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Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1002/celc.201700069
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Title (Primary) Deterioration of aqueous n-octanoate electrolysis with electrolytic conductivity collapse caused by the formation of n-octanoic acid/n-octanoate agglomerates
Author Urban, C.; Harnisch, F. ORCID logo
Source Titel ChemElectroChem
Year 2017
Department UMB
Volume 4
Issue 6
Page From 1378
Page To 1389
Language englisch
Keywords aqueous Kolbe electrolysis; Electrochemistry; micelles; vesicles; local pH shift
UFZ wide themes RU4;
Abstract Electroorganic synthesis performed in water as green solvent bears the potential for the selective production of chemicals from renewable power. Yet, the limited solubility of organic molecules hampers their aqueous electrolysis. On the example of the proposed platform chemical n-octanoic acid/ n-octanoate, both summarized as C8, it is shown that aqueous electrolysis of C8 can be performed successfully, provided that certain requirements are fulfilled. It is evidenced that the often overlooked local pH shift in proximity of the electrode can lead to the formation of large C8 agglomerates (e.g. vesicles, bilayers), which deteriorate the electrolysis by minimizing the electrolytic conductivity. It is stressed that pH buffering electrolytes have to be preferred to pH neutral supporting electrolytes for C8 electrolysis for improved space-time yields. Cyclic voltammetry, particle size analysis via dynamic light scattering and light microscopy characterize the nature of these agglomerates.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=18548
Urban, C., Harnisch, F. (2017):
Deterioration of aqueous n-octanoate electrolysis with electrolytic conductivity collapse caused by the formation of n-octanoic acid/n-octanoate agglomerates
ChemElectroChem 4 (6), 1378 - 1389 10.1002/celc.201700069