I wrote:
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Yes, the total super-positioned E field nets to about zero, but the
way that happens is by a change in charge distribution. That change
in charge distribution has effects. The electron fugacity in the
cathode builds. Looking at Fig. 3 in
http://www.mtaonline.net/~hheffner/Szpak.pdf
The E field is neutralized by the distribution of charges in the
electrolyte changing, and by an increase in the electron charge
density in the cathode. In the plastic the charge distribution
changes by displacement of the nuclei from the atomic centers of
charge. The increase in negative ion charges in the electrolyte near
the plastic is offset by an increase in positive ion charges near the
cathode (ion charge balances to zero in the electrolyte).
We have a voltage divider. Initially most of the voltage drop is
through the plastic. Beyond the plastic most of the voltage drop is
through the 2 molecule thick interface. However, as electrolysis
proceeds and loading reaches its peak, the conductivity of the top
layer of the electrolyte diminishes. Much of the voltage drop starts
to occur right in the cathode surface. At this time the fugacity of
the electrons builds right there - in the cathode surface, but not
very deep, provided the material is tough enough to sustain the
voltage drop without diffusion losses. This place of high electron
fugacity, high deuteron fugacity, low deuteron mobility, low
conductivity, is the active zone for fusion. It takes a while to
build in some electrode materials and is never achieved at all in many.
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It seemed to make sense to me at the time I wrote it, but now I have
serious doubts. It seems to me that a constant current power supply
(used in many CF experiments) would drive up the voltage and thus
electron fugacity as the electrode gained electrode resistance and
the external E field would not have so much effect.
Perhaps using a power supply floating on a high resistance would
provide a higher negative potential for the electrode and cell as a
whole, and a higher electron fugacity in the cathode.
Electrolysis
potential
(+)--PowerSupply---(-)
I I---------------resistor----------
Ground
-----I------------------I-----
| I I |
(++) | I I | Key:
c | # I |
c | # I | I - Electrolysis power
wire
c | # I | # - Platinum screen anode
c | # I | g - Gold foil
c | # I | s - Piezo substrate
c | I | p - Deposited Pd
c | ggg I | -| - Clear plastic cell
wall
c | pgsgIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII | c - Copper foil HV
electrode
c | pgs |
c | pgs |
c | pgs |
c | pgs |
c | pgsg |
c | ggg |
c | |
c | # |
c | # |
c | # |
c | # |
c | # |
c | |
c ------------------------------
c
c
c
c Foil 1
Fig. 4 - Diagram of Floating Power Szpak's cell
Horace Heffner
http://www.mtaonline.net/~hheffner/
