FACTORS WHICH AFFECT THE PERMSELECTIVITY OF NAFION MEMBRANES IN CHLORALKALI ELECTROLYSIS .1.

The membrane permselectivities of several bilayer perfluorinated ionomer chlor-alkali membranes have been measured using a sodium ion radiotracer method with an automated laboratory electrolysis cell. The influence of solution concentrations, electrode-membrane gap, and solution mixing were evaluated for membranes which differed with regard to fabric reinforcement and surface smoothness. Results indicate that these cell and membrane-related factors all influence membrane permselectivity in an operating cell, with certain practical consequences. The underlying reasons for this complex behavior are discussed.