The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the separation of volatile components from a feed material. , and also to the use of this composition as a heat transfer fluid. The inventive method comprises the following steps: filling the containers with electrolytes having different compositions and containing electrolytically separable elements and applying an electric voltage between the current supply devices of the containers and auxiliary electrodes for obtaining an electrolytic deposition on the surfaces of the containers. The change is deployed with a deployment engine.