Effect of the anode composition on the performance of reversible chlor-alkali electro-absorption cells

Abstract In this work, the performances of a reversible electrochemical cell for the storage of energy using the chloralkaline process was investigated. The cell operates at room temperature with liquid electrolytes in both compartments. In the electrolyzer mode, the cell transforms a sodium chloride solution into hydrogen and chlorine, which is then disproportionated to form hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite. In fuel cell operation mode, the cell becomes an electro-absorber to oxidize hydrogen at the anode while reducing hypochlorous acid at the cathode. Because of the low solubility of hydrogen, a special mechanical device is used to produce hydrogen microbubbles in the anodic compartmen…