A novel electrochemical membrane process has been developed to recover chlorine from anhydrous HCl waste. The proposed method produces a pure chlorine product stream and a hydrogen-enriched stream from HCl waste in a single step. The electrochemical method requires only an external electric potential and no concentration gradient, and it produces chlorine with exceptional selectivity. The electrolyzer can be operated at high current densities and current efficiencies. Downstream separation is not necessary, and no exotic electrode materials are required. A single experimental cell was constructed and tested for HCl removal and chlorine production from concentrated HCl reactant streams at variable flow rate. Applied current densities exceeded 400 mA/cm 2 , and conversions over 94% were achieved. Ohmic resistance dominated cell potentials due to the formation of hydrogen and chlorine bubbles. The proposed process is found to be a viable option for the treatment of anhydrous HCl waste.

Cell. -Cl 2 is recovered from anhydrous HCl waste in a single electrochemical molten salt membrane cell, using a woven mat of yttria-stabilized zirconia as a nonconductive, chemically and thermally stable membrane to absorb the molten salt electrolyte (an eutectic mixture of LiCl, KCl, and CsCl) and separate the electrodes. The cell is operated at current densities up to 400 mA/cm 2 , and it performs over extended periods of time. HCl removal efficiencies exceed 94% at near 100% current efficiency. The proposed process is a viable option for the treatment of anhydrous HCl waste. -(BARTLING, J.; WINNICK, J.; J.