Modern developments in electrodes for electrochemical technology and the role of surface finishing

Fundamental research into electrode materials has focussed on their active area and catalytic ability to drive reaction kinetics. Prerequisites for practical electrodes used in industrial processing and technology include moderate costs, good mechanical, thermal and chemical stability, effective electrocatalysis, a high electrical conductivity and the facility for scale-up, such that an electrochemical engineering approach is important. Following a consideration of important electrode properties, this concise review considers the fabrication, imaging, structure and the dressing of electrode surfaces with particles, coatings and films; nanostructured and hierarchical features are included. Trends in electrodes are noted, using examples from the author’s laboratory. Electrochemical surface finishing techniques make an important contribution to the toolbox of practical techniques capable of industrial development. Approaches to electrode fabrication and surface finishing are considered in application areas such as energy storage and conversion, environmental treatment and tribology.