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Preparation and use of electrodes in the electrolysis of alkali halides

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6049232

A process is described for electrolysis of aqueous solutions of sodium chloride in an electrolytic cell comprising an anolyte compartment and catholyte compartment separated by a diaphragm to produce an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide in the catholyte compartment, and chlorine in the anolyte compartment. The cathode of the process is a low hydrogen overvoltage cathode made by applying to an electroconductive substrate a coating solution of nickel oxide and ruthenium oxide precursor compounds and an etchant capable of etching the surface of the substrate and/or any previously applied coating. Heating is done to remove volatiles from the so-coated substrate to cause the metal values of the precursor compounds and those etched from the substrate or previously applied coating. Further, heating is performed in the presence of oxygen, air or an oxidizing agent, to a temperature sufficient to oxidize the metal values, thereby obtaining on the substrate an electrocatalytically-active heaterogeneous metal oxide structure comprising RuO/sub 2/ and NiO.

Assignee:
Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI
Patent Number(s):
US 4572770
OSTI ID:
6049232
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English