Journal of Applied Electrochemistry 

About: Journal of Applied Electrochemistry is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Electrochemistry & Electrolyte. It has an ISSN identifier of 0021-891X. Over the lifetime, 7214 publications have been published receiving 186552 citations.

Redox flow batteries: a review

Abstract: Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are enjoying a renaissance due to their ability to store large amounts of electrical energy relatively cheaply and efficiently. In this review, we examine the components of RFBs with a focus on understanding the underlying physical processes. The various transport and kinetic phenomena are discussed along with the most common redox couples.

Thin-film catalyst layers for polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes

Abstract: New structures for the Pt/C catalyst layer of polymer electrolyte fuel cell electrodes have been developed that substantially increase the utilization efficiency of the catalyst. Fabricating the catalyst layers and gas diffusion backings separately makes it possible to formulate each structure with the properties that are most suitable for its function. In the case of the catalyst layer, the optimal properties are hydrophilicity, thinness, uniformity, and the proper ratio of ionomer and supported catalyst. The catalyst layers are cast from solution as thin films that utilize the ionomer itself as a binder. The thin films are hot pressed directly onto the ionomer membranes, and the hydrophobic gas diffusion backings are inserted when the cells are assembled. The performances of fuel cells based on the thin film catalyst layers are comparable with those of gas diffusion electrode designs that utilize several times as much platinum, thus the specific activities of the Pt catalysts in the new structures are significantly higher.

Anodic oxidation of phenol for waste water treatment

Abstract: The electrochemical oxidation of phenol for waste water treatment was studied at a platinum anode. Analysis of reaction intermediates and a carbon balance has shown that the reaction occurs by two parallel pathways; chemical oxidation with electrogenerated hydroxyl radicals and direct combustion of adsorbed phenol or/and its aromatic intermediates to CO2.

Use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the study of corrosion protection by polymer coatings

Abstract: A discussion of the requirements for hardware and software necessary for collection and analysis of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data for polymer coated metals is presented. Most authors agree that a simple model can describe the frequency dependence of impedance spectra for polymer coated metals exposed to corrosive environments. The water uptake of the coating can be estimated from the time dependence of the coating capacitance C c, The pore resistance R po depends both on the resistivity ρ of the coating and the disbonded area A d. The polarization resistance R P of the corroding area under the coating and the corresponding capacitance C dl both depend on A d. The breakpoint frequency method is discussed in detail and the dependence of the breakpoint frequency f b on ρ and A d is derived. In addition to f b other parameters can be obtained which depend on the ratio A d/ρ or only on A d or ρ. Since these parameters can be obtained at frequencies exceeding 1 Hz without the need for an analysis of the impedance spectra in the entire frequency region, this approach is considered especially useful for corrosion monitoring. The concepts proposed for the analysis and interpretation of EIS data for polymer coated metals are illustrated using data for Al alloys, Mg and steel exposed to NaCl. For an alkyd coating on cold rolled steel the time dependence of A d and ρ during exposure to 0.5 m NaCl has been determined qualitatively using the modified breakpoint frequency method.

Heat-treated polyacrylonitrile-based catalysts for oxygen electroreduction

Abstract: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), mixed with Co(II) or Fe(II) salts and high-area carbon and then heat treated, has been found to yield very promising catalysts for O2 reduction in concentrated alkaline and acid solutions. The catalytic activities are comparable to those for the heat-treated corresponding transition metal macrocycles and polypyrrole black-based catalysts. The addition of the transition metal to the nitrogen-containing polymer, either before or after the heat treatment with carbon, is an important factor for good activity. The nitrile nitrogen of the PAN is probably retained and converted to pyridyl nitrogen during the heat treatment, and this nitrogen is believed to provide binding sites for the transition metal ions, which then act as catalytic sites for oxygen reduction to peroxide and its decomposition.