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Electrolytic membrane recovery of bromine from waste hydrogen bromide streams

Journal Article · · AIChE Journal
;  [1]
  1. Georgia Inst. of Tech., Atlanta, GA (United States). School of Chemical Engineering

A novel electrochemical process was developed for the recovery of bromine from waste gas-phase hydrogen bromide streams. It uses a molten-salt-saturated membrane to electrolytically decompose hydrogen bromide into its molecular constituents, which are separated into a hydrogen-enriched waste stream and a pure bromine product stream. Single-cell studies were carried out in a configuration consisting of two cell housings (vitreous carbon), two gas-diffusion electrodes (recirculated vitreous carbon or graphite felt), and a molten salt [(Li{sub 0.575}K{sub 0.133}Cs{sub 0.292})Br] saturated membrane (zirconia). Single-cell results at 300 C, based on process stream concentrations ranging from 25 to 75% hydrogen bromide at 50 to 300 mL/min, demonstrated current densities exceeding 1 A/cm{sup 2} and removals as high as 95%. Water and acetone (as a light organic contaminant) addition to the process feed, as well as exposure to thermal cycling, showed no deleterious effects on cell performance. Preliminary economics indicate this to be a viable process.

OSTI ID:
669997
Journal Information:
AIChE Journal, Journal Name: AIChE Journal Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 44; ISSN 0001-1541; ISSN AICEAC
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English