Physics of Electrolytic Gas Evolution

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the physical processes involved in electrolytic gas evolution, focusing on bubble dynamics, transfer enhancements, and conductivity effects, primarily in hydrogen and oxygen evolving electrodes.

Contribution

It provides a detailed analysis of bubble nucleation, growth, and detachment, highlighting their impact on electrolysis efficiency and electrode performance.

Findings

Bubble nucleation and detachment influence current efficiency.

Gas bubbles decrease electrolyte conductivity.

Enhanced mass and heat transfer improve electrolysis performance.

Abstract

A brief analysis of the physics and effects of electrolytic gas evolution is presented. Aspects considered include bubble nucleation, growth, and detachment, enhancement of mass and heat transfer, and decrease of apparent electrical conductivity of bubble containing electrolytes. This analysis is mainly oriented to hydrogen/oxygen evolving electrodes.