Abstract: Ion exchange materials, as particulate and membranes, are modified by permanently attaching counter ions to a portion of the ion exchange sites. The permanent attachment of the counter ions forms semiconductor junctions which act as mini anodes, or cathodes, to significantly increase the ability to oxidize or reduce a species to be treated, or split water, in an electrolytic reactor. The non-converted transfer sites in the ion exchange material also significantly increase the mobility of the ionic species in the electrolyte. The ion exchange material may be a monobed of either modified anion exchange material or modified cation exchange material, or a suitable mixed bed of both, depending upon the application. When the anode is in direct contact with a modified cation exchange material and under the influence of direct current, free radical hydroxyl and regenerant hydrogen are formed.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus is disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode and cathode in contact with a packed bed of particulate ion exchange material which establishes an infinite number of transfer sites in the electrolyte to significantly increase the mobility of the ionic species to be oxidized or reduced toward the anode or cathode, respectively. The ion exchange material is cationic for oxidation and anionic for reduction, or a combination of both for special circumstances. Preferably, the ion exchange material is treated to convert a portion of the transfer sites to semiconductor junctions which act as mini anodes, or cathodes, to significantly increase the capacity of the reactor to oxidize or reduce the species to be treated. Exemplary applications for the disclosed electrolytic process and apparatus are the conversion of halides to halous acids in dilute solutions.

Abstract: An electrolytic process and apparatus is disclosed for oxidizing or reducing inorganic and organic species, especially in dilute aqueous solutions. The electrolytic reactor includes an anode and cathode in contract with a packed bed of particulate ion exchange material which establishes an infinite number of transfer sites in the electrolyte to significantly increase the mobility of the ionic species to be oxidized or reduced toward the anode or cathode, respectively. The ion exchange material is cationic for oxidation and anionic for reduction, or a combination of both for special circumstances. Preferably, the ion exchange material is treated to convert a portion of the transfer sites to semiconductor junctions which act as mini anodes, or cathodes, to significantly increase the capacity of the reactor to oxidize or reduce the species to be treated. Exemplary applications for the disclosed electrolytic process and apparatus are the conversion of halides to halous acids in dilute solutions.