| abstract |
An improved electrolytic cell for the electrolysis of alkali metal halide solutions to produce halides and alkali metal hydroxides is provided wherein current reductions are obtained by the passage of an oxidizing gas, such as oxygen, into a porous cathode to depolarize the cathode and eliminate the porduction of hydrogen. The cathode is provided with small diameter pores for diffusion of said oxidizing gas, and larger diameter pores or holes for liquid product flow through the cathode. The cathode, separator, and anode may be in direct contact with each other in a sandwich configuration, thus eliminating the need for a catholyte compartment and external H 2 O feed lines. |