Stirring Without Stirrers: Polymer Fouling-Driven Mass Transport Unlocks Order-of-Magnitude Gain in Electrochemiluminescence.

ABSTRACT: Electrode reactions are central to analytical chemistry and a green approach to chemical synthesis. Here, it is demonstrated that sacrificing electrode-electrolyte contact to microscale polymeric blocks creates fouled electrodes that outperform unobstructed ones. By tuning the dielectric's geometry, surface chemistry, and charge - and controlling electrode alignment relative to gravity - a paradigm shift in electrode design, from "clean" to "fouled," as a strategy to enhance reaction rates is proposed. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy reveals that strategic electrode fouling enhances mass transport, primarily through electrochemically actuated lateral density gradients. Engineered fouling induces flow velocities up to 0.4 cm s^-1 in otherwise quiescent systems. Sub-milli

SUBMITTER: Kapuralage WP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12520479 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature