| abstract |
To regenerate an electrode comprising a hydrolyzable metal phosphate, such as zirconium phosphate (Zr (HPO4) 2, which has been hydrolyzed at least in part, the electrode is made the anode of an electrochemical cell in which the electrolyte is an aqueous solution containing one or more phosphate ions supplied, for example, by a dissolved salt (Na3 PO4), Na2 HPO4 or NaH2 PO4, for example) or by orthophosphoric acid, or both types. Preferably, the electrolyte is acidic (pH of 2, for example). Operation of the cell reverses the direction of the hydrolysis reaction and can increase the efficiency of the electrode. Application: regeneration of an electrode for purification of a liquid by electrochemical ion exchange. |