On-water Electrochemistry: A Study of Local Current Densities and Ion Transport at the Electrified Hydrophobic–Aqueous Interface

Abstract

Decarbonisation of the organic chemical industry necessitates the transition from thermochemical processes to electro-organic manufacturing, which is more compatible with renewables. However, the transition is difficult to implement due to the poor aqueous solubility of most organic reactants and the corollary mass transport limitations. This dissertation addresses these challenges and demonstrates the synergy between on-water chemistry and electrochemistry by augmenting electrochemical rates using electrodes that have been strategically fouled with minimal quantities of electrical insulators.