03 April 2024 | Priscila Vensaus, Yunchang Liang, Jean-Philippe Ansermet, Galo J. A. A. Soler-Illia, Magali Lingenfelder
This study investigates the enhancement of electrocatalysis through magnetic field effects on mass transport. Using a magneto-electrochemical system with non-magnetic electrodes, the researchers found that magnetic fields significantly enhance diffusion-limited reactions, such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), while having only marginal effects on reactions with high reactant availability, like the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The Lorentz force acting on electrolyte ions is identified as the primary mechanism, leading to a whirling motion of ions and, consequently, improved mass transport. The study advances the understanding of magnetic fields in electrocatalysis and suggests new avenues for developing more efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between kinetic and mass transport effects in electrocatalysis and provide insights into the optimization of electrochemical devices for sustainable energy production.This study investigates the enhancement of electrocatalysis through magnetic field effects on mass transport. Using a magneto-electrochemical system with non-magnetic electrodes, the researchers found that magnetic fields significantly enhance diffusion-limited reactions, such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), while having only marginal effects on reactions with high reactant availability, like the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The Lorentz force acting on electrolyte ions is identified as the primary mechanism, leading to a whirling motion of ions and, consequently, improved mass transport. The study advances the understanding of magnetic fields in electrocatalysis and suggests new avenues for developing more efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies. The findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between kinetic and mass transport effects in electrocatalysis and provide insights into the optimization of electrochemical devices for sustainable energy production.