Importance

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Abstract

The invention describes a self pressurized three compartment, membrane cell and a process for electrolyzing aqueous halide solutions at low cell voltages and high cathode current efficiencies. Electrochemically active electrodes are physically bonded to ion exchanging membranes which divide the cell into three compartments. The mass transport characteristics of the membranes are selected so that water brought into the center or buffer compartment along with the halide ions exceeds water transport out of the compartment. This results in good electrode to current collector contact as the membranes to which the electrochemically active electrodes are permanently bonded are forced against the current collectors. The instant invention relates to a process and apparatus for the electrolytic production of halogens and alkali metal hydroxides from aqueous alkali metal halide solutions. More particularly, it relates to the electrolysis of brine in a three compartment membrane cell having catalytic anode and cathode electrodes physically bonded to the permselective membranes which divide the cell into three compartments.

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First Claim