Estimation of the Efficiency of Ammonia Oxidation in Anolyte of Two-Chamber Electrolyzer

In this study, the processes of electrochemical oxidation of ammonia in a two-chamber electrolyzer with anion exchange membrane MA-41 were investigated. An estimation of the efficiency of the process of oxidation of ammonia, depending on the chemical composition of the initial solution of anolyte and catholyte, current density and time of electrolysis was carried out. It was shown that the oxidation of ammonia in the anode chamber passes quickly and is accompanied by a significant decrease in pH due to the formation of nitrogen dioxide and nitrates. At the same time, the current output and the electrical conductivity of the dilute solutions was rather low. The effect of chlorides on the process of electrolysis was investigated. It was shown that the presence of chlorides in the anolyte catalyzes the processes of oxidation of ammonia. An increase in the concentration of chlorides in the anolyte increases output and reduces electricity consumption. The presence of chlorides in the catholyte does not accelerate oxidation. The presence of sulfates, both in the anolyte and in the catholyte, slows down the process of oxidation of ammonia as a result of the oxidation of sulfates to persulfates, which are quite passive to ammonium ions. At the same time, electricity consumption increases.