Oxygen-consuming zero gap chlor-alkali cell was configured to minimize
peroxide formation. The cell included an ion-exchange membrane that
divided the cell into an anode chamber including an anode and a cathode
chamber including an oxygen gas diffusion cathode. The cathode included a
single-piece of electrically conducting graphitized carbon cloth.
Catalyst and polytetrafluoroethylene were attached to only one side of
the cloth. When the cathode was positioned against the cation exchange
membrane with the catalyst side away from the membrane, electrolysis of
sodium chloride to chlorine and caustic (sodium hydroxide) proceeded with
minimal peroxide formation.