolyte. For example and without limitation, the one or more assemblies comprise two or more square coils that can produce uniform magnetic fields over an area of about 10×10 cm with intensities of about 0.01 mT to about 10 mT. As will be appreciated, any size of coil may be applicable.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise an external programmable power supply for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more internal permanent magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more external permanent magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more external temporary magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise metallurgical treatment such that a part of an external magnetic field that is conducted into the electrochemical cell emerges from one or more surfaces of one or both of the cathode and the anode.

In some embodiments, the magnetic fields are constant. In some embodiments, the magnetic fields are variable. In some embodiments, the magnetic fields are pulsed. In some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprise periodic waveforms. In some embodiments, the periodic waveforms comprise sine waves. As will be appreciated, any size, shape, amplitude, and repetition frequency of magnetic fields may be applicable, depending on the power supply and inductance of the coils.

In some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprises one or more magnetic forces with a constant magnetic strength. In some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprises one or more magnetic forces with a magnetic strength between about 0.2 microTesla and about 80 milliTesla, about 0.4 microTesla and about 60 milliTesla, about 0.6 microTesla and about 40 milliTesla, or about 0.8 micro Tesla and about 20 milliTesla. In certain embodiments, the magnetic fields comprises one or more magnetic forces with a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla. In some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprises one or more magnetic forces with a variable magnetic strength.

In some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprise an orientation relative to one or both of the cathode and the anode. More particularly, in some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprise an orientation or direction that extends into a region of the electrochemical cell comprising the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the magnetic fields comprise an orientation or direction that extends towards or into one or both of the cathode and anode. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell is positioned such that the magnetic field has an arbitrary angle to the planes of one or both of the cathode and the anode for determining an optimized geometry of the electrochemical cell to the one or more assemblies. As will be appreciated, any orientation relative to one or both of the cathode and the anode may be applicable.

In some embodiments, the magnetic fields are directed to one or more regions of the electrochemical reactions.

Electrical Pulses

In some embodiments, the one or more excitations comprise electrical pulses. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise a generator, an electrical lead, a diode, or a combination thereof for providing electrical pulses to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. For example and without limitation, the one or more assemblies may be an external power supply with one or more suitable antennas (e.g., a coil of wire driven by a high-frequency power supply surrounding the electrochemical cell) to irradiate and induce high frequency oscillations. As will be appreciated, the electrical pulses may be provided through variable operation of the power supply providing direct current. In some embodiments, the electrical pulses are provided in addition to and simultaneously with a direct current. In certain embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise an external power supply for providing electrical pulses to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. As will be appreciated, diodes may be used to ensure that direct current from the power supply will not be applied to the external power supply.

In some embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise positive pulses, negative pulses, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the electrical pulses are provided simultaneously with the direct current from the power supply.

In some embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a duration between about 1 nanosecond and about 1 second, about 2 nanoseconds and about 2 seconds, about 3 nanoseconds and about 3 seconds, or about 4 nanoseconds and about 4 seconds. In some embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a duration less than about 1 nanosecond. In some embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a duration greater than about 4 seconds.

In some embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a magnitude between about 0.2 millivolts and about 80 volts, about 0.4 millivolts and about 60 volts, about 0.6 millivolts and about 40 volts, or about 0.8 millivolts and about 20 volts. In certain embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a magnitude between about 1 millivolt and about 10 volts.

In some embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a frequency between about 0.2 Hz and about 80 MHz, about 0.4 Hz and about 60 MHz, about 0.6 Hz and about 40 MHz, or about 0.8 Hz and about 20 MHz. In certain embodiments, the electrical pulses comprise a frequency between about 1 Hz and about 10 MHz.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise leads for providing electrical pulses to one or both of the cathode and the anode. As will be appreciated, the leads for the direct voltage may also be used to provide electrical pulses to one or both of the cathode and the anode.

As will be appreciated, the provision of electrical pulses may also provide one or more other excitations. In some embodiments, the provision of electrical pulses between about 100 Hz and about 10 MHz concurrently provides magnetic fields. In some embodiments, the provision of electrical pulses with antennas at desired positions concurrently provides radio frequency waves.

Mechanical Vibrations

In some embodiments, the one or more excitations comprise mechanical vibrations. The mechanical vibrations may be constant, variable or pulsed. As used herein in reference to mechanical vibrations, “constant” refers to a continuous application of the mechanical vibration at the same or substantially similar strength; “variable” refers to variation in the strength of the mechanical vibration and/or the duration of application not being continuous; and “pulsed” (or intermittent) refers to intermittent application of the mechanical vibrations at the same or substantially the same strength. As used herein, the term variable encompasses pulsed and when the term variable is used, pulsed is included unless explicitly excluded.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more shakers selected from a mechanical shaker, an electrical shaker, an electro-magnetic shaker, a pneumatic shaker, a repetitive motion shaker, or a combination thereof for providing mechanical vibrations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more shakers include a mechanical shaker that comprises an actuator, a platform (e.g. on which the electrochemical cell sits), a power source, or any combination thereof. For example and without limitation, the one or more assemblies may be motorized cams and eccentric weights. As will be appreciated, the one or more assemblies for providing mechanical vibrations may be operationally connected to the electrochemical cell by any material, geometry, and method of attachment.

In some embodiments, the mechanical vibrations comprise a frequency between about 0.2 Hz and about 80 MHz, about 0.4 Hz and about 60 MHz, about 0.6 Hz and about 40 MHz, or about 0.8 Hz and about 20 MHz. In certain embodiments, the mechanical vibrations comprise a frequency between about 1 Hz and about 1 MHz. As will be appreciated, the frequency and amplitude of the mechanical vibrations depends on the range and capability of the one or more assemblies.

In some embodiments, the mechanical vibrations comprise a longitudinal vibratory motion, a shear vibratory motion, or a combination thereof. As will be appreciated, the mechanical vibrations may be propagated in any direction.

In some embodiments, the mechanical vibrations are constant. In some embodiments, the mechanical vibrations are pulsed.

Without being bound by any particular theory, mechanical vibrations may influence the dynamics on the electrode surfaces to improve electrolysis efficiency, and/or shake bubbles of the one or more chemicals and/or effects off of the electrodes to increase the effective electrode area for further electrochemical reactions. This may, in turn, enable a more stable voltage when electrochemical cells are run at a constant current. Advantageously, the provision of mechanical vibrations can be energy efficient by moving electrolytes between narrowly-spaced electrodes.

Sound

As used herein, the term “sound” may be used interchangeably with the term “sonic”. The sound may be constant, variable or pulsed. As used herein in reference to sound, “constant” refers to a continuous application of sound of the same or substantially similar type (e.g. volume, pitch, vibration and wavelength); “variable” refers to variation in the type of sound (e.g. volume, pitch, vibration or wavelength) and/or the duration of application not being continuous; and “pulsed” (or intermittent) refers to intermittent application of the sound of the same or substantially similar type (e.g. volume, pitch, vibration and wavelength). As used herein, the term variable encompasses pulsed (or intermittent) and when the term variable is used, pulsed is included unless explicitly excluded.

In some embodiments, the one or more excitations comprise sound. In some embodiments, the sound comprises vibration. In some embodiments, the sound comprises a frequency between about 2 Hz and about 100 kHz, about 6 Hz and about 80 kHz, about 10 Hz and about 60 kHz, or about 14 Hz and about 40 kHz. In certain embodiments, the sound comprises a frequency between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz. In some embodiments, the sound comprises ultrasound. In some embodiments, the ultrasound comprises a frequency greater than about 20 kHz.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise acoustic transducers, piezoelectric transducers, or a combination thereof for providing sound to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the acoustic transducers comprise electrical coils provided external to the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric transducers comprise a plurality of metallic plates defining at least two sides of a layer of a piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric material comprise lead zirconium titanate, zinc oxide, and the like. In certain embodiments, the electrochemical cell further comprises one or more assemblies within the electrochemical cell for providing sound. In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprises the piezoelectric material and the like for vibrational inducement by sound.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing sound are operationally associated with a plurality of wires for connection to an exterior power supply. As will be appreciated, he plurality of wires may be provided in any configuration outside of the electrochemical cell, through the electrochemical cell, and inside of the electrochemical cell, such as to insure proper electrical operation of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the plurality of wires comprise a coating for protection against degradation by the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the coating comprises an inert plastic, Teflon™, and the like.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing sound are provided parallel to one or both of the cathode and the anode. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing sound are provided perpendicular to one or both of the cathode and the anode. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing sound are provided in contact with one or more surfaces of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing sound comprise the same shape and size as one or both of the cathode and the anode.

Without being bound by any particular theory, sound (i.e., ultrasound) may beneficially influence chemical reactions by dislodging bubbles from the surface of the one or both of the cathode and the anode to increase surface area for further electrochemical reactions. In some embodiments, the sound is constant. In some embodiments, the sound is pulsed.

Light

As used herein, the term “light” may be used interchangeably with the term “optical” or “optical radiation”.

In some embodiments, the one or more excitations comprise light. In some embodiments, the light comprises ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the light comprises sunlight. Without being bound by any particular theory, sunlight advantageously is readily and freely available.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more light sources contained within the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing light comprise one or more wires operationally connected to an external power supply. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise a transparent coating for protection against degradation by the electrolyte.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more light sources located externally to the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise a mirror, an optical conduit, fiber optics, a light emitting diode, a lamp, a laser, a window, or a combination thereof for providing light to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the mirror is placed in a location within the electrochemical cell such that light is reflected to increase its adsorption. In some embodiments, the mirror is flat, structured, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mirror comprises a coating for protection against degradation by the electrolyte. In certain embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise a light emitting diode.

In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode are translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise a transparent conducting material. In some embodiments, the transparent conducting material comprises indium tin oxide and the like. As will be appreciated, light could be introduced perpendicularly or reflectively into one or both of the cathode and the anode. In some embodiments, one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise optical scatters for redirecting light through the transparent conducting material into the one or both of the cathode and the anode.

In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of the electrochemical cell are translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of the electrochemical cell comprise the transparent conducting material.

In some embodiments, the light is pulsed. In certain embodiments, the light is constant. In some embodiments, the light has a polarization that is constant. In some embodiments, the light has a polarization that is variable.

Without being bound by any particular theory, optical photons carry an amount of energy to advantageously facilitate electrolysis of water molecules. The combination of electrochemistry and optical illumination may be known as PhotoElectroChemistry (PEC).

Radio Frequency Waves

In some embodiments, the one or more excitations comprise radio frequency waves. In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves comprise a frequency between about 1 kHz and about 1,000 GHZ, about 1.5 kHz and about 1,500 GHz, about 2 kHz and about 2,000 GHz, or about 2.5 kHz and about 2,500 GHz. In certain embodiments, the radio frequency waves comprise a frequency between about 3 kHz and about 3,000 GHz.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves have a direction of travel that is constant. In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves have a direction of travel that is variable. In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves have a polarization that is constant. In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves have a polarization that is variable. In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves are constant. In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves are pulsed.

In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise wires carrying electrical signals, a radio frequency transmitter, an antenna, or a combination thereof for providing radio frequency waves to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more wires operationally connecting an external power supply to one or more components of the electrochemical cell for providing radio frequency waves to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more wires operationally connecting an external power supply to one or both of the cathode and the anode for providing radio frequency waves to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the one or more wires comprise coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies for providing radio frequency waves further comprises one or more capacitors. Without being bound by any particular theory, capacitors may prevent direct current voltages and low frequency signals from interacting with the external power supply.

In some embodiments, the radio frequency waves comprise electromagnetic waves radiated into free space. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies comprise one or more antennas for radiating electromagnetic waves into free space. As used herein, the term “free space” is intended to refer to the volumes of air in between the components of the electrochemical system or electrochemical cell. As will be appreciated, any type of antenna may be applicable.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, wherein numerals refer to like components, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings that further show exemplary embodiments, without limitation.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electrochemical system 100 of the present disclosure comprising an electrochemical cell 110, a direct current power supply 120, and optionally, a magnet power supply 130, a pulsed electrical power supply 140, a vibration power supply 150, a sound power supply 160, a light power supply 170, and a radiofrequency power supply 180. While FIG. 1 shows an electrochemical cell configured to optionally operationally associate with six power supplies for providing one or more excitations (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, and 180), additional components and/or configurations would be known to the skilled person based on the disclosure herein.

In some embodiments, the direct current power supply 120 is programmably controlled by a computer operating device (not shown) to provide steady waveforms, variable waveforms, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the magnet power supply 130 comprises one or more coils for providing electrical currents and magnetic fields. In some embodiments, the one or more coils are contained within the electrochemical cell 110. In some embodiments, the one or more coils are located external to the electrochemical cell 110.

In some embodiments, the pulsed electrical power supply 140 comprises one or more wires operationally connected to one or both of the cathode and the anode in the electrochemical cell 110. In some embodiments, the one or more wires provide steady direct current or variable direct current to the electrochemical cell 110. In some embodiments, the pulsed electrical power supply 140 comprises one or more diodes for providing variable direct current to the electrochemical cell 110.

In some embodiments, the vibration power supply 150 provides mechanical vibrations. In some embodiments, the sound power supply 160 provides audible sound comprising a frequency between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz. In some embodiments, the sound power supply 160 provides ultrasonic sound comprising a frequency greater than about 20 kHz. As used herein, the term “ultrasonic sound” may be used interchangeably with the term “ultrasound”.

In some embodiments, the radiofrequency power supply 180 provides radio frequency waves comprising a frequency between about 3 kHz and about 3,000 GHz.

In some embodiments, the six power supplies (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) provide one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell 110 simultaneously with the steady operation of the direct current power supply 120. In some embodiments, the six power supplies (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) provide one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell 110 simultaneously with the variable operation of the direct current power supply 120. In some embodiments, the six power supplies (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) are operationally associated with one or more assemblies contained within the electrochemical cell 110. In some embodiments, the six power supplies (130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) are operationally associated with one or more assemblies located externally to the electrochemical cell 110. In some embodiments, the provision of one or more excitations selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency waves comprises continuous energy input.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the energy cost of producing the one or more chemicals and/or effects is reduced through the provision of the one or more excitations. This reduction in energy cost may be expressed as reducing the energy input to the electrochemical system 100 to generate the same amount of one or more chemicals and/or effects, or equivalently, obtaining more one or more chemicals and/or effects for the same amount (and cost) of input electrical energy (seen below in EQ. 1):

E T = E d ⁢ c + E p ⁢ m + E p ⁢ e + E m + E s + E 1 + E rf ( 1 )

• • where:
  • E_T=total input energy over time (Hr)
  • E_dc=energy input from direct current power supply 120 over time (Hr)
  • E_pm=energy input from magnetic power supply 130 over time (Hr)
  • E_pe=energy input from pulsed electrical power supply 140 over time (Hr)
  • E_m=energy input from vibration power supply 150 over time (Hr)
  • E_s=energy input from sound power supply 160 over time (Hr)
  • E_i=energy input from light power supply 170 over time (Hr)
  • E_rf=energy input from radio frequency power supply 180 over time (Hr)

Without being bound by any particular theory, the efficiencies of each of the terms in EQ. 1 includes various factors. The common measure of electrolysis efficiency is called the Faradaic Efficiency, which measures the number of water molecules that are split relative to how many would be split with no energy losses, such as heating. Thermodynamic losses cause heating of one or both of a cathode and an anode and components in the electrochemical cell 110. The magnet power supply 130 and the pulsed electrical power supply 140 will have some losses during pulse generation due to internal circuit resistances, and losses in generating magnetic fields and coupling them to one or both of the cathode and the anode. The component of the vibration power supply 150 which initiates the motion using any energy source, will be less than completely efficient, and some energy will be lost due to friction and other effects in coupling the source of the motion to the electrochemical cell 110. Besides some power supply inefficiency, the operation of the sound power supply 160 will not be completely efficient. While there are losses in the light power supply 170, these losses may be mitigated through the use of light emitting diodes as one or more assemblies for providing light. The radio frequency power supply 180 involves electronic circuits in which some power will be lost due to resistive, radiative, and other mechanisms.

FIG. 2 illustrates two exemplary electrochemical cells comprising unipolar electrodes (Panel A), or in some exemplary embodiments of the electrochemical system comprising bipolar electrodes (Panel B). As used herein, the term “unipolar” is intended to refer to electrodes that have one charge, either positive or negative. As used herein, the term “bipolar” is intended to refer to electrodes that have both positive and negative charges.

As shown in FIG. 2 (Panel A), a membrane separates produced hydrogen and oxygen at electrodes with negative and positive potentials, respectively. A water-based electrolyte (not shown) is provided to the electrochemical cell periodically to refresh the electrochemical cell with new precursors for the electrochemical reaction, namely water. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell comprises one or more conduits for providing and/or receiving the water-based electrolyte.

As shown in FIG. 2 (Panel B), the electrodes comprises a negative plate and a positive plate, wherein each plate is separated by an insulator. Produced oxygen and hydrogen are removed from the electrochemical cell, and may be accompanied by electrolyte vapor. In some embodiments, the produced oxygen and hydrogen are stored within electrolytic cells. In some embodiments, the produced oxygen and hydrogen are processed downstream to remove water vapour and provide high purity gases.

In some embodiments, the electrodes are arranged within about 5 cm of each other, within about 4 cm of each other, within about 3 cm of each other, or within about 2 cm of each other. In certain embodiments, the electrodes are arranged within about 1 cm of each other. In some embodiments, the one or more assemblies are contained external to the electrochemical cell. In certain embodiments, the electrodes are arranged such that one or more assemblies for providing one or more excitations can be contained within the electrochemical cell.

FIG. 3 illustrates the steps of an exemplary method 300 of the present disclosure for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects. In some embodiments, the method 300 comprises a step of providing 310 a constant or variable electrical current to a cathode and an anode within an electrochemical cell, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; a step of applying 320 one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, and optionally directly to one or both of the cathode and the anode; and a step of receiving or producing 330 from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects, wherein the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency, and wherein: when one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, one or more excitations are applied to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein; or when both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, two or more excitations are applied to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.

In some embodiments, the step of providing 310 a constant or variable electrical current to a cathode and an anode within an electrochemical cell comprises a power supply. In some embodiments, the power supply may be any suitable device or component, as described herein. In some embodiments, the electrical current comprises direct current. In some embodiments, the direct current is constant and unidirectional. In some embodiments, the direct current is variable and unidirectional. In some embodiments, the direct current is variable and bidirectional.

In some embodiments, the step of applying 320 the one or more excitations occurs at a frequency that is constant, periodic with predetermined time intervals, or periodic with random time intervals. In some embodiments, the step of applying 320 the one or more excitations occurs at a duration that is constant, variable in a predetermined pattern, or randomly variable. In some embodiments, the step of applying 320 the one or more excitations occurs at a magnitude that is constant, variable in a predetermined pattern, or randomly variable.

In some embodiments, the step of receiving or producing 330 from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects comprises producing hydrogen, oxygen, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 4 illustrates the steps of an exemplary method 400 of the present disclosure for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode. In some embodiments, the method 400 comprises a step of providing catalytic particles 410, the catalytic particles being non-magnetic; a step of admixing 420 the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; a step of distributing 430 the mixture onto a surface of a magnetic electrode such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the magnetic electrode; an optional step of removing a first amount 440 of the application material from the mixture; a step of applying 450 a magnetic field to the catalytic particles to induce permanent magnetic moments and form magnetic catalytic particles; and an optional step of removing a second amount 460 of the application material from the mixture to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.

In some embodiments, the catalytic particles are pre-magnetized. In an embodiment, the catalytic particles are inorganic or organic materials. In an embodiment, the catalytic particles include, without limitation, homogeneous, heterogeneous, and biocatalysts, with metallic materials based on platinum, nickel, vanadium or iron, and aluminosilicates.

In some embodiments, the step of applying 450 a magnetic field comprises a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5 illustrates the steps of another exemplary method 500 of the present disclosure for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode. In some embodiments, the method 500 comprises a step of providing catalytic particles 510, the catalytic particles being magnetic; a step of admixing 520 the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; a step of distributing 530 the mixture onto a surface of a non-magnetic electrode or a magnetic electrode, such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the non-magnetic electrode or optionally the magnetic electrode; a step of removing a first amount 540 of the application material from the mixture; and when a non-magnetic electrode is used, providing a step of providing an adhesive 550 to the catalytic particles and the surface of the non-magnetic electrode to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.

In some embodiments, the catalytic particles comprise an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the organic materials comprise homogenous biocatalysts, heterogeneous biocatalysts, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the catalytic particles comprise a metal, an alloy, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the catalytic particles comprise platinum, nickel, vanadium, iron, aluminosilicates, or a combination thereof. As will be appreciated, the catalytic particles may comprise the above examples without limitation but other compositions and materials of catalytic particles may be applicable.

In some embodiments, the step of admixing (420, 520) comprises any device or component suitable for mixing.

In some embodiments, the application material comprises a solid. In some embodiments, the mixture comprises a powder. In some embodiments, one or both of the steps of removing a first amount of the application material (440, 540) and optionally removing a second amount 460 of the application material comprises sublimation, pyrolysis, slow dissolution, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the step of distributing (430, 530) the mixture comprises mechanical agitation, ultrasonic agitation, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the application material comprises a liquid. In some embodiments, the mixture comprises a suspension. In some embodiments, one or both of the steps of removing a first amount (440, 540) of the application material and optionally removing a second amount 460 of the application material comprises dehydration, evaporation, heating, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the step of distributing (430, 530) the mixture comprises dipping the catalytic electrode in the mixture, spinning the catalytic electrode after applying the mixture onto the catalytic electrode, or a combination thereof.

Without being bound by any particular theory, the step of distributing (430, 530) may be required to prevent non-uniform inward flow of reactants and non-uniform outward flow of products as well as efficient use of the magnetically catalyzed electrode. Control of the areal density of catalytic particles may allow use of an entire surface area of an electrode for electrochemical reactions.

In some embodiments, the methods (400, 500) further comprises a step of providing the magnetically catalyzed electrode in a shape for operation with an electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the shape comprises a cylinder, a cuboid, a pyramid, sphere, a cube, a cone, a prism, or the like.

In some embodiments, the adhesive comprises a wet adhesive, a contact adhesive, a single-component reactive adhesive, a two-component reactive adhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the methods (400, 500) further comprises a step of removing the application material and the catalytic particles from the magnetically catalyzed electrode to provide a non-magnetic electrode or a magnetic electrode. In some embodiments, the non-magnetic electrode or magnetic electrode are re-used by repeating the steps of the methods disclosed herein (400, 500). The methods disclosed herein (400, 500) may be used to prepare one or both of the cathode and the anode of the systems disclosed herein.

Without being bound by any particular theory, catalytic electrodes, regardless of composition and structure, provided within an electrochemical cell may advantageously improve the rates of electrochemical reactions.

In some embodiments, one or more points of automation may be used. In some embodiments, one or all of the steps of the methods disclosed herein (300, 400, and 500) are automated using automated and/or programmable logic control.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure also relates to a kit for assembling, modifying or retrofitting an electrochemical system to incorporate application of excitations, the kit comprising: a first assembly for providing a first excitation to an electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system; and a second assembly for providing a second excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the first and second excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a third assembly for providing a third excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a fourth assembly for providing a fourth excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a fifth assembly for providing a fifth excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a sixth assembly for providing a sixth excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein.

The kit disclosed herein may be used with the methods disclosed herein (400, 500) to provide one or more magnetically catalyzed electrodes.

Embodiments

Exemplary embodiments of the electrochemical system, methods and uses/applications are described below, without limitation.

• • (1) An electrochemical system for enhanced production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, the system comprising: an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode, an anode, and a power supply, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; and one or more assemblies operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency waves, and wherein: when one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein; or when both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, the one or more assemblies are operationally associated with the electrochemical cell for providing two or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte therein.
  • (2) The system of (1), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode is a non-magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (3) The system of (1), wherein both of the cathode and the anode are a non magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (4) The system of (1), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (5) The system of (4), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more magnetic components provided within a frame, a magnetic sheet whereupon one or more magnetic components are provided, or a non-magnetic sheet whereupon a plurality of magnetic components are provided on both sides of the non-magnetic sheet.
  • (6) The system of (4) or (5), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor comprises a north pole and a south pole on opposite faces of the magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (7) The system of any one of (4) to (6), wherein a magnetic field of the magnetic electrical conductor is oriented perpendicular a surface of the opposite faces such that the magnetic field extend outwards from the magnetic electrical conductor into a region of the electrochemical cell comprising the electrolyte.
  • (8) The system of any one of (4) to (7), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor is comprised of a permanent magnetic material that is electrically conductive.
  • (9) The system of any one of (4) to (8), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more chemical properties, one or more conductive thin coatings, one or more affixed particles, or a combination thereof for catalyzing production of the one or more chemicals and/or effects.
  • (10) The system of any one of (4) to (9), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor is impervious to the electrolyte within the electrochemical cell to prevent degradation of the magnetic electrical conductor by the electrolyte.
  • (11) The system of any one of (4) to (10), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor comprises a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla.
  • (12) The system of any one of (4) to (11), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more supports for mechanically resisting the one or more magnetic forces and/or providing stable positioning of the magnetic electrical conductor within the electrochemical cell.
  • (13) The system of any one of (4) to (12), wherein both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (14) The system of (1), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the electromagnet.
  • (15) The system of (14), wherein the electromagnet provides a magnetic field the [00188] extends beyond its surface into a region of the electrochemical cell comprising the electrolyte.
  • (16) The system of (14) or (15), wherein the electromagnet comprises a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla.
  • (17) The system of any one of (14) to (16), wherein the electromagnet comprises one or more supports for mechanically resisting one or more magnetic forces and/or providing stable positioning of the electromagnet within the electrochemical cell.
  • (18) The system of any one of (14) to (17), wherein both of the cathode and the anode comprise the electromagnet.
  • (19 The system of any one of (1) to (16), wherein the electrochemical cell is an electrolytic cell.
  • (20) The system of (19), wherein the one or more chemicals is hydrogen.
  • (21) The system of any one of (1) to (16), wherein the electrochemical cell is a galvanic cell and the one or more effects is the production of direct current.
  • (22) The system of any one of (1) to (21), wherein the power supply is a direct current that is constant unidirectional.
  • (23) The system of any one of (1) to (21), wherein the power supply is a direct current that is variable unidirectional or variable bidirectional, the variability being of any sign, magnitude, frequency, or sequence.
  • (24) The system of any one of (1) to (23), wherein the one or more excitations comprise magnetic fields.
  • (25) The system of (24), wherein the magnetic field is constant or non-randomly pulsed/variable.
  • (26) The system of (24) or (25), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise: one or more external electromagnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte; and/or one or more external permanent magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte; and/or one or more external temporary magnets for providing magnetic fields to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte.
  • (27) The system of any one of (24) to (26), wherein the magnetic fields comprise a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla.
  • (28) The system of any one of (24) to (27), wherein the magnetic fields comprise an orientation or direction that extends into a region of the electrochemical cell comprising the electrolyte.
  • (29) The system of any one of (1) to (28), wherein the one or more excitations comprise electrical pulses.
  • (30) The system of (29), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise a generator, an electrical lead, a diode, or a combination thereof for providing electrical pulses to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte.
  • (31) The system of (29) or (30), wherein the electrical pulses comprise a magnitude between about 1 millivolt and about 10 volts.
  • (32) The system of any one of (29) to (31), wherein the electrical pulses comprise a frequency between about 1 Hz and about 10 MHz.
  • (33) The system of any one of (1) to (32), wherein the one or more excitations comprise mechanical vibrations.
  • (34) The system of (33), wherein the mechanical vibrations are constant or non randomly intermittent/variable.
  • (35) The system of (33) or (34), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise one or more shakers selected from a mechanical shaker, an electrical shaker, an electro-magnetic shaker, a pneumatic shaker, a repetitive motion shaker, or a combination thereof for providing mechanical vibrations to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte.
  • (36) The system of (35), wherein the mechanical shaker comprises an actuator, a platform on which the electrochemical cell sits, and a power source.
  • (37) The system of any one of (33) to (36), wherein the mechanical vibrations comprise a frequency between about 1 Hz and about 1 MHz.
  • (38) The system of any one of (33) to (37), wherein the mechanical vibrations comprise a longitudinal vibratory motion, a shear vibratory motion, or a combination thereof.
  • (39) The system of any one of (1) to (38), wherein the one or more excitations comprise sound.
  • (40) The system of (39), wherein the sound is constant or non randomly intermittent/variable.
  • (41) The system of (39) or (40), wherein the sound comprises a sonic frequency of between about 20 Hz and about 20 kHz.
  • (42) The system of any one of (39) to (41), wherein the sound comprises an ultrasonic frequency of greater than about 20 kHz.
  • (43) The system of any one of (39) to (42), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise acoustic transducers, piezoelectric transducers, or a combination thereof for providing sound to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte.
  • (44) The system of any one of (1) to (43), wherein the one or more excitations comprise light.
  • (45 The system of (44), wherein the light comprises ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light, or any combination thereof.
  • (46) The system of (44) or (45), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise a mirror, an optical conduit, a light emitting diode, a lamp, a laser, a window, or a combination thereof for providing light to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte.
  • (47) The system of any one of (44) to (46), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode are translucent, transparent, or a combination thereof.
  • (48) The system of any one of (1) to (47), wherein the one or more excitations comprise radio frequency waves.
  • (49) The system of (48), wherein the radio frequency waves comprise a frequency between about 3 kHz and about 3,000 GHz.
  • (50) The system of (48) or (49), wherein the radio frequency waves have a direction of travel that is constant.
  • (51) The system of (48) or (49), wherein the radio frequency waves have a direction [00224] of travel that is variable.
  • (52) The system of any one of (48) to (51), wherein the radio frequency waves have a polarization that is constant.
  • (53) The system of any one of (48) to (51), wherein the radio frequency waves have a polarization that is variable.
  • (54) The system of any one of (48) to (53), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise wires carrying electrical signals, a radio frequency transmitter, an antenna, or a combination thereof for providing radio frequency waves to the electrochemical cell and/or the electrolyte.
  • (55) The system of any one of (1) to (54), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a frequency that is constant.
  • (56) The system of any one of (1) to (54), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a frequency that is periodic with predetermined time intervals.
  • (57) The system of any one of (1) to (54), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a frequency that is periodic with random time intervals.
  • (58) The system of any one of (1) to (57), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a duration that is constant.
  • (59) The system of any one of (1) to (57), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a duration that is variable in a predetermined pattern.
  • (60) The system of any one of (1) to (57), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a duration that is randomly variable.
  • (61) The system of any one of (1) to (60), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a magnitude that is constant.
  • (62) The system of any one of (1) to (60), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a magnitude that is variable in a predetermined pattern.
  • (63) The system of any one of (1) to (60), wherein the one or more assemblies are configured to provide the one or more excitations having a magnitude that is randomly variable.
  • (64) The system of any one of (1) to (63), wherein the one or more assemblies comprise a protecting coating for preventing degradation of the one or more assemblies by the electrolyte.
  • (66) A method for enhanced electrochemical production of one or more chemicals and/or effects, the method comprising the steps of: providing a constant or variable electrical current to a cathode and an anode within an electrochemical cell, wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode optionally comprise a magnetic electrical conductor or an electromagnet; applying one or more excitations to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein, and optionally directly to one or both of the cathode and the anode; and receiving or producing from the electrochemical cell the one or more chemicals and/or effects, wherein the one or more excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency, and wherein: when one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, one or more excitations are applied to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein; or when both of the cathode and the anode do not comprise the magnetic electrical conductor or the electromagnet, two or more excitations are applied to the electrochemical cell and/or an electrolyte therein.
  • (67) The method of (66), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode is a non-magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (68) The system of (66) or (67), wherein both of the cathode and the anode are a non magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (69) The method of (66), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (70) The method of (66), wherein both of the cathode and the anode comprise the magnetic electrical conductor.
  • (71) The method of (70), wherein the magnetic electrical conductor comprises one or more chemical properties, one or more conductive thin coatings, one or more affixed particles, or a combination thereof for catalyzing production of the one or more chemicals and/or effects.
  • (72) The method of (66), wherein one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise the electromagnet.
  • (73) The method of (66), wherein both of the cathode and the anode comprise the electromagnet.
  • (74) The method of any one of (69) to (73), wherein the one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise a magnetic field that extends beyond its surface into a region of the electrochemical cell comprising the electrolyte.
  • (75) The method of any one of (69) to (74), wherein the one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise a magnetic strength between about 1 microTesla and about 10 milliTesla.
  • (76) The method of any one of (69) to (75), wherein the one or both of the cathode and the anode comprise one or more supports for mechanically resisting one or more magnetic forces and/or providing stable positioning within the electrochemical cell.
  • (77) The method of any one of (66) to (76), wherein the electrochemical cell is an electrolytic cell.
  • (78) The method of (77), wherein the one or more chemicals is hydrogen.
  • (79) The method of any one of (66) to (76), wherein the electrochemical cell is a galvanic cell and the one or more effects is the production of direct current.
  • (80) The method of (76), wherein the step of providing the electrical current to the cathode and the anode comprises providing from a power supply a direct current that is variable unidirectional or variable bidirectional, the variability being of any sign, magnitude, frequency, or sequence.
  • (81) The method of any one of (66) to (80), wherein the one or more excitations comprise magnetic fields.
  • (82) The method of any one of (66) to (81), wherein the one or more excitations comprise electrical pulses.
  • (83) The method of any one of (66) to (82), wherein the one or more excitations comprise mechanical vibrations.
  • (84) The method of any one of (66) to (83), wherein the one or more excitations comprise sound.
  • (85) The method of any one of (66) to (84), wherein the one or more excitations comprise light.
  • (86) The method of any one of (66) to (85), wherein the one or more excitations comprise radio frequency waves.
  • (87) The method of any one of (66) to (86), wherein the step of applying the one or more excitations occurs at a frequency that is constant, periodic with predetermined time intervals, or periodic with random time intervals.
  • (88) The method of any one of (66) to (87), wherein the step of applying the one or more excitations occurs at a duration that is constant, variable in a predetermined pattern, or randomly variable.
  • (89) The method of any one of (66) to (88), wherein the step of applying the one or more excitations occurs at a magnitude that is constant, variable in a predetermined pattern, or randomly variable.
  • (90) A method for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, the method comprising the steps of: providing catalytic particles, the catalytic particles being non-magnetic; admixing the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; distributing the mixture onto a surface of a magnetic electrode such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the magnetic electrode; optionally removing a first amount of the application material from the mixture; applying a magnetic field to the catalytic particles to induce permanent magnetic moments and form magnetic catalytic particles; and optionally removing a second amount of the application material from the mixture to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.
  • (91) A method for producing a magnetically catalyzed electrode, the method comprising the steps of: providing catalytic particles, the catalytic particles being magnetic; admixing the catalytic particles with an application material to form a mixture; distributing the mixture onto a surface of a non-magnetic electrode or a magnetic electrode, such that the catalytic particles are uniformly distributed in an areal density on the surface of the non-magnetic electrode or optionally the magnetic electrode; removing a first amount of the application material from the mixture; and when a non-magnetic electrode is used, providing an adhesive to the catalytic particles and the surface of the non-magnetic electrode to provide the magnetically catalyzed electrode.
  • (92) The method of (90) or (91), wherein the application material is a solid and the mixture is a powder.
  • (93) The method of (92), wherein one or both of the steps of removing a first amount of the application material and removing a second amount of the application material comprises sublimation, pyrolysis, slow dissolution, or a combination thereof.
  • (94) The method of any one of (90) to (93), wherein the step of distributing the mixture comprises mechanical agitation, ultrasonic agitation, or a combination thereof.
  • (95) The method of (90) or (91), wherein the application material comprises a liquid.
  • (96) The method of (95), wherein the mixture comprises a suspension.
  • (97) The method of (95) or (96), wherein one or both of the steps of removing a first amount of the application material and removing a second amount of the application material comprises dehydration, evaporation, heating, or a combination thereof.
  • (98) The method of any one of (95) to (97), wherein the step of distributing the mixture comprises dipping the catalytic electrode in the mixture, spinning the catalytic electrode after applying the mixture onto the catalytic electrode, or a combination thereof.
  • (99) The method of any one of (90) to (98), further comprising a step of providing the magnetically catalyzed electrode in a shape for operation with an electrochemical cell.
  • (100) The method of (99), wherein the shape comprises a cylinder, a cuboid, a pyramid, sphere, a cube, a cone, a prism, or the like.
  • (101) A kit for assembling, modifying or retrofitting an electrochemical system to incorporate application of excitations, the kit comprising: a first assembly for providing a first excitation to an electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system; and a second assembly for providing a second excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or an electrolyte therein, wherein the first and second excitations are selected from magnetic fields, electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, sound, light, and radio frequency.
  • (102) The kit of (101), further comprising a third assembly for providing a third excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein.
  • (103) The kit of (102), further comprising a fourth assembly for providing a fourth excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein.
  • (104) The kit of (103), further comprising a fifth assembly for providing a fifth excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein.
  • (105) The kit of (104), further comprising a sixth assembly for providing a sixth excitation to the electrochemical cell of the electrochemical system and/or the electrolyte therein.

In the present disclosure, all terms referred to in singular form are meant to encompass plural forms of the same. Likewise, all terms referred to in plural form are meant to encompass singular forms of the same. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

It should be understood that the compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of or “consist of the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus, every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although individual embodiments are dis-cussed, the disclosure covers all combinations of all those embodiments. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may be referenced herein, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

Many obvious variations of the embodiments set out herein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. Such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.