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)