FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: one version of the present invention provides an electrolytic cell comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas which is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation. Also disclosed is a cell, in which only the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation, and a cell in which the first electrode has a topographical treatment which enables to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.
EFFECT: high efficiency of the electrolytic cell owing to elimination of slow removal of electrolysis products.
28 cl, 7 dwg
