Margaret T Reid

US Patent:

44546491, Jun 19, 1984

Filed:

Feb 26, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/352821

Inventors:

Vinod Jalan - Concord MA
Margaret A. Reid - Bay Village OH
Jo Ann Charleston - Lorain OH

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration - Washington DC

International Classification:

C25B 1104
C25B 1108

US Classification:

296235

Abstract:

Referring to FIG. 1, a method for making an improved electrode 15 having a gold coating 9 for use in the anode compartment 12 of a REDOX cell 10 is described. The anode fluid utilizes a chromic/chromous couple. The flow chart FIG. 2 illustrates the method wherein a carbon felt is soaked in methanol, rinsed in water, dried and then heated in KOH after which it is again washed in deionized water and dried. The felt is then moistened with a methanol-water solution containing chloroauric acid and is stored in a dark place while still in contact with the gold-containing solution. After all the gold-containing solution is absorbed by the felt, the latter is dried by heat and then heat-treated at a substantially greater temperature. The felt is now suitable for use as an electrode and is wetted with water or up to 2 molar HCl prior to installation in a REDOX cell. The two curves on the far right of FIG.