Journal of The Electrochemical Society · 1977 · 19 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesChemical EngineeringChemistryElectrochemical EngineeringElectrochemistrySurface ScienceElectrochemical CellsElectrode MaterialsElectrode-electrolyte InterfacesElectrolyte SolutionsElectrolytic CellsIon Transport In ElectrolytesDepolarization EffectsElectrochemical PolarizationElectrochemical ReductionElectrochemical ReversibilityElectrolytesLeak CurrentsReaction Zone AnalysisReaction-zone Structure
The creepage of alkaline electrolytes along negatively polarized electrodes has been studied experimentally and theoretically. One driving force for this phenomenon is the production of OH− ions arising from the electrochemical reduction of oxygen and/or the evolution of hydrogen occurring in a thin reaction zone above the observed electrolyte meniscus. Movement of water into this zone causes it to thicken and increase in conductivity with the result that the reaction zone moves along the electrode.