RESEARCH ON ORGANIC DEPOLARIZERS

Various physical characteristics of the m-DNBShawinigan acetylene black cathode were measured quantitatively. Factorially designed experiments were used to measure water retention by the cathodes in various electrolytes. pH and resistivity of electrolytes and solubility of m-DNB in electrolytes were also determined. Cathods with different characteristics were then discharged and the degree of ohmic polarization was measured. Low pH minimized ohmic polarization as expected. The minimum requirements of water retention by the cathode, solubility of m-DNB in electrolyte, and resistivity of electrolyte have not been established yet. Electrolytes containing salts of strong bases caused large kinetic and/or concentration polarization. Initial attempts to catalyze reduction of nitro compounds with Ni, Cu and Pb were unsuccessful. 1, 3, 5-Trinitrobenzene reduced 0.1 to 0.20v above m-DNB and with a much flatter discharge than picric acid or 2,4,5-Trinitrotoluene. (Author)