CHELE01

Journal Review #1

The first article by Lapicque (2004) gives insight into the possible future developments of
electrochemical engineering. Of course, for any type of engineering the main goal would be to scale
down processes and to investigate the relevant phenomena in that specific engineering field.
Additionally, the existing and continuous evolution and diversification of electrochemical engineering
is to be expected as well and will open the path for specializations within electrochemical engineering
– not just electrochemical engineering as the specialization itself. An important point brought up by
Laqicque (2004) is that electrochemical engineering must be extended to areas in which
electrochemistry is paired with another discipline. It is also an action that must be done within the
field to maximize its growth in the future. Such multidisciplinary approaches can be a pair between
electrochemistry and materials, electrochemistry and biochemistry, or electrochemistry and
microscopy. Moreover, it has already established its possible contribution in terms of energy,
environment, industrial production, and generalization of processes.

The second article by Drogui et al. (2007) delves into the realm of electrochemical technologies for
the treatment of water, wastewater, waste, and soil. It underlines the remarkable potential of
electrochemical techniques, which blend principles of physical chemistry and electronic science, as
powerful tools for addressing contemporary challenges in waste and water treatment. One of the key
strengths of electrochemical treatment lies in its simplicity. It is characterized by straightforward
equipment, ease of operation, short retention times, and minimal chemical additions. Electrolytic
cells, which are central to these processes, offer flexibility, automation potential, and the ability to
integrate with other treatment methods, including biological, chemical, and physical processes, to
enhance overall treatment efficiency. The article specifically highlights several electrochemical
processes, such as electrocoagulation (EC), electrodeposition (ED), electroflotation (EF),
electrokinetic (EK), and electrooxidation (EO), which have proven effective in improving treatment
quality for industrial waste, wastewater, and drinking water. These processes offer advantages like
removing specific organic and inorganic pollutants, clarifying water, eliminating microbial
contaminants, and enhancing dewaterability of soils and sludge. These electrochemical processes
have the potential to play a pivotal role in advancing environmental sustainability and should be
further explored and integrated into waste and water treatment strategies.

Finally, the third article by Gu et al. (2014) gives insight into electrochemical engineering’s pivotal
role in shaping a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable energy landscape. This can be done by moving
away from fossil fuel combustion, an imperative that is possible through electrochemical engineering.
The field advocates for a shift towards innovative cell designs and the adoption of base membranes
instead of acid membranes. This simple yet profound change could usher in a new era of cost-effective
electrochemical devices, in the creation of fuel cells, electrolyzers, solar hydrogen generators, and
redox flow batteries. Gu et al. (2014) provides evidence of recent progress, drawing from their own
work to illustrate the feasibility of these innovations and the clarity of such a vision. The field can
evolve into a vibrant subdiscipline within the field of chemical engineering that fosters innovation
but also paves the way for the commercial implementation of advanced electrochemical energy
devices. The recognition of the need for specialized education and training in electrochemical energy
engineering is a critical step towards achieving this vision.

Collectively, the insights made from these three articles highlights the relevance of electrochemical
engineering at present and for the future. They underscore the critical importance of innovation,
education, and interdisciplinary collaboration in the dynamic realm of electrochemical engineering
and how it is useful and relevant in addressing humanity's most pressing challenges.
References
Drogui, P., Blais, J.-F., & Mercier, G. (2007). Review of electrochemical technologies for environmental
applications. Recent Patents on Engineering, 1(3), 257–272.
https://doi.org/10.2174/187221207782411629

Gu, S., Xu, B., & Yan, Y. (2014). Electrochemical energy engineering: A new frontier of chemical
engineering innovation. Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 5(1),
429–454. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-060713-040114

Lapicque, F. (2004). Electrochemical engineering. Chemical Engineering Research & Design:

Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, 82(12), 1571–1574.
https://doi.org/10.1205/cerd.82.12.1571.58046