Electrosynthesis in Extended Channel Length Microfluidic Electrolysis Cells

In recent papers, laboratory microfluidic electrolysis cells with extended channel lengths (0.7-2 m) and narrow interelectrode gap (<= 0.5 mm) have been introduced; these cells permit high conversions at a flow rate consistent with the synthesis of products at a rate of multigrams/hour. Such microflow electrolysis cells must be operated with appropriate control parameters if good performance is to be achieved; thus, this paper emphasizes the correct selection of cell current, flow rate, and counter electrode chemistry. It is also shown that, within the limitations, the cells can be used for a number of electrosyntheses in the synthetic laboratory.