COMSOL Multiphysics^® 5.5 Release Highlights

Electrodeposition Module Updates

For users of the Electrodeposition Module, COMSOL Multiphysics^® version 5.5 brings an interface for equilibrium potential calculation using the Nernst equation, concentration-dependent Butler–Volmer kinetics from chemical equations, and Chemistry interface support for electrode reactions. Read more about the electrodeposition news below.

Equilibrium Potential Calculation Using the Nernst Equation

In the Electrode Reaction and Porous Electrode Reaction features, the equilibrium potential of electrode reactions can be defined using the new Nernst Equation option, making it easier to set up thermodynamically consistent models. In physics interfaces solving for multiple concentrations, such as the Tertiary Current Distribution and Chemistry interfaces, the equilibrium potential will automatically be concentration dependent, based on the reaction stoichiometry. All models in the Application Libraries featuring Nernstian equilibrium potentials have been updated to use the new feature.

The Porous Electrode Reaction feature settings with the Equilibrium Potential section open and the Nernst equation selected.

Settings section for the Equilibrium Potential in the Tertiary Current Distribution, Nernst-Planck interface. The equilibrium potential will be calculated automatically from the reaction stoichiometry and species concentrations.

Concentration-Dependent Butler–Volmer Kinetics

In the Electrode Reaction and Porous Electrode Reaction features, the exchange current density of the Butler-Volmer and Linearized Butler-Volmer kinetics expressions can now be automatically defined to be concentration dependent, based on reaction stoichiometry. The option is available if the Nernst equation option is used when defining the equilibrium potential. In the Tertiary Current Distribution, Nernst-Planck interface, the options Mass action law and Lumped multistep are available for the exchange current density type. All models in the Application Libraries featuring Nernstian equilibrium potentials and concentration-dependent kinetics have been updated to use the new feature.

The Porous Electrode Reaction feature settings with the Electrode Kinetics section open and the Butler-Volmer expression type selected.

Settings section for the Electrode kinetics in the Tertiary Current Distribution, Nernst-Planck interface. The exchange current density will be calculated automatically from the reaction stoichiometry and species concentrations.

Chemistry Interface Support for Electrode Reactions

The Chemistry interface, added to the Electrodeposition Module in version 5.5, now features Electrode Reaction and Electrode Reaction Group features. The Chemistry interface allows for defining multiple species and electrode reactions, as well as ordinary chemical reactions. Additionally, mixture and thermodynamic properties, such as equilibrium potentials, can be calculated automatically by the Chemistry interface. Variables defined by these features, such as local current densities and equilibrium potentials, can be coupled to any other applicable physics interface.

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New Tutorial Models

Version 5.5 brings two new tutorial models.

Electroplating of Multiple Components in a Rack

A model of 20 components mounted to a rack for electroplating and one part is disproportionally thicker.

Deposition thickness when plating an array of components. Due to a dislocation of one of the components, the thickness gets relatively higher for that part.

Application Library Title:
electroplating_rack

Download from the Application Gallery

Two-Phase Flow Modeling of Copper Electrowinning Using Bubbly Flow

A 2D model of a self-stirred electrochemical cell.

Velocity profile in a self-stirred electrochemical cell. Convection is induced due to bubble evolution on one of the electrodes.

Application Library Title:
cu_electrowinning_bubbly_flow