Visualization of chlorine evolution at dimensionally stable anodes by means of scanning electrochemical microscopy.

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) has been used to detect and visualize the local electrocatalytic activity of dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) for Cl(2) evolution from brine. The sample generation-tip collection (SG-TC) mode of SECM shows limitations arising from complications connected with the reduction of Cl(2) at the SECM tip due to the presence of a significant amount of nondissolved Cl(2) gas. Because only dissolved Cl(2) can be electrochemically reduced at the tip, a large amount of the Cl(2) gas which is produced at active spots of the DSA is not detected. Additionally, a decrease of the cathodic current at the tip may occur owing to the adhesion of gas bubbles and blocking of the electrode surface. To overcome this limitation, the redox competition mode of SECM was extended and applied to the local visualization of Cl(2) evolution from highly concentrated brine solutions. High concentrations of Cl(2) produced at the sample can cause inhibition of the same reaction at the tip by accumulation of Cl(2) in the proximity of the SECM tip. In this way the tip current is decreased, which can be used as a measure for the catalytic activity of the sample underneath the tip.

The reality of transdisciplinarity: a framework-based self-reflection from science and practice leaders.

This paper provided results of a framework-based self-reflection process conducted by the science and the practice leaders of two transdisciplinary projects realized in co-leadership from 2011 until 2014. It analyzes from the perspectives of the science and practice leaders for the whole research process including preparation, research, and follow-up phase, the (1) transdisciplinarity component of each module (in %); (2) outputs generated (tangible and intangible); (3) relevance of output for science and practice (qualitative ranking); (4) impacts emerging from the outputs (tangible and intangible); and (5) outcomes emerging from the impacts (tangible and intangible). Furthermore, the research process was reflected by practice and science project leaders and critical aspects identified. We found that first, a transdisciplinary research process might contribute to regional demands if it is carried out "timely." Timeliness includes (1) the need from the perspective of the practice partners and the scientific community, (2) the willingness of the co-leaders to develop the project together, and (3) the fundamental organizational support. This was the case in our project where the results directly impacted the further development of the project. Second, a truly lived co-leadership consisting of clearly defined and lived roles and responsibilities, common definition and alignment of the goals, and acceptance of the differences in needs by practice and science leads to a trustful cooperation. Third, a good communication structure within the teams and between the practice and science teams allows to anticipating and overcoming problems at the practice-science interface leading to mutual learning and experience building.