Mathematical Model of Double-Pulse Electrolysis of Alkalines

A mathematical model of a simple two-chamber electrolyzer was formulated and substantiated for the study of possible processes occurring during electrolysis. In the calculations, the following factors were taken into the account: electrochemical reactions, electromigration of ions in the potential gradient field, diffusion through the membrane that separates the cathode and anode chambers, the change in the volume of the solution due to the water molecules compaction in the hydration shells of ions, and the change in the alkali concentration. The electrolysis mode consists of two consecutive current pulses: the first-cathodic and the next – anodic. Theoretical calculations of the system state in the two-pulse mode are the most accurate since the chemical composition of the electrolyte does not change at the moment of switching the current. However, the directions of electrode reactions, electromigration, and electroosmosis change. In the electrolysis mode with more pulses, it would be impossible to calculate the state parameters. A mathematical model was created for a comparative analysis of the influence of different electrolysis conditions on the speed ratio of various processes.