Performance of Electrolytic Cells in the Reduction of Glucose

Abstract

A description is given of the cell used for the reduction of glucose on a commercial scale. Data are presented to show the effects of varying current density, initial sugar concentration, ratio of cathode area to volume of catholyte, alkalinity of catholyte, and temperature. The first three of these variables may be combined as weight of initial sugar per ampere. The instantaneous rate of reduction is discussed. The limiting rate of reduction is proportional to the concentration of sugar in tim catholyte.' Magnesium behaves as a cathode poison.