Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes an electrode in a chamber including an electrolyte and an electrical power supply arranged to supply electrical energy to the electrode. A current sensor detects electrical current in the cell. A reservoir of a metal salt solution is provided. A controller is arranged to supply metal salt solution from the reservoir to the chamber of the cell in dependence on the current detected at the sensor. This permits the conductivity of the electrolyte to be brought up to required levels quickly, independently of dynamic cell conditions. Previously, metal salt was added gradually to the electrolyte. This was time-consuming and produced inconsistent results.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell generates hydrogen peroxide and includes a reservoir for storing hydrogen peroxide generated by the cell. A controller is arranged to activate the cell and introduce stored hydrogen peroxide from the reservoir to the cell. This permits the concentration of a store of hydrogen peroxide to be refreshed as required, by introducing the stored hydrogen peroxide as the electrolyte in the cell. This counteracts the natural decay of the stored hydrogen peroxide. The pH of the hydrogen peroxide is controlled so that it is below a predetermined value. It has been found that hydrogen peroxide having a low pH, close to neutral, decays much more slowly than hydrogen peroxide having a more strongly alkaline pH.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing hydrogen peroxide includes an anode, a cathode and an intermediate membrane. The anode is associated with a first electrolyte and the cathode is associated with a second electrolyte. The use of two electrolytes associated with the respective electrodes permits the user to select the most suitable salt solutions for each electrode and so avoid production of gases and by-products unsuitable for a domestic environment. Thus, the electrolytic cell is suitable for use in an automatic dishwasher.