In Castner Kellner cell:a)Hg is cathode and carbon is anodeb)Hg is cat...
An electrolytic cell used industrially for the production of sodium hydroxide. The usually iron cell is filled with brine (sodium chloride solution) and employs liquid mercury as the cathode. The sodium liberated there forms an amalgam with the mercury, which is run off and reacted with water to give sodium hydroxide (and hydrogen); the mercury is then re-used. Chlorine gas produced at the anode is another valuable by-product.
In Castner Kellner cell:a)Hg is cathode and carbon is anodeb)Hg is cat...
In castner-kellner method NaOH is prepared by the electrolysis of aqueous solution of NaCl(Brine).
Concentration of brine
25 % mass/mass
i.e. 25 gm of NaCl is dissolved in 75 gm of water.
Castner-kellner cell
It is a rectangular tank of steel.
Inside of tank is lined with "ebonite".
Anode is made of titanium.
Flowing layer of mercury (Hg) at the bottom of tank serves as cathode.
Details of process
Ionization of NaCl
2NaCl è 2Na+ + 2Cl-
When electric current is passed through brine, +ve and -ve ions migrate towards their respective electrodes. Na+ions are discharged at mercury cathode. The sodium deposited at mercury forms SODIUM AMALGAM. Chlorine produced at the anode is removed from the top of the cell.
Reaction at cathode
2Na+ +2 e- è 2Na
Na forms amalgam.
Na + Hg è Na/Hg
Na+ ions are discharged in preference to H+ ions due to high over voltage.
Na+/Na: E.P. = -2.71 volt
H+/H : E.P. = 0.00 volt
Reaction at anode
2Cl- è Cl2 + 2e-
Formation of NaOH
Amalgam moves to another chamber called "denuder", where it is treated with water to produce NaOH which is in liquid state. Solid NaOH is obtained by the evaporation of this solution.
2Na/Hg + 2H2O è 2NaOH + H2 + 2Hg
Advantages of castner's process
NaOH obtained is highly pure.
The process is very efficient.
Possible reaction between NaOH and Cl2 is avoided as NaOH is obtained in a separated chamber.
Disadvantages
High electricity consumption.
Environmental pollution due to escape of Hg vapours.