Abstract: Method for the regeneration of active carbon and polymeric adsorbents having oxidizable, organic pollutants adsorbed thereon by electrochemical and chemical means and apparatus therefor. The method involves a desorption step and a decomposition step. Desorption is accomplished in one embodiment by flowing an aqueous stream at a preselected pH through the adsorbent material. Generally, decomposition is accomplished by contacting an aqueous stream containing an organic pollutant with hydroxyl radicals. Sequential or simultaneous desorption and decomposition can also take place during electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. During decomposition the active carbon can be made a carbon bed electrode of the cell. Electrolysis to produce peroxide can take place in the presence of a transition metal or a chelate of a transition metal while feeding an oxygen containing gas to the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Method for the regeneration of active carbon having oxidizable, organic pollutants adsorbed thereon by electrochemical and chemical means and apparatus therefor. The method involves a desorption step prior to a decomposition step. Each step involves conducting electrolysis in a cell using the active carbon as a carbon bed electrode. It is advantageous to conduct the electrolysis in the presence of a transition metal or a chelate of a transition metal while feeding an oxygen containing gas to the electrolysis cell.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for maintaining or increasing electrolyte flow rate through a microporous diaphragm in an electrochemical cell for the production of hydrogen peroxide by maintaining in the electrolyte a sufficient concentration of a stabilizing agent. Flow rate is maintained or increased by complexing transition metal ions or compounds with the stabilizing agent.

Abstract: Novel methods of decreasing the concentration of hydroxyl ions in an electrochemically generated alkaline peroxide aqueous solution consisting of partial neutralization of a stabilized solution of alkaline hydrogen peroxide, electrodialysis, and dialysis of an aqueous solution of alkaline hydrogen peroxide. The methods of the invention can be performed at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: Novel methods of decreasing the concentration of hydroxyl ions in an electrochemically generated alkaline peroxide aqueous solution consisting of partial neutralization of a stabilized solution of alkaline hydrogen peroxide, electrodialysis, and dialysis of an aqueous solution of alkaline hydrogen peroxide. The methods of the invention can be performed at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having improved current efficiency and a method for electrochemically reacting a liquid electrolyte with a gas in an electrochemical cell. The cell has at least two electrodes separated by a cell separator wherein at least one of said electrodes is a porous, self-draining, gas diffusion electrode. In one embodiment of the invention, an electrolyte is flowed through said cell separator into a porous, self-draining electrode and simultaneously the electrode is fed with a mixture of a reactive gas and water or an electrolyte. In another embodiment of the invention in which the cell separator is an ion exchange permselective membrane, a mixture of a reactive gas and an electrolyte are fed to the porous, self-draining electrode. Preferably said porous, self-draining electrode is a cathode.

Abstract: Cell having a porous, self-draining, gas diffusion electrode contained within a frame and having on both sides of said electrode a liquid permeable microporous diaphragm. The electrode assembly contains an internally positioned current distributor. The cell has two oppositely charged electrodes separated by the electrode assembly which divides a single electrolyte compartment. In operation, electrolyte is flowed into the electrolyte compartment and spent electrolyte is removed. In one embodiment of the invention, the electrolyte is internally circulated by turbulent flow of electrolyte as the result of the upward movement of gas released at an electrode.