Electrolytic cell and method of use thereof

1. An electrolytic cell comprising:

a containment vessel;

a first electrode;

a second electrode;

a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode;

an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode;

a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode;

a gas extraction area; and

a separator wherein separator comprises two inclined surfaces forming a “V” shape, wherein separator comprises a substantially continuous helical configuration; and

a microorganism, wherein the separator substantially retains the microorganism in a desired location,

wherein the separator directs flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode, and wherein the separator is further configured to promote circulation of the electrolyte between the first electrode, the gas extraction area, and the second electrode to provide fresh electrolyte to the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to allow the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode to reverse.

3. The electrolytic cell of claim 1 wherein the first electrode comprises a spring structure for vibration to promote release of nucleated gas from the electrodes.

4. The electrolytic cell of claim 3 wherein the first electrode is configured to vibrate at a rate to promote circulation of the electrolyte.

5. An electrolytic cell comprising:

a containment vessel;

a first electrode;

a second electrode;

a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode;

an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode;

a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and

a separator, wherein separator comprises a substantially continuous helical configuration;

wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.

6. The electrolytic cell of claim 5 further comprising a gas extraction area wherein the separator is configured to promote circulation of the electrolyte between the first electrode, the gas extraction area, and the second electrode to provide fresh electrolyte to the first electrode and the second electrode.

7. The electrolytic cell of claim 6 wherein separator comprises two inclined surfaces forming a “V” shape.

8. The electrolytic cell of claim 7 wherein separator comprises at least two stacked plates, wherein each stacked plate comprises two inclined surfaces forming a “V” shape.

9. The electrolytic cell of claim 6 further comprising a microorganism, wherein the separator substantially retains the microorganism in a desired location.

10. The electrolytic cell of claim 6 wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to allow the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode to reverse.

11. The electrolytic cell of claim 6 wherein the first electrode comprises a spring structure for vibration to promote release of nucleated gas from the electrodes.

12. The electrolytic cell of claim 11 wherein the first electrode is configured to vibrate at a rate to promote circulation of the electrolyte.