Optimization of electrodes for the fast electrochemical actuator

Abstract

Electrochemical membrane actuator based on water electrolysis of alternating polarity (AP) was demonstrated recently. It operates several orders of magnitude faster than the devices working on conventional DC electrolysis. However, extremely high current density of the AP process leads to the fast degradation of the electrodes. Titanium electrodes demonstrate the best durability, but they oxidize during operation that reduces the gas production. Proper design can increase the efficiency of the electrodes and slow the degradation down. In this work, four typical layouts are fabricated and tested in the AP electrolysis. Current flowing through the cell, threshold voltage for the explosive operation and wear of the electrodes are analyzed and compared.