REDUCTION OF NITROBENZENE ON SOLID POLYMER ELECTROLYTE COMPOSITE ELECTRODES USING A HYDROCARBON SULFONATE ION-EXCHANGE MEMBRANE

Solid polymer electrolyte composite electrodes using a hydrocarbon sul fonate ion-exchange membrane, Selemion(R) CMV, were prepared (Cu-Selem ion). Nitrobenzene was electroreduced on Cu-Selemion. At current densi ties greater than 32 mA cm-2, the current efficiency for aniline produ ction decreased significantly because of hydrogen evolution. The react ion selectivity and the mass transport rate were improved by Nafion co ating on Selemion. With Nafion-modified Cu-Selemion, aniline was obtai ned selectively and the current efficiencies for aniline production we re as high as 90 % up to 70 mA cm-2.