Energy-saving electrolysis of sodium carbonate with a silver nanoparticles/carbon oxygen reduction cathode

This paper reports an energy-saving electrolysis of Na2CO3 to generate NaHCO3 and NaOH for efficient production of alumina. Silver nanoparticles catalyzed oxygen reduction cathode (Ag NPs ORC) is employed to substitute conventional cathode (hydrogen evolution cathode: HEC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image shows that silver nanoparticles ranging from 15 to 50 nm are evenly distributed on the surface of the carbon support. The constant current electrolysis indicates that the cell voltage of Ag NPs ORC electrolysis of Na2CO3 is as low as 1.52 V and correspondingly the electrical energy consumption is saved up to 39.8% as compared to HEC electrolysis at the same current density of 100 mA cm− 2.

Graphical abstractIt reports an energy-saving electrolysis of Na2CO3 by using sliver nanoparticles catalyzed oxygen reduction cathode (ORC) to substitute hydrogen evolution cathode (HEC). The electrical energy consumption of ORC electrolysis is saved up to 39.8% as compared to that of conventional HEC electrolysis.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► This paper reports an energy-saving electrolysis of Na2CO3 by using Ag NPs ORC. ► Silver nanoparticles ranging from 15 to 50 nm are evenly distributed on ORC. ► The cell voltage of ORC-electrolysis is as low as 1.52 V at 100 mA cm− 2. ► The electrical energy consumption is saved up to 39.8% as compared to that of HEC electrolysis.