A flow plate for use as an anode current collector in an electrolytic cell for the production of hydrogen from water is provided. The flow plate comprises a channel plate and a cover plate. A front face of the channel plate is provided with a flow field pattern of open-faced channels defined by depressed portions alternating with elevated portions. The cover plate made of a material that is corrosion resistant in an anodic environment of water electrolysis. The cover plate is arranged parallel on top of the channel plate and in electrical contact with the front face thereof. The cover plate is further provided with a pattern of through-going apertures alternating with closed portions, and the closed portions cover at least the elevated portions of the channel plate.

An electrolytic cell may include a cathode half-cell having a cathode, an anode half-cell having an anode, and a separator that separates the two half-cells from one another and that is permeable to electrolyte present in the half-cells during operation. At least one inlet for electrolyte is provided in a first half-cell of the two half-cells, and at least one outlet for electrolyte and no inlet for electrolyte are provided in the second half-cell such that electrolyte supplied via the at least one inlet is dischargeable via the at least one outlet after passing through the separator. A method can also be utilized to operate such an electrolytic cell. And an electrolyzer may include multiple of such electrolytic cells.

An electrolytic cell may include a cathode half-cell having a cathode, an anode half-cell having an anode, and a separator that separates the two half-cells from one another and that is permeable to electrolyte present in the half-cells during operation. At least one inlet for electrolyte is provided in a first half-cell of the two half-cells, and at least one outlet for electrolyte and no inlet for electrolyte are provided in the second half-cell such that electrolyte supplied via the at least one inlet is dischargeable via the at least one outlet after passing through the separator. A method can also be utilized to operate such an electrolytic cell. And an electrolyzer may include multiple of such electrolytic cells.

An apparatus can include a housing, a plurality of electrochemical devices disposed within the housing, and a heat exchanger disposed within the housing. The heat exchanger can be faced with an oxidant-containing gas outlet surface of at least one of the plurality of electrochemical devices. The electrochemical devices can include a stack of solid oxide fuel cells, a battery, or a solid oxide electrolyzer cell.

Systems and methods for increasing the concentration of a desired CO.sub.x reduction reaction product are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include ethylene purification.

A device for synthesis of macromolecules is disclosed. In one aspect, the device comprises an ion-releaser having a synthesis surface comprising an array of synthesis locations arranged for synthesis of the macromolecules. The ion-releaser also includes an ion-source electrode, which is arranged to contain releasable ions and is arranged to be in contact with each of the synthesis locations of the synthesis surface, thereby release ions to the synthesis locations. The ion-releaser further comprises activating electrodes, which are arranged to be in contact with the ion-source electrode, wherein each one of the activating electrodes is arranged in association with one of the synthesis locations via the ion-source electrode. The ion-releaser is arranged to release at least a portion of the releasable ions from the ion-source electrode to one of the synthesis locations, by activation of the activating electrode associated with the synthesis location.

A device for synthesis of macromolecules is disclosed. In one aspect, the device comprises an ion-releaser having a synthesis surface comprising an array of synthesis locations arranged for synthesis of the macromolecules. The ion-releaser also includes an ion-source electrode, which is arranged to contain releasable ions and is arranged to be in contact with each of the synthesis locations of the synthesis surface, thereby release ions to the synthesis locations. The ion-releaser further comprises activating electrodes, which are arranged to be in contact with the ion-source electrode, wherein each one of the activating electrodes is arranged in association with one of the synthesis locations via the ion-source electrode. The ion-releaser is arranged to release at least a portion of the releasable ions from the ion-source electrode to one of the synthesis locations, by activation of the activating electrode associated with the synthesis location.

Herein discussed is a method of producing carbon monoxide comprising: (a) providing an electrochemical reactor having an anode, a cathode, and a mixed-conducting membrane between the anode and the cathode; (b) introducing a first stream to the anode, wherein the first stream comprises a fuel; (c) introducing a second stream to the cathode, wherein the second stream comprises carbon dioxide, wherein carbon monoxide is generated from carbon dioxide electrochemically; wherein the reactor generates no electricity and receives no electricity. In an embodiment, the anode and the cathode are separated by the membrane and are both exposed to reducing environments during the entire time of operation.

Herein discussed is a method of producing carbon monoxide comprising: (a) providing an electrochemical reactor having an anode, a cathode, and a mixed-conducting membrane between the anode and the cathode; (b) introducing a first stream to the anode, wherein the first stream comprises a fuel; (c) introducing a second stream to the cathode, wherein the second stream comprises carbon dioxide, wherein carbon monoxide is generated from carbon dioxide electrochemically; wherein the reactor generates no electricity and receives no electricity. In an embodiment, the anode and the cathode are separated by the membrane and are both exposed to reducing environments during the entire time of operation.

Provided are electrochemical cells and methods for generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.