Every year millions of tonnes each of chlorine and sodium hydroxide are manufactured by the electrolysis of brine using a ‘diaphragm cell’.
What is the purpose of the diaphragm in such a cell?
A to prevent chlorine gas escaping into the factory
B to prevent the build up of pressure in the electrolysis cell
C to provide a large surface area of electrode
D to stop the products of electrolysis from reacting together

Question

Every year millions of tonnes each of chlorine and sodium hydroxide are manufactured by the electrolysis of brine using a ‘diaphragm cell’.
What is the purpose of the diaphragm in such a cell?
A to prevent chlorine gas escaping into the factory
B to prevent the build up of pressure in the electrolysis cell
C to provide a large surface area of electrode
D to stop the products of electrolysis from reacting together

anonymous · Answer

D - products we don't want to react are chlorine (forming at anode) and sodium hydroxide (cathode)