Key Takeaways

• Electrochemical energy-conversion technologies are essential for sustainable energy systems.
• Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) enhance performance but introduce complex transport limitations.
• Multiphysics modeling can optimize the design and operation of GDE architectures across various electrochemical applications.

Understanding the Dynamics of Electrochemical Systems

As the demand for sustainable energy systems grows, the role of electrochemical energy-conversion technologies becomes increasingly critical. These technologies require a nuanced understanding of the intricate physical and chemical processes that affect their performance. A key focus is on operating devices at high current densities, which necessitates efficient transport of reactants to reaction sites and the removal of byproducts.

Gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) have emerged as a solution to these challenges. They integrate porous transport layers with ion-conducting polymers, facilitating efficient operation under high reaction rates. However, GDEs also introduce significant transport complexities across various length scales—these include multiphase flow, along with coupled heat, mass, charge, and species transport.

Due to the interplay of these phenomena, GDE-based electrochemical systems are especially suited for continuum-scale multiphysics modeling. This modeling can yield insights into the trade-offs affecting the design and functioning of GDE architectures across a range of applications, such as CO₂ reduction, flow batteries, and electrochemical reactions involving hydrogen and oxygen.

A webinar featuring models developed using COMSOL Multiphysics® software will delve into these topics. The models reveal how transport phenomena and electrochemical reaction kinetics work together to influence device performance and reaction selectivity. Additionally, findings suggest that altering cell architecture and operational conditions can significantly alter performance outcomes—sometimes more so than modifications to electrocatalyst materials themselves.

The webinar aims to shed light on the advantages of multiphysics modeling in optimizing transport phenomena, enhancing both the performance and durability of electrochemical energy conversion technologies.

This session is part of a broader discussion occurring at the Virtual Conference on EV Engineering, scheduled for September 14 to 17, 2026. The conference will cover a comprehensive array of topics relevant to the EV engineering supply chain, including motor and power electronics design, battery systems, thermal management, and circuit protection, among others.

For those interested in optimizing electrochemical systems or exploring advancements in EV technologies, this webinar offers valuable insights and expertise to help push forward the boundaries of sustainable energy solutions.

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