Energy-efficient chlorine production by gas-phase HCl electrolysis with oxygen depolarized cathode

• Published in: Electrochemistry communications Vol. 34; pp. 320 - 322
• Main Authors: Kuwertz, Rafael, Gonzalez Martinez, Isai, Vidaković-Koch, Tanja, Sundmacher, Kai, Turek, Thomas, Kunz, Ulrich
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.09.2013; Amsterdam Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical industry and chemicals; Electrolysis; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell; Gas diffusion electrodes; HCl gas phase oxidation; Industrial chemicals; Inorganic industry; Oxygen depolarized cathode; Oxygen reduction reaction; Oxygen depolarized cathode; Electrolysis; HCl gas phase oxidation; Oxygen reduction reaction; Gas diffusion electrodes; Fuel cell; Oxygen; Cathode; Chlorine; Laboratory scale; Gas electrode; Electrode material; Energy savings; Hydrochloric acid; Chemical reduction; Membrane reactor; Production; Electric power consumption; Oxidation; Gas phase
• ISSN: 1388-2481; 1873-1902
• DOI: 10.1016/j.elecom.2013.07.035

For the first time, gas-phase electrolysis of HCl to chlorine was conducted in a fuel cell type reactor with an oxygen depolarized cathode. Very low cell voltages below −1V at industrially relevant current densities of 4kAm−2 were obtained. Compared to technical HCl electrolysis processes, this leads to a reduction in electrical energy demand of approximately 30%. The temperature and the relative humidity (rH) of the cathode inlet gas were identified as key parameters controlling the overall performance of the system. [Display omitted] •First proof of principle of anhydrous HCl electrolysis with oxygen depolarized cathode•Very low cell voltages below 1V obtained at 4kAm−2•30% energy savings compared to existing HCl electrolysis processes achieved•Water management of membrane identified as key process parameter