Patent ID: 7959784

Claim:
A method for producing alkali metal alcoholates, the method comprising: feeding a catholyte solution comprising an alcohol corresponding to the alkali metal alcoholate desired to be produced into a catholyte compartment of an electrolytic cell; feeding an anolyte solution comprising an aqueous solution of one or more alkali metal salts corresponding to the alkali metal alcoholate desired to be produced into an anolyte compartment of the cell; and applying an electric voltage to the cell sufficient to electrolyze the one or more alkali metal salts, wherein the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment are separated by a ceramic membrane comprising an alkali metal ion super ion conducting material that, upon application of electric potential to the cell, selectively transports alkali metal cations from the anolyte compartment to the catholyte compartment, and is substantially impermeable to water, wherein the ceramic membrane operates at a current density of at least about 100 mA/cm 2 ; and wherein the anolyte compartment is maintained at a temperature below about 80° C. during alkali metal salt electrolysis.