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3D‐Printed Electrodes with Improved Mass Transport Properties
Author(s) -
Lölsberg Jonas,
Starck Ottokar,
Stiefel Serafin,
Hereijgers Jonas,
Breugelmans Tom,
Wessling Matthias
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemelectrochem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.182
H-Index - 59
ISSN - 2196-0216
DOI - 10.1002/celc.201700662
Subject(s) - electrode , electrolyte , limiting current , polarization (electrochemistry) , mass transport , materials science , concentration polarization , electrochemistry , boundary layer , electrical conductor , voltage drop , voltage , chemical engineering , analytical chemistry (journal) , optoelectronics , chemistry , mechanics , composite material , electrical engineering , chromatography , engineering physics , biochemistry , physics , membrane , engineering
Abstract Today's electrochemical reactor design is a less developed discipline as compared to electrocatalytic synthesis. Although catalysts show increasing conversion rates, they are often operated without measures for the reduction of concentration polarization effects. As a result, a stagnant boundary layer forms at the electrode‐electrolyte interface. This stagnant boundary layer presents an additional voltage drop and reduces the energy efficiency. It is generally accepted that this phenomenon is caused by a combination of fast electrode reactions and slow diffusion of the reacting species. Our earlier work demonstrated the potential of non‐conducting static mixers to reduce concentration polarization effects. However, there are few studies on conductive static mixers applied as electrodes. In this study, we present a new concept of additive manufactured flow through electrode mixers. Our electrode geometry combines a high surface area with mixing properties, diminishing concentration polarization effects of transport‐limited reactions. Mass transport properties of these conductive static mixers are evaluated in an additive manufactured electrochemical reactor under controlled conditions by applying the limiting‐current method.