Electron Transfer in Porous Systems

(DFG Research Group "Analysis and Modeling of Diffusion/Dispersion-Limited Reactions in Porous Media"; FOR 525)

Electroanalytical techniques, in particular those related to molecular electrochemistry (e.g., cyclic voltammetry), and those with lateral resolution defined by ultramicroelectrodes, are applied in order to characterize chemical reactions as well as mass transport by diffusion, convection, and/or migration in porous systems of relevance to the geological sciences. The project deals with processes at the molecular and the grain scale. Experimental studies will be accompanied by theoretical modelling approaches. We enhance the knowledge about chemical and transport processes at the phase boundaries between water and non-aqueous material (non-aqueous phase liquids, NAPLs), in particular the time dependent transport through such an interface upon polymerization (ageing at NAPLs). Numerical modelling includes the combination of electron transfer, chemical reaction and various transport types within complex porous matrix arrangements, and complement the experimental results.

NAPL interfaces are modelled by means of the water/dichloromethane interface. Mass transport through this interface is studied with microelectrodes as a function of distance. Here, SECM technology is employed.

Another goal of the project is to develop techniques to simulate the processes at the ultramicroelectrode by numerical techniques (finite element simulations, EChem++)

Coworkers in this project

Participating partners