WhY shape matters: Hydrodynamics of a Y-shaped membraneless electrolyzer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a Y-shaped membraneless electrolyzer that enhances electrochemical reaction uniformity and product separation, supported by simulations and experimental validation demonstrating improved gas distribution.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Y-shaped electrolyzer design, with a new flow criterion, advancing cost-effective and efficient electrochemical cell configurations.

Findings

Homogeneous gas distribution across the electrode

Effective product separation achieved

Y-shape design outperforms I- and T-shaped cells

Abstract

A novel Y-shaped membraneless flow-through electrolyzer is introduced to achieve a homogeneous electrochemical reaction across the entire electrode in a cost-efficient cell design with effective product separation. Numerical simulations of the electrolyte flow and electrical current within the already known I- and T-shaped cells motivate the newly proposed Y-shape cell. Furthermore, a new design criterion is developed based on the balance between bubble removal and gas generation. As proof-of-concept experimental results using the Y-shaped electrolyzer are presented, showing homogeneous gas distributions across the electrode and efficient product separation by the electrolyte flow.