Abstract: The invention relates to a sulphide catalyst for electrochemical reduction of oxygen particularly stable in chemically aggressive environments such as chlorinated hydrochloric acid. The catalyst of the invention comprises a noble metal sulphide single crystalline phase supported on a conductive carbon essentially free of zerovalent metal and of metal oxide phases, obtainable by reduction of metal precursor salts and thio-precursors with a borohydride or other strong reducing agent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a treatment process of wastes containing organic molecules with electron-withdrawing groups on conjugated unsaturated bonds, for instance belonging to aromatic rings. The process comprises an electrochemical reduction step and a simultaneous or subsequent oxidation step, optionally also of electrochemical nature.

Abstract: Ruthenium sulfide catalyst and gas diffusion electrodes incorporating the same for reduction of oxygen in industrial electrolyzers which catalyst is highly resistant to corrosion making it useful for oxygen-depolarized aqueous hydrochloric acid electrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inert, non-asbestos separator and method of making same, the separator comprising an inorganic/polymer fibrid and agglomeration composite material containing from about 5 weight percent to about 70 weight percent of organic halocarbon polymer fibers together with from about 30 wt percent to about 95 weight percent of a finely divided non-organic particulate, which non-organic particulate is firmly bound in said composite fibrids and agglomerates; a natural gum thickening agent in an amount to provide a viscosity of about 6270 to about 590 cP at 0.22 sec?1; and an inert inorganic particulate powder whereby the inert inorganic particulate remains unbound from the inorganic/polymer fibrid and agglomeration composite, the inorganic particulate powder having a mean particle size of not greater than 1.0 ?m and being present in an amount to provide a ratio of polymer fiber composite to unbound inorganic particulate in a range from about 1 to 25.

Abstract: A distributing element for an electrolyte percolating-type electrochemical cell comprises an external feeding manifold and an assembly formed by a gas diffusion electrode, a percolator and optionally an on-exchange membrane. The element is particularly suitable for chlor-alkali electrolysis cells and alkaline fuel cells. It is also disclosed a method for retrofitting membrane electrochemical cells by inserting the distributing element of the invention therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a combination characterised by a high biocide power for use in agricultural applications, comprising a sodium or potassium hypochlorite solution and an agent allowing to generate hypochiorous acid at the moment of the application, adjusting the concentration thereof in a simple way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a synthetic diaphragm for chlor-alkali cells with improved energy consumption and gas separation characteristics. The diaphragm comprises a network of polymer fibres bound to a hydrophilic ceramic material containing zirconium chemically bound to hydroxyl groups. The ceramic material is obtained starting from ZrO2 by a process of hydration under vacuum which can be carried out directly in the cell by means of suitable equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for wine evolution by electrochemical way, with reduced treatment times and controlled selectivity. The process may be carried out at the anodic compartment of an electrochemical reactor subdivided by a semipermeable membrane on a valve metal anode, for instance a titanium anode, provided with catalytic coating containing platinum or other noble metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical device which simultaneously carries out the production of an oxidising solution at controlled composition containing hypochlorous acid and the sprinkling thereof in a continuous process, useful for biocide treatments in agricultural fields. The device can be installed on motor vehicles or mobile means in general.

Abstract: The invention describes an improved anode suitable for being installed in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells intercalated to cathode elements provided with a diaphragm. In operation, the anode of the invention is in direct contact with the diaphragm so as to form mutually equivalent vertical channels defined by the surfaces of the plates, of the supporting sheets and of the diaphragm, allowing a predefined and controlled upward motion of the chlorine-brine biphasic mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode for diaphragm chlor-alkali cells delimited by a conductive foraminous surface and having an internal volume containing two juxtaposed elements aimed at improving the fluid and electrical current distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for roughening the surface of a metal sheet used as electrode support in industrial electrochemical applications, and an electrode made by such method. Mechanical roughening is imparted by skin-passing the sheet between two rollers of a rolling mill, at least one of which is patterned according to a predetermined profile to be transferred by compression to the surface of the metal sheet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for membrane electrolysis cells comprising a grooved metal support favouring the gas release and the electrolyte renewal on its surface. The grooved geometry of the support may be obtained by erosion of a metal sheet with abrasive media in a continuous process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical electrode for gas evolution comprising a non-activated conductive core whereto an easily detachable and replaceable component provided with catalytic activation is secured, for instance an undulated sheet or a mesh.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an arrangement of anode/cathode pairs, in which the accumulation of scales or similar fouling phenomena are prevented by alternatively operating either the anode or the cathode of one pair and the corresponding counterelectrode of the adjacent pair, the non-operated electrode of each pair being at open circuit. The electrolyte dissolves the scale deposits on the electrodes at open circuit, without resorting to harmful current reversal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anode comprising a titanium alloy substrate coated with noble metals by thermal decomposition of precursors thereof. The alloy of the substrate includes elements which can be oxidised during the thermal decomposition step, allowing electrical energy savings and a prolonged duration in industrial electrolytic processes. The anode of the invention is suitable for chlor-alkali electrolysis, allowing to produce chlorine with a lower oxygen content and a lower energy consumption than the anodes of the prior art.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode for electrolytic processes, particularly suitable for hydrogen evolution in chlor-alkali electrolysis, consisting of a nickel substrate provided with a coating comprising a protective zone containing palladium and a physically distinct catalytic activation containing platinum or ruthenium optionally mixed with a highly oxidising metal oxide, preferably chromium or praseodymium oxide.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of hydrogen peroxide with faradic efficiency and a method for the production of highly pure hydrogen peroxide with high faradic efficiency are disclosed. The cell is provided with a separator of high hydraulic permeability and is equipped with an oxygen-fed gas-diffusion cathode and with an anode activated with a catalyst for oxygen evolution. The high faradic efficiency of hydrogen peroxide generation is allowed by the dilution of product hydrogen peroxide by the anolyte crossing the permeable separator, and by keeping the operating temperature at values below 50° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amalgam decomposer for mercury cathode chlor-alkali cells. The amalgam decomposer of the invention contains a filling of carbon steel rings whose external surface is provided with a catalytic coating for amalgam decomposition consisting of one or more electrically conductive metals carbides. The internal surface of the rings is free of catalytic coating and wettable by the amalgam, while the external carbide catalytic coating is not wettable by the amalgam thereby favouring hydrogen evolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for breaking the electrical continuity of the stream of caustic soda produced in mercury-cathode chlor-alkali plants.