Publikationsrepositorium - Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is an established method for energy storage the efficiency of which is limited by the gas bubbles blocking the electrode surface during the process. The application of a magnetic field can be a promising solution for an increased bubble detachment due to the Lorentz force induced electrolyte convection. Therefore single hydrogen bubbles offer a nice possibility for a detailed analysis of the underlying mechanisms. To analyze the impact of the magnetic field single hydrogen bubbles were produced potentiostatically at different potentials via electrolysis of sulfuric acid at a Pt microelectrode (Ø 100 μm) with a magnetic field superimposed in two different field configurations to the electrode surface for varying magnetic field strengths. The bubble behavior was visualized by a CCD camera and the electrolyte flow analyzed via Particle Image Velocimetry and Astigmatism Particle Tracking Velocimetry. Significant changes in the current signal were obtained (Fig. 1), depending on field orientation and strength, and are discussed due to the impact of the Lorentz force induced flow around the bubble, which possibly also influences the mass transfer in the vicinity of the bubble surface. If the magnetic field is applied parallel, a different bubble behavior is observed in comparison to a perpendicular applied magnetic field what may result in a higher efficiency.