WhY shape matters: Hydrodynamics of a Y-shaped membraneless electrolyzer

A novel Y-shaped membraneless flow-through electrolyzer is introduced to achieve a homogeneous electrochemical reaction across the entire electrode in a cost-efficient cell design with effective product separation. Numerical simulations of the electrolyte flow and electrical current within the already known I- and T-shaped cells motivate the newly proposed Y-shape cell. Furthermore, a new design criterion is developed based on the balance between bubble removal and gas generation. As proof-of-concept experimental results using the Y-shaped electrolyzer are presented, showing homogeneous gas distributions across the electrode and efficient product separation by the electrolyte flow. • Novel design criterion for electrolyzers balancing generation vs removal of bubbles. • New simulation method for flow-through electrolyzers. • New Y-shaped membraneless electrolyzer. • Efficient product separation using the electrolyte flow.