title: Bipolar electrochemistry.
abstract: A bipolar electrode (BPE) is an electrically conductive material that promotes electrochemical reactions at its extremities (poles) even in the absence of a direct ohmic contact. More specifically, when sufficient voltage is applied to an electrolyte solution in which a BPE is immersed, the potential difference between the BPE and the solution drives oxidation and reduction reactions. Because no direct electrical connection is required to activate redox reactions, large arrays of electrodes can be controlled with just a single DC power supply or even a battery. The wireless aspect of BPEs also makes it possible to electrosynthesize and screen novel materials for a wide variety of applications. Finally, bipolar electrochemistry enables mobile electrodes, dubbed microswimmers, that are able to move freely in solution.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Center for Nano- and Molecular Science and Technology, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E. 24th St., Stop A5300, Austin, TX 78712-1224 (USA) http://rcrooks.cm.utexas.edu/research/index.html.
authors.forename: Stephen E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Fosdick
authors.forename: Kyle N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Knust
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Scida
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Crooks
mesh_terms: D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D049449:Luminescence; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; D014867:Water
keywords: electrochemistry; materials science; sensors