Modelling and calculation of the current density distribution evolution at vertical gas-evolving electrodes

During industrial electrolysis for hydrogen, dichloride, or aluminium production, bubble formation occurs at one or two electrodes, leading to significant hydrodynamic acceleration and electrical field disturbances. This research aims to model and numerically simulate the vertical electrode configuration in a biphasic electrolysis process, where the presence of bubbles is expected to affect electrical properties and alter the diffusivity of electroactive species as well as the current density. While past studies have provided limited local experimental measurements regarding chemical composition, temperature, or current density needed for validating numerical calculations, this work investigates the complex interplay between hydrodynamic phenomena and electrochemical processes. Utilizing the finite volume method within the computational fluid dynamics software Fluent®, the study reveals essential insights into the hydrodynamic and electrical properties observed in a laboratory-scale electrolysis cell equipped with a vertical electrode. The findings contribute to a better understanding of phenomena such as the anode effect, thus highlighting the importance of enhancing process efficiency in electrolysis applications.