Membrane Cell

What for?

Used in the chloralkali industry.  This industry produces chlorine and sodium hydroxide from brine  otherwise known as saturated aqueous solutions containing NaCl.

Why?

Chlorine

• purify water
• disinfectant
• paint
• plastics
• solvents

Sodium Hydroxide

• soap
• paper
• rayon (artificial silk)

Redox Reaction

Oxidation Reaction

2Cl−(aq)→Cl2(g) + 2e−

Reduction Reaction

2H2O(ℓ) + 2e−→H2(g) + 2OH−

Remaining Na+ reacts with OH- to make NaOH

Na+(aq) + OH−(aq)→NaOH(aq)

Overall

2NaCl(aq)+2H2O(ℓ) → Cl2(g)+H2(g)+2NaOH(g)