1. Basic characteristics of an electrolytic cell

Figure shows a schematic diagram of a NaCl solution electrolysis cell with membrane.

• Two current conductors, called anode and cathode, are immersed in an aqueous salt solution characterized by its ionic conductivity (note that this medium is different for the two conductors in the case of membrane technology, and the same for the diaphragm).

  If a potential difference is applied to the terminals of this assembly, the dissociation of the ions allows an electric current to flow, provided that the potential difference applied is greater than a minimum voltage E ₀ (figure ) which we will analyze in paragraph .

  The E ≥ f (I ) curve tends to become linear, at least for concentrated solutions, and...