Hydrogen evolution under the influence of a magnetic field

The effect of a uniform magnetic field on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) during water electrolysis in 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution was investigated. Irrespective of the magnetic field orientation with respect to the electrode surface, the desorption of hydrogen is enhanced by the presence of the magnetic field. This effect is displayed by a reduction of the mean bubble size as well as a narrower bubble size distribution in a magnetic field. Moreover, it is shown that in the presence of an external magnetic field the fractional bubble coverage is strongly retarded. As a consequence the current density is increased since more active sitesare available for the reduction processes. These effects are discussed with respect to the Lorentz force driven convection induced by a magnetic field. In order to resolve further the influence of a magnetic field applied in the perpendicular-to-electrode configuration, where the bulk Lorentz force is negligible, a numerical study has been performed. This revealed the mechanism of the improved desorption of a hydrogen bubble from the electrode surface. The numerical study has been validated by a model experiment. Most importantly, it is clearly demonstrated that a magnetic field superposed during water decomposition is a very effective method to intensify hydrogen evolution processes, and it should be possible to significantly improve the energetic efficiency of the hydrogen production via water electrolysis in a magnetic field.