Gas diffusion electrode with polymeric hydrogel coating

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention is concerned with catalytic gas-diffusion structures such as electrodes and barriers comprising, as an integral part of a portion thereof a non-ionic aqueous gel such as a polyvinyl alcohol rendering said electrode impervious to gas percolation while retaining electrolyte contact with the structures; and with methods of using said electrodes or barriers in a variety of electrochemical systems including electrolysis cells, fuel cells, batteries and others as well as in metal-recovery systems involving no electricity.