Definition of a polarization law

Introduction

A polarization law is a law that connects the difference of electric potential and the current density at the level of an electrochemical interface (electrode/electrolyte).

Polarization law

A polarization law is defined by a series of values: (normal component of the current density J_ne / difference ΔV of electric potential)

Current density:

The normal component of the current density at a point ( ) is considered positive when the current passes from the electrolyte towards the cathode. The normal unit vector is directed from the electrolyte towards the cathode.

Difference of electric potential:

The difference ∆V of the electric potential represents the electric potential of the electrolyte at a point very close to the cathode, when that of the cathode is null:

where:

• V_e is the electric potential of the electrolyte
• V_c is the electric potential of the cathode

  

Definition of a polarization law

The values of the normal component of the current density J_ne must be strictly increasing.

The values of the differences ΔV of the electric potential must be: either strictly increasing, or strictly decreasing.

Modes of definition

You can define a polarization law in two different ways:

• directly: defining the couple of values in a dialog box
• indirectly: defining the couple of values in a text file

The file text must meet the following requirements :

• only two values per line, separated by a space
• no title