Abstract: An improved cation-exchange membrane for use in electrolytic processes which is comprised of a film of a perfluorosulfonic acid resin having a fluoroalkyl resin coating. The improved membrane is produced by applying an uncured fluoroalkyl resin in liquid form to a surface of the film and curing the fluoroalkyl resin to provide a solid coating on the surface of the film. The improved membrane provides efficient ion separation properties at reduced costs for energy.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a mixture of an electrically non-conducting, non-swelling support material impregnated with a mixture of sand and a synthetic thermoplastic polymeric binding agent. The diaphragms may include a lubricant, a wetting agent or an additive such as alumina, inorganic phosphates, lithium salts, lime, magnesia or inorganic magnesium salts. The diaphragms of the present invention have increased chemical and dimensional stability, a long operational life and are non-polluting.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a mixture of sand and a polyolefin thermoplastic polymeric binding agent. The diaphragms may include a support material and an additive such as a lubricant. The diaphragms of the present invention have increased stability, a long operational life and are non-polluting.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions in electrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a mixture of sand and a thermoplastic polymeric binding agent comprised of a mixture of a polyarylene sulfide and a polyolefin compound. The diaphragms may include a support material and an additive such as a lubricant. The diaphragms of the present invention have increased stability, a long operational life and are non-polluting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in situ reduction of cathode overvoltage in electrolytic cells. The method involves introducing low overvoltage or noble metal ions into the catholyte solution and plating those ions on the cathode in situ. The apparatus includes a low overvoltage or noble metal ion generating device for introducing low overvoltage or noble metal ions into the cathode solution so as to plate them in situ on the cathode during or prior to cell operation.

Abstract: A membrane cell for the electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions is provided in which the foraminous metal anode is enclosed in the membrane. Spacing means are provided to separate the portions coated with an electrocatalytically active material from the membrane. The spacing means may be a nonconducting material or the coated surface of the anode may be faced away from the membrane to permit the anode structure to serve as the spacing means. To provide a low cell voltage and permit efficient hydrogen gas release from the caustic solution, the cathode is spaced apart from the membrane.

Abstract: A membrane cell for the electrolysis of aqueous salt solutions is provided in which the foraminous metal anode is enclosed in the membrane. Spacing means are provided to separate the portions coated with an electrocatalytically active material from the membrane. The spacing means may be a nonconducting material or the coated surface of the anode may be faced away from the membrane to permit the anode structure to serve as the spacing means. To provide a low cell voltage and permit efficient hydrogen gas release from the caustic solution, the cathode is spaced apart from the membrane.

Abstract: A highly conductive and corrosion resistant low hydrogen overvoltage cathode. The cathode comprises a copper substrate plated with an alloy of nickel, vanadium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: An expandable electrode assembly is provided having two opposed working faces of flexible electrically conductive material, said faces defining a riserless open chamber therebetween, a plurality of spring means interposed between the working faces for biasing the faces a limited distance away from each other and for allowing inward movement of the faces toward each other in response to inward force applied to the working faces, and an electrical conductor means affixed to one edge of each of the planar faces to a supportive backplate without limiting the inward movement of the edge of the faces opposite the one edge.

Abstract: A diaphragm for use in the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions in elecrolytic diaphragm cells is comprised of a mixture of sand and a thermoplastic polymeric binding agent. The diaphragms may include a support material and an additive such as a lubricant. The diaphragms of the present invention have increased stability, a long operational life and are non-polluting.

Abstract: A highly conductive and corrosion resistant low hydrogen overvoltage cathode. The cathode comprises a copper substrate plated with an alloy of nickel, vanadium, and molybdenum.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for securing a fabricated diaphragm to each of a section of electrodes. A diaphragm encloses each electrode and has an open end adjacent to the electrode plate. The apparatus comprises two bars, one positioned along a first side and one positioned along a third side of the electrode section. A plurality of elements are attached to each of the bars. The elements are positioned between adjacent electrodes and secure one edge of each of two adjacent diaphragms. The elements may be interconnected to provide additional sealing of the diaphragm. A rod is positioned along the second and fourth sides of the electrode section to seal the outer edge of the diaphragm enclosing the external electrodes of the section.The apparatus is employed in electrolytic diaphragm cells for producing chlorine and caustic soda by the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride solutions.A method is provided for employing the apparatus to effectively seal the diaphragm to the electrode section.