SBIR Phase I: Elimination of Chromate from the Electrolytic Production of Sodium Chlorate

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will permit production of sodium chlorate without the addition of Na2Cr2O7 to the electrolyte during electrolysis and thereby eliminate all the treatment steps involved in removing chromate to achieve zero chrome in the crystal chlorate and in the plant effluent streams. We propose to investigate various non-chrome based, poorly conducting, porous films. Such films will be formed on the cathode before assembly of the cell. We propose to demonstrate the superior performance of such coatings for the production of chlorate in an environmentally acceptable manner. Potential customers for this innovation include producers of electrolytic sodium chlorate and the sodium chlorate technology suppliers. Currently, the world production capacity of NaClO3 is 2,800,000 metric tons/year, with the North American share being 1,950,000 metric tons. This industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 2-3% through 2005.