Effect of electrolyte flow on the bubble coverage of vertical gas-evolving electrodes

The bubble coverage of vertical gas-evolving electrodes with forced upward electrolyte flow is studied systematically in laboratory experiments. A substantial decrease with increasing flow velocity past the electrode is found for various electrode materials of anodes and cathodes. A theoretical analysis explains the action of mechanical forces on the break-off diameter of bubbles exposed to flowing electrolytes. A simplified design equation for practical estimates is proposed. (C) 2002 The Electrochemical Society.