A two-phase flow model for hydrogen evolution in an electrochemical cell

Hydrogen evolution, flow field and current density distribution in an electrochemical cell are investigated with a two-phase flow model. The mathematical model involves solutions of transport equations for the variables of each phase with allowance for inter-phase transfer of mass and momentum. The buoyancy force generated due to density difference between two phases modifies flow profile and increases fluid velocity at the vicinity of the electrode. The current density decreases over the electrode mainly because of the decrease in effective conductivity of electrolyte. It is found that the hydrogen generation significantly increases at higher electrolyte flow by reducing the residence time of bubbles over the electrode. The predicted results satisfactorily agree with data available in the literature. (C) 2003 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved