Computational study of mass transfer at surfaces structured with reactive nanocones

In this study, the mass transfer on a structured surface composed of a lattice of conical nanoelectrodes is modelled, and a variety of geometrical setups are simulated. The optimal size and distance between cones are sought in terms of dimensionless groups. In the calculations, we look at three different definitions of current density based on three different reference surfaces: the total surface, the surface of the cones, and the local infinitesimal area. Optimisation based on different definitions results in different optimal configurations. This implies that, in designing the structured surface, a choice must be made between optimising the electrode at the nanoscale or at the macroscale based on the actual cost of manufacturing and the return expected by running the electrochemical system. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.