| 摘要 |
An improved electrolytic reactor is provided with a sealed enclosure subdivided into separate solution chambers for an anolyte and for a catholyte by the interposition of an electrically insulating septum with a microporous matrix. The microporous membrane, or septum, permits the controlled passage of ionic species but prevents the gross intermixing of the separate electrolytes in respective contact with the cathode and the anode of the reactor. At least one of the chambers defined on either face of the microporous septum is filled with electrically conductive particulate material-stainless steel balls in one embodiment-acting as extensions of the electrode in that chamber, so as to increase the electrically charged, stable surface available for electrolytic mass transfer. The polarity of the electrodes in the reactor is readily reversible to permit complex processes, such as the recovery of very dilute solutions of metallic ions by first depositing them on an extended-surface cathode and, afterwards, deplating them into suitable recovery solution. The flow passages through the solution chambers are so defined, either by dimensional control or by packing the chamber with static conductive material, so as to ensure turbulent flow of the electrolytes through at least one active chamber in the reactor. Reactors embodying the teachings of the invention may be cylindrical or polygonal, and may contain auxiliary electrodes for use during polarity-reversed operation. The electrolytic reactor is particularly useful, but not limited to the continuous removal of relatively small concentrations of metal ions from large quantities of solutions.
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