Titanium‐Based Static Mixer Electrodes to Improve the Current Density of Slurry Electrodes**

Abstract

Complex geometries for electrodes are a great challenge in electrochemical applications. Slurry electrodes have been one example, which use complex flow distributors to improve the charge transfer between the current collector and the slurry particles. Here we use titanium‐based flow distributors produced by indirect 3D‐printing to improve further the electron transfer from highly conductive flow distributors to the slurry particles for a vanadium redox flow application. The titanium static mixers are directly coated with graphite to increase the activity for vanadium redox reactions. Increasing layers of graphite have shown an optimum for the positive and negative electrolytes. The application of heat treatment on the electrodes improves the anodic and cathodic current peaks drastically. Testing the highly conductive static mixers in a self‐made redox flow cell results in 110 mA cm−2 discharge polarization.

Revolutionizing Lab‐Scale Electrochemical Reactors: Innovative Breakthroughs With 3D Printing Fabrication

“…[46] Different examples demonstrate that 3D printing paves the way reproduced with permission from a), [54] b), [46] c), [47] and d). [55] for the rapid and economical manufacturing of electrochemical cells, in addition to its tailored design allowing for higher efficiencies and yields, since these are closely related to the mechanical design of the cell. [56,57] The efficiency improvement is explained by the optimization of mass transport, that is a key feature in the design of an electrochemical reactor.…”

“…For instance, Percin et al have used titanium-based flow distributors produced by DMLS 3D printing to improve electron transfer from highly conductive flow distributors to mud particles for a vanadium redox flow application. [55] The bioreactor field has also benefited from 3D printing. For example, a novel perfusion bioreactor system based on membrane diffusion for aeration and flat hydrophilic membranes for cell retention has been developed using 3D printing as a manufacturing method.…”

“… Examples of uses of 3D printing for electrochemical device architectures. Figures have been reproduced with permission from a), [54] b), [46] c), [47] and d) [55] …”

“…For instance, Percin et al. have used titanium‐based flow distributors produced by DMLS 3D printing to improve electron transfer from highly conductive flow distributors to mud particles for a vanadium redox flow application [55] . The bioreactor field has also benefited from 3D printing.…”