Electrodes for Electrolytic Germane Process

A method for generating germane in a divided tubular housing electrochemical cell;

• comprising the steps of:
• providing a cathode chamber comprising a metal alloy cathode selected from the group consisting of copper alloy cathode, tin alloy cathode and combinations thereof, and the cathode gas outlet;
• providing an anode chamber comprising an anode that is part of inner wall of the tubular housing comprising nickel, and an anode gas outlet;
• providing an aqueous electrolyte solution comprising Germanium dioxide (GeO2), KOH and DI water in the cathode chamber and the anode chamber;
• wherein the metal alloy cathode and the anode are at least partially immersed in the aqueous electrolyte solution;
• providing a divider separating the cathode chamber from the anode chamber;
• wherein the divider is electrically insulated from anode and cathode circuits;
• supplying an electric power to the divided electrochemical cell;
• releasing gas generated in the cathode chamber through the cathode gas outlet as the hydride gas;
• and
• releasing gas generated in the anode chamber through the anode gas outlet.

A method for generating germane in a divided tubular housing electrochemical cell;

• comprising the steps of:
• providing a cathode chamber comprising a copper alloy cathode, and the cathode gas outlet;
• providing an anode chamber comprising an anode that is part of inner wall of the tubular housing comprising nickel, and an anode gas outlet;
• providing an aqueous electrolyte solution comprising germanium dioxide (GeO2) ranging from 80 to 170 g/l, KOH ranging from 60-150 g/l and DI water in the cathode chamber and the anode chamber;
• wherein the copper alloy cathode and the anode are at least partially immersed in the aqueous electrolyte solution;
• providing a divider separating the cathode chamber from the anode chamber;
• wherein the divider is electrically insulated from anode and cathode circuits;
• supplying an electric, power to the divided electrochemical cell;
• releasing gas generated in the cathode chamber through the cathode gas outlet as the hydride gas;
• and
• releasing gas generated in the anode chamber through the anode gas outlet.