A continuous in-situ EPR electrochemical reactor as a rapid in-depth mechanistic screening tool for electrocatalysis

Abstract

In this work, an improved in-situ EPR hydrodynamic electrochemical cell design is constructed and validated. The created platform enables the fast and accurate screening of new electrocatalytic materials, providing insights into their effects on radical products of a reaction. Furthermore, it is essential that the reaction kinetics are not influenced by the set-up and that mass transfer can be controlled. Our modular design allows for fast and easy replacement of parts and adjustments to electrodes in order to unravel the catalysts’ influence on radical formation. The proximity of the pseudo-reference electrode to the working electrode in combination with the flow and electrode positioning allows for good potential control. The POM housing allows easy manipulation of the channel and excludes the use of sealing agents.