Abstract: A membrane-electrode structure for use in an electrochemical cell comprising an ion exchange membrane with a cathode layer and an intermediate layer between the cathode and the membrane. The intermediate layer comprises about 5 to 80% by weight of inorganic solid particles and about 95 to 20% by weight of an ionic conductive polymeric binder.

Abstract: A cross-linked polymer solid electrolyte of a polyether having amine functions cross-linked by a curing compound including two epoxy functions, and thereby defining a three-dimensional lattice which complexes an ionizable salt of the formula M.sup.+ X.sup.-, where M.sup.+ is selected from Li.sup.+, Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, Ca.sup.2+, and NH.sup.4+, and X.sup.- is selected from ClO.sub.4.sup.-, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3.sup.-, SCN.sup.-, BF.sub.4.sup.-, I.sup.-, Br.sup.-, N.sub.3.sup.-, BH.sub.4.sup.-, CF.sub.3 CO.sub.3.sup.-, AsF.sub.6.sup.-, and PF.sub.6.sup.-, the proportion by weight of salt in the electrolyte lying in the range 5% to 40%.

Abstract: A method for the electrolytic pin plating of a steel plate using an insoluble anode, said anode being an insoluble electrode comprising a corrosion-resistant metal substrate having provided thereon a coating containing a platinum group metal or an oxide thereof, said anode being enclosed with a diaphragm.

Abstract: A liquid permeable diaphragm for use in an electrolytic chlor-alkali cell, the diaphragm being made of fibrous material and having particulate zirconia deposited in the interstices of the fibrous matrix, prior to installing the diaphragm in the cell. Also described is a zirconia impregnated fibrous diaphragm having a zirconia topcoating applied to the anode face thereof.

Abstract: A liquid permeable diaphragm for use in an electrolytic chlor-akali cell, the diaphragm being made of fibrous material and having deposited thereon and cementitiously bonded to the anode face thereof at least one topcoating of inorganic, particulate, refractory material. The interstices of the fibrous matrix of the diaphragm may also have particulate zirconia deposited therein.

Abstract: An electrolytic dispensing device includes a first contractible chamber for receiving a liquid to be dispensed, and a second contractible chamber for receiving a gas to control the rate of dispensing of the liquid from the first chamber. An electrolytic cell generates a gas which is fed to the second chamber to dispense liquid from the first chamber in accordance with the electrical current conducted through the electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes a partition of an ion-permeable, but gas-impermeable, material separating its two electrodes. The partition is effective to permit gas generated at one electrode to be fed to the second chamber, and to block from the second chamber gas generated at the other electrode, and thereby to prevent the formation of a hazardous mixture of gases.

Abstract: A composite, porous, liquid-permeable article is provided which is a multilayer structure of discrete, bonded layers of porous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE). The composite has its interior and exterior surfaces coated with a perfluoro ion exchange polymer to render the composite hydrophilic so as to resist gas locking in aqueous media. Initially, the diaphragm may also contain a water-soluble surfactant to assist in initial water penetration into the pores of the composite. An improved electrolytic cell is provided having the composite diaphragm as the porous separator in the electrolysis of alkali halide solutions. The diaphragm is also useful as an improved filter medium.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane or ion exchange membrane/electrode assembly having increased efficiency in proton exchange processes as the result of membrane hydration processing comprising heating a hermetically sealed membrane or membrane/electrode assembly at elevated temperature and pressure so as to provide increased hydration levels of the membrane.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electroplating metals in which the metal salt concentration within the electroplating bath is reduced by providing an insoluble anode assembly in the bath. The insoluble anode assembly includes an enclosure which defines a compartment around an insoluble anode and which is formed at least in part by an anion exchange membrane. The primary reaction at the insoluble anode during electroplating is electrolysis of water to produce predominantly oxygen and hydrogen ions. The flow of current through the insoluble anode assembly causes anions in the plating solution to travel through the anion membrane into the compartment, resulting in an increase in acid concentration within the compartment. Accumulated acid is periodically flushed from the compartment.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for gel electrophoresis, for sample transfer, for identifying a macromolecule, for blotting including dot blotting, and for colony hybridization, involving polyaldehyde activated microporous membranes.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing cation exchange membrane for electrolysis, which comprises a multi-layered structure prepared by integrally laminating (i) the first ion exchange layer having --COOM groups (M is hydrogen or an alkali metal) in an ion exchange capacity of from 0.6 to 2.0 meq/g dry resin and having a thickness of from 5 to 300 .mu.m, (ii) the second ion exchange layer present on the anode side of the first ion exchange layer, the second ion exchange layer having a smaller specific resistance and a larger thickness than the first ion exchange layer, and (iii) a hydrophilic asymmetric porous layer present on the cathode side of the first ion exchange layer, the porous layer having a water-permeability which becomes smaller in proportion as closer to the cathode side, and a process for producing an alkali metal hydroxide by using the above fluorine-containing cation exchange membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for modifying a fluorinated cation exchange membrane by irradiation of the membrane with a sufficient dose of non-spark-producing radiation to decrease the voltage in the use of the membrane for electrolyzing brine.

Abstract: Thin-film ionic conduction by cross-linking a polymer matrix, such as poly(ethyleneimine), with a halocarbon based diepoxide or divinyl to produce composite compounds with selective ionic conductivity and ion transport properties that can be controlled by the addition of metallic salts or protonic acids.

Abstract: Microporous diaphragms adapted for wet-consolidation with composite cathodes for use in electrolytic cells, e.g., chlorine/soda electrolysis cells, comprise a sintered, fluoropolymer microconsolidated asbestos-based microporous fibrous sheet material, such sheet material including from 3% to 35% by weight of fluoropolymer binder, from 1% to 50% by weight of a uniformly distributed gel of an oxohydroxide of at least one metal of Groups IVA, IVB, VB and VIB of the Periodic Table or of the lanthanide or actinide series thereof, and from 20% to 95% by weight of fibers, at least 1% by weight of such fibers being asbestos fibers.

Abstract: A highly stable cation exhange membrane for use in the electrolysis of an alkali metal chloride is disclosed, which comprises a reinforced base membrane comprised of at least one layer of a fluorocarbon polymer and a reinforcing woven fabric encapsulated therein and a coating disposed on at least one surface of the reinforced base membrane, the coating comprising particles of at least one inorganic material selected from the group consisting of oxides, nitrides and carbides of elements belonging to group IV of the periodic table, which particles have an average primary particle diameter as small as from 0.01 to 0.2 .mu.m, and a binder polymer. In the cation exchange membrane, the coating containing particles of an inorganic material, uniformly and strongly adheres to the surface of the reinforced base membrane, so that the inorganic material can remain in the coating for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A cation exchange membrane having having durability, which is adapted for use in electrolysis or an alkali metal chloride, which comprises a quadrilateral base membrane and, disposed on at least one marginal area of one surface of the base membrane, a diffusion coating having a capability for an alkali metal hydroxide to diffuse therethrough at a diffusion velocity greater than that at which the alkali metal hydroxide diffuses through a fluorocarbon polymer layer constituting the base membrane when the base membrane is composed of one fluorocarbon polymer layer or through one outermost layer of the base membrane which layer has thereon the diffusion coating and has a water sorption smaller than that of the opposite outermost layer of the base membrane, when the base membrane is composed of a plurality of fluorocarbon polymer layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolysis cell of the filter press type for the production of peroxy and perhalogenate compounds comprising alternatingly arranged cathodes and anodes provided with electrolyte feeds, wherein the cathodes (1) and anodes (2) consist of right parallelpiped-shaped hollow bodies between which are present frame-shaped seals (3) and which, via these seals (3), are connected together in a liquid-tight manner and insulated from one another to give a cell pile, the cathode hollow bodies (1) are liquid- and gas-permeable, the anode hollow bodies (2) possess, above and below a platinum layer, openings for the introduction and removal of the anolyte and the effective anode surface is formed by the platinum metal layer of a composite anode comprising a valve metal substrate and a platinum layer present thereon which is obtainable by the hot isostatic pressing of a platinum foil on to a valve metal carrier.

Abstract: A separator membrane for use in secondary alkali batteries having a non-ion selective hydrophilic group and ion exchange group said membrane having an electrical resistance which, when said membrane is heated in 12NaOH for 30 minutes at a temperature between about 20.degree. and 100.degree. C., varies from the initial value for 20.degree. C. by an amount between 10% and about 24% and the process thereof are herein disclosed.

Abstract: A novel process is disclosed in which a membrane of a fluorinated resin containing a pendant precursor ion exchange group represented by the formula:--SO.sub.2 Xwherein X rerpesents a halogen atom, is contacted with a aqueous solution containing specific amounts of at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide and at least one specific water soluble organic compound to thereby hydrolyze the precursor group while causing a specific membrane volume increase. In the process of the present invention , since the ion exchange membrane is swelled, while being hydrolyzed, to a desired degree, the rate of hydrolysis of precursor ion exchange groups is high, so that a final ion exchange membrane is free of wrinkles formed during the hydrolysis step of a conventional process and during the electrolytic operation, thereby enabling the final membrane to ensure advantageously low cell voltage and stable, prolonged electrolytic operation.

Abstract: An ion-permeable spacer is provided for an electrochemical apparatus. The spacer comprises a perforated or ion-permeable, relatively-thin, synthetic plastic material sheet having two opposed faces and having a plurality of magnets completely embedded in both opposed faces thereof and including at least four vertically-upwardly slanting slits extending at an upwardly-sloping angle along each of the two opposed faces and also extending transversely through the spacer between the two opposed faces, the slits having a particularly defined width and disposed at a particular angle, thereby to provide greater combined flow and mixing of electrolyte through the spacer.

Abstract: An electrode is arranged in an integrally formed, seamless, self-supporting tubular ion exchanger, and a liquid supply and discharge mechanism for circulating an electrolyte is arranged in the tubular ion exchanger to construct an electrode apparatus for the dialysis. When this apparatus is used for the dialysis of an electrodeposition coating solution, leakage of the coating solution into the electrode portion and leakage of the electrolyte into a tank are prevented.

Abstract: In contrast to prior art conventional anion selective membranes, the membranes of this invention have a low transport number for hydrogen ions (e.g. t.sub.H.spsb.+ .ltoreq.0.3) and a high transport number for low ionic weight anions (e.g. t.sub.A.spsb.- .gtoreq.0.7) in acid solutions (e.g. 0.5 to 1.0 gram-equivalents H.sup.+ per liter). As compared to such prior art membranes, those of this invention have a critically lower ratio of water content to anion exchange capacity.

Abstract: An electrode, preferably of a conductive polymer, has on its surface, preferably over all of its surface, an ion exchange material, preferably of significant thickness. Such a coated electrode may be used for sensing the presence or measuring the concentration of an ionic species, or for removal from or release of an ionic species into an electrode.

Abstract: A method for producing an alkali metal hydroxide by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, which comprises supplying an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution to the anode compartment and withdrawing an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution from the cathode compartment, wherein a fluorine-containing cation exchange membrane comprising a first layer of an alkali resistant cation exchanger with a thickness of at least 5 .mu.m selected from the group consisting of the following (a), (b), and (c), and a second layer of a perfluorocarbon polymer having --CO.sub.2 M groups (wherein M is an alkali metal) and a water content of from 2 to 7% by weight in a 45 wt% NaOH aqueous solution with a thicknesss of at least 5 .mu.

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: The present invention resides in part in a process for removing a multivalent metal ion contaminant such as can be found in an acidic waste water. The waste water may also contain one or more extraneous metals such as copper. This process aspect then more particularly involves the steps of (1) simultaneously reducing said multivalent contaminant to a lower valence state and said extraneous metal to a metal state, while at the same time inhibiting reoxidation of the multivalent contaminant to a higher valence state; and (2) removing the multivalent contaminant which has been inhibited from reoxidation.

Abstract: A coated cation exchanged fabric having as its base a fluorinated cation exchange resin, oriented at least 1x, in alkali metal salt form and as its coating an unoriented or oriented melt-fabricable precursor of the same salt-form fluorinated cation exchange resin. The invention also includes various processes for making the coated fabric.

Abstract: A fluorinated cation exchange membrane made using reinforcement of oriented, hydrolyzed fabric of a cation exchange copolymer, the fabric having a coating of a melt-processible precursor or derivative of a fluorinated cation exchange resin on at least one surface or throughout.

Abstract: A cation exchange fluoropolymer membrane comprising at least three integrally laminated layers including a main layer made of a perfluorocarbon polymer having carboxylic acid groups as its ion exchange groups with an ion exchange capacity of from 1.4 to 2.0 meq/g dry resin and having a thickness of from 50 to 250 .mu.m, a sulfonic acid film surface layer formed on one side of said main layer, made of a perfluorocarbon polymer having sulfonic acid groups as its ion exchange groups with an ion exchange capacity of from 0.5 to 1.5 meq/g dry resin and having a thickness of from 5 to 50 m, and a carboxylic acid film surface layer formed on the other side of said main layer, made of a perfluorcarbon polymer having carboxylic acid groups as its ion exchange groups with an ion exchange capacity of from 0.5 to 1.3 meq/g dry resin and having a thickness of from 5 to 50 .mu.m, said sulfonic acid film surface layer and carboxylic acid film surface layer constituting the outer-most layers, respectively.

Abstract: Gas diffusion oxygen cathodes, oxygen consuming electrochemical cells utilizing such cathodes, and a method of preparing such cathodes are disclosed. The cathode comprises an electronically conductive porous body defining respective gas and electrolyte contacting surfaces. The cathode is prepared by forming the porous body, disposing the electrolyte contacting the gas contacting surface with a gaseous atmosphere. Current is passed through the porous body at a degree of electrode polarization much higher than normal whereby modification of the electrode material is effected. If desired, a transition metal macrocycle catalyst may be incorporated in the electrode and is subjected to pretreatment as well. The inventive electrodes exhibit superior voltage performance under oxygen reduction polarization conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing an alkali metal hydroxide by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment, which comprises supplying an alkali metal chloride to the anode compartment and water or a dilute alkali metal hydroxide to the cathode compartment, wherein a fluorine-containing cation exchange membrane comprising a first outer layer of a perfluorocarbon polymer having --SO.sub.3 M groups (wherein M is an alkali metal) with a thickness of at least 5 .mu.m, and a second layer of a perfluorocarbon polymer having --CO.sub.2 M groups (wherein M is an alkali metal) and a water content of from 2 to 7% by weight in a 45% wt % NaOH aqueous solution with a thickness of at least 5 .mu.m, the water content of the first layer being higher than that of the second layer, is disposed with the first layer facing the cathode compartment.

Abstract: A fluorinated cation exchange membrane comprising one or more layers of an ion-conductive film and where one or more layers has adhered therein a fabric reinforcement made from fully ion conductive yarn that is oriented and then at least partially hydrolyzed, the film and the yarns being made of melt-fabricable fluorinated cation exchange resin precursors having a mole ratio of non-functional to functional monomer of 2.8-11.8:1, the mole ratio in the film adjacent to the fabric being different from that of the fabric by no more than three units, where the membrane is employed in the process of electrolyzing alkali metal halides.

Abstract: A storage, transportation and installation apparatus for ion exchange membranes for bipolar ion-exchange membrane chlorine cells which protects the ion-exchange membrane from the environment. The apparatus includes a container which allows the wet membrane, or a series of membranes separated by plastic sheets to lay flat inside the container protected by a plastic sheet. The container has a roller tension bar across one end which allows each membrane to be pulled out of the container directly into the area between the anode and cathode of the cell for mounting into place.

Abstract: A zero gravity phase separation water electrolysis system (FIG. 1) for producing hydrogen and oxygen in gaseous form from water, in which the hydrogen output (12), which includes proton water, is fed first to a hydrophilic separator (10), or some other form of a phase preferential, porous separator (such as a hydrophobic separator or a combination of the two; FIG. 5), and then to an electrochemical separator (100), for separating the hydrogen gas from the proton water, with no significant parasitic loss and without the need for venting. The two separators can be stacked and integrated together with the hydrophilic material layer (10A; FIG. 4) of the hydrophilic separator forming the top of the electrochemical separator. The electrochemical separator includes a solid polymer membrane (101) of a sulfonated fluorocarbon sandwiched between two platinum electrodes (102/103).

Abstract: The invention is a sulfonic fluoropolymer having a fluoropolymer backbone having pendant groups attached thereto and represented by the general formula:ZSO.sub.2 --(CF.sub.2).sub.a --(CFR.sub.f).sub.b --O--where: Z is a halogen, an alkali metal, hydrogen, or OR; R is a branched or linear alkyl radical having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms or an aryl radical; a is 0-2; b is 0-2; provided a+b is not equal to 0; R.sub.f is selected from the group consisting of --F, --Cl, perfluoroalkyl radicals having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms and fluorochloroalkyl radicals having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, wherein the sulfonic fluoropolymer has an equivalent weight of less than about 725, and a hydration product of less than about 22,000.The invention also includes sulfonic fluoropolymers having a fluoropolymer backbone and having pendant groups attached thereto represented by the general formula:ZSO.sub.2 --(CF.sub.2).sub.a --(CFR.sub.f)b--O--where Z, a, b and R.sub.

Abstract: A porous diaphragm is disclosed for use in an electrochemical cell having at least one electrode characterized as porous and self-draining. The diaphragm provides a way of obtaining uniformity of flow of an electrolyte through the diaphragm even when exposed to varying electrolyte head pressures. The porous diaphragm of the invention has a plurality of layers of a microporous polyolefin film or a composite comprising the microporous polyolefin film and a support fabric resistant to deterioration upon exposure to an aqueous solution of an ionizable compound.

Abstract: A composite hydrogen purification membrane comprises an anode for hydrogen oxidation, a cathode for hydrogen reduction, with a proton conductor disposed between and in contact with the anode and the cathode. Electrons are conducted between the anode and cathode through an external connection, with the electron flow generated by the difference in hydrogen partial pressure between the anode and cathode sides of the membrane. Thus the composite hydrogen purification membrane provides high hydrogen permeability and selectivity relative to the impurities in a feed gas, producing pure hydrogen without requiring an external voltage source.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning by an ion exchange membrane. A gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded at least one of surface of said ion exchange membrane.An ion exchange membrane comprises a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer which is bonded to at least one surface of said membrane.An aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is electrolyzed in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an anode compartment and a cathode compartment formed by partitioning with an ion exchange membrane wherein a gas and liquid permeable porous non-electrode layer is bonded to at least one of surfaces of said ion exchange membrane and an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chloride is fed into said anode compartment to form chlorine on said anode and to form an alkali metal hydroxide in said cathode compartment.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal salt by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment partitioned by a diaphragm, characterized by supplying to the cathode compartment an aqueous solution of a water-soluble metal compound, and electrolytically reducing metal ions or metal complex ions to electroplate the metal on a cathode, wherein the diaphragm is a fluorinated anion exchange membrane made of a copolymer having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is F or CF.sub.3, l is an integer of from 0 to 5, m is 0, or 1, n is an integer of 1 to 5, each of p and q is a positive number and the ratio of p/q is from 2 to 16, and Y is a group involving a quaternary ammonium group.

Abstract: A functional membrane is provided for proton-driven ion transport. It consists essentially of a blend of two components. The first component is an active polymer having cation-binding sites, the cation binding sites being provided, e.g., by a crown ether, a cryptand or an acyclic complexone with an ionizable acidic site, e.g., a carboxylic acid, a sulfonic acid and a phenol, such active polymer being incorporated into a polymer backbone via a spacer component. The second component is a support polymer, e.g. a polyaramide, a polysulfone, or a polypip-erazine-fumaramide.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of sodium hydroxide in a sustained manner, tolerant of upsets in sodium hydroxide concentration, by electrolysis of sodium chloride at about 70.degree.-110.degree. C. in an electrolysis cell separated into a cathode compartment and an anode compartment by a cation exchange membrane, wherein the membrane is made of a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with a perfluoro monomer Z having a defined structure and a carboxyl end group, the mole ratio of tetrafluoroethylene to the monomer Z in the copolymer being about 7.6 to 8.2, the membrane material on the side exposed to the catholyte being nonporous but having a porous catholyte diffusion layer in direct contact therewith or in close proximity thereof. The sodium chloride feed solution is about equal to the concentration of saturated brine at the operating temperature, and the concentration of sodium chloride solution leaving the anode compartment is about 18-24%, no water being added to the catholyte during steady state operation.

Abstract: A process for preparing an anion exchange membrane, which comprises subjecting a carboxylate membrane made of a copolymer having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is F or CF.sub.3, l is an integer of from 0 to 5, m is 0 or 1, n is an integer of from 1 to 5, and p/q is from 4 to 16, and R is an alkyl group, to an acid or base treatment, and then introducing anion exchange groups thereinto.

Abstract: A porous separator, to be used in electrolyzers for producing hydrogen and oxygen by water electrolysis, consists of a fabric or felt entirely made of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). In order to reduce the voltage drop caused by the separator, the PPS polymeric chain can be made ionically active by the presence thereon of polar groups, such as sulfonic, carboxylic or phosphonic groups.The method for producing the separator comprises the preparation, according to conventional weaving or felt manufacturing techniques, of a fabric or felt entirely made of PPS and the subsequent functionalization for introducing polar groups in the polymeric chain. The functionalization can be carried out either on the starting material, such as PPS polymer powder or flakes, or in any other step of the production of fabric or felt.

Abstract: A membrane unit for use in an electrolytic cell comprising a combination of a membrane material and a reinforcing material around only the gasket-bearing surface of the membrane material. Damage to the gasket bearing surface of the membrane structure is minimized when the membrane unit is employed in, for example, electrolytic cells of the filter press-type.

Abstract: A porous diaphragm is disclosed for use in an electrochemical cell having at least one electrode characterized as porous and self-draining. The diaphragm provides a uniformity of flow of an electrolyte through the diaphragm even when exposed to varying electrolyte head pressures. The porous diaphragm of the invention has a plurality of layers of a microporous polyolefin film or a composite comprising the microporous polyolefin film and a support fabric resistant to deterioration upon exposure to an aqueous solution of an ionizable compound.

Abstract: Heat-set woven diaphragms based on polyvinyl chloride, well adapted for the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid, comprise:(a) a combination of warp threads and weft threads woven into a cloth weave and having a number of crossings per square centimeter ranging from 270 to 350;(b) warp threads and the weft threads which comprise a mixture of atactic polyvinyl chloride and superchlorinated polyvinyl chloride;(c) an average thickness of from 0.5 to 0.7 mm; and(d) high creasing resistance.

Abstract: An electrolyte permeable asbestos diaphragm is prepared by depositing asbestos and a particulate thermoplastic polymeric material from an aqueous slurry including alkali metal hydroxide onto a porous substrate, and heating the deposited asbestos, particulate thermoplastic polymeric material, and alkali metal hydroxide for a period of time, e.g., at least 2 hours, and at temperatures sufficient to react the asbestos and alkali metal hydroxide but temperatures insufficient to melt or sinter the particulate thermoplastic polymeric material, whereby the particulate thermoplastic polymeric material functions to provide permeability for the diaphragm.

Abstract: A method for producing a metal salt by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell comprising an anode compartment and a cathode compartment partitioned by a diaphragm, disposing in the anode compartment a metal anode soluble in the aqueous solution, and conducting electrolysis to dissolve the metal anode, wherein the diaphragm is a fluorinated anion exchange membrane made of a copolymer having repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is F or CF.sub.3, l is an integer of from 0 to 5, m is 0 or 1, n is an integer of 1 to 5, each of p and q is a positive number and the ratio of p/q is from 2 to 16, and Y is a group involving a quaternary ammonium group.

Abstract: A membrane unit for use in an electrolytic cell comprising a combination of a first layer of membrane material and a second layer including a sealing material and a metallic insert around only the gasket-bearing surface of the membrane material. Damage to the gasket-bearing surface of the membrane structure is minimized when the membrane unit is employed in, for example, electrolytic cells of the filter press-type.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrolytic cell comprising a microporous separator of the diaphragm type, anolyte and catholyte compartments made of plastic materials and metal electrodes with a multipicity of perforations in the electrochemically active area made preferentially by punching perforations of pre-selected shapes. Also disclosed is the presence of a separation chamber located on top and being an integral part of the anolyte compartment for separating the anodic gases from the expent anolyte solution. Also disclosed are methods for mounting and sealing all of the elements of the electrolytic cell that allow for differences in the thermal expansion of the metal and plastic parts. Further disclosed is a method for attaching together several cells to form a stack, where the cells within the stack can be connected in series or in parallel.