NSF Award
9360612
9360612 LaConti This is a Phase I award under the Small Business Innovation Research Solicitation. A low-cost, efficient, stable composite steel anode structure is explored that should be especially useful in synthetic electroorganic processes where system selectivity is a major concern and anode deterioration affects product quality and yield. A composite electrode structure consisting of an impervious and stable base-metal oxide coating on steel should be very stable and should also have enhanced electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution. In this effort, selections of materials and deposition parameters for the composite anode are addressed. In the commercial electrohydrodimerization process for production of adiponitrile (precursor to nylon), corrosion of the presently used mild steel anodes results in unwanted side products and parasitic hydrogen production at the cathode, thus decreasing yield and increasing power consumption. This product is designed to correct this deficiency. It should also be applicable in other electrochemical organic syntheses.
