Abstract: A dehumidifier for removing moisture from a gas containing moisture comprises a first electrode which is in contact with a gas containing moisture on a first surface thereof and, when a positive voltage is applied thereto, which produces protons from said moisture, a proton conductive solid having first and second portions which is connected to a second surface of the first electrode at the first portion and allows the protons to pass therethrough, and a second electrode which is connected to the second portion of the proton conductive solid on a first surface thereof and in contact with air on a second surface thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the first electrode, the proton conductive solid, and the second electrode are formed as a laminate. When a negative voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, hydrogen or water is produced from the protons passed through the proton conductive solid.

Abstract: An autoelectrolytic hydrogen generator system constituted by one or a plurality of similar cells wherein a galvanic arrangement of magnesium and aluminum plates of sacrificial elements as anode; stainless steel as cathode and sea water as electrolyte, by its very nature is made to develop a voltage when connected in short circuit causing a current to flow within the system and hydrogen production of hydrogen in situ and on demand by the electrolytic action at one pole, the cathode, and additional hydrogen by the electrochemical reaction at the other pole, the anode. Surplus electric energy of the system applied to a optional electrolyzer will also be made to produce additional hydrogen at its two sacrificial aluminum electrodes.

Abstract: A water purifier has a buoyant housing for supporting a purification cell below the water's surface and for supporting a solar cell array for providing power for the purification cell. The purification cell preferably has a solid cylindrical anode and a coiled wire cathode. The water purification cell operation includes electrolytic processes, electrocution and oxidation to destroy bacteria and algae in the water.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of a nitrogen trifluoride gas by a molten salt electrolysis comprises electrodes, partition plates, bottom surface, liquid surface of an elecrolytic bath and lids, at least some of these members being in a particular distance relationship.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of a nitrogen trifluoride gas by a molten salt electrolysis comprises electrodes, partition plates, bottom surface, liquid surface of an electrolytic bath and lids, at least some of these members being in a particular distance relationship.

Abstract: An electrode comprising a gas permeable and liquid permeable coating bonded to an ion exchange membrane, said coating comprising low overvoltage electrocatalytic particles, more electroconductive electrolyte resistant particles and an electrolyte resistant binder compatible with the membrane to bond the particles thereto, the electrode coating being provided with a plurality of pores with a pore size of at least 0.1 microns.Effective porosity is imparted to the layer of particles by means of a sacrificial, pore-forming agent and by leaching out such agent after the particles have been bonded together and the layer formed is in its desired thickness, preferably after it has been deposited upon the membrane.Surface resistivity of the layer is reduced and the layer is effectively reinforced by incorporating electroconductive particles which often have a higher overvoltage than the electrocatalytic particles and also have high electroconductivity.

Abstract: A method of electrowinning a metal by electrolysis of a melt containing a dissolved species of the metal to be won using a non-consumable anode having a metal, alloy or cermet substrate and an operative anode surface which is a protective surface coating of cerium oxyfluoride preserved by maintaining in the melt a suitable concentration of cerium, is characterized by using an anode provided with an electronically conductive oxygen barrier on the surface of the metal, alloy or cermet substrate. The barrier layer may be a chromium oxide film on a chromium-containing alloy substrate. Preferably the barrier layer carries a ceramic oxide layer, e.g. of stabilized copper oxide which acts as anchorage for the cerium oxyfluoride.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrolytic generation of permanganate. The invention includes a manganese dioxide adherent cathode surface which eliminates undesirable reduction reactions at the cathode during electrolysis thereby increasing permanganate generation efficiency.

Abstract: An electrochemical process, in which a gaseous matter is reduced at the cathode and in which microemulsions of the water-in-oil (w/o) type are utilized as catholytes, the microemulsions having ionic electric transfer and matter interphase transfer capacities, and in which the oil phase consists of a perfluoropolyether having perfluoroalkyl end groups or functional end groups of the hydrophilic type, or of perfluorocarbons, the microemulsions being obtained by the use of perfluorinated surfactants, in particular those having a perfluoroalkylpolyether structure and/or by the use of an alcohol as a co-surfactant.

Abstract: The disclosed electrocatalyst material is useful in electrodes, especially in cathodes for the reduction of oxygen or peroxide to water or hydroxide. The electrocatalyst typically comprises 0.1 to 20 weight-%, based on the weight of the material, of a supported particulate elemental gold wherein the particles are apparently crystalline in nature, apparently with exposed (100) faces, but smaller in size than 5 nanometers (<50.ANG.). These tiny monocrystals of gold are supported on carbon back or particulate conductive ceramic-like compounds having a B.E.T. surface area of at least 50 m.sup.2 /g. The supported gold monocrystals appear to be selective for the reductions described above, and performance in air- or O.sub.2 -cathodes is outstanding, e.g. >0.7 volt vs. RHE at 200 mA/cm.sup.2, generally indicating a substantial proportion of four-electron change reactions when oxygen is being reduced.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a fuel electrode comprising: slurry dipping to form layers which are structurally graded from all or mostly all stabilized zirconia at a first layer, to an outer most layer of substantially all metal powder, such an nickel. Higher performaance fuel electrodes may be achieved if sinter active stabilized zirconia doped for electronic conductivity is used.

Abstract: Highly durable cathodes with a low hydrogen overvoltage, which comprises an electrode core and electrode active metal particles provided on the core, wherein at least a part of the electrode active metal particles is made of a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of electrochemically absorbing and desorbing hydrogen, and the hydrogen absorbing alloy is represented by the formula:MmNi.sub.x Al.sub.y M.sub.z (I)wherein Mm is misch metal, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cu, Cr, Co, Ti, Nb, Zr and Si, and 2.gtoreq.x.gtoreq.5, 0<y.gtoreq.3, 0<z.gtoreq.4 and 2.5.gtoreq.x+y+z.gtoreq.8.5, exhibit very low deterioration even under an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A bipolar electrode for electrowinning aluminum or other metals by electrolysis of a molten salt electrolyte containing a dissolved compound of the metal to be won comprises an anodic and a cathodic surface which are both preserved during operation by dissolution of small amounts of a substance in the electrolyte which is capable of being deposited on either surface at a rate compensating the corrosion thereof during electrolysis. The anodic surface is for example cerium oxyfluoride and the cathodic surface cerium hexaboride, both surfaces being preserved by addition of cerium compounds, such as oxides, fluorides, hydrides etc. to the melt. The cathodic surface may also include titanium diboride on top of or together with cerium hexaboride.

Abstract: A bipolar-electrode electrolytic cell is disclosed, which is to be used in electrolysis of an electrolytic solution having a high electric resistance and including at least two diaphragms positioned to form a plurality of electrode compartments comprising two outer compartments defined between the side walls of the electrolytic cell and the diaphragms positioned closest to the cell walls having a single electrode and at least one electrode compartment having two same-polar electrodes on both sides thereof, each of said electrodes being placed on a diaphragm such that different-polar electrodes are positioned at opposing sides of the diaphragm, wherein the distance between same-polar electrodes within the same compartment is sufficiently large such that electrolysis therebetween does not substantially occur and wherein two of said electrodes at the terminal ends of the series connected electrolytic cell, an anode and a cathode, being further electrically connected to an anode collector and a cathode collector,

Abstract: An electrode comprising a gas permeable and liquid permeable coating bonded to an ion exchange membrane, said coating comprising low overvoltage electrocatalytic particles, more electroconductive electrolyte resistant particles and an electrolyte resistant binder compatible with the membrane to bond the particles thereto, the electrode coating being provided with a plurality of pores with a pore size of at least 0.1 microns.Effective porosity is imparted to the layer of particles by means of a sacrificial, pore-forming agent and by leaching out such agent after the particles have been bonded together and the layer formed is in its desired thickness, preferably after it has been deposited upon the membrane.Surface resistivity of the layer is reduced and the layer is effectively reinforced by incorporating electroconductive particles which often have a higher overvoltage than the electrocatalytic particles and also have high electroconductivity.

Abstract: The invention is an electrode at least having a primary hydraulically permeable electrode member with a multiplicity of spaced apart depressions projecting a predetermined distance from the plane of the electrode. The invention also includes an electrolytic cell using the electrode and a method for electrolyzing an electrolyte using the cell.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from the exhaust gases of a waste incinerator. The method is applied to a gas-liquid contact-type smoke cleaner so that the exhaust gases emitted from the waste incinerator are washed with a washing liquid to which an oxidizing agent is added so as to attain an oxidation-reduction potential or COD value such that mercury existing in the form of mercuric chloride and mercury forming complex ions with chlorine in the washing liquid are not reduced by reducing substances present in the washing liquid.

Abstract: A semiconductor process chamber with electrolytic ceramic cell having one major surface in the chamber. A second major surface of the cell is outside the process chamber. When activated by heat and an electric current between the two major surfaces, the cell selectively removes oxygen from the processing chamber.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for organic electrosynthesis (and a cell cascade comprising a plurality of such assemblies) for electrochemical reaction between a liquid first phase and a liquid (organic) second phase. The assembly comprises a non-permeable, electrically charged, rotated electrode, in use in contact with the first phase, to which the second phase is charged, and the reaction product of the two phases is removed from the electrode. Also, a process using the assembly or cascade.

Abstract: Renewable composite microelectrodes for electrochemical applications are formed by an initial coating on an elongated conductive substrate of less than 500 micrometers over at least a portion of its length with a modifier composition, and a superposed coating of electronically resistive polymer. The initial coating is exposed only at the tip portion of the microelectrode. The initial coating may be an absorbed layer of the modifier, a homogeneous layer of a polymeric matrix with the modifier dispersed therein, or a layer of a polymer with a modifier in its chain. The modifier provides distinctive properties to the surface of the electrode which may be electroactivity, inclusion, acidic/basic, complexing/chelating or electrocatalysis. The microelectrode will normally be used with only the tip portion thereof immersed in the solution, and it may be renewed by removing the contaminated tip portion.

Abstract: Improved electrolytic cells and methods for producing metals by electrolytic reduction of a compound dissolved in a molten electrolyte are disclosed. In the improved cells and methods, a protective surface layer is formed upon at least one electrode in the electrolytic reduction cell and, optionally, upon the lining of the cell. This protective surface layer comprises a material that, at the operating conditions of the cell: (a) is not substantially reduced by the metal product; (b) is not substantially reactive with the cell electrolyte to form materials that are reactive with the metal product; and, (c) has an electrochemical potential that is more electronegative than that of the compound undergoing electrolysis to produce the metal product of the cell. The protective surface layer can be formed upon an electrode metal layer comprising a material, the oxide of which also satisfies the protective layer selection criteria. The protective layer material can also be used on the surface of a cell lining.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing uranium and/or plutonium oxides to produce a solid, high-purity metal. The apparatus is an electrolyte cell consisting of a first container, and a smaller second container within the first container. An electrolyte fills both containers, the level of the electrolyte in the first container being above the top of the second container so that the electrolyte can be circulated between the containers. The anode is positioned in the first container while the cathode is located in the second container. Means are provided for passing an inert gas into the electrolyte near the lower end of the anode to sparge the electrolyte and to remove gases which form on the anode during the reduction operation. Means are also provided for mixing and stirring the electrolyte in the first container to solubilize the metal oxide in the electrolyte and to transport the electrolyte containing dissolved oxide into contact with the cathode in the second container.

Abstract: An electrochemical process, in which a gaseous matter is reduced at the cathode and in which microemulsions of the oil-in-water (o/w) type are utilized as catholytes, the microemulsions having ionic electric transfer and matter interphase transfer capacities, and in which the oil phase consists of a perfluoropolyether having perfluoroalkyl end groups or functional end groups of the hydrophilic type, or of perfluorocarbons, the microemulsions being obtained by the use of perfluorinated surfactants, in particular those having a perfluoroalkylpolyether structure and/or by the use of an alcohol as a co-surfactant.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of alkali metal sulphide, in which an electrolysis cell is used in which a membrane which is selectively permeable to cations separates an anode chamber containing an anode from a cathode chamber containing a cathode, an electrolyte containing alkali metal is electrolyzed in the anode chamber and an aqueous solution of alkali metal polysulphide is electrolyzed simultaneously in the cathode chamber.

Abstract: A submerged pool purifier which has a cell including an immersed enclosure (20) to which a number of electrodes (28) are disposed in parallel array along with a masking grid (29) on each electrode. Wires (30) are routed inside existing pool piping connected to opposed electrodes on one end and a power supply (58) to the other. The wires immerge from the pool piping at a convenient location and the egress is interfaced with a compression fitting (36) making the connection watertight. The power supply changes AC electrical power to DC and a polarity reversing timer (60) reverses the polarity at regular intervals to the cell eliminating scale deposits. The DC current to the electrodes that are submerged in pool water containing dilute halite salt cause an electrolytic action ultimately producing nascent oxygen and sodium hypochlorite. In a second embodiment, the electrodes utilize a copper-silver alloy creating copper and silver ions for pool purification.

Abstract: A method of electrolytically producing lithium includes providing an electrolytic cell having an anode compartment and a cathode compartment. The compartments are separated by a porous electrically nonconductive membrane which will be wetted by the electrolyte and permit migration of lithium ions therethrough. Lithium carbonate is introduced into the anode compartment and produces delivery of lithium ions from the anode compartment to the cathode compartment where such ions are converted into lithium metal. The membrane is preferably a non-glass oxide membrane such as a magnesium oxide membrane. The membrane serves to resist undesired backflow of the lithium from the cathode compartment through the membrane into the anode compartment. Undesired communication between the anode and cathode is further resisted by separating the air spaces thereover. This may be accomplished by applying an inert gas purge and a positive pressure in the cathode compartment.

Abstract: A process is described wherein hydrogen and its isotopes are dissolved in palladium metal in high density by utilizing electrochemical methods in an electrolytic cell. The cell has an inert anode and a palladium containing cathode, both being immersed in an electrolyte which contains a lithium salt dissolved in an aprotic solvent, and a small amount of water. The dissolved hydrogen to palladium ratio in the palladium bearing cathode, which may be achieved by this process, is in excess of 0.95.

Abstract: A water treating apparatus comprising a plurality of treating tanks (2) connected together in series for removing contaminants from a liquid, and an electrode unit (6) disposed at the bottom of each treating tank (2). Water is passed sequentially from the most upstream treating tank toward the most downstream treating tank and is subjected to electrochemical treatment when flowing through the electrode unit (6) of each tank. The electrode unit (6) comprises a tubular case (61) made of an insulating material, and a plurality of electrode plates of a soluble metal each formed with a multiplicity of holes (82) and arranged within the case one above another at a spacing. Current is so passed that the adjacent electrode plates are different in polarity, with the uppermost electrode plate in each upstream treating tank differing in polarity from the lowermost electrode plate in the downstream treating tank adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A membrane electrolysis cell, particularly suited for producing chlorine, caustic soda and hydrogen by the electrolysis of brine, has its cathode formed by a static bed of a packing material capable of withstanding the cathodic conditions confined between the membrane and a current distribution-baffle plate, parallel and spaced from the membrane. The current distribution plate defines a space within the cathodic compartment through which de-gassed catholyte downflows toward the bottom of the compartment for raising again through the interstices of the cathodic static bed. The internal recycling motion permits a rapid evacuation the gas evolved at the cathode from the interstices of the cathodic bed and prevents catholyte stagnation within the cathodic bed.

Abstract: The instant invention pertains to a process to produce an electrically conducting, polymeric article by (a) applying a fluid containing a catalytic, electrically conducting polymer with a metal moiety chemically combined therewith to at least a surface portion of a substrate; (b) drying the fluid to form a coating adhering to at least a surface portion of the substrate; and (c) optionally repeating steps (a) and (b) to attain a desired surface loading.

Abstract: A process for making a polymer-modified electrode comprising electrocatalytic metal, a metal substrate (1) and small polymer particles (2) by contacting the substrate with a (preferably aqueous) dispersion containing the particles and also a dissolved compound of electrocatalytic metal of greater electronegativity than the metal of the substrate, whereby contacting the substrate with the dispersion cause spontaneous deposition of electocatalyst, which in turn causes desposition of the particles onto the substrate, and then drying the substrate and deposit at a temperature below the softening point of the polymer. The deposited particles retain their shape and only a few are mutually contiguous, with the result that the poison resistance of the electrodes is increased and their overpotentials are reduced. Also, electrodes in which at least 70% of the particles are fully spaced from their neighbors and the amount of particles deposited is preferably from 0.0005 to 2 cm.sup.3 m.sup.2 of substrate surface.

Abstract: The cathode-forming method involves incorporating cobalt into a nickel plaque so that the exposed surfaces and the pores of the nickel plaque are uniformly covered with cobalt. The plaque is then treated to form nickel hydroxide in the pores and on the surfaces thereof. The cobalt is thus diposed at the interfacial boundary of the nickel plaque and nickel hydroxide so as to reduce the impedance and enhance charge conduction of the cathode. The mode of incorporation can vary. Thus, the sintered nickel plaque can be soaked in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble salt of cobalt, such as cobalt nitrate, then dried and resintered. Another mode involves dispersing a water-soluble cobalt salt in an aqueous slurry of nickel particles and water-soluble binder for the particles. The nickel particles are thus uniformly covered with the dissolved cobalt salt and then are compacted into a plaque. The plaque is dried and finally sintered.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing lithium from an aluminum-lithium alloy scrap comprising (a) a dryer for removing moisture from solid aluminum-lithium alloy; (b) a reservoir for heating and holding molten aluminum-lithium alloy; (c) a three-layered electrolysis cell comprising a most dense lowest layer of molten aluminum-lithium alloy, a middle layer of molten salt electrolyte, and an uppermost layer of molten lithium; and (d) a reactive gas fluxing unit to remove water present in the molten salt.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including an electrode comprising Magneli phase titanium oxide is disclosed for use with reduction oxidation reactions. The use of the Magneli phase titanium oxide electrode advantageously inhibits certain redox back reactions.

Abstract: Electrochemical regeneration in an electrochemical cell of spent scrubbing solutions containing polyvalent metal chelates is accomplished without substantial degradation of the chelate by controlling the anolyte pH and maintaining the anode potential of the cell above the oxidation potential of the polyvalent metal chelate but below the oxidation potential of the chelate portion of the polyvalent metal chelate.

Abstract: A method and electrolytic catalytic cell that chemically modifies the structure of hydrocarbon fuels in which the cell is immersed, by the electrolytic, electromotive catalytic action of preferably platinum cathodic and zinc anodic elements movably continually contacting and circulating the fuel, giving rise to evenness in ignition and completion of combustion with elimination of noxious by-products largely by combination with the hydroxyl ions formed by the catalytic action.

Abstract: The morphology of a coating of an oxyfluoride of cerium on a conductive substrate is improved by addition of tantalum, niobium and/or other pentavalent metals. Whereas a cerium oxufluoride coating shows cracks which may extend throughout the entire thickness of the coating, thus exposing finite portions of the substrate to corrosive attack, the pentavalent-doped coating has a substantially impervious structure. In addition to improvement of the coating morphology, the electrical conductivity is increased. The pentavalent-doped cerium oxyfluoride can be produced by electrodeposition or sintering. Coatings, substrates or bodies of this material may be employed as non-consumable anodes in molten aluminum electrowinning cells, as chemical sensors, or for corrosion protection and other applications.

Abstract: Surface activated surface alloy electrodes and a process for preparing them high in corrosion resistance and activity, comprising a corrosion-resistant metal selected from, or a corrosion-resistant alloy composed of two or more metals selected from titanium, zirconium, niobium and tantalum, or a corrosion-resistant metal selected from, or a corrosion-resistant alloy composed of two or more metals selected from titanium, zirconium, niobium and tantalum clad with a corrosion-resistant metal selected from, or a corrosion-resistant alloy composed of two or more metals selected from titanium, zirconium, niobium and tantalum, or with any other metal or alloy, rolled or non-rolled, being used as a substrate metal or alloy; an alloy consisting of 20 to 67 atomic % of one or more metals selected from titanium, zirconium, niobium and tantalum, 0.

Abstract: An electrode comprising a first structure of a low conductivity non-metallic material spaced from a second structure of a high conductivity material which acts as a current distributor to the first structure, and a low melting metal or alloy of bismuth between and in contact with the structures.

Abstract: A ceramic/metal composite material comprises a surface ceramic coating comprising an oxidized alloy of copper stabilized by being in solid solution with nickel oxide or manganese oxide on a substrate which is an oxidation resistant alloy essentially devoid of copper or any metal which oxidizes more readily than copper. The composite is made by oxidizing a copper-based alloy on a substrate and simultaneously oxidizing the substrate surface to form an oxygen-barrier interface, for example a chromium oxide layer formed on an alloy of chrominum with nickel, iron and/or cobalt. The composite may be used as anode substrate for a cerium oxyfluoride coating used in aluminum electrowinning.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for gas phase electrochemical reduction of CO.sub.2 and/or CO to hydrocarbons at ambient temperatures. The process is carried out by passing an electrical current between a cathode in contact with one side of a hydrogen ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte and an anode in ionic communication with the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte. In one embodiment, the anode material may be in contact with the opposite side of the hydrogen ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte, and in another embodiment, an anode may be separated from the opposite side of the solid polymer electrolyte by an aqueous inorganic salt solution. At least one of CO.sub.2 and CO are passed in contact with the cathode and hydrogen ions passing through the solid polymer electrolyte reduce at least a portion of the CO.sub.2 and CO to gaseous hydrocarbon products such as CH.sub.4 and C.sub.2 H.sub.4 at the solid polymer electrolyte/cathode interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for fabricating a thin, porous, electronically conductive, high-surface area film proximate the surface of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The film has highly desirable characteristics as a surface electrode. Films may be formed on both sides of the membrane to form a bi-polar structure useful in various processes, including chloralkali processes.

Abstract: Renewable modified composite electrodes for electrochemical applications are provided by homogeneous structures of a conductive filler and a modifier dispersed within a polymer matrix or binder. The modifiers may provide characteristics of electroactivity, inclusion, adsorption or electrocatalysis to the surface of the electrode in a solution. After use, the electrode may be renewed by removing a surface portion and thereby exposing a fresh portion of the homogeneous structure.

Abstract: Chlorine is generated by electrolyzing aqueous alkali metal chloride in a cell wherein the anode and cathode are separated by and in contact with an ion exchange diaphragm and wherein the anode and/or cathode contains particles of an electroconductive catalytic material along with particles of an electroconductive extender bonded to the membrane.

Abstract: A non-consumable anode of the type comprising an oxide ceramic coating on a metal substrate, for molten salt electrolysis, namely the electrowinning of metals such as aluminum, has an electronically-conductive oxygen barrier layer between the oxide ceramic coating and the substrate, the oxygen barrier layer containing chromium oxide. Usually, the oxygen barrier layer is a surface film integral with a chromium-containing alloy substrate, comprising 10 to 30% by weight of chromium, 55 to 90% of nickel, cobalt and/or iron and up to 15% of aluminum, titanium, zirconium, yttrium, hafnium or niobium. The ceramic oxide coating may comprise copper oxide in solid solution with at least one further oxide; nickel ferrite; copper oxide and nickel ferrite; doped, non-stoichiometric or partially substituted spinels; or rare earth metal oxides or oxyfluorides.

Abstract: Earth acid metal powders, such as tantalum or niobium, useful in the production of electrolytic capacitors and other electronic components, are agglomerates of sintered compacts, wherein the mean grain size of the agglomerates is no more than 2.0 .mu.m, determined by the Fisher Sub-Sieve Sizer, and wherein the agglomerates consist of primary individual agglomerated particles of mean grain size of no more than 0.7 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method for removing sulfur from a sulfur compound-containing fuel, as hydrogen sulfide, comprises subjecting the fuel to a bioelectrochemical process, in the presence of a bacterium having the ability to catalyze the reduction of a sulfur compound, to produce hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: Disclosed are electroactivated shaped articles, well adapted as cathode elements and composites, especially for electrolytic cells for the electrolysis of sodium chloride. The articles include a mass of fibrous material consolidated in a matrix of fluoropolymer binder wherein at least a portion of the fibers are electrically conductive. The shaped articles have a resistivity of less than 0.4 ohm cm, and have at least one electrocatalytically active agent uniformly dispersed therethrough. The electrocatalytically active agent(s) is (are) selected from Raney metals or Raney alloys depleted in fugitive metal values.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing electrodes for use in electrochemical processes, said electrodes being constituted by a conductive support whereto an electrocatalytic coating is applied by galvanic deposition from a galvanic plating bath which additionally contains the groups IB, IIB, IIIA, IVA, VA, VB, VIB, VIII Of the periodic table.The electrodes of the invention, obtainable according to the method of the invention, when used as cathodes in membrane or diaphragm chlor-alkali cells, exhibit low hydrogen overvoltages, constant with time, and are substantially immune to poisoning by iron, mercury or other metal impurities present in the alkaline solutions.

Abstract: A process for treating solutions of quaternary ammonium hydroxide containing latent halide to lower the latent halide content of the solution comprises the steps of(A) providing an electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode wherein the cathode comprises zinc, cadmium, tin, lead, copper or titanium or alloys thereof, mercury or mercury amalgam,(B) charging a solution containing at least one quaternary ammonium hydroxide which contains latent halide into the electrolytic cell,(C) passing a current through the electrolytic cell to lower the latent halide content in the solution, and(D) recoverying the quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution from the electrolytic cell.