4. Electrolysis cell technology

4.1 Monopolar or bipolar cells

An electrolytic cell generally consists of several anode/cathode assemblies. These may be supplied electrically in parallel, in which case the cell is said to be monopolar, or in series, in which case the cell is said to be bipolar (see figure ).

In the bipolar configuration (figure a ), the current is connected to both ends of the set of unit cells consisting of a cathode, an anode and a separator, and passes from one cell to the next via internal electrical links made to connect the cathode of one cell to the anode of the next.

In the monopolar configuration (figure b ), on the other hand, all anodes and cathodes are connected to the same set of current...