Device and method for increasing mass transport at liquid-solid diffusion boundary layer

Abstract

A device and method for increasing the mass transport rate of a chemical or electrochemical process at the solid and fluid interface in a fluid cell. The device includes a membrane in close contact with surface of the work piece, to separate the process cell into two chambers, so that fluid velocity at the work piece is controlled separately from the main cell flow. Thus the diffusion boundary layer is controlled and minimized by the rate that fluid is withdrawn from the work piece chamber.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
     
     
         28 . A method for increasing mass transport at a liquid-solid diffusion boundary layer of a work piece having at least one surface in contact with a liquid, the method comprising: providing a surface liquid flow at the surface of the work piece; controlling the liquid-solid diffusion boundary layer at the work piece surface by segregating the surface liquid flow from a source of liquid and limiting the height of the segregated surface liquid flow along the work piece surface; and continuously removing liquid from the surface of the work piece in a manner that induces the liquid flow at the surface of the work piece.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the work piece is an electrode.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the work piece is connected to a power supply.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28  further including the act of coating a substrate with the liquid.