Electrolytic cells and processes
US4036714A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC25B1/46
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing alkali metal ions, for example, the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. In one embodiment, a composite membrane comprising at least an ion-conductive polymer and a metal permeable to alkali metal is used in an electrolytic cell. An illustration of such a polymer is a perfluorocarbon polymer containing sulfonic acid or sulfonate groups, in intimate contact with a layer of mercury. Another aspect is the use of elevated pressures or other techniques substantially to eliminate the presence of normally gaseous products from the electrolyte. For example, high pressures may be employed to dissolve chlorine in a brine electrolyte and/or liquefy it. In another aspect, sodium sulfate is electrolyzed in a cell comprising a composite membrane, a formaminous anode, and a diaphragm between the composite membrane and anode; the oxygen produced is withdrawn through the anode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.