NSF Award
8822147
The number of stable inexpensive anode materials available for the electrosynthesis of chemicals is quite limited. Phase I research demonstrated that a series of novel, inexpensive electrodes could be used as new anode materials for a number of industrially important electrochemical processes. In particular, the electrode materials have provided equal or superior performance to platinum for the electrosynthesis of persulfate and dimethyl sebacate. Research in Phase II will continue these studies, focusing on achieving a more fundamental understanding of the electrode processes for each reaction. The important chemical and electrochemical variables, including supporting electrolyte, substrate and product concentration, current density, temperature, and additives, will be explored in more detail to understand their respective roles on current efficiency and electrode stability. Electrode pretreatment, electrode bonding, and new electrode designs will also be examined. Studies will the performed in electrochemical flow cells, providing performance data that is expected to lead to Phase III funding for one or both of these processes.
