Minimizing gas phase fouling of electrodes using capillarity in surface microstructures
Date
2014
Authors
Wohlgenannt, U.S.
Chugh, D.
Kriel, F.E.
Nicolau, E.
Cabrera, C.
Semprebon, C.
Brinkmann, M.
Priest, C.I.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Conference paper
Citation
International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences, 2014, pp.1-3
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences (26 Oct 2014 - 30 Oct 2014 : Texas, US)
Abstract
Spontaneous removal of bubbles from flat and microstructured Pt-coated surfaces was studied to understand the role of surface structure in preventing gas phase fouling of electrodes. Bubble nucleation, growth, and release were observed on flat and micropillar surfaces. On the micropillars a capillary instability releases the bubble from within the structure. This instability reduces the buoyancy force required for complete detachment of the bubble as compared to a flat surface. Numerical calculations of the critical bubble volume for release as well as the evolution of bubble morphologies during growth agree with the observations made in our laboratory experiments