Make sodium metal - Sodium hydroxide elecrtolysis cell
Channel: Ilusys Systems
Date: 2015-12-31

Improved cell design overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGxQbjS2IPQ
Cleanup after bad storage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK5c2gdcssA
Redox method by NurdRage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCrFFVVcPUI

This is a brief overview of my electrolysis cell.

This cell is only a prototype and during process it needs attention.
Also I got electrodes reversed - inside tank is cathode(-) on lid is anode(+). I always mess this :/

It is modified in respect to castner process a lot:
-didn't use temperature gradient, in fact on the bottom temp. is higher.
-using aluminum as casing - it shows that it is very resistant to molten NaOH and sodium aluminate film is non conductive.
-using nickel for both electrodes

As simple as this cell is it can work in relatively large temperature range (310+/-20°C) without problems. According to wiki at more than 300°C sodium hydride is not forming(decomposing) so hydrogen gas is effective "inert" gas.

Sodium hydroxide will leak trough smallest hole. All seals must be perfect. Sealants based on sodium silicate and silicic acid should be used.

Another successful cell is here http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=9797