CA1262534A - Narrow gap reticulate electrode electrolysis cell - Google Patents
Narrow gap reticulate electrode electrolysis cellInfo
- Publication number
- CA1262534A CA1262534A CA000429606A CA429606A CA1262534A CA 1262534 A CA1262534 A CA 1262534A CA 000429606 A CA000429606 A CA 000429606A CA 429606 A CA429606 A CA 429606A CA 1262534 A CA1262534 A CA 1262534A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cathode
- foam
- electrode
- cell
- separator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
- C25B1/01—Products
- C25B1/34—Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis
- C25B1/46—Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis in diaphragm cells
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
- C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
- C25B9/19—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A reticulate primary electric conductor, usually a cathode, is disclosed, as well as a method for making same, and a method for utilizing it in an electrochemical cell. The cathode is openly porous and can be in substantial physical contact with a separator employed in the cell for separating the anode and the cathode compartments within the cell. The conductor may be intermetallically bound to a current feeder. Such combination can be prepared directly in an electrode compartment, or outside the cell, and provides for negligible electrical resistance between the electrode and current feeder.
A reticulate primary electric conductor, usually a cathode, is disclosed, as well as a method for making same, and a method for utilizing it in an electrochemical cell. The cathode is openly porous and can be in substantial physical contact with a separator employed in the cell for separating the anode and the cathode compartments within the cell. The conductor may be intermetallically bound to a current feeder. Such combination can be prepared directly in an electrode compartment, or outside the cell, and provides for negligible electrical resistance between the electrode and current feeder.
Description
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NARROW GAP RETICULATE ELECTRODE
ELECTROLYS I S CELL
Field of the_Invention This invPntion relates to electrolytic ceIls, and particularly to cells producing an alkaline cathode product such as chloralkali generation cells. More specifically this invention relates to improved cathodes and cathode assemblies for use in these electrochemical cells, and to methods for making the~e improved cathodes and assemblies.
Background of the Invention Electrolytic cells for tne generation of chemical reac~ion products are widely employed. One field particularly where these cells have found widespread use is in generation of halogens and caustic compounds from salts of the halogen. In such cells, the halogen is generally evolved at the anode, while the caustic compound is evolved adjacent the cathode.
Recently a considerable efort has been directed towards the development of improved anode configurations that enable operation of the electrochemical cell more e~ficiently. These efforts have born fruit in the development of~such improvements as dimensionally s~able 25~ anodes DSA~3 a proprietary anode coating system of Diamond Shamrock Corporation. Anode improvements ha~e assisted in mproving economics in operating chloralkali cells.
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In cells where a separator such as a diaphragm separates the cell defining anode and cathode compartments, considerable effort has been devoted to development of improved separators. Sep~rators based, for example, upon perfluorocarbon copolymers and having pendant cation exchange functional groups have been identified as providing, under certain cell operating conditions, the opportunity for achieving considerable economic advantage in operating a cell.
One remaining inefficiency in electrochemical cell operation is associated with power inefficiencies having their root in spacing imposed in most conventional cells between the separator and anodes and cathodes utilized in the cell. ~. variety of reasons can exist for the presence of the spacing. One common reason relates, for example, to gas bubble release difficulties where an electrode is pressed into a relatively soft separator such as a diaphragm type separator.
Spacing between anode and cathode in an electrochemical cell requires electrical current to follow a current ~pathway through cell electrolyte(s) where resistance to current pa.ssage can be relatively elevated.
Generally, wider spacings between anode and cathode require that a more elevated voltage be applied to the cell to effect the desired electrochemical reaction. This elevated voltage requirement adds to electrical power consumption in operating the cell, adding to costs of cell operation.
A number of proposals exist focused upon reducing anode cathode spacing within a cell, and thereby reducing power consumption associated with cell operation.
Reduced anode cathode spacing has been proposed for application to cells separated by a hydraulically permeable diaphragm and by a hydraulically impermeable membrane.
In diaphragm cells, for example, the spacing between anode and cathode has been reduced until one or '~
' -. -both of the electrodes contacts the diaphragm. Many diaphragms are fabricated from materials which subject the diaphragm to swelling in cell environmentO Electrodes ~tilized in such cells are frequently Qf a wire or mesh construction. Swelling of a diaphragm in contact with such an electrode can cause partial plugging of apertures in the electrode leading to poor release of gas bubbles being generated adjacent the electrode, and restrict flow of electrolyte from anode to cathode compartment through the diaphragm. One resulting repercussion can be an overvoltage at the electrode offsetting power gains achieved by reducing anode cathode spacing at least in part.
~n membrane cells, the mer~brane, g~neral'y a cation exchange material, is normally quite thin, being on the order of a few mils. In addition such membranes frequently exhibit substantial dimensional stabilit~, making placement of electrodes adjacent the membranes feasible without substantial risk of membrane expansion plugging apertures in the electrode. However when mesh electrodes -or those fabricated from wire are placed adiacent a membrane allowing the electrodes to be within a few mils of one another, lines of electric flux between the individual elements of the electrodes do not always encompass all of the membrane material- separating the anode and cathode resulting in inefficient use of the membrane and a correspondill~ increase in voltage drop attributable less than optimal electrolytic flux through the membrane~
Additionally, where a grid or mesh type electrode is contacted with a membrane, gas bubbles tend to agglomerate within apertures of the grid and these gas bubbles often lead to an overpotential at the electrode.
In one proposal for a closer anode to cathode spacing, as shown for example in U.S. Patents 4,253 r 924;
4,253,922; and 4,250,013, a porous perhaps conductive secondary electrode material is utili~ed to fill, '~ 3 particularly the cathode compartments of the cell, and to press a primary electrode into contact with a cell membrane. An interface between the primary electrode and the porous secondary electrode material.can substantially contribute to electrode resistance between the two and at least partially negate advantages otherwise available from the large electrode surface area potentially presented by the secondary electrode materials.
A cell configuration wherein a primary foam or reticulate electrode contacts a cell divider offers potential for improved economics in the operation of electrolyte.
- Disclosure of the Invent on The present invention provides a electrode assembly for use in electrochemical cells whereln a separator divides the cell into anode and cathode compartments. A porous reticulate, generally in the form of an openly porous foam appearing structure, substantially fills the electrode compartment, being in substantial physical contact with the separator.
~urrent collector ls bound intermetallically to the electrode so that voltage losses associated with the transfer of electrical current between the electrode and collector are negligible. Electrolyte distribution means are provided for introducing electrolyte into and removing electrolyte from the electrode.
The electrode assembly of the instant invention is made by substantially filling an electrode compartment of a cell with the porous electrode material generally of a foamed nature so that the foam substantially physically contacts the separatorO The foam, made conductive, is subjeoted to deposition techniques whereby an electrode metal is coated upon the foam forming a reticulate electrode. A current feeder is provided for electrical contact with the foam and is intermetallically bound to .
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the foam electrode in substantlal electrical contact with the foam or reticulate electrode.
These reticulate electrodes, generally cathodes, can be made conducti~e by conventional ~echniques such as carbon impregnation and electroless plating.
El~ctrodeposition can be accomplished by conventional techniques. These techniques can be applied in situ within the electrolytic cell, or external to the cell.
One advantage to the method of the instant invention for making electrode assemblies is that the steps can be performed interchangeably. That is the~ foam may be cut to size first, made conductive first, or made conductive and electroplated before cutting. This flexibility permits wide options in fabricating cells fcr a variety of end uses.
With a porous foam or reticulate electrode in contact with the separator, only the thickness of the separator need space the anode from ~e ca~ode within the oell, reducing voltage requirements associated with electrical current travel through the cell electrolyte. Forced circulation~of electrolyte through the porous electrode can assist in suppressing bubble accumulation adjacent surfaces of the separator in contact with the electrode and can function to reduce concentration gradients within the electrode compartment particularly adjacent the separator. Since concentration gradients and bubble formation both can contribute to overpotentials, their reduction can lower voltages required for operating an electrochemical cell utilizing the electrode assembly of the instant invention.
The above and other features and advantages of the inventlon will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawing which together form part of the specification.
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escri~on of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a cross sectional representation of an electrochemical cell embodying a cathode assembly of the instant invention.
Best Embodiment of the Invent:ion -Referring to the drawing, Fig. 1 shows an electrochemical cell 10, in this best embodiment a chloralkali cell, in cross section. The cell includes a housing 12, an anode assembly 14, a separator 16, and a ~athode assembly 18.
The housing 12 can be of any uitable or conventional material relatively chemically inert to electrochemical contents of the cell. Where, as in this best embodiment, the electrochemical cell is one for the generation of chlorine and caustic products from a brine of an alkali metal halogen~to;~salt, the housing can be fabricated from a plastic material such as polypropylene.
Generally a cell cover, not shown, is fitted to the upper portion of the cell during operation.
The cell is divided into anode 22 and cathode 24 compartments by the separator 16. This .separator can be either of a hydraulically porous nature such as a diaphragm or be of a hydraulically impervious nature such as a cation exchange membrane. Where the separator is of a diaphragm nature, the diaphragm can be one prepared by any of a variety of well known techniques to yield a hydraulically permeable separator. Generally such diaphragm separators include asbestos fibers when fabricated for use in a chloralkali cell.
Where the cell is divided by a membrane, the membrane generally separates the compartments 22,24 in a manner precluding free fluid movement between the compartments. It is necessary that this membrane transmit electrical current between the compartments, and therefore such membranes are generally capable of transmittlng a particular ion or charged species between the compartments. Where electrolyte contents of the . : ..
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electrochemical cell include aggressive compounds, it is desirable that the membrane be fabricated from a compound substantlally resistant to aggressive attack by electrolyte contained in the compartment~;.
For a chloralkali cell of this best embodiment, this membrane may be of a suitable or conventional material resistant to aggressive materials included in electrolytes contained in eash compartment 22,24. One much preferred material is a perfluorinated copolymer having pendant cation exchange functional groups. These perfluorocarbons are a copolymer of at least two monomers with one monomer being selected from a group including vinyl fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride7 trifluoroeth~lene, chlorotrifluorcethylene, perfluoro (alkylvinyl ether), tetrafluoroethylene and mixtures thereof.
The second monomer o~ten is selected from a group of monomers usually containing an SO2F or sulfonyl fluoride pendant group. Examples of such second monomers can be generically represented by the formula CF2=CFRlSO2F. R1 in the generic formula is a bifunctional perfluorinated radical comprising generally 1 to 8 carbon atoms but upon occasion as many as 25. One restraint upon the generic formula is a general requirement for the presence of at least one fluorine atom on the carbon atom adjacent the -SO2F group, particularly where the functional group exists as the -(-SO2NH)mQ form. In this form, Q can be hydrogen or an alkali or alkaline earth metal cation and m is the valence of Q. The R1 generic formula portion can be of any suitable or conventional configuration, but it ha~ been found preferably that the vinyl radical comonomer join the R1 group through an ether linkage.
Such perfluorocarbons, generally are available commercially such as through E. I. duPont, their products being known generally as NAFION.~ Perfluorocarbon copolymers containing perfluoro~3,6-dioxa-4 methyl-7-, ......................................... .
octenesulfonyl fluoride) comonomer have found particular acceptance in C12 cells. Where sodium chloride brine is utilized for making chloralkali products from an electrochemical cell, it has been found advantageous to employ membranes having their preponderant bulk comprised of perfluorocarbon copolymer having pendant sulfonyl fluoride derived functional groups, and a relatively thin layer of perfluorocarbon copolymer having carbonyl fluoride derived functional groups adjacent one membrane surface.
The anode compartment 22, includes an anode 26, and an anodic cuxrent feeder 28. The current feeder 28 communicates with a source of electrical current, not shown. An electrolyte 30 generalLy fills void space within the anode compartment. Generally this electrolyte 30, or anolyte is a brine of an alkali metal halogen salt prepared according to well known methods. The compositions of these brines are generally well known in : the industry.
The anode 26 is fa~ricated of a suitable or conventional material suitably resistant to the anolyte and to halogen compounds bein~ generated within the electrolytic cell. Typically titanium is utilized having an applied co~ting of one or more metals or metal oxides such as ruthenium oxide. DSA ~ anodes, available from Diamond Shamrock Corporation are well suited for use in a cell such as is shown in this best embodiment.
The anode 26 can be positioned immediately adjacent the separator; or at a distance from the separator. In one equally preferred alternate to this preferxed embodiment a catalyst such as ruthenium oxide attaches directly to the separator, a membrane, in contact with a grid or mesh like current collector.
The cathode compartment 24 includes a cathode a~sembly 18. The cathode assembly 18 comprises a foam like reticulate cathode 34 , a cathodic current feeder 38 and an inlet 40 and outlet 42 for electrolyte. The ~e!r4 ' ~` ' ' ~ ;
' - ~ 9 cathode compartment is generally filled with an electrolyte 42 or catholyte that includes a hydroxide of the alkali metal included in the halide salt forming the brine. This catholyte also fills tha~ portion of the cathode compartment not occupied by the cathode 34.
The cathode is of an openly porous reticulate nature. While pores can be of any suitable or conventional size, pores of between 0.013 and 10 milli~leters are preferred, wi-th pores of between abou-t 0.025 and 5 milli-i n me-ters being much preferred. By openly porous what is meant is that the cathode is substantially hydraulically permeable throughout its structure.
The cathode 34 includes a substrate formed of a resinous or plastic material such as polyure-thanes, polyesters, olefin polymers such as polypropylene or polyeth~lene, or other suitable or conventional materials.
~his substrate is utilized in the form of a foam, and need not be a rigid foam.
The substrate i5 encapsulated at least in part by one or more coatings of at least one conductive cathode metal. These coatings can be applied to the substrate in ~ny suitable or conventional manner such as by electrodeposltion. For electrodeposition, electrical conductivity of the resinous or plastic foam substrate generally is required. The foam substrate generally can be made conductive by suitable or conventional well known techniques such as electroless plating, or by impregnation with a corlductive substance such as carbon.
Application of the coating metal renders the foam reticulate conductive and thereby suitable for use as a cathode. While a variety of cathode metals are known, for purposes of this best embodiment in the context of a chloralkali cell, nickel and/or copper are preferred.
Particularly nickel appears to function in assisting the electrochemical reaction at the cathode. Metal coating upon the substrate need be only sufficiently thick and ContinUQuS to provide a negligible resistance to , ' ' :,:
electrical current flow through the cathode to a point of electrical current collection.
The reticulate cathode is cc)ntained in the cathode compartment 24 generally in contact with the separator. Since the foam reticulate becomes relatively rigid upon application of the metal coating, it i5 often preferred that the foam be sized for being received in the cathode compartment prior to application of the metal~
coating.
The reticulate cathode functions as a primary electrode within the cell. Electrical current is supplied to this reticulate primary cathode via the cathodic current feeder 38. It is much preferred that elec~rlcal resistance associated with any electrical interconnection between the reticulate cathode and the current feeder 38 be negligible. Preferably this low electrical resistance is accomplished by making the connection intermetallic in nature.
: One method by which the cathodic current feeder can be attached to the reticulate cathode is by inserting the current feeder 38 into the foam substrate of the reticulate cathode 34 prior to application of the coating metal. -Insertion c~n be accomplished by slitting the foam suhstrate of the reticulate structure and inserting the current feeder, heating the current feeder to a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the foam and immexsing the heating feeder into the foam, coextrusion or forming of the foam with the current feeder embedded. Intermetallic joining of the current feeder and reticulate cathode can then be accomplished by electrodeposition of the metal for coating the foam substrate while utilizing the current feeder for supplying electrical current for the electrodeposition of the coating metal.
The inlet 40 and outlet 42 are arranged to provide circulation of catholyte through the foam reticulate cathode. The reticulate cathode being porous, ,~
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, catholyte is relatively readily forced through the cathode using any suitable or conventional means such as by p~mping. One or more inlets and/or outlets can be provided depending upon the size of the cathode, the degree of circulation desired and other factors.
In operation of the electrolytic chloralkali cell of this best embodiment, metal ions, usually sodium ions, traverse the separator from the anode compartment,-at least partially in response to electrical current flowing through the cell. These sodium ions react at the cathode with hydroxyl radicals being produced by the disassociation of water at the cathode, but remain in ionic solution. As operation of electrochemical cell continues,-the concentration of these metal ions adjacent the separator typically can increase, providing a concentration gradient resistance to further mi~ration of metal ions. Overcoming this resistance would ordinarily require a more elevated cell voltage between the anode and cathode within the cell, consequently increasing power requirements for cell operation. Circulation, tending to reduce this concentration gradient resistance or overpotential, can avoid an increased power consumption in cell operation.
The disassociation of water ongoing at the cathode can produce hydrogen, forming into bubbles. Where these bubbles adhere to the cathode these bubbles can effectively reducè the cathode surface available for electrochemical reaction, resulting in an electrical resistance or overpotential. Circulation of catholyte through the reticulate cathode can reduce bubble adherence, and thereby avoid an elevated operational cell voltage that might otherwise be required to compensate for this bubble overpotential.
The volume of catholyte desirably circulated through the cathode can vary, with generally lower flow rates being preferred to conserve power. Flow rates of between about 1 liter per minute per cubic meter of reticulate cathode and 250 liters per minute. Only a flow rate sufficient to avoid bubble and concentration overpotential need be utilized.
It is not necessary that the reticulate cathode 36 fill the cathode compartment 24 entirely. The reticulate foam cathode need only fill portions of the cathode compartment adjacent the separator and be in substantial physical contact with the separator. Where the reticulate cathode does not fill the cathode compartment completely, the balance of the cathode compartment can be filled with a resistant material such as a foam capable of functioning to bias the reticulate cathode into contact with the separator. Alternately, a reticulate- cathode not completely filling the cathode compartment can be biased into contact with the separator in any suitable or conventional manner such as by using a resilient grid.
In one al~ernate of the best embodiment, the cathodic current collector is first embedded in the foam substrate of the reticulate cathode. The foam substrate is fitted t~ the cathode compartment of the cellO Where the foam substra~e has not previously been rendered electrically conductive by reason of carbon impregnation or like process, a preliminary metal coating is applied to the foam substrate by electroless plating techniques.
Generally this electroless plating can be accomplished within the confines of the electrolytic cell, and in most preferréd applications is conducted primarily to impart conductivity to the foam substrate for subsequent electrodeposition of cathode metal.
Subsequent metal electrodeposition onto the reticulate cathode assembly being formed preferably is conducted within the confines of the electrolytic cell.
Plating solution is introduced into the cathode compartment, and the cathodic current feeder is connected to a source of electrical current. Metal ions contained in the plating solution thereby become deposited upon the . ., p ~ ~ ~
reticulate foam substrate using well know platin~
techniq~es.
During electrochemical cell operation this catholyte metal deposited upon the foam substrate is 5 cathodically protected from the action of aggressive chemicals present in the catholyte. In a chloralkali cell where the separator is a cation exchange mPmbrane, metal ions such as sodium ions traverse the membrane from ~he anode compartment and react with the hydroxyl radicals being produced at the reticulate cathode to create a metal hydroxide solution comprising the catholyte. Hydrogen gas is evolved. By periodic removal of some catholyte from the catholyte being circulated through the reticulate cathode, and replacement with water, metal hydrcxide concentra~ion within the catholyte can be controlled within desired, well known preferred limits in the operation of a membrane chloralkali cell.
Where the reticulate electrode contacts a porous separator such as a diaphragm, brine containing ions of the metal flows through the diaphragm to the cathode compartment~ joining catholyte circulating through the cathode compartment. Removal of circulating catholyte compensates in ~ell known manner for spent brine volumes traversing the separator, and controls metal hydroxide concentration in the circulating catholyte.
Anodes may be fabricated for use in electrolytic cells in a fashion identical to the formation of the foam or reticulate cathode assemblies described supra. Such foam or reticulate anodes may be utilized in electrochemical cells and substantial physical contact with a separator dividing anode and cathode compartments in the cell. Frequently it is advantageous that anodes fabricated in accordance with this invention include a topcoatins or electrocatalytic coating applied after ~ormation of the foam or reticulate anode assembly.
Typical coatings would include DSA ~, or TIR-2~00/
proprietary coatings sys~em manufactured by Diamond * Trademaxk ~.~ . . ':
Shamrock Corporation and other suitable or conventional electrode coatings~
The following examples further illustrate the invention.
EX~LE 1 A nickel reticulate cathode was prepared by first attaching a nickel current distributor, fabricated from nickel grid sheet stock, to a conductor bar. The grid and conductor bar were then heated above the melting point of polyurethane foam, the foam being sized to occupy substantially the entirety of the cathode compartment of an electrolytic cell. The hot conductor bar with grid was set into the foam and permitted to cool. Wit~ cooling, foam melted by the heat of the conductor bar and grid fused to the grid. The resulting cathode assembly was then plated. Such plated cathodes functioned effectively in electrolytic cell where the foam contained between 10 and 45 pores per inch ~ppi~.
For plating the cathode assembly was immersed in a room temperature bath consisting of an aqueous solution of 10 gram per liter (gpl.) tin chloride and 10 milliliter (ml) per liter hydrochloric acid (20Be). After 5 minutes, the cathode assemblv was rinsed gently in room temperature water, and then immersed in an aqueous solution o~ 0.5 gpl. PdC12 and 10 ml per liter hydrochloric acid for five minutes. Following an aqueous rinse, the foam cathode assembly was immersed for 10 minutes at 50C in a mixture comprising one liter of an aqueous solution of 45 gpl. nickel chloride hexahydrate, 50 gpl. ammonium chloride, 100 gpl. sodium nitrate, 0.5 liters per liter ammonium hydroxide and 27.3 ml of a 450 gpl. aqueous solution of sodium hypophosphite. These preceding steps deposited an electroless nickel plate upon the cathode assembly.
Electroless plating was followed by nickel electrolytic plating. The cathode assembly was immersed ~' . . .
~ ' in an aqueous solution of 141 gpl. nlckel chloride hexahydrate, 291 gpl. nickel sulfate hexahydrate and 45 gpl. phosphoric acid, with the solution being adjusted to a pH of 4.5 to 6.5 using hydrochloric acid. The cathode assembly was made cathodic to nickel anodes mounted approximately 3.8 centimeters from the surfaces of the foam cathode assembly, and plating was conducted at 2.25 volts for 3 hours at 30-40C. Plating is continued until a coating of 10 microns thickness or greater was established upon the foam.
Optionally, after 1 1/2 hours of plating, the polyurethane foam may be ashed by placing the reticulate in a flame or oven until the foam is burned out. After rinsing, plating can then be continued.
A nickel reticulate cathode was prepared in accordance with Example l, except that after completion of electroless plating the cathode assembly was immersed in an aqueous solution of 250 gpl. nickel chloride hexahydrate; and 50 gpl. zinc chloride. This solution was maintained at 45C with a pH o~ approximately 4.5, adjusted by the addition of ECl. Nickel and nickel zinc anodes were placed in close proximity to surfaces of the cathode assembly for about one hour and made anodlc to the cathode assembly at 2.00 volts. The solution was agitated during the electrolytic plating operation.
Following completion of electrolytic plating, the cathode assembly was immersed in an aqueous solution of 200 gpl. sodium hydroxide for one hour at 75C.
The fabrication steps of Example 1 were repeated except that electrolytic plating was conducted from an aqueous solution comprising 265 gpl. cobalt chloride hexahydrate, 90 gpl. zinc chloride, and 30 gpl. boric acid at 50C and a pH of 4 maintained by the addition of ~ .
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hydrochloric acid. Zinc anodes, mounted approximately an 3.8 centimeters from surfaces of the cathode assembly were utilized to plate at 0.6 volts zinc onto the cathode assembly over a period of one hour.
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A cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 except that the current clistribution grid~
was fabricated from copper in lieu of nickel. An ~lectroless copper plate was deposited on the polyurethane foam by immersing the cathode assembly for 5 minutes at room temperature sequentially into two baths. The first bath contained 10 gpl. tin chloride and 10 ml per liter hydrochloric acid (20Be). The second bath contained 0.5 gpl. palladium chloride and 10 ml per liter hydrochloric acid (2OBe). ~ter each bath a water rinse at room temperature was conducted. The cathode assembly was then soaked for 20 minutes at room temperature in commercial copper electroless plating solution made by mixing 777A
and 777M Cu Electroless Makeup (available from CuTech Inc.) in a I:1:8 ratio with water and then rinsed gently~
The cathode assembly was then immersed in a electrolytic plating bath comprising an aqueous solution of 40 gpl. copper as copper sulfate, 10 gpl. sul~uric acid and having a pH of 1 maintained by the addition of sulfuric acid at room temperature. Copper electrodeposition was conducted by placing copper anodes 3.8 centimeters from surfaces of the cathode assembly, making the cathode assembly cathodic to these copper anodes, and passing 1 1/2 volts between them for approximately 1 hour. Optionally the polyurethane foam may be ashed in accordance with Example 1 approxima~ely half-way through the electrodepositionO
Since copper by itself may be excessively subject to corrosion/attack in a chloralkali cell cathode ~ 2 ~ i~ 5 ~L't'; L ~l compartment, advantayeously the copper electroplated cathode assemhly was then nickel plated in accordance with the electrolytic plating step of Example 1.
A cathode assembly was prepared by attaching a current feeder to a current distribution grid fabricated from nickel in accordance with Example 1. Heated, the~
current distribution grid and current feeder were immersed into a polyurethane foam in accordance with Fxample resulting in a foam or reticulate cathode assemhly.
The foam cathode assembly was then electrolessly plated with copper in accordance with Example 4 and received an e'ectrolytic copper plating in accordance with Example 4. An electrolytic nickel plate was then applied to the foam cathode assembly in accordance with Example l.
An electrolytic deposition of nickel and zinc was then made to the reticulate cathode assembly in accordance with Example 2.
~ EXAMPLE 6 A cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example l. Following application of the electrolytic nickel a palladium oxide-zirconium oxide coating was applied to the cathode. Application was accomplished by ball milling a slurry of 10 ml of waterr l ml of acetic acid, 1.5 grams of palladium chloride particles and 2 grams of zirconyl nitrate for two hours to stabilize the palladium chloride and reduce the size of any non-solubilized material particles~ This slurry was then brushed onto the nickel pla~ed reticulate cathode assembly of Example l which had been ashed in accordance with Example 1. The brush coating and cathode were heated at 125C for 3 minutes and then cured at 500C for 7 minutes in air thereby converting the palladium chloride to palladium oxide and the zirconyl nitrate to zirconium dioxide. Four additional coatings or the slurry were then .
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applied and cured. In alternate preparation techniques, as much as one-half of the palladium chloride was replaced by cobalt and/or nickel in preparing the cathode.
ExAMæLE 7 A foam or reticulate cathode c~ssembly was made in accordance with the steps of Example 1 including the application of nickel electrolytic plate. Following-electrolytic plating with nickel, the foam cathode assembly was immersed in an electrolytic plating bath comprising one gallon of water, 20 grams sulfamic acid, and 20 grams of ruthenium as ruthenium sulfamate. The bath was maintained at between 80 and 100F and electrodeposition was conducted usi~g platin~m anodes spaced approximately 3.8 centimeters from surfaces of the foam cathode assembly. With the foam cathode assembly made cathodic, current was passed between the platinum anodes and the foam cathode assembly at a density of 0.15 amps per square centimeter at 1.75 volts.
- EXAMæLE 8 A foam or reticulate cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 including electrolytic nickel plating. Following the electrolytic nickel plate, the foam cathode assembly was immersed in an agitated coating solution containing 5 ml of H3Pt(SO3~2OH
in 150 ml of water adjusted to a pH of 3 by the use of l normal NaOH, and including approximately 15 ml of a 30%
hydrogen peroxide solution. The foam cathode assembly was soaked in this peroxlde containing solution for approximately one hour during which the pH gradually dropped ~o 1. The pH was then restored to 3 using one normal caustic and the solution and cathode assembly were heated to 80C while agitating the peroxide containing solution until all peroxide bubbling stopped. After washing, the foam cathode assembly was dried at l-S-150C.
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A foam cathode assembly was prepared in accordance wlth Example 1 including electrolytic nickel plating. Sintering or ashing was conduc.ted in accordance with Example 1. Following electrolytic deposition of nickel, a coating of aluminum was applied by plasma spraying onto surfaces of the foam cathode assembly. The assembly was then heat treated at 760C for 8 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere interdiffusing the nick~l and aluminum. In actual operation of a chloralkali cell using such a cathode, the aluminum would be leached from the interdiffused surface by hot NaOH contained within the cell. Leaching provides greater surface area on the foam cathode asse.nbly than a~ailable without interdiffusing and leaching.
EXAMP~E 10 ~ foam or reticulate cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 except that electrolytic plating was accomplished by immersing the foam cathode assembly into an aqueous solution of 240 gpl.
ferrous sulfate at a pH of 2.8 to 3.5 and a temperature of between 32C and 66C. The cathode assembly was made cathodic to iron anodes available from Armco Steel Company positioned approximately 3.8 centimeters from the surfaces of the cathode assembly. Plating was conducted for between l and 3 hours at between 0.04 amps per square centimeter and 0.11 amps per square centimeter. The ferrous sulfate bath was agitated during electrodeposition to assist in providing a uniform coating upon the foam cathode assembly.
A foam or reticulate cathode assembly was fabricated in accordance with Example 4 and then subjected to electrodeposition with iron in accordance with Example 10 .
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A foam or re~iculate cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 including sintering or ashing intermediate during the ,electrodeposition op~ration. The cathode assembly was then plasma sprayed with a mixture of 80% nickel, 10% mo],ybdenum and 10 aluminum. The molybdenum and aluminum were then leached in hot sodium hydroxide by operation in' a chloralkali~
cell. A cathode assembly having a substantially elevated 10 surface area resulted.
- EXP~IPLE 13 Example 1 was repeated except using as a starting m~terial polyurethane foam 1.25 centimeters in 15 thickness made by laminating four thicknesses of 0.32 centimeters foam. A structure indistinguishable from the structure of Example 1 resulted.
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Two electrolytic cells were operated in parallel. ~ne cell was equipped with an anode made in accordance with E~ample 1. The cathode in this first cell was a perforated nickel plate The cell included a separator fabricated from NAFION ~ 295, a product of E. I.
NARROW GAP RETICULATE ELECTRODE
ELECTROLYS I S CELL
Field of the_Invention This invPntion relates to electrolytic ceIls, and particularly to cells producing an alkaline cathode product such as chloralkali generation cells. More specifically this invention relates to improved cathodes and cathode assemblies for use in these electrochemical cells, and to methods for making the~e improved cathodes and assemblies.
Background of the Invention Electrolytic cells for tne generation of chemical reac~ion products are widely employed. One field particularly where these cells have found widespread use is in generation of halogens and caustic compounds from salts of the halogen. In such cells, the halogen is generally evolved at the anode, while the caustic compound is evolved adjacent the cathode.
Recently a considerable efort has been directed towards the development of improved anode configurations that enable operation of the electrochemical cell more e~ficiently. These efforts have born fruit in the development of~such improvements as dimensionally s~able 25~ anodes DSA~3 a proprietary anode coating system of Diamond Shamrock Corporation. Anode improvements ha~e assisted in mproving economics in operating chloralkali cells.
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In cells where a separator such as a diaphragm separates the cell defining anode and cathode compartments, considerable effort has been devoted to development of improved separators. Sep~rators based, for example, upon perfluorocarbon copolymers and having pendant cation exchange functional groups have been identified as providing, under certain cell operating conditions, the opportunity for achieving considerable economic advantage in operating a cell.
One remaining inefficiency in electrochemical cell operation is associated with power inefficiencies having their root in spacing imposed in most conventional cells between the separator and anodes and cathodes utilized in the cell. ~. variety of reasons can exist for the presence of the spacing. One common reason relates, for example, to gas bubble release difficulties where an electrode is pressed into a relatively soft separator such as a diaphragm type separator.
Spacing between anode and cathode in an electrochemical cell requires electrical current to follow a current ~pathway through cell electrolyte(s) where resistance to current pa.ssage can be relatively elevated.
Generally, wider spacings between anode and cathode require that a more elevated voltage be applied to the cell to effect the desired electrochemical reaction. This elevated voltage requirement adds to electrical power consumption in operating the cell, adding to costs of cell operation.
A number of proposals exist focused upon reducing anode cathode spacing within a cell, and thereby reducing power consumption associated with cell operation.
Reduced anode cathode spacing has been proposed for application to cells separated by a hydraulically permeable diaphragm and by a hydraulically impermeable membrane.
In diaphragm cells, for example, the spacing between anode and cathode has been reduced until one or '~
' -. -both of the electrodes contacts the diaphragm. Many diaphragms are fabricated from materials which subject the diaphragm to swelling in cell environmentO Electrodes ~tilized in such cells are frequently Qf a wire or mesh construction. Swelling of a diaphragm in contact with such an electrode can cause partial plugging of apertures in the electrode leading to poor release of gas bubbles being generated adjacent the electrode, and restrict flow of electrolyte from anode to cathode compartment through the diaphragm. One resulting repercussion can be an overvoltage at the electrode offsetting power gains achieved by reducing anode cathode spacing at least in part.
~n membrane cells, the mer~brane, g~neral'y a cation exchange material, is normally quite thin, being on the order of a few mils. In addition such membranes frequently exhibit substantial dimensional stabilit~, making placement of electrodes adjacent the membranes feasible without substantial risk of membrane expansion plugging apertures in the electrode. However when mesh electrodes -or those fabricated from wire are placed adiacent a membrane allowing the electrodes to be within a few mils of one another, lines of electric flux between the individual elements of the electrodes do not always encompass all of the membrane material- separating the anode and cathode resulting in inefficient use of the membrane and a correspondill~ increase in voltage drop attributable less than optimal electrolytic flux through the membrane~
Additionally, where a grid or mesh type electrode is contacted with a membrane, gas bubbles tend to agglomerate within apertures of the grid and these gas bubbles often lead to an overpotential at the electrode.
In one proposal for a closer anode to cathode spacing, as shown for example in U.S. Patents 4,253 r 924;
4,253,922; and 4,250,013, a porous perhaps conductive secondary electrode material is utili~ed to fill, '~ 3 particularly the cathode compartments of the cell, and to press a primary electrode into contact with a cell membrane. An interface between the primary electrode and the porous secondary electrode material.can substantially contribute to electrode resistance between the two and at least partially negate advantages otherwise available from the large electrode surface area potentially presented by the secondary electrode materials.
A cell configuration wherein a primary foam or reticulate electrode contacts a cell divider offers potential for improved economics in the operation of electrolyte.
- Disclosure of the Invent on The present invention provides a electrode assembly for use in electrochemical cells whereln a separator divides the cell into anode and cathode compartments. A porous reticulate, generally in the form of an openly porous foam appearing structure, substantially fills the electrode compartment, being in substantial physical contact with the separator.
~urrent collector ls bound intermetallically to the electrode so that voltage losses associated with the transfer of electrical current between the electrode and collector are negligible. Electrolyte distribution means are provided for introducing electrolyte into and removing electrolyte from the electrode.
The electrode assembly of the instant invention is made by substantially filling an electrode compartment of a cell with the porous electrode material generally of a foamed nature so that the foam substantially physically contacts the separatorO The foam, made conductive, is subjeoted to deposition techniques whereby an electrode metal is coated upon the foam forming a reticulate electrode. A current feeder is provided for electrical contact with the foam and is intermetallically bound to .
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the foam electrode in substantlal electrical contact with the foam or reticulate electrode.
These reticulate electrodes, generally cathodes, can be made conducti~e by conventional ~echniques such as carbon impregnation and electroless plating.
El~ctrodeposition can be accomplished by conventional techniques. These techniques can be applied in situ within the electrolytic cell, or external to the cell.
One advantage to the method of the instant invention for making electrode assemblies is that the steps can be performed interchangeably. That is the~ foam may be cut to size first, made conductive first, or made conductive and electroplated before cutting. This flexibility permits wide options in fabricating cells fcr a variety of end uses.
With a porous foam or reticulate electrode in contact with the separator, only the thickness of the separator need space the anode from ~e ca~ode within the oell, reducing voltage requirements associated with electrical current travel through the cell electrolyte. Forced circulation~of electrolyte through the porous electrode can assist in suppressing bubble accumulation adjacent surfaces of the separator in contact with the electrode and can function to reduce concentration gradients within the electrode compartment particularly adjacent the separator. Since concentration gradients and bubble formation both can contribute to overpotentials, their reduction can lower voltages required for operating an electrochemical cell utilizing the electrode assembly of the instant invention.
The above and other features and advantages of the inventlon will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawing which together form part of the specification.
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escri~on of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a cross sectional representation of an electrochemical cell embodying a cathode assembly of the instant invention.
Best Embodiment of the Invent:ion -Referring to the drawing, Fig. 1 shows an electrochemical cell 10, in this best embodiment a chloralkali cell, in cross section. The cell includes a housing 12, an anode assembly 14, a separator 16, and a ~athode assembly 18.
The housing 12 can be of any uitable or conventional material relatively chemically inert to electrochemical contents of the cell. Where, as in this best embodiment, the electrochemical cell is one for the generation of chlorine and caustic products from a brine of an alkali metal halogen~to;~salt, the housing can be fabricated from a plastic material such as polypropylene.
Generally a cell cover, not shown, is fitted to the upper portion of the cell during operation.
The cell is divided into anode 22 and cathode 24 compartments by the separator 16. This .separator can be either of a hydraulically porous nature such as a diaphragm or be of a hydraulically impervious nature such as a cation exchange membrane. Where the separator is of a diaphragm nature, the diaphragm can be one prepared by any of a variety of well known techniques to yield a hydraulically permeable separator. Generally such diaphragm separators include asbestos fibers when fabricated for use in a chloralkali cell.
Where the cell is divided by a membrane, the membrane generally separates the compartments 22,24 in a manner precluding free fluid movement between the compartments. It is necessary that this membrane transmit electrical current between the compartments, and therefore such membranes are generally capable of transmittlng a particular ion or charged species between the compartments. Where electrolyte contents of the . : ..
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electrochemical cell include aggressive compounds, it is desirable that the membrane be fabricated from a compound substantlally resistant to aggressive attack by electrolyte contained in the compartment~;.
For a chloralkali cell of this best embodiment, this membrane may be of a suitable or conventional material resistant to aggressive materials included in electrolytes contained in eash compartment 22,24. One much preferred material is a perfluorinated copolymer having pendant cation exchange functional groups. These perfluorocarbons are a copolymer of at least two monomers with one monomer being selected from a group including vinyl fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride7 trifluoroeth~lene, chlorotrifluorcethylene, perfluoro (alkylvinyl ether), tetrafluoroethylene and mixtures thereof.
The second monomer o~ten is selected from a group of monomers usually containing an SO2F or sulfonyl fluoride pendant group. Examples of such second monomers can be generically represented by the formula CF2=CFRlSO2F. R1 in the generic formula is a bifunctional perfluorinated radical comprising generally 1 to 8 carbon atoms but upon occasion as many as 25. One restraint upon the generic formula is a general requirement for the presence of at least one fluorine atom on the carbon atom adjacent the -SO2F group, particularly where the functional group exists as the -(-SO2NH)mQ form. In this form, Q can be hydrogen or an alkali or alkaline earth metal cation and m is the valence of Q. The R1 generic formula portion can be of any suitable or conventional configuration, but it ha~ been found preferably that the vinyl radical comonomer join the R1 group through an ether linkage.
Such perfluorocarbons, generally are available commercially such as through E. I. duPont, their products being known generally as NAFION.~ Perfluorocarbon copolymers containing perfluoro~3,6-dioxa-4 methyl-7-, ......................................... .
octenesulfonyl fluoride) comonomer have found particular acceptance in C12 cells. Where sodium chloride brine is utilized for making chloralkali products from an electrochemical cell, it has been found advantageous to employ membranes having their preponderant bulk comprised of perfluorocarbon copolymer having pendant sulfonyl fluoride derived functional groups, and a relatively thin layer of perfluorocarbon copolymer having carbonyl fluoride derived functional groups adjacent one membrane surface.
The anode compartment 22, includes an anode 26, and an anodic cuxrent feeder 28. The current feeder 28 communicates with a source of electrical current, not shown. An electrolyte 30 generalLy fills void space within the anode compartment. Generally this electrolyte 30, or anolyte is a brine of an alkali metal halogen salt prepared according to well known methods. The compositions of these brines are generally well known in : the industry.
The anode 26 is fa~ricated of a suitable or conventional material suitably resistant to the anolyte and to halogen compounds bein~ generated within the electrolytic cell. Typically titanium is utilized having an applied co~ting of one or more metals or metal oxides such as ruthenium oxide. DSA ~ anodes, available from Diamond Shamrock Corporation are well suited for use in a cell such as is shown in this best embodiment.
The anode 26 can be positioned immediately adjacent the separator; or at a distance from the separator. In one equally preferred alternate to this preferxed embodiment a catalyst such as ruthenium oxide attaches directly to the separator, a membrane, in contact with a grid or mesh like current collector.
The cathode compartment 24 includes a cathode a~sembly 18. The cathode assembly 18 comprises a foam like reticulate cathode 34 , a cathodic current feeder 38 and an inlet 40 and outlet 42 for electrolyte. The ~e!r4 ' ~` ' ' ~ ;
' - ~ 9 cathode compartment is generally filled with an electrolyte 42 or catholyte that includes a hydroxide of the alkali metal included in the halide salt forming the brine. This catholyte also fills tha~ portion of the cathode compartment not occupied by the cathode 34.
The cathode is of an openly porous reticulate nature. While pores can be of any suitable or conventional size, pores of between 0.013 and 10 milli~leters are preferred, wi-th pores of between abou-t 0.025 and 5 milli-i n me-ters being much preferred. By openly porous what is meant is that the cathode is substantially hydraulically permeable throughout its structure.
The cathode 34 includes a substrate formed of a resinous or plastic material such as polyure-thanes, polyesters, olefin polymers such as polypropylene or polyeth~lene, or other suitable or conventional materials.
~his substrate is utilized in the form of a foam, and need not be a rigid foam.
The substrate i5 encapsulated at least in part by one or more coatings of at least one conductive cathode metal. These coatings can be applied to the substrate in ~ny suitable or conventional manner such as by electrodeposltion. For electrodeposition, electrical conductivity of the resinous or plastic foam substrate generally is required. The foam substrate generally can be made conductive by suitable or conventional well known techniques such as electroless plating, or by impregnation with a corlductive substance such as carbon.
Application of the coating metal renders the foam reticulate conductive and thereby suitable for use as a cathode. While a variety of cathode metals are known, for purposes of this best embodiment in the context of a chloralkali cell, nickel and/or copper are preferred.
Particularly nickel appears to function in assisting the electrochemical reaction at the cathode. Metal coating upon the substrate need be only sufficiently thick and ContinUQuS to provide a negligible resistance to , ' ' :,:
electrical current flow through the cathode to a point of electrical current collection.
The reticulate cathode is cc)ntained in the cathode compartment 24 generally in contact with the separator. Since the foam reticulate becomes relatively rigid upon application of the metal coating, it i5 often preferred that the foam be sized for being received in the cathode compartment prior to application of the metal~
coating.
The reticulate cathode functions as a primary electrode within the cell. Electrical current is supplied to this reticulate primary cathode via the cathodic current feeder 38. It is much preferred that elec~rlcal resistance associated with any electrical interconnection between the reticulate cathode and the current feeder 38 be negligible. Preferably this low electrical resistance is accomplished by making the connection intermetallic in nature.
: One method by which the cathodic current feeder can be attached to the reticulate cathode is by inserting the current feeder 38 into the foam substrate of the reticulate cathode 34 prior to application of the coating metal. -Insertion c~n be accomplished by slitting the foam suhstrate of the reticulate structure and inserting the current feeder, heating the current feeder to a temperature in excess of the melting temperature of the foam and immexsing the heating feeder into the foam, coextrusion or forming of the foam with the current feeder embedded. Intermetallic joining of the current feeder and reticulate cathode can then be accomplished by electrodeposition of the metal for coating the foam substrate while utilizing the current feeder for supplying electrical current for the electrodeposition of the coating metal.
The inlet 40 and outlet 42 are arranged to provide circulation of catholyte through the foam reticulate cathode. The reticulate cathode being porous, ,~
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, catholyte is relatively readily forced through the cathode using any suitable or conventional means such as by p~mping. One or more inlets and/or outlets can be provided depending upon the size of the cathode, the degree of circulation desired and other factors.
In operation of the electrolytic chloralkali cell of this best embodiment, metal ions, usually sodium ions, traverse the separator from the anode compartment,-at least partially in response to electrical current flowing through the cell. These sodium ions react at the cathode with hydroxyl radicals being produced by the disassociation of water at the cathode, but remain in ionic solution. As operation of electrochemical cell continues,-the concentration of these metal ions adjacent the separator typically can increase, providing a concentration gradient resistance to further mi~ration of metal ions. Overcoming this resistance would ordinarily require a more elevated cell voltage between the anode and cathode within the cell, consequently increasing power requirements for cell operation. Circulation, tending to reduce this concentration gradient resistance or overpotential, can avoid an increased power consumption in cell operation.
The disassociation of water ongoing at the cathode can produce hydrogen, forming into bubbles. Where these bubbles adhere to the cathode these bubbles can effectively reducè the cathode surface available for electrochemical reaction, resulting in an electrical resistance or overpotential. Circulation of catholyte through the reticulate cathode can reduce bubble adherence, and thereby avoid an elevated operational cell voltage that might otherwise be required to compensate for this bubble overpotential.
The volume of catholyte desirably circulated through the cathode can vary, with generally lower flow rates being preferred to conserve power. Flow rates of between about 1 liter per minute per cubic meter of reticulate cathode and 250 liters per minute. Only a flow rate sufficient to avoid bubble and concentration overpotential need be utilized.
It is not necessary that the reticulate cathode 36 fill the cathode compartment 24 entirely. The reticulate foam cathode need only fill portions of the cathode compartment adjacent the separator and be in substantial physical contact with the separator. Where the reticulate cathode does not fill the cathode compartment completely, the balance of the cathode compartment can be filled with a resistant material such as a foam capable of functioning to bias the reticulate cathode into contact with the separator. Alternately, a reticulate- cathode not completely filling the cathode compartment can be biased into contact with the separator in any suitable or conventional manner such as by using a resilient grid.
In one al~ernate of the best embodiment, the cathodic current collector is first embedded in the foam substrate of the reticulate cathode. The foam substrate is fitted t~ the cathode compartment of the cellO Where the foam substra~e has not previously been rendered electrically conductive by reason of carbon impregnation or like process, a preliminary metal coating is applied to the foam substrate by electroless plating techniques.
Generally this electroless plating can be accomplished within the confines of the electrolytic cell, and in most preferréd applications is conducted primarily to impart conductivity to the foam substrate for subsequent electrodeposition of cathode metal.
Subsequent metal electrodeposition onto the reticulate cathode assembly being formed preferably is conducted within the confines of the electrolytic cell.
Plating solution is introduced into the cathode compartment, and the cathodic current feeder is connected to a source of electrical current. Metal ions contained in the plating solution thereby become deposited upon the . ., p ~ ~ ~
reticulate foam substrate using well know platin~
techniq~es.
During electrochemical cell operation this catholyte metal deposited upon the foam substrate is 5 cathodically protected from the action of aggressive chemicals present in the catholyte. In a chloralkali cell where the separator is a cation exchange mPmbrane, metal ions such as sodium ions traverse the membrane from ~he anode compartment and react with the hydroxyl radicals being produced at the reticulate cathode to create a metal hydroxide solution comprising the catholyte. Hydrogen gas is evolved. By periodic removal of some catholyte from the catholyte being circulated through the reticulate cathode, and replacement with water, metal hydrcxide concentra~ion within the catholyte can be controlled within desired, well known preferred limits in the operation of a membrane chloralkali cell.
Where the reticulate electrode contacts a porous separator such as a diaphragm, brine containing ions of the metal flows through the diaphragm to the cathode compartment~ joining catholyte circulating through the cathode compartment. Removal of circulating catholyte compensates in ~ell known manner for spent brine volumes traversing the separator, and controls metal hydroxide concentration in the circulating catholyte.
Anodes may be fabricated for use in electrolytic cells in a fashion identical to the formation of the foam or reticulate cathode assemblies described supra. Such foam or reticulate anodes may be utilized in electrochemical cells and substantial physical contact with a separator dividing anode and cathode compartments in the cell. Frequently it is advantageous that anodes fabricated in accordance with this invention include a topcoatins or electrocatalytic coating applied after ~ormation of the foam or reticulate anode assembly.
Typical coatings would include DSA ~, or TIR-2~00/
proprietary coatings sys~em manufactured by Diamond * Trademaxk ~.~ . . ':
Shamrock Corporation and other suitable or conventional electrode coatings~
The following examples further illustrate the invention.
EX~LE 1 A nickel reticulate cathode was prepared by first attaching a nickel current distributor, fabricated from nickel grid sheet stock, to a conductor bar. The grid and conductor bar were then heated above the melting point of polyurethane foam, the foam being sized to occupy substantially the entirety of the cathode compartment of an electrolytic cell. The hot conductor bar with grid was set into the foam and permitted to cool. Wit~ cooling, foam melted by the heat of the conductor bar and grid fused to the grid. The resulting cathode assembly was then plated. Such plated cathodes functioned effectively in electrolytic cell where the foam contained between 10 and 45 pores per inch ~ppi~.
For plating the cathode assembly was immersed in a room temperature bath consisting of an aqueous solution of 10 gram per liter (gpl.) tin chloride and 10 milliliter (ml) per liter hydrochloric acid (20Be). After 5 minutes, the cathode assemblv was rinsed gently in room temperature water, and then immersed in an aqueous solution o~ 0.5 gpl. PdC12 and 10 ml per liter hydrochloric acid for five minutes. Following an aqueous rinse, the foam cathode assembly was immersed for 10 minutes at 50C in a mixture comprising one liter of an aqueous solution of 45 gpl. nickel chloride hexahydrate, 50 gpl. ammonium chloride, 100 gpl. sodium nitrate, 0.5 liters per liter ammonium hydroxide and 27.3 ml of a 450 gpl. aqueous solution of sodium hypophosphite. These preceding steps deposited an electroless nickel plate upon the cathode assembly.
Electroless plating was followed by nickel electrolytic plating. The cathode assembly was immersed ~' . . .
~ ' in an aqueous solution of 141 gpl. nlckel chloride hexahydrate, 291 gpl. nickel sulfate hexahydrate and 45 gpl. phosphoric acid, with the solution being adjusted to a pH of 4.5 to 6.5 using hydrochloric acid. The cathode assembly was made cathodic to nickel anodes mounted approximately 3.8 centimeters from the surfaces of the foam cathode assembly, and plating was conducted at 2.25 volts for 3 hours at 30-40C. Plating is continued until a coating of 10 microns thickness or greater was established upon the foam.
Optionally, after 1 1/2 hours of plating, the polyurethane foam may be ashed by placing the reticulate in a flame or oven until the foam is burned out. After rinsing, plating can then be continued.
A nickel reticulate cathode was prepared in accordance with Example l, except that after completion of electroless plating the cathode assembly was immersed in an aqueous solution of 250 gpl. nickel chloride hexahydrate; and 50 gpl. zinc chloride. This solution was maintained at 45C with a pH o~ approximately 4.5, adjusted by the addition of ECl. Nickel and nickel zinc anodes were placed in close proximity to surfaces of the cathode assembly for about one hour and made anodlc to the cathode assembly at 2.00 volts. The solution was agitated during the electrolytic plating operation.
Following completion of electrolytic plating, the cathode assembly was immersed in an aqueous solution of 200 gpl. sodium hydroxide for one hour at 75C.
The fabrication steps of Example 1 were repeated except that electrolytic plating was conducted from an aqueous solution comprising 265 gpl. cobalt chloride hexahydrate, 90 gpl. zinc chloride, and 30 gpl. boric acid at 50C and a pH of 4 maintained by the addition of ~ .
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hydrochloric acid. Zinc anodes, mounted approximately an 3.8 centimeters from surfaces of the cathode assembly were utilized to plate at 0.6 volts zinc onto the cathode assembly over a period of one hour.
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A cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 except that the current clistribution grid~
was fabricated from copper in lieu of nickel. An ~lectroless copper plate was deposited on the polyurethane foam by immersing the cathode assembly for 5 minutes at room temperature sequentially into two baths. The first bath contained 10 gpl. tin chloride and 10 ml per liter hydrochloric acid (20Be). The second bath contained 0.5 gpl. palladium chloride and 10 ml per liter hydrochloric acid (2OBe). ~ter each bath a water rinse at room temperature was conducted. The cathode assembly was then soaked for 20 minutes at room temperature in commercial copper electroless plating solution made by mixing 777A
and 777M Cu Electroless Makeup (available from CuTech Inc.) in a I:1:8 ratio with water and then rinsed gently~
The cathode assembly was then immersed in a electrolytic plating bath comprising an aqueous solution of 40 gpl. copper as copper sulfate, 10 gpl. sul~uric acid and having a pH of 1 maintained by the addition of sulfuric acid at room temperature. Copper electrodeposition was conducted by placing copper anodes 3.8 centimeters from surfaces of the cathode assembly, making the cathode assembly cathodic to these copper anodes, and passing 1 1/2 volts between them for approximately 1 hour. Optionally the polyurethane foam may be ashed in accordance with Example 1 approxima~ely half-way through the electrodepositionO
Since copper by itself may be excessively subject to corrosion/attack in a chloralkali cell cathode ~ 2 ~ i~ 5 ~L't'; L ~l compartment, advantayeously the copper electroplated cathode assemhly was then nickel plated in accordance with the electrolytic plating step of Example 1.
A cathode assembly was prepared by attaching a current feeder to a current distribution grid fabricated from nickel in accordance with Example 1. Heated, the~
current distribution grid and current feeder were immersed into a polyurethane foam in accordance with Fxample resulting in a foam or reticulate cathode assemhly.
The foam cathode assembly was then electrolessly plated with copper in accordance with Example 4 and received an e'ectrolytic copper plating in accordance with Example 4. An electrolytic nickel plate was then applied to the foam cathode assembly in accordance with Example l.
An electrolytic deposition of nickel and zinc was then made to the reticulate cathode assembly in accordance with Example 2.
~ EXAMPLE 6 A cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example l. Following application of the electrolytic nickel a palladium oxide-zirconium oxide coating was applied to the cathode. Application was accomplished by ball milling a slurry of 10 ml of waterr l ml of acetic acid, 1.5 grams of palladium chloride particles and 2 grams of zirconyl nitrate for two hours to stabilize the palladium chloride and reduce the size of any non-solubilized material particles~ This slurry was then brushed onto the nickel pla~ed reticulate cathode assembly of Example l which had been ashed in accordance with Example 1. The brush coating and cathode were heated at 125C for 3 minutes and then cured at 500C for 7 minutes in air thereby converting the palladium chloride to palladium oxide and the zirconyl nitrate to zirconium dioxide. Four additional coatings or the slurry were then .
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applied and cured. In alternate preparation techniques, as much as one-half of the palladium chloride was replaced by cobalt and/or nickel in preparing the cathode.
ExAMæLE 7 A foam or reticulate cathode c~ssembly was made in accordance with the steps of Example 1 including the application of nickel electrolytic plate. Following-electrolytic plating with nickel, the foam cathode assembly was immersed in an electrolytic plating bath comprising one gallon of water, 20 grams sulfamic acid, and 20 grams of ruthenium as ruthenium sulfamate. The bath was maintained at between 80 and 100F and electrodeposition was conducted usi~g platin~m anodes spaced approximately 3.8 centimeters from surfaces of the foam cathode assembly. With the foam cathode assembly made cathodic, current was passed between the platinum anodes and the foam cathode assembly at a density of 0.15 amps per square centimeter at 1.75 volts.
- EXAMæLE 8 A foam or reticulate cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 including electrolytic nickel plating. Following the electrolytic nickel plate, the foam cathode assembly was immersed in an agitated coating solution containing 5 ml of H3Pt(SO3~2OH
in 150 ml of water adjusted to a pH of 3 by the use of l normal NaOH, and including approximately 15 ml of a 30%
hydrogen peroxide solution. The foam cathode assembly was soaked in this peroxlde containing solution for approximately one hour during which the pH gradually dropped ~o 1. The pH was then restored to 3 using one normal caustic and the solution and cathode assembly were heated to 80C while agitating the peroxide containing solution until all peroxide bubbling stopped. After washing, the foam cathode assembly was dried at l-S-150C.
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A foam cathode assembly was prepared in accordance wlth Example 1 including electrolytic nickel plating. Sintering or ashing was conduc.ted in accordance with Example 1. Following electrolytic deposition of nickel, a coating of aluminum was applied by plasma spraying onto surfaces of the foam cathode assembly. The assembly was then heat treated at 760C for 8 hours in a nitrogen atmosphere interdiffusing the nick~l and aluminum. In actual operation of a chloralkali cell using such a cathode, the aluminum would be leached from the interdiffused surface by hot NaOH contained within the cell. Leaching provides greater surface area on the foam cathode asse.nbly than a~ailable without interdiffusing and leaching.
EXAMP~E 10 ~ foam or reticulate cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 except that electrolytic plating was accomplished by immersing the foam cathode assembly into an aqueous solution of 240 gpl.
ferrous sulfate at a pH of 2.8 to 3.5 and a temperature of between 32C and 66C. The cathode assembly was made cathodic to iron anodes available from Armco Steel Company positioned approximately 3.8 centimeters from the surfaces of the cathode assembly. Plating was conducted for between l and 3 hours at between 0.04 amps per square centimeter and 0.11 amps per square centimeter. The ferrous sulfate bath was agitated during electrodeposition to assist in providing a uniform coating upon the foam cathode assembly.
A foam or reticulate cathode assembly was fabricated in accordance with Example 4 and then subjected to electrodeposition with iron in accordance with Example 10 .
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A foam or re~iculate cathode assembly was prepared in accordance with Example 1 including sintering or ashing intermediate during the ,electrodeposition op~ration. The cathode assembly was then plasma sprayed with a mixture of 80% nickel, 10% mo],ybdenum and 10 aluminum. The molybdenum and aluminum were then leached in hot sodium hydroxide by operation in' a chloralkali~
cell. A cathode assembly having a substantially elevated 10 surface area resulted.
- EXP~IPLE 13 Example 1 was repeated except using as a starting m~terial polyurethane foam 1.25 centimeters in 15 thickness made by laminating four thicknesses of 0.32 centimeters foam. A structure indistinguishable from the structure of Example 1 resulted.
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Two electrolytic cells were operated in parallel. ~ne cell was equipped with an anode made in accordance with E~ample 1. The cathode in this first cell was a perforated nickel plate The cell included a separator fabricated from NAFION ~ 295, a product of E. I.
2~ duPont deNemours and Company, a cation exchange material suitable for use in electrolytic chloralkali cells. The cell was fed with an aqueous stream of sodium bicarbonate and sod,ium carbonate in a 1:1 molar ratio.
The second cell was equipped identically with '30 the first cell except that the cathode in the second cell was a porous foam or reticulate cathode made in accordance with Example 1. This second cell operated on the same feed materials as the first cell.
In both cells, the electrodes were in substantial physical contact with the separator. The first cell operated at a voltage of 2~82 volts under current ~low of 0.15 amps per square centimeter, while the 's~'~ ' .
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second cell demonstrated a voltage of 2.63 volts at 0.15 amps pex square centimeter. The first cell demonstrated a voltage of 3.33 volts at 0.31 amps per square centimeter, while the secvnd cell demonstrated a vol~age of 3.05 volts a 0.31 amps per square centimeter. Current efficiency between the cells was equivalent within experimental laboratory accuracy. The second cell, because of the presence of the nickel reticulate or foam cathode`
assembly, operated at a significantly lower voltage which, in a commercial operation, would result in a lower power requirement for cell operation. The nickel reticulate or foam cathode assembly provided an operational advantage of 200 millivolts at 0.15 amps per square centimeter and 280 millivolts-at 0.15 amps per square centimeter.
__ Two electrolytic cells were operated in parallel. One cell included an anode fabricated from a titanium mesh having diamond shaped openings approximately 0.64 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters and coated with- a DSA R electrocatalytic coating for the production of chlorine. DSA R coated titanium mesh is available from Diamond Shamrock Corporation and generally includes ruthenium oxide as a surface coating. The cathode in this first cell was formed from nickel mesh having diamond shaped apertures also approximately 0.64 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters. The cell included a separator made from duPont NAFION R 295, both the anode and cathode being in intimate contact with the NAFION R
separator. The cell compartment defined by the separator and containing the anode was fed with sodium chloride brine (170 grams per liter).
The second cell in the para~lel pair was equipped identically except that the cathode provided was a foam or reticulate cathode assembly made in accordance with Exam~le 1. This cathode, as well as the anode in the second cell, were in intimate contact with the separator.
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~ ~ .
J~
The feedstock to this second cell was identical with the feedstock of the first cell. Both cells were operated at 0.31 amps per square centimeter of membrane surface area with the first cell requiring 3.84 vol~s and the second cell at 3.18 volts for electrolysis. Current efficiencies were equivalent. Use of a reticulate foam electrode provided the second chlorine generation cell with an advantage of 660 millivolts at 0.31 amps per square centimeter.
Two cells were operated in parallel. One cell included an anode fabricated from a titanium mesh having a DSA elec'rocatalytic coa~ing a~plied to the mesh~
Apertures in the mesh were appro~imately 0.32 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters. The cathode in this first cell was fabricated from nickel mesh having the same aperture dimensions. Anode and cathode were in contact with and separated by a NAFION 290 cation exchange membrane. A
i70 gram per liter sodium chloride brine was fed to a compartment~ of the cell defined by the separator containing the anode.
The second cell of this parallel pair included an identical anode and separator but was fabricated utilizing a nickel foam or reticulate cathode assembly made in accordance with Example 1. Feedstock to this second cell was identical with the feed to the first cell.
While the first cell operated at 3.28 volts generating cnlorine at a current density of approximately 0.3 amps per square centimeter measured at the separator, the second cell achieved an operating voltage of 3.13 volts operating at an identical current density. Current efficiencies of the cells were identical.
Two cells were operated in parallel~ In one cell the anode was a porous foam reticulate anode .
, `' `'~ .
.
.
:'`, ' ` '~` ' structure fabricated in accordance with Example 1. The first cell included a cathode fabricated from perforated nickel plate. The foam or reticulate anode assembly and nickel plate were in substantial contact with a microporous separator fabricated from polypropylene. 300 gram per liter sodium carbonate was fed to this cell.
The second cell contained an identical anode and separator but included a foam or reticulate cathode assembly in contact with the separator, the foam or reticulate cathode being made in accordance with Example 1. An identical feedstock was provided to this second cell. While the first cell operated at 2.72 volts at a current density of 0.15 amps per square centimeter, the second cell achieved a 2.44 operating voltase at an identical current density. Within experimental error, the current efficiencies of the two cells were equivalent.
The cell operated using a reticulate cathode achieved a 280 millivolt operatin~ advantage over an identical cell operated without the reticulate cathode.
~ EXAMPLE 18 Two cells were operated in parallel. The first cell included a cathode fabricated from perforated nickel plate in intimate contact with a porous ceramic alumina separator. The anode in this first cell was a sheet of titanium metal mesh having apertures of approximately 0.64 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters and coated with TIR2000 R
a Diamond Shamrock proprietary anode coating useful where it is desired that oxygen be evolved. This first cell was fed with 300 grams per liter sodium carbonate.
The second cell was operated equipped identically with the first cell except that the anode in the second cell was a foam or reticulate anode fabricated in accordance with Example 1~ The feedstock to this second cell was identical to that of the first. While the first cell operated at 3.4 volts at 0.15 amps per square centimeter, the second cell, using the foam or reticulate ~: , ,. ~'. . :
anode assembly, operated at 2.72 volts at an identical current density. Current efficiency of the two cells within experimental error, was identical. The second cell, using the foam or reticulate anode assembly in contact with the separator, achieved a .680 volt operating advantage over a perforated nickel plate anode in contact with the separator.
While a preferred embodiment has-been shown and~
described in detail, it should be apparent that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the claims following.
:' '.
The second cell was equipped identically with '30 the first cell except that the cathode in the second cell was a porous foam or reticulate cathode made in accordance with Example 1. This second cell operated on the same feed materials as the first cell.
In both cells, the electrodes were in substantial physical contact with the separator. The first cell operated at a voltage of 2~82 volts under current ~low of 0.15 amps per square centimeter, while the 's~'~ ' .
' ~
.,., ~'.` . ' .
J'~
second cell demonstrated a voltage of 2.63 volts at 0.15 amps pex square centimeter. The first cell demonstrated a voltage of 3.33 volts at 0.31 amps per square centimeter, while the secvnd cell demonstrated a vol~age of 3.05 volts a 0.31 amps per square centimeter. Current efficiency between the cells was equivalent within experimental laboratory accuracy. The second cell, because of the presence of the nickel reticulate or foam cathode`
assembly, operated at a significantly lower voltage which, in a commercial operation, would result in a lower power requirement for cell operation. The nickel reticulate or foam cathode assembly provided an operational advantage of 200 millivolts at 0.15 amps per square centimeter and 280 millivolts-at 0.15 amps per square centimeter.
__ Two electrolytic cells were operated in parallel. One cell included an anode fabricated from a titanium mesh having diamond shaped openings approximately 0.64 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters and coated with- a DSA R electrocatalytic coating for the production of chlorine. DSA R coated titanium mesh is available from Diamond Shamrock Corporation and generally includes ruthenium oxide as a surface coating. The cathode in this first cell was formed from nickel mesh having diamond shaped apertures also approximately 0.64 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters. The cell included a separator made from duPont NAFION R 295, both the anode and cathode being in intimate contact with the NAFION R
separator. The cell compartment defined by the separator and containing the anode was fed with sodium chloride brine (170 grams per liter).
The second cell in the para~lel pair was equipped identically except that the cathode provided was a foam or reticulate cathode assembly made in accordance with Exam~le 1. This cathode, as well as the anode in the second cell, were in intimate contact with the separator.
., .. . .
.. . :
:
~ ~ .
J~
The feedstock to this second cell was identical with the feedstock of the first cell. Both cells were operated at 0.31 amps per square centimeter of membrane surface area with the first cell requiring 3.84 vol~s and the second cell at 3.18 volts for electrolysis. Current efficiencies were equivalent. Use of a reticulate foam electrode provided the second chlorine generation cell with an advantage of 660 millivolts at 0.31 amps per square centimeter.
Two cells were operated in parallel. One cell included an anode fabricated from a titanium mesh having a DSA elec'rocatalytic coa~ing a~plied to the mesh~
Apertures in the mesh were appro~imately 0.32 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters. The cathode in this first cell was fabricated from nickel mesh having the same aperture dimensions. Anode and cathode were in contact with and separated by a NAFION 290 cation exchange membrane. A
i70 gram per liter sodium chloride brine was fed to a compartment~ of the cell defined by the separator containing the anode.
The second cell of this parallel pair included an identical anode and separator but was fabricated utilizing a nickel foam or reticulate cathode assembly made in accordance with Example 1. Feedstock to this second cell was identical with the feed to the first cell.
While the first cell operated at 3.28 volts generating cnlorine at a current density of approximately 0.3 amps per square centimeter measured at the separator, the second cell achieved an operating voltage of 3.13 volts operating at an identical current density. Current efficiencies of the cells were identical.
Two cells were operated in parallel~ In one cell the anode was a porous foam reticulate anode .
, `' `'~ .
.
.
:'`, ' ` '~` ' structure fabricated in accordance with Example 1. The first cell included a cathode fabricated from perforated nickel plate. The foam or reticulate anode assembly and nickel plate were in substantial contact with a microporous separator fabricated from polypropylene. 300 gram per liter sodium carbonate was fed to this cell.
The second cell contained an identical anode and separator but included a foam or reticulate cathode assembly in contact with the separator, the foam or reticulate cathode being made in accordance with Example 1. An identical feedstock was provided to this second cell. While the first cell operated at 2.72 volts at a current density of 0.15 amps per square centimeter, the second cell achieved a 2.44 operating voltase at an identical current density. Within experimental error, the current efficiencies of the two cells were equivalent.
The cell operated using a reticulate cathode achieved a 280 millivolt operatin~ advantage over an identical cell operated without the reticulate cathode.
~ EXAMPLE 18 Two cells were operated in parallel. The first cell included a cathode fabricated from perforated nickel plate in intimate contact with a porous ceramic alumina separator. The anode in this first cell was a sheet of titanium metal mesh having apertures of approximately 0.64 centimeters by 0.32 centimeters and coated with TIR2000 R
a Diamond Shamrock proprietary anode coating useful where it is desired that oxygen be evolved. This first cell was fed with 300 grams per liter sodium carbonate.
The second cell was operated equipped identically with the first cell except that the anode in the second cell was a foam or reticulate anode fabricated in accordance with Example 1~ The feedstock to this second cell was identical to that of the first. While the first cell operated at 3.4 volts at 0.15 amps per square centimeter, the second cell, using the foam or reticulate ~: , ,. ~'. . :
anode assembly, operated at 2.72 volts at an identical current density. Current efficiency of the two cells within experimental error, was identical. The second cell, using the foam or reticulate anode assembly in contact with the separator, achieved a .680 volt operating advantage over a perforated nickel plate anode in contact with the separator.
While a preferred embodiment has-been shown and~
described in detail, it should be apparent that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the claims following.
:' '.
Claims (31)
1. In an electrolytic cell having anode and cathode compartments defined by a separator, an electrode assembly comprising:
(a) an openly porous inflexible reticulate primary electrode at least partially filling one of the compartments and in substantial physical contact with the separator;
(b) a current feeder intermetallically bound to the electrode whereby electrical current is distributed to the electrode with negligible electrical resistance between the electrode and current feeder; and (c) distribution means whereby electrolyte can be circulated into the electrode compartment and out of the electrode compartment.
(a) an openly porous inflexible reticulate primary electrode at least partially filling one of the compartments and in substantial physical contact with the separator;
(b) a current feeder intermetallically bound to the electrode whereby electrical current is distributed to the electrode with negligible electrical resistance between the electrode and current feeder; and (c) distribution means whereby electrolyte can be circulated into the electrode compartment and out of the electrode compartment.
2. The cell of Claim 1, the electrode being an anode.
3. In an electrolytic cell having anode and cathode compartments defined by a separator, a cathode assembly comprising:
(a) an openly porous, inflexible reticulate primary cathode substantially filling the cathode compartment and in substantial physical contact with the separator;
(b) a cathodic current feeder intermetallically bound to the cathode whereby electrical current is distributed to the cathode with negligible electrical resistance between the cathode and current feeder; and (c) cathode distribution means whereby catholyte can be circulated into the cathode compartment and out of the cathode compartment.
(a) an openly porous, inflexible reticulate primary cathode substantially filling the cathode compartment and in substantial physical contact with the separator;
(b) a cathodic current feeder intermetallically bound to the cathode whereby electrical current is distributed to the cathode with negligible electrical resistance between the cathode and current feeder; and (c) cathode distribution means whereby catholyte can be circulated into the cathode compartment and out of the cathode compartment.
4. In a narrow gap cell wherein anode and cathode compartments within the cell are defined by a separator, at least one electrode within the cell being in substantial physical contact with the separator, a narrow gap electrode assembly comprising:
(a) at least one openly porous, inflexible reticulate primary electrode having pores ranging in size from 0.5 to 10 millimeters in substantial physical contact with the separator, and substantially filling at least one compartment of the cell;
(b) a current feeder intermetallically connecting the electrode with a source of electrical current whereby electrical resistance between current feeder and electrode is made negligible; and (c) at least one electrolyte inlet for introducing electrolyte into the electrode structure and at least one outlet for removing catholyte from the electrode structure.
(a) at least one openly porous, inflexible reticulate primary electrode having pores ranging in size from 0.5 to 10 millimeters in substantial physical contact with the separator, and substantially filling at least one compartment of the cell;
(b) a current feeder intermetallically connecting the electrode with a source of electrical current whereby electrical resistance between current feeder and electrode is made negligible; and (c) at least one electrolyte inlet for introducing electrolyte into the electrode structure and at least one outlet for removing catholyte from the electrode structure.
5. The cell of Claim 4, the electrode being an anode.
6. In a narrow gap cell wherein anode and cathode compartments within the cell are defined by a separator and wherein the cathode within the cell is in substantial physical contact with the separator, a narrow gap cathode assembly comprising:
(a) an openly porous, inflexible reticulate primary cathode having pores ranging in size from 0.013 to 10 milli-meters, in substantial physical contact with the separator, and substantially filling the cathode compartment of the cell;
(b) a cathodic current feeder intermetallically connecting the cathode with a source of electrical current whereby electrical resistance between current feeder and electrode is made negligible; and (c) at least one catholyte inlet for introducing catholyte into the cathode structure and at least one catholyte outlet for removing catholyte from the cathode structure.
(a) an openly porous, inflexible reticulate primary cathode having pores ranging in size from 0.013 to 10 milli-meters, in substantial physical contact with the separator, and substantially filling the cathode compartment of the cell;
(b) a cathodic current feeder intermetallically connecting the cathode with a source of electrical current whereby electrical resistance between current feeder and electrode is made negligible; and (c) at least one catholyte inlet for introducing catholyte into the cathode structure and at least one catholyte outlet for removing catholyte from the cathode structure.
7. A method for m situ making of an inflexible electrode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell having anode and cathode compartments defined by a separator and having at least one electrolyte inlet and outlet to the compartments comprising:
(a) substantially filling at least one compartment with an openly porous plastic foam, the foam being in substantial physical contact with the membrane;
(b) providing a conductive metal current feeder for each foam filled compartment and at least partially immersing the current feeder into the plastic foam;
(c) contacting an electroless plating solution with the openly porous plastic foam until an electroconductive coating of desired thickness is deposited upon the foam;
(d) making the foam cathodic; and (e) circulating an electroplating solution through the foam electrode until an electrodeposit of desired thickness is formed upon the foam.
(a) substantially filling at least one compartment with an openly porous plastic foam, the foam being in substantial physical contact with the membrane;
(b) providing a conductive metal current feeder for each foam filled compartment and at least partially immersing the current feeder into the plastic foam;
(c) contacting an electroless plating solution with the openly porous plastic foam until an electroconductive coating of desired thickness is deposited upon the foam;
(d) making the foam cathodic; and (e) circulating an electroplating solution through the foam electrode until an electrodeposit of desired thickness is formed upon the foam.
8. The method of claim 7, the foam being removed by heat during electrodeposition.
9. The method of claim 7, the foam having an open porosity of between 0.013 and 10.0 millimeters.
10. The method of claim 7, the plating solutions providing a nickel metal coating upon the foam cathode.
11. A method for in situ making of an inflexible electrode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell having anode and cathode compartments defined by a separator and having at least one electrolyte inlet and outlet to each compartment comprising:
(a) substantially filling at least one compartment with an openly porous conductive plastic foam, the foam being in substantial physical contact with the membrane; and (b) providing a conductive metal current feeder for each foam filled compartment and at least partially immersing the current feeder into the plastic foam;
(c) making the foam cathodic; and (d) contacting the foam electrode with an electroplating solution until an electrodeposit of desired thickness is formed upon the foam.
(a) substantially filling at least one compartment with an openly porous conductive plastic foam, the foam being in substantial physical contact with the membrane; and (b) providing a conductive metal current feeder for each foam filled compartment and at least partially immersing the current feeder into the plastic foam;
(c) making the foam cathodic; and (d) contacting the foam electrode with an electroplating solution until an electrodeposit of desired thickness is formed upon the foam.
12. The method of Claim 11, the foam having been impregnated with an electrically conductive substance.
13. The method of Claim 11, the foam cathode being contacted with an electroless plating solution to deposit a desired metal coating upon the foam cathode prior to making the cathode cathodic.
14. The method of either of Claims 7 and 11, the electroplating solution including a substantial proportion of nickel ions for electrodeposition upon the foam cathode.
15. The method of either of Claims 7 and 11, the separator being a membrane hydraulically impervious to liquid movement between the compartments, but readily permitting the free movement of cations between the compartment.
16. The method of Claims 7 and 11, the separator being a membrane including a substantial proportion of a perfluoro-carbon copolymer having pendant sulfonyl or carbonyl based cation exchange functional groups.
17. The cell of any of Claims 1, 3 or 4, the separator being a membrane hydraulically impervious to liquid movement between the compartments, but readily permitting the free movement of cations between the compartment.
18. The cell of Claims 1, 3 or 4, the separator being a membrane including a substantial proportion of a perfluoro-carbon copolymer having pendant sulfonyl or carbonyl based cation exchange functional groups.
19. The method of either of Claims 7 and 11, the current collector being heated and immersed in the foam by heating the collector and immersing the collector into the foam.
20. A method for making an inflexible cathode assembly in an electrochemical cell having anode and cathode compartments defined by a separator and having at least one catholyte inlet, and at least one catholyte outlet, comprising:
(a) selecting a porous, reticulate and conductive foam material;
(b) fitting the foam to the cathode compartment of the cell whereby the foam substantially fills the cathode compartment being in substantial physical contact with the separator;
(c) providing a cathodic current feeder, and placing the feeder in electrical contact with the conductive foam; and (d) electrodepositing a cathode metal onto the conductive foam.
(a) selecting a porous, reticulate and conductive foam material;
(b) fitting the foam to the cathode compartment of the cell whereby the foam substantially fills the cathode compartment being in substantial physical contact with the separator;
(c) providing a cathodic current feeder, and placing the feeder in electrical contact with the conductive foam; and (d) electrodepositing a cathode metal onto the conductive foam.
21. In an electrolytic cell, an electrode assembly comprising:
(a) an electrode/current feeder unit having an openly porous reticulate electrode and a current feeder, both having a uniform surface of plated metal, with the plated metal forming said electrode as well as combining intermetallically said current feeder and the electrode together into said unit, whereby electrical current is distributed to the metal plate electrode with negligible electrical resistance between the electrode and current feeder; and (b) distribution means whereby electrolyte can be circulated into and out of the reticulate electrode.
(a) an electrode/current feeder unit having an openly porous reticulate electrode and a current feeder, both having a uniform surface of plated metal, with the plated metal forming said electrode as well as combining intermetallically said current feeder and the electrode together into said unit, whereby electrical current is distributed to the metal plate electrode with negligible electrical resistance between the electrode and current feeder; and (b) distribution means whereby electrolyte can be circulated into and out of the reticulate electrode.
22. For use in an electrolytic cell, an electric conductor assembly comprising:
an electric conductor/current feeder unit having an openly porous reticulate electrode and a current feeder, both having a uniform surface of plated metal, with the plated metal forming said electric conductor as well as combining intermetallically said current feeder and electric conductor together into said unit, whereby electrical current is distributed to the plated electric conductor with negligible electrical resistance between the electric conductor and current feeder.
an electric conductor/current feeder unit having an openly porous reticulate electrode and a current feeder, both having a uniform surface of plated metal, with the plated metal forming said electric conductor as well as combining intermetallically said current feeder and electric conductor together into said unit, whereby electrical current is distributed to the plated electric conductor with negligible electrical resistance between the electric conductor and current feeder.
23. The method of producing an openly porous, reticulate electrode and current feeder combination for use in an electrolytic cell having anode and cathode compart-ments, which method comprises:
(a) joining a metal current feeder and porous, metal platable plastic foam, and (b) electroplating the resulting foam and current feeder assembly, thereby forming a porous reticulate electrode of plated metal while intermetallically joining the current feeder and retiulate electrode into a plated assembly.
(a) joining a metal current feeder and porous, metal platable plastic foam, and (b) electroplating the resulting foam and current feeder assembly, thereby forming a porous reticulate electrode of plated metal while intermetallically joining the current feeder and retiulate electrode into a plated assembly.
24. The method of Claim 23, wherein: (1) said foam is plated and intermetallically joined to said current feeder forming a resulting metal plated assembly; (2) the resulting metal plated assembly is then placed in an electrode compartment.
25. The method of Claim 23, wherein said plating is followed by heating said assembly and burning out said foam.
26. The method of Claim 23, wherein said assembly is electroplated by metal selected from the group consisting of nickel, zinc, cobalt, copper, iron and combinations thereof.
27. The method of Claim 23, wherein said foam contains between about 4 to about 18 pores per centimeter and has pores ranging in size from 0.013 millimeters to 10 millimeters.
28. The method of Claim 23, wherein said current feeder is jointed with a foam made conductive by impregnation with a conductive substance.
29. The method of Claim 23, wherein said plating includes a succession of metal platings and the final plating is electroplating.
30. The method of Claim 23, wherein said current feeder is joined to said foam as a heated current feeder.
31. The method of Claim 23, wherein said current feeder is joined to said foam by insertion into the foam.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38693482A | 1982-06-10 | 1982-06-10 | |
| US386,934 | 1982-06-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1262534A true CA1262534A (en) | 1989-10-31 |
Family
ID=23527704
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000429606A Expired CA1262534A (en) | 1982-06-10 | 1983-06-03 | Narrow gap reticulate electrode electrolysis cell |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0097120A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS5947389A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1549183A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8303079A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1262534A (en) |
| DD (1) | DD209854A5 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK264583A (en) |
| ES (3) | ES8405853A1 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI832063L (en) |
| IL (1) | IL68874A0 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX153538A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO832090L (en) |
| PT (1) | PT76824B (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA834231B (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3401636A1 (en) * | 1984-01-19 | 1985-07-25 | Hoechst Ag, 6230 Frankfurt | ELECTROCHEMICAL METHOD FOR TREATING LIQUID ELECTROLYTE |
| GB8518601D0 (en) * | 1985-07-23 | 1985-08-29 | Tenneco Canada Inc | Removal of arsenic from acids |
| CN106977021B (en) * | 2017-04-06 | 2023-10-31 | 佛山市海狮凯尔科技有限公司 | Water purifying equipment |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3674675A (en) * | 1970-07-09 | 1972-07-04 | Frank H Leaman | Platinized plastic electrodes |
| US4417959A (en) * | 1980-10-29 | 1983-11-29 | Olin Corporation | Electrolytic cell having a composite electrode-membrane structure |
| US4331517A (en) * | 1981-04-02 | 1982-05-25 | Ppg Industries, Inc. | Method of preparing a cathode by high and low temperature electroplating of catalytic and sacrificial metals, and electrode prepared thereby |
-
1983
- 1983-06-02 IL IL68874A patent/IL68874A0/en unknown
- 1983-06-03 CA CA000429606A patent/CA1262534A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-06-06 MX MX197554A patent/MX153538A/en unknown
- 1983-06-07 EP EP83810245A patent/EP0097120A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1983-06-07 PT PT76824A patent/PT76824B/en unknown
- 1983-06-08 FI FI832063A patent/FI832063L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1983-06-08 DD DD83251833A patent/DD209854A5/en unknown
- 1983-06-08 AU AU15491/83A patent/AU1549183A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1983-06-09 BR BR8303079A patent/BR8303079A/en unknown
- 1983-06-09 NO NO832090A patent/NO832090L/en unknown
- 1983-06-09 ZA ZA834231A patent/ZA834231B/en unknown
- 1983-06-09 ES ES523138A patent/ES8405853A1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-06-09 DK DK264583A patent/DK264583A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1983-06-10 JP JP58104079A patent/JPS5947389A/en active Pending
-
1984
- 1984-02-28 ES ES530132A patent/ES530132A0/en active Granted
- 1984-02-28 ES ES530131A patent/ES530131A0/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ZA834231B (en) | 1984-07-25 |
| ES8501008A1 (en) | 1984-11-01 |
| EP0097120A1 (en) | 1983-12-28 |
| BR8303079A (en) | 1984-01-31 |
| DK264583A (en) | 1983-12-11 |
| ES8501007A1 (en) | 1984-11-01 |
| PT76824A (en) | 1983-07-01 |
| FI832063L (en) | 1983-12-11 |
| PT76824B (en) | 1986-03-19 |
| NO832090L (en) | 1983-12-12 |
| ES530131A0 (en) | 1984-11-01 |
| JPS5947389A (en) | 1984-03-17 |
| DD209854A5 (en) | 1984-05-23 |
| ES523138A0 (en) | 1984-06-16 |
| FI832063A0 (en) | 1983-06-08 |
| DK264583D0 (en) | 1983-06-09 |
| IL68874A0 (en) | 1983-10-31 |
| MX153538A (en) | 1986-11-11 |
| AU1549183A (en) | 1983-12-15 |
| ES8405853A1 (en) | 1984-06-16 |
| ES530132A0 (en) | 1984-11-01 |
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