Electrochemical generation of N2O5 +B

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB88/00461 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 29, 1990 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 29, 1990 PCT Filed Jun. 15, 1988 PCT Pub. No. WO88/10326 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 29, 1988.A process is provided for the electrochemical generation of N2O5 in HNO3, whereby a solution of N2O4 in HNO3 is electrolyzed. An electrolytic cell for the electrolysis is also provided, having substantially parallel electrodes in electrode compartments separated by a cell membrane. The anode is of Pt, Nb, Nb/Ta 40:60 alloy with a Pt coating. The cathode is Pt, stainless steel, Nb, Nb/Ta 40:60 alloy. The cell membrane is preferably a perfluorinated cationic exchange membrane. In use N2O5 forms in the anolyte and N2O4 increases in the catholyte. A suitable design of cell and its use in a single- or multi-stage electrolysis process is also described.