The effort explores a novel, relatively inexpensive, sacrificial anode process approach that can be used with standard plate-and-frame cells and avoids production of metallic-salt waste. It is based on the electrooxidation of hydrogen gas using a fuel-cell-type gas diffusion anode in which hydrogen halide byproduct is evolved; it is necessary for this purpose to produce the hydrogen halide from the nonsolution (dry) side of the anode. Cathodic processes include production of a variety of organic compounds with special emphasis on fluorinated products. The generic technology from this effort should be inexpensive, reasonably easy to use, have modest labor requirements, and pose few problems in separation of products or environmentally troublesome byproducts. Initial applications are expected in high-value-added products in the pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical areas. This is an award under the Joint Initiative in Electrochemical Synthesis sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the Electric Power Research Institute.
