highoverpotential
In electrochemistry, overpotential (η) is the extra potential beyond the thermodynamic equilibrium potential required to drive an electrochemical reaction at a given rate. When the applied potential deviates from the equilibrium potential by a substantial amount, the resulting current reflects a high overpotential. High overpotential thus indicates poorer energetic efficiency for the reaction of interest.
Overpotential comprises several components. Activation overpotential accounts for the energy barriers at the electrode surface that
High overpotential has direct implications for energy efficiency and heat generation in electrochemical systems. It can
Experimentally, high overpotential is observed in polarization curves as the voltage required to achieve increasing current.
Mitigation strategies include using catalysts that lower activation barriers, increasing active surface area, employing nanostructured or