Method for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride or alkali metal chloride

US7658835B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Bayer MaterialScience AG · DE

Inventors

• Fritz Gestermann · Leverkusen, DE
• Richard Malchow
• Walter Hansen · Cold Spring Harbor, US
• Gaby Sengstock · Leverkusen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 10, 2004
• Grant date: Feb 9, 2010
• Expiry date: Jul 7, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01D2257/108
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method is described for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride or alkali metal chloride in an electrolysis cell. The cell includes at least of an anode half-element and an anode, a cathode half-element and a gas diffusion electrode as the cathode, and a cation exchange membrane for separating the anode half-element and the cathode half-element. A gas containing oxygen is supplied to the cathode half-element and excess gas containing oxygen is discharged from the cathode half-element. Excess gas containing oxygen discharged from the cathode half-element is subjected to catalytic oxidation of hydrogen.