ISSN:
1572-8838
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Electrical Engineering, Measurement and Control Technology
Notes:
Abstract The kinetics for the hydrothermal decomposition of sodium amalgam was studied in the presence of water and caustic soda on graphite electrodes containing iron. Regression analysis of over 1000 data points in a linear regression analysis yielded the following rate expression, explaining 89% of the variance in the data, leaving 11% of the variance unexplained: r=−d(Na)/dt=187.8 (T)−2/3 exp (− 196.9/RT) (Na)3/4 (NaOH)−1/5. The decomposition rate of sodium amalgam is strongly limited by the rate of diffusion of sodium metal atoms in the mercury, and also the activity of water at the active cathodic sites on the catalyst. The activation energy for charge transfer for this process is low at 196.9 cal mol−1 or 8.5 mV. The range of variables studied was: temperature −25, 50 and 85° C; caustic concentration −10, 30 and 50 wt.%; amalgam concentration −0.1,0.2 and 0.3 mol.%, and finally with iron concentrations in the graphite matrix of − 215.9, 929.5 and 6180 ppm.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00616764
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