IMPROVED METHOD FOR THE ELECTROSYNTHESIS OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL

摘要

The electrosynthesis of ethylene glycol conducted with a formaldehyde-containing electrolyte provides unexpectedly higher current efficiencies at pH's maintained above about 5 to below about 7. Performance may be improved further through use of electrolytes having high formaldehyde-low methanol concentrations and with oxygen-containing organic compounds. Cell components such as gas diffusion electrodes and oxidized carbon or graphite cathodes also enhance current efficiencies.