Sonochemical and Sonoelectrochemical Production of Energy Materials

Faranak Foroughi,Jacob J Lamb,Bruno G Pollet,Odne S Burheim

doi:10.3390/catal11020284

Faranak Foroughi, Jacob J Lamb + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/catal11020284

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Abstract

Sonoelectrochemistry is the combination of ultrasound and electrochemistry which provides many advantages in electrochemistry, such as fast reaction rates, surface cleaning and activation, and increased mass transport at an electrode. Due to the advantages, some efforts have been made in order to benefit sonoelectrochemistry in the field of energy and environmental engineering. This review paper highlights the developed progress of the application of sonoelectrochemistry in the production of hydrogen, electrocatalyst materials and electrodes for fuel cells and semiconductor photocatalyst materials. This review also provides the experimental methods that are utilized in several sonoelectrochemical techniques, such as different set-ups generally used for the synthesis of energy-related materials. Different key parameters in the operation of sonoelectrochemical synthesis including ultrasonication time, ultrasound frequency and operation current have been also discussed. There are not many research articles on the sonoelectrochemical production of materials for supercapacitors and water electrolyzers which play crucial roles in the renewable energy industry. Therefore, at the end of this review, some articles which have reported the use of ultrasound for the production of electrocatalysts for supercapacitors and electrolyzers have been reviewed. The current review might be helpful for scientists and engineers who are interested in and working on sonoelectrochemistry and electrocatalyst synthesis for energy storage and energy conversion.

Highlights

Introduction to SonoelectrochemistryUltrasound is a sonic wave with frequencies above the audible range of humans
It is divided into two categories: (i) high-frequency low-power ultrasound; high ultrasonic frequencies of 2–20 MHz with low power intensities (0.1–1 W·cm−2) have been used in medical imaging, food quality analysis and non-destructive material inspection; and, (ii) low-frequency high-power ultrasound; Power ultrasound refers to acoustic waves with low frequencies between 20 to 100 kHz and high power intensities of 10–1000 W·cm−2 [1]
We introduce the current use of sonoelectrochemistry in hydrogen production, synthesis of electrocatalysts and electrodes for fuel cells and the production of semiconductor and supercapacitor catalysts

Summary

Introduction to Sonoelectrochemistry

Ultrasound is a sonic wave with frequencies above the audible range of humans. It is divided into two categories: (i) high-frequency low-power ultrasound; high ultrasonic frequencies of 2–20 MHz with low power intensities (0.1–1 W·cm−2) have been used in medical imaging, food quality analysis and non-destructive material inspection; and, (ii) low-frequency high-power ultrasound; Power ultrasound refers to acoustic waves with low frequencies between 20 to 100 kHz and high power intensities of 10–1000 W·cm−2 [1]. In both cases, an ultrasonic horn should face the working electrode surface, known as “face-on” geometry. Increases the mass transport process within the solution and the electrode surface, similar to acoustic streaming. Different sonoelectrochemical set-ups and syntheses have been provided and very briefly discussed

Sonoelectrochemical Production of Hydrogen

Sonoelectrochemical Production of Semiconductor Photocatalysts

Findings

Conclusions and Future Perspectives