Sonoelectrochemistry, Sonoelectrocatalysis, and Ultrasonic Heterogeneous Catalysis in a Thin Layer

This technology is asonoelectrolytic device comprising electrodes in a thin layer of electrolyte.In a bulk fluid, sound energy is dissipated and poorly captured at theelectrode surface. Sonoelectrochemistry in a thin layer allows sound energy captureat electrodes as sound reflects at the air interface back into the fluid andelectrodes. Parasitic energy cost of ultrasound is very low because voltage,not current, drives ultrasonic transducers. Lower energy costs for thetransducers may enable less noble metals to be used as electrocatalysts. Polymertransducers can also pump reactants in and products in the cell. This technology is based on theenergetics of cavitation, where formation and collapse of small bubbles inducedby ultrasound generates local extremes of temperatures and pressure. Ultrasoundin a thin layer drives large increases in electrode reaction rates withoutobserved cavitation; this requires little input energy and yields readilyinterpreted electrochemical signals consistent with greater efficiency. Thinlayer sonoelectrochemistry enhances oxygen reduction reaction ORR kinetics andthereby reduces the energetic tax of otherwise observed kinetic limitations. Preciousmetal catalysts and electrodes may be eliminated. This increase in electrode reactionrates has broad applications in electrosynthesis and energy technologies, suchas batteries and fuel cells. This technology will help broadly decrease costsfor electrosynthesis, which will impact critical technologies and materialssuch as chloroalkali production and aluminum refining.

USA