Current Distribution in a Tubular Electrode under Laminar Flow: One Electrode Reaction

The reaction rate distribution along a tubular electrode was measured directly with a sectioned electrode during steady laminar flow of electrolyte through the electrode. The Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox reaction was studied at the limiting current, and the Cu(II) deposition reaction was studied at all fractions of the limiting current, The experimental conditions were systematically varied in order to determine the effect of counterelectrode placement, tube radius and length, reactant concentration, flow rate, and current density. Experimental polarization curves, limiting current, and current distribution data were compared with a theoretical model of the electrochemical system, and agreement was obtained over a wide range of parameter space. Theoretical calculations were carried out in order to make additional predictions of tubular electrode behavior at and below the limiting current.