THE ELECTROCHEMICAL GENERATION OF N2O5

摘要

A process is provided for the electrochemical generation of N2O5 in HNO3, whereby a solution of N2O4 in HNO3 is electrolysed. 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 multistage electrolysis process is also described.