Intensification of Rate of Diffusion Controlled Reactions in a Parallel Plate Electrochemical Reactor Stirred by a Curtain of Electrochemically Generated Gas Bubbles

Abstract

AbstractRates of mass transfer were measured at a vertical plate stirred by a rising curtain of oxygen bubbles generated electrochemically at an upstream plate by measuring the limiting current of the cathodic reduction of K3Fe(CN)6 in alkaline solution. The rate of mass transfer was found to increase over the natural convection value by a factor ranging from 2.4 to 25 compared to the previously reported range of 2–5 in the case of copper deposition from acidified solutions. The high tendency of oxygen bubbles to coalesce in alkaline solutions is believed to be responsible for the high rates of mass transfer in alkaline solutions. The rate of mass transfer at a plate stirred by a curtain of oxygen bubbles was found to decrease with increasing plate height and electrolyte concentration. Curtains of H2 bubbles were found to be less effective in enhancing the rate of mass transfer compared to that of oxygen. Practical application of the results in designing a modified parallel plate electrochemical reactor stirred by a counterelectrode gas curtain was highlighted. The suggested design has the potential of saving part or all of the mechanical stirring energy as well as floor space since it extends vertically.