Importance

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Abstract

An electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of aqueous solutions to produce gaseous products is comprised of a housing, a separator traversing said housing to form an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, an anode in the anode compartment, a cathode in the cathode compartment, means for introducing an electrolyte into and removing said electrolyte from said anode compartment, an outlet for gaseous products in the anode compartment, means for introducing a liquid into and removing a liquid from the cathode compartment, and an outlet for gaseous products in the cathode compartment. The electrolytic cell has at least one of the anode and the cathode comprising a porous electrode having a porosity in the range of from about 30 to about 98 percent, the porous electrode having a first portion in direct contact with the separator and a second portion spaced apart from the separator, the second portion being closer to said outlets for gaseous products than said first portion. The electrolytic cell operates at reduced cell voltages with improved release of gas bubbles formed during electrolysis and improved liquid circulation through the porous electrode.

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First Claim