CRITERIA FOR SELECTIVE PATH PROMOTION IN ELECTROCHEMICAL REACTION SEQUENCES

An analysis of consecutive electrochemical reactions is presented with some emphasis on organic electrocatalytic sequences. The effect of potential and electrode kinetic parameters on reaction selectivity and on current and rate distribution is examined in two model electrochemical reactors with channel flow or with complete mixing. Results and some examples demonstrate that the electrolyte potential is the most significant parameter for selectivity control of complex series reactions in electrochemical processing or energy generation. Criteria developed for selectivity and current or rate variation provide the basis for the design of electrochemical reactors and for optimal operation considerations with multiple electrode reactions. Such criteria and analyses apply to a number of working electrode configurations operating with ionic as well as molecular reactants. Copyright © 1979 American Institute of Chemical Engineers