Multielectron Electrode Reaction Kinetics with RDE and RRDE: An Advanced Electrochemical Laboratory Experiment

Abstract

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), as a multielectron electrode reaction, is an important electrochemical reaction in the field of electrochemical energy storage systems. Herein, a new advanced electrochemical laboratory experiment is designed for undergraduates to master the preparation of oxygen reduction catalytic electrode. Students can use rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) to evaluate the properties of the ORR catalyst and expound the kinetics mechanism of multielectron electrode reaction. By fitting the K–L curve to calculate the electron transfer number, the ORR reaction path of the industrial Pt/C catalyst in the KOH electrolyte can be determined. The basic kinetic parameters of the ORR and the intermediate content will help students to deeply understand the Butler–Volmer equation. The new teaching experiment focuses on the integration of frontier scientific research and undergraduate teaching. This experiment may enhance students’ interest in learning electrochemistry and broadening their horizons as well as help them understand the ORR mechanism involved in modern electrochemical testing technology. In addition, the student’s ability of data processing and comprehensive analysis will be improved. This new comprehensive experiment is a fundamental, innovative, and systematic physical chemistry experiment.