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Transport and reaction in a porous electrode containing gas-liquid flow and a dissolved catalyst were studied. Dimensionless criteria were developed for the selection and evaluation of candidate catalysts.
Several unique features of bubbly flow through porous electrodes were observed. Surface forces were amplified by the presence of electrolytes, resulting in very fine bubble dispersions. Mass transport from the surfaces of the small bubbles was found to be diffusion controlled. Penetration of particle boundary layers by bubbles resulted in high current densities, and was a critical factor in catalyst selection and cell design.
A mathematical model was developed to predict potential and concentration profiles in a two-dimensional reactor. The model treated the interactive effects of reaction-enhanced mass transfer, conduction, and electrochemical reaction in the multiphase system. Measurements in a catalytic system indicated that the model could correctly predict the cell polarization response if effective conductivities were known and side reactions did not take place. Dimensional analysis of the model equations provided insight into the interdependent way the various phenomena influenced cell behavior. Closed form solutions of the transport and reaction equations in penetration regions were derived.
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