Alkali metal hydroxide generation system and the method therefor
US5186794A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are both an apparatus and method for the radiation-augmented electrolytic production of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and hydrogen. Reduction of electrical energy requirements is achieved by using radiation to activate photo-sensitive metallic hexahalide ions, which reduces the electrolysis electrode potential. By utilizing radiation-augmented electrolysis, the conventional halogen oxidation reaction is replaced by oxidation of a metallic hexahalide, which occurs at a lower overvoltage and smaller reversible cell potential. Radiant energy thus replaces electrical energy for the production of alkali metal hydroxide, molecular halogen, and hydrogen. Since the action of radiation on the oxidized form of the metallic hexahalide, in the presence of a concentrated halide ion, leads to the production of free halogen gas, the net products are not modified by use of the metallic hexahalide, but the energy requirement of the process is reduced.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.