Microwave-enhanced electrochemistry in locally superheated aqueous-glycerol electrolyte media

Liza Rassaei, R G Compton, Frank Marken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Microwave activation, when applied to metal disk electrodes immersed in aqueous electrolyte media, causes highly localized heating of the liquid dielectric at the tip of the electrode. This is usually resulting in vapor bubble nucleation, cavitation, liquid jet formation, and boiling close to the electrode surface. However, when conducted in the presence of glycerol, boiling and vapor bubble formation appear to be suppressed and considerable superheating effects can be observed locally at the electrode surface. At a 50 mu m diameter platinum disk electrode immersed in aqueous solution containing 0.1 M KCl supporting electrolyte, 5 mM Fe(CN)(6)(3-), and 5 mM Fe(CN)(6)(4-) as a temperature-sensitive redox probe, and a 40 vol % glycerol content, apparent electrode temperature of up to ca. 480 K (estimated) can be reached under conditions of continuous microwave irradiation (in steady state mode). The effects of viscosity and temperature on the mass transport controlled limiting current are investigated. The use of glycerol-aqueous media (or other similar boiling suppressing mixtures) makes feasible the study of chemical and electrochemical processes under hydrothermal and superheating conditions.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3046-3049
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume113
Issue number8
Early online date3 Feb 2009
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Feb 2009

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Microwave-enhanced electrochemistry in locally superheated aqueous-glycerol electrolyte media'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this