Numerically optimized shape of directly heated electrodes for minimal temperature gradients

For electrochemical investigations at heated electrodes especially in the bioanalytical area a precise control of the surface temperature is necessary. Due to the problem of non-homogenous temperature allocation over the length of a directly heated electrode/conductor in electrochemical applications the possibility of changing its design in order to avoid such inhomogeneous effects was investigated. By mathematical simulations with the program Comsol Multiphysics©, concerning the temperature development along a conducting wire for different oval shapes depending on changing heating durations and current densities, the temperature gradient could be minimized. We could show the possibility to achieve an almost homogenous surface temperature by creating a special oval-shaped design for the electrode. The convection of surrounding media in the proximity of the conductor was not taken into account for the thermal simulation, which applies in particular for short-term pulse heating.