Oxidation by electrogenerated mediator: influence of perfluorosulfonic separator on process performance

The electrogenerated mediator oxidation process is capable of oxidizing org anic compounds to the final step, producing CO2. It requires the use of sep arate compartments for the anode and cathode. A considerable electric charg e is necessary to decompose long carbon chains and high-intensity electroch emical reactors are needed for use at industrial scale. A variety of porous and microporous ceramic separators (frits) have been used in industrial-sc ale electrochemical cells, for example, hollow cylinders made of various po rous ceramics have been used to build annular cells. However, these separat ors exhibit a high electric resistance and one alternative is to use a perf luorosulfonic ion-exchange membrane. It is, therefore, essential to determi ne the flows through this membrane in order to optimize process operation. The authors describe the ion and water flows through the membrane, and thei r influence on the process.