A GENERAL-MODEL FOR PATTERN-FORMATION IN ELECTRODE-REACTIONS

Experiments on pattern formation in electrochemical systems show quali tative differences in comparison with phenomena observed with other ch emical systems. In this paper we derive a general model from the basic transport equations which takes into account the special aspects of e lectrochemical systems. Stepwise introduction of three approximations considerably simplifies the equations and demonstrates the dominant ro le the electric potential plays for pattern formation. The simplest fo rm of the model contains migration as the only transport mechanism, an d the importance of intrinsic global coupling for the dynamic behavior of electrochemical systems becomes apparent. This simple model alread y reproduces the experimentally observed front behavior we recently re ported [G. Flatgen and K. Krischer, Phys. Rev. E 51, 3997 (1995)]. (C) 1995 American Institute of Physics.