Primary to ternary current distribution at a vertical electrode during two-phase electrolysis

Abstract

During two-phase electrolysis for hydrogen or fluorine industrial production, there are bubbles that are created at vertical electrodes, which imply quite important electrical properties and electrochemical processes disturbance. Bubbles are motion sources for the electrolysis cell flow, and then hydrodynamic properties are strongly coupled with species transport and electrical performances. The presence of the bubbles modifies these global and local properties: the electrolysis cell and the primary to ternary current density distribution are modified. This disturbance leads to the modification of the local current density.The goal of this proposition is to present the electrochemical engineering study and modelling of two-phase electrolysis properties at electrode vicinity. This work is due to the necessity for a better knowledge of the actual interface condition during electrolysis, for example to have a better process optimisation or electrode consumption prevention.