Division GLOSSARY

Electrode through which electric current flows into a polarised electrical device. The polarity can be positive or negative. In electrolytic cells, oxidation occurs at the positively charged anode.

Set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. Chrysotile (also called white asbestos) is the only form of asbestos used in diaphragm cell plants.

Solution saturated or nearly saturated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Electrode through which electric current flows out of a polarised electrical device. The polarity can be positive or negative. In electrolytic cells, reduction occurs at the negatively charged cathode.

Electrical conductor used to make contact with a non-metallic part of an electric circuit.

Passage of a direct electric current through an ionic substance, resulting in chemical reactions at the electrodes. The ionic substance is either molten or dissolved in a suitable solvent.

European Standard adopted by CEN (European Committee for Standardisation).

Hydrofluorocarbon.

International Organisation for Standardisation or standard adopted by this organisation.

Voltage difference between a half-reaction’s thermodynamically determined reduction potential and the potential at which the redox event is experimentally observed. In an electrolytic cell the overpotential leads to the consumption of more energy than thermodynamically expected to drive a reaction.

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin.

Polychlorinated dibenzofuran.