Contact line dynamics modulated by electrode roughness determines bubble detachment size
Weikang Yang1, Dongxu Gu2, Xin Liu1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China. wkyang@stu.cqu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|July 10, 2025
Summary
Improving water electrolysis efficiency relies on bubble detachment. This study reveals surface roughness controls hydrogen bubble detachment size on nickel electrodes by influencing sliding and rolling wetting modes.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Efficient hydrogen production via water electrolysis is crucial for renewable energy.
- Bubble detachment dynamics on electrode surfaces significantly impact overall process efficiency.
- Understanding bubble-electrode interactions is key to optimizing electrolyzer performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of hydrogen bubble contact lines on nickel electrodes during water electrolysis.
- To identify and characterize different bubble wetting modes.
- To determine the influence of surface properties on bubble detachment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-speed imaging techniques to capture bubble detachment events.
- Analyzed hydrogen bubble contact line behavior on nickel electrode surfaces.
- Correlated surface roughness characteristics with observed wetting modes.
Main Results:
- Identified two primary hydrogen bubble wetting modes: sliding and rolling.
- Demonstrated that surface roughness is a critical factor influencing bubble detachment size.
- Showcased how surface roughness mediates the balance between sliding and rolling modes.
Conclusions:
- Bubble detachment size in water electrolysis is controllable via surface engineering.
- Surface roughness plays a pivotal role in governing hydrogen bubble dynamics on nickel electrodes.
- Optimizing surface roughness can enhance bubble detachment, leading to improved water electrolysis efficiency.
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