Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mass-transport problems and some design concepts of electrochemical reactors

  • Technological Review
  • Published:
Journal of Applied Electrochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Electrochemical cells, designed to operate with reactants at low concentrations, require special provisions to be made for enhancement of mass transport of the reactants to the electrode surface. The different concepts for doing this in industrial or large-scale cells are reviewed. Examples are given of cells and processes in which these ideas have been used. A comprehensive literature survey of the quantitative relationships pertaining to the different configurations is given. The various cell designs are compared on a quantitative basis, usingi lim, and some advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. N. Ibl and E. Adam,Chem. Ing. Tech.,37 (1965) 573–81.

    Google Scholar 

  2. D. J. Pickett and B. R. Stanmore,J. Appl. Electrochem.,2 (1972) 151–6.

    Google Scholar 

  3. A. T. Kuhn and B. Marquis,Ibid.,2 (1972) 275–81.

    Google Scholar 

  4. N. Ibl,Chem. Ing. Techn.,35 (1963) 353–61.

    Google Scholar 

  5. M. Eisenberg, in ‘Adv. in Electrochem. and Electrochem. Engng., Vol. 2, Eds. P. Delahey and C. W. Tobias. Interscience, New York, 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Brit. Pat. 740,723 (1955) to Bayer.

  7. A. P. Tomilov and M. Ya Fioshin,Brit. Chem. Engng.,16 (1971) 154–9.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Jap. Pat 40-15093-65 (16.7.1965).

  9. F. Beck and H. Guthke,Chem. Ing. Techn.,41 (1969) 943–50.

    Google Scholar 

  10. F. Beck,J. Appl. Electrochem.,2 (1972) 59–69.

    Google Scholar 

  11. R. Kappesser, I. Cornet and R. Grief,J. Electrochem. Soc.,118 (1971) 1957–9.

    Google Scholar 

  12. L. J. J. Janssen and J. G. Hoogland,Electrochem. Acta,15 1013–23 (1970);ibid.,18 (1973) 543.

    Google Scholar 

  13. J. Venczel,Electrochem. Acta,15 (1970) 1909–20.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Brit. Pat. 1,259,374 (1972).

  15. U.S. Pat. 3,180,810 (1965)

  16. N. J. Cedrone,J. Soc. Motion Pict. and Television Engrs.,67 (1958) 172–4.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Brit. Pat. 1,098,837 (1968) Shell Research.

  18. M. G. Fouad and G. H. Sedahmed,Electrochem. Acta,17 (1972) 665.

    Google Scholar 

  19. D.O.S. 1,917,438 (Appln. 11/11/68).

  20. Brit. Pat. 730,649 (1955).

  21. R. D. Armstronget al, Nature,219 July 6, 1968, 94.

    Google Scholar 

  22. U.S. Pat. 3,427,234; Brit. Pat. 1,137,544; Fr. 1,476,162 (Appln 14/4/66).

  23. ‘Industrial Electrochemical Processes’, Elsevier, Amsterdam 1971.

  24. L. Ebersonet al., Chem. Scripta,3 (1973) 12.

    Google Scholar 

  25. S. Goldstein, ‘Modern Developments in Fluid Dynamics’, Vol. 1, p. 319, O.U.P. 1952.

  26. Brit. Pat. 1,181,176 (1970) to Lancy Laboratories.

  27. M. A. Leveque,Ann. mines (12),13 (1928) 381.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Brit. Pat. 1,194,181.

  29. F. Goodridge,Chem. and Proc. Engng., February (1968) 93.

  30. T. K. Ross and R. K. Badhwar,Corros. Sci.,5 (1965) 29.

    Google Scholar 

  31. R. Houghton and A. T. Kuhn,Electrochim Acta, in press.

  32. German Pat. 2,218,124 (Ch. Abs.,78 51830p).

  33. A. T. Kuhn,Chem. and Ind., 1 May 1971.

  34. P. Le Goff, F. Vergnes, F. Coeuretet al., J. Electrochem. Soc.,120 (1973) 110C Abstr. 246; P. Le Goffet al. Corrosion 17 (1969) 131.

    Google Scholar 

  35. J. Thyn and P. Stverak,Jad. Energ.,15 (1969) 379 (Ch. Abs. 72 62230v).

    Google Scholar 

  36. ‘Electrochemistry of Cleaner Environments’, Ed. J. O'M. Bockris, p. 101. Plenum 1971.

  37. F. E. Garbutt, U.S. Pat. 1,866,701 (1931).

  38. L. Nanis and F. McLarnon,J. Electrochem. Soc. 117 (1970) 1527; L. Nanis,ibid.,120 (1973) 110C Abst. 247.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Brit. Pat. 1,071,923 (1967) to Imperial Chemical Industries.

  40. W. E. Cowley, Private communication.

  41. R. B. MacMullin, K. L. Mills and F. N. Reuhlen,J. Electrochem. Soc.,118 (1971) 1582.

    Google Scholar 

  42. V. G. Levich, ‘Physicochemical Hydrodynamics’, Prentice Hall, New York 1962.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Ger. Patent 954,056 (1956) to Bayer.

  44. H. Schlichting, ‘Boundary Layer Theory’ (transl: J. Kestin), 2nd Edn., McGraw Hill 1960.

  45. A. R. Despic, Abstr 245,J. Electrochem. Soc.,120 (1973) (3) 110C.

    Google Scholar 

  46. T. K. Ross and A. A. Wragg,Electrochim. Acta,10 (1965) 1093.

    Google Scholar 

  47. D.A.S. 1,221,223, D.O.S. 1,221,223 (1966). U.S. Pat. 3,256,161, 3,312,605, 3,287,248 to Nalco.

  48. P.T.S. Ltd., Station Road, Abingdon, Oxon.

  49. U.S. Pat. 3,702,814 (Ch. Abs. 78: 51826s).

  50. M. G. Fouad and A. M. Ahmed,Electrochim. Acta,14 (1969) 651.

    Google Scholar 

  51. D. R. Gabe and D. J. Robinson,Electrochim. Acta 17 (1972) 1121.

    Google Scholar 

  52. D. 05. 2,244,020 (Engelhard)

  53. U. Böhm,Electrochim. Acta,15 (1970) 1841.

    Google Scholar 

  54. S. L. Marchiano and A. J. Arvia,Electrochim. Acta,15 (1970) 325.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Can. Pat. 700,933 (1964) to Esso Research.

  56. H. Gerischer,Ber. Bunsen Ges.,67 (1963) 164.

    Google Scholar 

  57. M. L. Schreiber,J. Soc. Motion Pict. Engrs.,74 (1965) 505.

    Google Scholar 

  58. U.S. Pat. 3,692,661 (1972) (Ch. Abs.,78 7605).

  59. A. T. Kuhn, In ‘Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry’, Vol. 8, Ed. J. O'M. Bockris, Plenum 1972.

  60. Brit. Pat. 916,438 (1963).

  61. I. Colquhoun-Lee and J. P. Stepanek,Chem. Eng. (Lond.) 282 (1974) 108.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Brit. Pat. 1,259,374 (1972).

  63. U.S. Pat. 3,702,814 (1972).

  64. U.S. Pat. 2,791,555 (1957).

  65. U.S. Pat. 3,342,718 (1967).

  66. U.S. Pat. 3,583,897 (1968).

  67. U.S. Pat. 2,997, 438 (1961).

  68. U.S. Pat. 3,551, 317 (1970).

  69. Brit. Pat. 1,239,983 (1972).

  70. I. G. Gurevich and V. S. Bagotsky,Electrochim. Acta,9 (1964) 1151;12 (1967) 593.

    Google Scholar 

  71. J. A. E. Wilkinson and K. P. Haynes,Trans. Inst. Min. Met. Section C81 (1972) 157.

    Google Scholar 

  72. M. Fleischmann, J. W. Oldfield and L. Tennakoon,J. Appl. Electrochem.,1 (1971) 103.

    Google Scholar 

  73. D. N. Bennion,J. Applied Electrochem. 2 (1972) 113.

    Google Scholar 

  74. M. Fleischmann, J. W. Oldfield and C. L. K. Tenakoon, Symposium on electrochemical engineering, Newcastle 1971,Trans. Inst. Chem. Engrs. (in press).

  75. Abst. 239,J. Electrochemical Soc., March 1973.

  76. M. G. Fouad and G. H. Sedahmed,Electrochem. Acta,18 (1973) 55.

    Google Scholar 

  77. C. W. Tobias,J. Electrochem. Soc.,106 (1959) 833.

    Google Scholar 

  78. R. E. Sioda and W. Kemula,Electrochim. Acta,17 (1972) 1171 and 1939.

    Google Scholar 

  79. M. G. Fouad and G. H. Sedahmed,Electrochim. Acta,18 (1973) 279.

    Google Scholar 

  80. H. Wroblowa,J. Electroanal. Chem.,42 (1973) 321.

    Google Scholar 

  81. C. W. Tobias and C. G. Hickmann,Zeitsch Phys. Chem. (Leipzig) 229 (1965) 145.

    Google Scholar 

  82. ‘Chemical Engineering’, Vol. 1, Eds. J. M. Coulson and J. F. Richardson, 2nd rev. edn., Pergamon Press, Oxford 1965.

    Google Scholar 

  83. B. R. Surfleet, Symposium on Electrochemical Treatment of Effluent, April 1973, University of Salford.

  84. A. D. Gosman, Ph.D. Thesis, University of London 1968.

  85. D. Jennings, Project Thesis, University of Salford 1973.

  86. R. S. Wenger and D. N. Bennion,J. Electrochemical Soc. 120 3 p109c, Abstract 236.

  87. T. Kalnoki and R. J. Brodd,J. Electrochemical Soc.,120 3 p109c, Abstract 237.

  88. P. C. Alkire and P. K. NgJ. Electrochemical Soc.,120 3 p109c, Abstract 238.

  89. J. Stepanek and I. Colquhoun-Lee, work in progress. Dept. Chemical Engineering, University of Salford, Lancs.

  90. D. J. Pickett and K. L. Ong, in course of publication.

  91. D. W. Hubbard and E. N. Lightfoot,I/EC Fundamentals,5 (1966) 370.

    Google Scholar 

  92. P. Palasi and L. G. Austin, A.D. 429,063 (1963), Contract DA 49-186-502-ORD-917.

  93. Report No. 4, ‘Preliminary Investigations of Porous Flow-Through Electrodes of Platinum Black’, Contact DA49-186-502-ORD-917, Harry Diamond Laboratories, May 1963 (A.D. 416,131).

  94. Report No. 2, ‘Polarisation at Flow-through Electrodes’, Sept. 1962, as above.

  95. L. G. Austin, P. Palasi and R. R. Klimpel, ‘Polarization at Porous Flow-Through Electrodes’, in ‘Fuel Cell Systems’, ACS Monograph No. 47 (1965).

  96. D. Singman and A. P. Bond, A.D. 426,952, Oct. 1963, Harry Diamon Laboratories.

  97. F. Goodridge, In ‘Physical Methods in Chemistry’, ed. A. Weisberger. Wiley Interscience, New York.

  98. U.S. Govt. Report, ‘Force-flow in Electrodialysis cells’, PB-200-579.

  99. U.S. Govt. Report ‘Turbulence Promoters and their effect on localised mass transport in electrodialysis cells’, PB 198–944. (Ionics Inc) (ref. U.S. Govt. Res. Repts., 10 July (1971), p. 90, PB 200–579 (U.S.G.R.R., 25 Aug. (1971), p. 72); PB 207–659 (U.S.G.R.R., 10 May (1972), p. 75); PB 207–369 (U.S.G.R.R., 25 Apr. (1972), p. 81); PB 203–270 (U.S.G.R.R., 25 Nov. (1971), p. 66); PB 210–415 (U.S.G.R.R., 25 Aug. (1972), p. 66).

  100. J. R. Backhurst, J. M. Coulson and F. Goodridge,J.E.C.S.,116 (1969) 1600.

    Google Scholar 

  101. J. N. Hiddleston and A. F. Douglas,Electrochem. Acta.,15 (1970) 431–43.Idem, Nature 218 (1968) 601.

    Google Scholar 

  102. J. S. King,J.E.C.S.,102 (1955) 193.

    Google Scholar 

  103. G.D.R. Patent 92907 to Th. Kreuter, F. Krueger and W. Thiele.

  104. F. Beck,Electrochim. Acta.,18 (1973) 355.

    Google Scholar 

  105. D. Landolt, A.D. 739,719 25 May (1972). (p. 70 USGRR May 1272)

  106. K. F. Iodkazis, and R. M. Vishomiskis,Soviet Electrochem. 6 (1970) 473.

    Google Scholar 

  107. idem, Mokslu. Akad. Serb.,4 (1968) 33.

    Google Scholar 

  108. G. Wranglen and O. Nilson,Electrochim. Acta,7 (1962) 121.

    Google Scholar 

  109. J. Sinkovic and D. Leskovsec,Electrochim. Acta, 16 (1971) 2125.

    Google Scholar 

  110. A. S. Arvia and J. Bazan,Electrochim. Acta,9 (1964) 17.

    Google Scholar 

  111. J. Newman and C. M. Mohr,Electrochim. Acta,18 (1973) 761.

    Google Scholar 

  112. D. R. Gabe,J. Appl. Electrochem.,4 (1974) 91.

    Google Scholar 

  113. D. Matic, B. Lovrecek and D. Skansi,J. Appl. Electrochem., in press.

  114. B. M. Grafov,Soviet Electrochim.,3 (1967) 825.

    Google Scholar 

  115. D. C. Eardley, and H. Handley,Electrochim. Acta 18 (1973) 839.

    Google Scholar 

  116. B. Lovrecek, D. Skansi, D. Matic, in press.

  117. G. A. Carlson and E. E. Estep, In ‘Electrochemical Contributions to Environmental Protection’, publ. Electrochem Soc., New York (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  118. D. H. Smith,Chem. Processing,15 Sept. (1969) 4.

    Google Scholar 

  119. L. J. J. Jannsen,Electrochim. Acta,16 (1971) 151.

    Google Scholar 

  120. E. Heitz and S. Pionteck, in press.

  121. T. Bird,Electrical Review, 28 April (1972) 539.

  122. V. S. Ettel, A. S. Gendron, B. V. Tilate, paper presented at 102nd Annual Conf. A.I.M.E., Chicago, Feb. (1973).

  123. W. W. Harvey,ibid.

  124. D. J. Robinson,Electrochim. Acta,17 (1972) 791.

    Google Scholar 

  125. R. W. Houghton and A. T. Kuhn,J. Appl. Electrochem.,4 (1974) 69.

    Google Scholar 

  126. R. E. Sioda,Electrochim. Acta,13 (1968) 375.

    Google Scholar 

  127. idem, J. Electroanal. Interfac. Chem.,34 (1972) 399.

    Google Scholar 

  128. idem, Electrochim. Acta,16 (1971) 1569.

    Google Scholar 

  129. idem, Electrochim. Acta,15 (1970) 783.

    Google Scholar 

  130. idem, J. Electroanal. Chem.,34 (1972) 411.

    Google Scholar 

  131. idem, Electrochim. Acta,13 (1968) 1559.

    Google Scholar 

  132. H. S. Wroblowa and A. Saunders,J. Electroanal. Interfac. Chem.,42 (1973) 329.

    Google Scholar 

  133. W. J. Blaedel and J. H. Strohl,Anal. Chem.,36 (1964) 1245.

    Google Scholar 

  134. D. K. Roe,Anal. Chem.,36 (1964) 2371.

    Google Scholar 

  135. V. A. Ettel, paper presented at 100th Ann Mtg AJME, New York, 1971.

  136. J. R. Backhurstet al., Nature,221 (1969) 57.

    Google Scholar 

  137. A. S. Gendron and V. A. Ettel, Paper presented at 4th joint conf AIChE/CSChE, Canada 1973.

  138. R. S. Wenger, D. N. Bennion, J. Newman, Abstr 236,J. Electrochem. Soc.,120 (1973) 109c. Also Brit. Pat. 1,296,154: (1970) Sov. Pat. 339,300 (1970); Belg. Pat. 747,186 (1969); Can. Pat. 856,227 (1965); Report LA-DC-12469 (cited USGRR Feb 10th 1972, p 57) and papers in ‘Electrochemical Contributions to Enviromental Protection’ ed T. R. Beck, publ Electrochemical Society, New York 1972. U.S. Pat. 3,457,152. U.S. Pat. 3,288,692.

    Google Scholar 

  139. Neth. Pat. 7205017 (1971); Ger. Pat. 2218121 (1971).

  140. L. B. Fainstein and A. A. Mamakov,Elektron Obrab Mater (1970) 50.

  141. N. Ibl,Chem. Ing. Techn.,34 (1971) 202.

    Google Scholar 

  142. B. R. Surfleet and V. A. Crowle,Trans. Inst. Met. Fin.,50 (1972) 227.

    Google Scholar 

  143. Brit. Pat. 1,267,516 (1972).

  144. U.S. Pat. 3,642,592 (1968), D.O.S. 1,802865 (1968), D.B.P. 1,263,768 (1965), Belg. 679,514 (1965) all to BASF.

  145. Brit. Pat. 1,018,825 (1966).

  146. U.S. Pat. 3,409,471 (1968).

  147. D. Jennings, A. T. Kuhn, and J. Stepanek,Electrochim. Acta, in press.

  148. R. E. Sioda,Electrochim. Acta 19 (1974) 57.

    Google Scholar 

  149. D. R. Pat. 235,955 (1910).

  150. Also earlier patentsviz. D.R. Pat. 243,019 (1910).

    Google Scholar 

  151. R. Alkire and R. K. Ng,J. Electrochem. Soc. 121 (1974) 95.

    Google Scholar 

  152. D.R. Pat. 297,019 (1915) is a very early example.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, University of Salford, Salford, UK

    R. W. Houghton & A. T. Kuhn

Authors
  1. R. W. Houghton
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. A. T. Kuhn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Houghton, R.W., Kuhn, A.T. Mass-transport problems and some design concepts of electrochemical reactors. J Appl Electrochem 4, 173–190 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01637227

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01637227

Keywords

Search

Navigation