Numerical calculation of secondary current distribution in a two-dimensional electrochemical cell with a non-uniform resistive electrode

A new numerical method has been developed to calculate secondary current distribution in electrochemical cells. The method is applicable in arbitrary two-dimensional systems which include thin, non-uniform, and/or anisotropical resistive electrodes with nonlinear polarization kinetics such as the Butler-Volmer polarization at electrolyte-electrode interfaces. The calculation uses a double iterative method employing the boundary element method in the electrolyte region and the uniform resistive electrode region and the finite element method in the non-uniform and/or anisotropical resistive electrode region. Parametric calculations for a corner electrode were performed to demonstrate the present method. The present simulation method is expected to be utilized in the design of micro-electrochemical cells with resistive electrodes.