Electrolytic Production of Sodium Perchlorate Using Lead Dioxide Anodes

Abstract

Lead dioxide was investigated as an anode substitute for platinum in the production of sodium perchlorate. Rod shaped deposits were prepared on nickel and platinum clad tantalum wires. The plate was dense, heavy, metallic‐like in appearance and not too fragile for ordinary handling. The first phase of experimentation was performed in small laboratory cells to determine approximate electrolyses data. Larger bench‐scale production cells were also run simulating plant operating conditions. Lead dioxide anodes produce sodium perchlorate at high cumulative current efficiencies. One lead dioxide anode was used in cell operation for 3,000 hr. Cumulative current efficiency for a given anodic current density is a function of the cathode material, cathodic current density, and the additive used. Perchlorate can be produced using nickel, copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel cathodes. Energy requirements, under identical experimental conditions, indicate that stainless steel and nickel are the best cathode materials. A current efficiency of 91.5% was obtained with a stainless cathode at anodic and cathodic current densities of 15.5 amp/dm2 and of 7.25 amp/dm2, respectively. No unusual metallic contamination could be detected in the ammonium perchlorate prepared from the sodium perchlorate.