Electrode Architecture in Galvanic and Electrolytic Energy Cells

Abstract

Electrodes in galvanic and electrolytic energy cells are complicated structures comprising redox-active materials, ionic/electronic conductors, and porous pathways for mass transfer of reactants. In contrast to breakthroughs in component development, methods of optimizing whole-system architectural design to draw maximum output have not been well explored. In this Minireview, we introduce generalized types of electrode architecture, discuss fabrication strategies, and characterize already built structures. Systematic efforts to discover optimal electrode configurations will resolve long-standing discrepancies that arise between whole systems and the sums of their parts for a number of electrochemical reactions and technologies. Full of potential: Electrode architecting is a conceptual electrode-fabrication strategy for drawing the full potential of electrode performance with given electrode materials. This procedure can now be realized through advanced bottom-up fabrication methods and in situ and operando analytical methods, such as 3D electron and X-ray imaging techniques and interface-probing technologies. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.