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University of California

Charles W Tobias

Peter C Foller

Mark L Goodwin

In electrolytic cells for producing ozone, the ozone current efficiencies can be enhanced by providing electrodes, and especially anodes, fabricated from glassy carbon. Cells including such glassy carbon electrodes are capable of producing ozone at very high current efficiencies utilizing aqueous electrolytes of highly electronegative fluoro-anions.

Process for producing ozone

Very high yields of ozone are produced in an electrolytic process. As high as 52% current efficiencies are secured in electrolytic cells wherein the electrolyte is water and highly electronegative anions. Anions having a so-called 'composite electronegativity' of 17.5 or higher, are utilized in the electrolyte solution. The fluoroanions and in particular, the hexafluoro-anions are especially preferred. The anion producing compounds may be added to the electrolyte either in the acid form or in the form of salts. Electrolysis is carried out at room temperatures or at lower temperatures, e.g. down to the freezing point of water. Preferred anode materials for use in the electrolytic cells are either platinum or lead dioxide, especially lead dioxide in the beta crystalline form. The platinum metals, carbon, or nickel and its alloys maybe used as hydrogen-evolving cathodes. Alternately, an air or oxygen deploarized cathode may be employed which would greatly reduce the cell voltage and enhance the overall energy efficiency of the process.

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Orinda, CA, United States of America

Charles W Tobias