JP2012193428A - Electrolytic solution decomposition device and decomposition method for electrolytic solution using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolytic solution decomposition device capable of easily separating and recovering a product produced in each electrode, oxygen and hydrogen gas in particular, by electrolysis or photolysis of an electrolytic solution, water in particular, while separately flowing the electrolytic solution by the reason that two electrodes are arranged by sandwiching an inflow cell into which the electrolytic solution flows, and the pressure of the electrolytic solution within the inflow cell is higher than the pressure of the electrolytic solution within each outflow cell from which the electrolytic solution having passed through those two electrodes flows out.SOLUTION: The electrolytic solution decomposition device 100 is equipped with the inflow cell 10 into which the electrolytic solution is flowed, a first electrode section 20 and a second electrode section 30 being arranged by sandwiching the inflow cell, a first outflow cell 40 from which the electrolytic solution having passed through the first electrode section flows out and a second outflow cell 50 from which the electrolytic solution having passed through the second electrode section flows out. The pressure of the electrolytic solution within the inflow cell is higher than the pressure of the electrolytic solution within the first outflow cell and within the second outflow cell.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus that decomposes an electrolytic solution, and an electrolytic solution decomposing method using the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus.

  In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for oxygen and hydrogen produced by electrolysis or photolysis (also referred to as photochemical decomposition) of an electrolyte, particularly water. Oxygen has many industrial uses and medical uses. For example, oxygen is used as an inexpensive oxidant in the chemical industry, as an oxygen inhalation in the medical field because it is an element essential for breathing, as a combustion aid in gas welding and steel manufacturing processes, etc. There is. On the other hand, hydrogen attracts attention from the viewpoint of effective energy use. That is, it is conceivable that hydrogen is electrolyzed or photolyzed in an area and time rich in electric power, stored as hydrogen, and supplied to an area and time where electric power is required. Specifically, hydrogen is produced by electrolysis or photolysis of water using abundant electric power produced by a large dam in a large river basin far from a large city, and supplied to factories and large cities through pipelines, It can be consumed as a raw material for substances, or used as a fuel for hydrogen automobiles or fuel cells.

  For example, Patent Document 1 is an electrolyzed water generating apparatus that electrolyzes raw water to generate electrolyzed water, and includes an anode and a cathode to which raw water is supplied, and a diaphragm disposed between the anode and the cathode, A platinum catalyst layer mainly composed of platinum as a noble metal element is formed on at least one surface of the anode and the cathode, and pores having an average pore diameter of 50 μm or less are formed in the platinum catalyst layer. An electrolyzed water generator characterized by this is proposed. According to Patent Document 1, hydrogen bubbles generated from the cathode surface can be quickly dispersed in water with a small size, the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the hydrogen-dissolved water can be increased efficiently, and the dissolved hydrogen concentration can be increased. It is described that since it can be efficiently increased, the amount of electrolysis required to obtain a desired dissolved hydrogen concentration can be reduced, and an increase in the pH value of hydrogen-dissolved water can be suppressed. . Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a water vapor electrolysis apparatus that generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water vapor using an electrochemical cell having an electrolyte having a solid oxide, a hydrogen electrode, and an oxygen electrode. There has been proposed a steam electrolyzer having a gas supply means for supplying a gas containing water vapor to the electrode. According to Patent Document 2, by providing a gas supply means for supplying a gas containing water vapor to the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode, gas leakage occurring between the hydrogen electrode side atmosphere and the oxygen electrode side atmosphere is suppressed, and safety is improved. It is described that improvement can be achieved and the structure of the apparatus can be simplified. In Patent Document 3, water vapor is electrolyzed using an electrochemical cell composed of an electrolyte made of a solid oxide electrolyte material and a hydrogen electrode and an oxygen electrode sandwiched between the electrolyte and hydrogen and oxygen. In the water vapor electrolysis method for generating water, the supply gas supplied to the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode is mainly composed of water vapor, and a part of the exhaust gas that has passed through the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode is converted into the flow of each supply gas. A steam electrolysis method characterized in that it is circulated upstream is proposed. According to Patent Document 3, a water vapor electrolysis method and a water vapor electrolysis apparatus that have a simple structure and that can reduce the influence of a gas leak that occurs between the hydrogen electrode side atmosphere and the oxygen electrode side atmosphere and can be operated as easily, simply, and safely as possible. It is described that can be obtained. Further, Patent Document 4 discloses a first chamber for containing an electrolytic solution, a second chamber for discharging an electrolytic product generated by electrolysis of the electrolytic solution, a first chamber, and the second chamber. A working electrode provided between the working electrode, a counter electrode for supplying a current to the working electrode via an electrolytic solution, and a power source for applying a direct current between the working electrode and the counter electrode. Including a carbon membrane having pores of a size capable of selectively discharging the product to the second chamber and continuously connected from one surface to the other surface Electrolysis devices have been proposed. According to Patent Document 4, if a carbon membrane is used as a working electrode for electrolysis, the electrolytic product can be efficiently separated, and the carbon membrane does not expand or contract when the electrolytic product permeates. Therefore, it is described that the durability of the electrolysis apparatus is improved by using this for the working electrode, and further, when the forced discharge means is provided in the second chamber, the separation efficiency of the electrolysis product is further improved. Furthermore, Patent Document 5 discloses a liquid flow path through which an electrolytic solution flows, a gas flow path for forming a gas-liquid interface with the electrolytic solution flowing through the liquid flow path, and electrolysis of the electrolytic solution. A pair of electrodes, at least part of which is in contact with the electrolytic solution, and the entire contact region with the electrolytic solution is located within 100 μm from the boundary between the liquid channel and the gas channel, There has been proposed an electrolysis cell characterized by comprising. According to Patent Document 5, it is described that an electrolysis cell capable of quickly removing gas generated by electrolysis from an electrode surface and an electrolysis method using the electrolysis cell can be provided.

  However, an electrolytic solution, particularly water, can be cheaply and efficiently electrolyzed or photolyzed to produce oxygen and hydrogen, and oxygen and hydrogen can be easily recovered separately. The present situation is that a decomposition apparatus is required.

JP 2009-195484 A JP 2007-063619 A JP 2007-031784 A JP 2007-197765 A JP 2007-154217 A

  In the present invention, two electrodes are disposed across an inflow cell into which the electrolyte flows, and the pressure of the electrolyte in the inflow cell is reduced in each outflow cell from which the electrolyte that has passed through the two electrodes flows out. The electrolyte is diverted by being higher than the pressure of the electrolyte, and the products generated at each electrode by electrolysis or photolysis of the electrolyte, especially water, especially oxygen and hydrogen gas are easily It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus that can be separated and recovered. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for decomposing an electrolytic solution using the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus.

Means for achieving the above object are the following items (1) to (14).
(1) An inflow cell into which the electrolytic solution flows, a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion disposed across the inflow cell, and a first outflow from which the electrolytic solution that has passed through the first electrode portion flows out. A second outflow cell from which the electrolyte that has passed through the second electrode section flows out, and the pressure of the electrolyte in the inflow cell is within the first outflow cell and the second outflow cell. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus is characterized by being higher than the pressure of the electrolytic solution.
(2) The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to (1), wherein the first outflow cell further includes a first introduction portion, and the second outflow cell further includes a second introduction portion. .
(3) The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the inflow cell further includes a lead-out unit.
(4) The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first electrode portion includes a first electrode substrate.
(5) The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to (4), wherein the first electrode portion further includes a first porous film on the inflow cell side of the first electrode substrate.
(6) The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to (5), wherein the first electrode substrate and the first porous film are laminated.
(7) The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to item (5), wherein the first electrode substrate and the first porous film are spaced apart from each other.
(8) The first electrode section according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein the first electrode portion further includes a photocatalytic film on the outflow cell side of the first electrode substrate. Electrolyte decomposition device.
(9) The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the second electrode portion includes a second electrode substrate.
(10) The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to (9), wherein the second electrode portion further includes a second porous film on the inflow cell side of the second electrode substrate.
(11) The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to item (10), wherein the second electrode substrate and the second porous film are laminated.
(12) The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to item (10), wherein the second electrode substrate and the second porous film are disposed apart from each other.
(13) In any one of items (9) to (12), the second electrode portion further includes a photocatalytic film on the second outflow cell side of the second electrode substrate. The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus as described.
(14) A method for decomposing an electrolytic solution, comprising decomposing the electrolytic solution using the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to any one of items (1) to (13).

  According to the present invention, the electrolytic solution is diverted by utilizing the difference between the pressure of the electrolytic solution in the inflow cell and the pressure of the electrolytic solution in the outflow cell, and electrolysis or light of the electrolytic solution, particularly water. An electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus capable of easily separating and recovering products generated at each electrode by decomposition, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gas, is provided, and electrolysis using the electrolytic decomposition apparatus is provided. A method for decomposing liquid is provided.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an aspect of an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus 100 that is one of the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatuses of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflux device 200 configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 100 of the present invention and piping. FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing an aspect of an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus 300 that is one of the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatuses of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflux device 400 configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 300 of the present invention and piping. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing an aspect of an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus 500 which is one of the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatuses of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a reflux device 600 configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 500 of the present invention and piping. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing an aspect of an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus 700, which is one of the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatuses of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an aspect of an electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus 800 that is one of the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatuses of the present invention.

(1) Electrolyte decomposition apparatus An electrolyte decomposition apparatus according to the present invention includes an inflow cell into which an electrolyte flows, a first electrode part, a second electrode part, and a first electrode part that are disposed across the inflow cell. A first outflow cell through which the electrolytic solution that has passed through and a second outflow cell through which the electrolytic solution that has passed through the second electrode section flow out, and the pressure of the electrolytic solution in the inflow cell is set in the first outflow cell and the first outflow cell. 2 It is characterized by being higher than the pressure of the electrolyte solution in the outflow cell, and by dividing the electrolyte solution by utilizing the difference between the pressure of the electrolyte solution in the inflow cell and the pressure of the electrolyte solution in the outflow cell, Products generated at the respective electrodes by the decomposition of the electrolytic solution can be easily separated and recovered. The electrolytic solution used in the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is an electrically conductive solution prepared by dissolving an ionic substance in a polar solvent such as water. Examples thereof include (H ₂ O) and metal-containing aqueous solutions (metal waste liquid) such as heavy metals, but water (H ₂ O) is preferable. Moreover, the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus of the present invention may be used when electrolysis is performed as electrolytic solution decomposition, or may be used when photolysis is performed.

Hereinafter, the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Note that the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 without departing from the object and the spirit of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing one embodiment (electrolyte decomposition device (100)) of an electrolyte solution decomposition device according to an embodiment of the present invention. An electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an inflow cell (10) disposed in a housing (110) and into which an electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) flows. The first electrode part (20) disposed across the inflow cell, the second electrode part (30), and the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) that has passed through the first electrode part (20) ( A first outflow cell (40) through which 1) flows out, a second outflow cell (50) through which the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) that has passed through the second electrode portion (30) flows out, and transparent A window part (120) and a separator (130) are provided.

In the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, an electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) flows from the electrolytic solution inlet (60) and flows through the inlet cell (10). When passing through the first electrode part (20), oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) is generated on the photocatalyst film (91) by a photochemical reaction caused by light (140) irradiation. On the other hand, when the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) flows in from the electrolytic solution inlet (60), flows through the inflow cell (10), and passes through the second electrode portion (30), the counter electrode (95) Hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) is generated on the surface of The generated oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) bubbles are due to the fact that the porous membrane (93) is disposed upstream of the electrode substrate (92) and the pressure of the electrolyte in the inflow cell is the first outflow. By being higher than the pressure of the electrolyte in the cell, it is possible to prevent the backflow of the generated oxygen (O ₂ ) (2), and the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) is desorbed from the first electrode portion and is accompanied by the flow of the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1), and the electrolyte outlet ( 70). On the other hand, the bubbles of hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) are similarly arranged such that the porous membrane (94) is arranged upstream of the counter electrode (95) and the pressure of the electrolyte in the inflow cell is second. The electrolyte outlet of the second outlet cell (50) accompanies the flow of the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) without backflow due to being higher than the pressure of the electrolyte in the outlet cell. (80). Since the bubbles of oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and bubbles of hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) flow out from the electrolyte outlet (70) and the electrolyte outlet (80), respectively, oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) can be easily separated and recovered via the separator (130).

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) that has flowed out is an electrolyte solution (water: water) as in the reflux device 200 configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 100 of the present invention and piping. H ₂ O) (1) accompanying the oxygen outflow pipe (201) flows to the oxygen solution reservoir tank (211) to collect oxygen. Then, the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) in which oxygen is not dissolved after the oxygen recovery flows through the pipe to the reservoir tank (213) for water supply, and the circulating pump (221) together with the supplied water. ) Through the inflow cell pipe (203) to the inflow cell (10), and the decomposition of the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) is performed again. On the other hand, the hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) that flowed out is accompanied by the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) and passes through the hydrogen outflow pipe (202) to form a hydrogen-dissolved reservoir tank (212). To recover hydrogen. The electrolytic solution of hydrogen after hydrogen recovery is not dissolved (water: H ₂ O) (1) an electrolytic solution oxygen after oxygen recovery is not dissolved (water: H ₂ O) (1) as well as water It flows into the reservoir tank (213) for replenishment, and passes through the circulation pump (221) together with the replenished water and the electrolyte solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) in which oxygen after oxygen recovery is not dissolved. Then, it flows into the inflow cell (10) through the inflow cell pipe (203), and the decomposition of the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) is performed again.

In the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the present invention, since the pressure of the electrolytic solution in the inflow cell is higher than the pressure of the electrolytic solution in the first outflow cell and the second outflow cell (a pressure difference is generated), The liquid is easily diverted so that the product produced in the first electrode part, particularly oxygen and the product produced in the second electrode part, especially hydrogen, easily by the decomposition of the electrolyte, especially water It can be separated and recovered. In the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the present invention, a pressure difference is generated in the upstream portion from the place where the product, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gas is generated, and the product, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gas, flows backward to the upstream portion. Will prevent. In general, when an arbitrary object (for example, an electrode or the like) is placed in the fluid flow path, the flow is hindered to cause pressure loss, and a pressure difference is generated at the position of the object. In the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the present invention, the location of the pressure difference exists upstream from the location where the products generated in the electrode section, particularly the oxygen and hydrogen gas are generated. For example, in FIG. 1, a pressure difference is generated in the porous membrane (93 or 94) disposed upstream of the photocatalytic electrode (90) or the counter electrode (95), and the photocatalytic electrode (90) or the counter electrode ( 95), the backflow of oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) gas generated can be prevented. If the electrolyte is photolyzed and no porous material is provided, the photocatalyst film is placed on the downstream side of the electrode substrate and irradiated with light from the photocatalyst side, so that products, particularly oxygen and hydrogen, The gas is generated in the most downstream portion of the electrode substrate, and the pressure difference is generated in the entire electrode portion, so that backflow of products, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gases, can be prevented. In the case of electrolysis of the electrolyte, products, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gas, are generated in the entire electrode. Therefore, a porous membrane is provided upstream of the electrode, and gas is supplied downstream from the location where the pressure difference is generated. By generating it, it is possible to prevent the back flow of the products, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gases.

The 1st electrode part (20) with which the electrolyte solution decomposition device (100) which concerns on embodiment of this invention shown by FIG. 1 is comprised is comprised from the photocatalyst electrode (90) and the porous membrane (93), The photocatalytic electrode (90) includes a photocatalytic film (91) and an electrode substrate (92). The photocatalytic electrode (90) and the porous membrane (93) may be laminated and disposed as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (electrolyte decomposition apparatus 700 of the present invention), the photocatalyst electrode (90) and the porous membrane (93) may be arranged apart from each other, and a gap is generated by the separation. The product, in particular, oxygen and hydrogen gases are prevented from being trapped by the porous membrane, and this has the effect of facilitating separation. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 (electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 800 of the present invention), a first lid (801) may be disposed between the photocatalytic electrode (90) and the porous membrane (93). By disposing one lid portion (801), there is an effect of increasing the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the electrode from FIG. The shape of the first lid portion is not limited to the shape of the first lid portion (801) shown in FIG. 8 and may be any shape as long as it does not depart from the object and spirit of the present invention. Further, the material of the first lid portion may be any material as long as it does not depart from the object and spirit of the present invention. The photocatalyst film (91) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include titanium dioxide, tungsten oxide, and ferric trioxide. A photocatalyst that can selectively generate oxygen by applying a bias is preferable. . The electrode substrate (92) is not particularly limited as long as the electrode substrate (92) is a conductor having a structure that allows current (electrons) to flow through the medium such as the electrolytic solution or flow out of the medium such as the electrolytic solution. Examples thereof include punching metal, metal mesh, metal nonwoven fabric, and metal foam plate, and punching metal is preferable from the viewpoint of catalyst support. The electrode substrate (92) inhibits the flow of the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) and causes pressure loss, so that bubbles of oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) do not flow backward. Although a porous membrane (93) is not specifically limited, For example, a polyethylene nonwoven fabric, a polyolefin nonwoven fabric, a glass fiber nonwoven fabric etc. are mentioned, A polyolefin nonwoven fabric is preferable. By disposing the porous membrane (93) upstream of the electrode substrate (92), a pressure difference is generated in the porous membrane (93) upstream of the electrode substrate (92), which is a gas generation location, Backflow can be prevented. The shape of the first electrode portion is not limited to the shape of the first electrode portion (30) shown in FIG. 1, and may be any shape without departing from the object and spirit of the present invention. The first electrode portion (20) shown in FIG. 1 is a photocatalytic electrode (90) because it performs photolysis, but when performing electrolysis, the first electrode portion may be a conductive electrode. .

  The 2nd electrode part (30) with which the electrolyte solution decomposition device (100) which concerns on embodiment of this invention shown by FIG. 1 is provided is comprised from a counter electrode (95) and a porous membrane (94). . The counter electrode (95) and the porous membrane (94) may be laminated and disposed as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 7 (electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 700 of the present invention), the counter electrode (95) and the porous membrane (94) may be disposed apart from each other, and a gap is generated by the separation. By preventing the gas, particularly oxygen and hydrogen gas from being trapped in the porous membrane, there is an effect of preventing the retention of oxygen and hydrogen gas. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 (electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 800 of the present invention), a second lid (802) may be disposed between the counter electrode (95) and the porous membrane (94). The provision of the two lid portions (802) has an effect of increasing the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the electrode as shown in FIG. The shape of the second lid portion is not limited to the shape of the first lid portion (802) shown in FIG. 8, and may be any shape as long as it does not depart from the purpose and spirit of the present invention. Further, the material of the second lid portion may be any material as long as it does not depart from the object and spirit of the present invention. The counter electrode (95) is not particularly limited. For example, the counter electrode (95) is plated with mesh, foam, rod, nonwoven, metal fabric, Pt, Ni, or noble metal. Pt is preferable. As described above, the porous membrane (94) is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a polyethylene nonwoven fabric, a polyolefin nonwoven fabric, and a glass fiber nonwoven fabric, and a polyolefin nonwoven fabric is preferable. By disposing the porous membrane (94) upstream of the counter electrode (95), a pressure difference is generated in the porous membrane (94) upstream of the counter electrode (95), which is a gas generation location, and Backflow can be prevented. The shape of the second electrode portion is not limited to the shape of the second electrode portion (30) shown in FIG. 1, and may be any shape without departing from the object and spirit of the present invention. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the second electrode portion may be composed of a photocatalytic electrode and a porous film.

In the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode portion is passed through the transparent window (120) provided in the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention. Electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) is decomposed by light (140) applied to (20), and oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) is generated in the first electrode part (20). In the second electrode part (30), hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) is generated. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a transparent window portion is also provided on the second electrode portion (30) side, a photocatalyst electrode is provided on the second electrode portion (30), and light is applied to the electrolyte solution ( Water: H ₂ O) (1) may be decomposed. The material of the transparent window portion (120) may be any material as long as it transmits light, and examples thereof include, but are not particularly limited to, glassy materials and plastic materials. Further, the shape of the transparent window portion is not limited to the shape of the transparent window portion (120) shown in FIG. 1, and may be any shape without departing from the object and spirit of the present invention.

The generation mechanism of oxygen (O ₂ ) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) is such that holes (+) are provided to the first electrode part by an electrochemical reaction or a photochemical reaction in the first electrode part and the second electrode part, Oxygen (O ₂ ) and hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) are generated from the electrolyte molecules (H ₂ O), while electrons (−) are provided to the second electrode portion, and hydrogen from the hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ). (H ₂ ) is generated. As shown in FIG. 1, when the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) to be decomposed contains more hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) (4) than hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ). In the first electrode part, holes (+) are provided to generate water molecules (H ₂ O) (1) and oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) from hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) (4). On the other hand, the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) to hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) and hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ) (4) is generated.

The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a reference electrode in an inflow cell provided in the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus of the present invention. By providing a reference electrode in the inflow cell, a bias voltage can be applied to the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion to decompose the electrolyte solution in a three-pole system, so that the electrolyte solution in the electrolyte solution decomposition apparatus of the present invention It is possible to accelerate the decomposition reaction of (especially water: H ₂ O). The reference electrode may be provided at any position within the inflow cell, but is preferably provided at a position upstream of the porous membrane.

  When the electrolytic solution is decomposed by a photochemical reaction in the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus of the present invention, it is not necessary that both the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are irradiated with light, the first electrode portion or the second electrode portion. Only one of the electrode portions may be irradiated with light. In FIG. 1, light (140) is applied only to the first electrode part (20) through the transparent window part (120).

  When the electrolytic solution is water and only one of the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion is irradiated with light, the first electrode portion that generates oxygen is irradiated with light. It is preferable that This is because, in the decomposition of the electrolytic solution (water), the ratio of the generation amount of oxygen and hydrogen is 1: 2, and the amount of oxygen is smaller. This is because the ratio of the contact area between the first electrode portion and the electrolytic solution (water) decreases due to the presence of bubbles.

  The housing and the separator are not limited to the shapes of the housing (110) and the separator (130) shown in FIG. 1, and may be in any shape as long as they do not depart from the object and spirit of the present invention. The material of the casing and the separator may be any material as long as it does not depart from the purpose and spirit of the present invention.

In the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first outflow cell further includes a first introduction unit, and the second outflow cell further includes a second introduction unit. As shown in the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus (300) according to the embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 3, the first outflow cell (40) is provided with the first introduction part (310), and the second outflow cell ( 50) is provided with the second introduction part (320), whereby the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) is circulated to perform photolysis, and oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) are circulated. ) (3) and oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) can be easily and efficiently recovered separately.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) that has flowed out is the electrolyte solution (water: water) as in the reflux device 400 configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 300 of the present invention and the piping. H ₂ O) (1) accompanying the oxygen outflow pipe (401) flows to the oxygen solution reservoir tank (411) to collect oxygen. Then, the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) in which oxygen is not dissolved after the oxygen recovery passes through the first introduction pipe (402), passes through the circulation pump (421), and flows out for the first time. is introduced into the cell (40) first introduction part provided in the (310), the electrolytic solution: decomposition (water H ₂ O) (1) is performed again. On the other hand, the outflowed hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) is accompanied by the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) and passes through the hydrogen outflow pipe (403) to the hydrogen solution reservoir tank (412). The hydrogen is recovered by flowing. Then, the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) in which hydrogen is not dissolved after the hydrogen recovery passes through the circulation pump (421) through the second introduction pipe (404) and passes through the second outflow cell. Introduced in the second introduction part (320) provided in (50), decomposition of the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) is performed again. Further, makeup water is replenished to the reservoir tank (413) for water replenishment, passes through the inflow cell pipe (405), passes through the circulation pump (421), flows into the inflow cell (10), and then electrolyte (water : H ₂ O) (1) decomposition is carried out.

In the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the inflow cell further includes a lead-out portion. As shown in the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus (500) according to the embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 5, the inflow cell (10) includes the lead-out portion (510), so that the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O). (1) is further circulated to perform photolysis to produce oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3), and oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) and hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) can be easily and efficiently recovered separately.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the oxygen (O ₂ ) (2) that has flowed out is an electrolyte solution (water: water) like a reflux device 600 that is configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 500 of the present invention and piping. H ₂ O) (1) accompanying the oxygen outflow pipe (601) flows to the oxygen solution reservoir tank (611) to collect oxygen. Then, the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) in which oxygen is not dissolved after the oxygen recovery passes through the circulation pump (621) through the first introduction pipe (602) and flows out to the first. is introduced into the cell (40) first introduction part provided in the (310), the electrolytic solution: decomposition (water H ₂ O) (1) is performed again. On the other hand, the discharged hydrogen (H ₂ ) (3) is accompanied by the electrolyte (water: H ₂ O) (1) and passes through the hydrogen outflow pipe (603) to the hydrogen solution reservoir tank (612). The hydrogen is recovered by flowing. Then, the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) in which hydrogen after hydrogen recovery is not dissolved passes through the circulation pump (621) through the second introduction pipe (604) and passes through the second outflow cell. Introduced in the second introduction part (320) provided in (50), decomposition of the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) is performed again. Further, the electrolyte solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) and makeup water that directly flow out from the inflow cell (10) and pass through the electrolyte solution outflow pipe (605) are supplied to the reservoir tank (613) for water supply. Then, it passes through the inflow cell pipe (606), passes through the circulation pump (621), flows into the inflow cell (10), and the electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O) (1) is decomposed.

(2) Electrolytic solution decomposition method The electrolytic solution decomposition method of the present invention is characterized in that the electrolytic solution is decomposed using the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus of the present invention. The electrolytic solution used in the electrolytic solution decomposing method of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is an electroconductive solution prepared by dissolving an ionic substance in a polar solvent such as water. For example, water ( H ₂ O) and metal-containing aqueous solutions (metal waste liquid) such as heavy metals are exemplified, but water (H ₂ O) is preferred. In addition, the electrolytic solution decomposition method of the present invention may be used when electrolysis is performed as the electrolytic solution decomposition, or may be used when photolysis is performed.

  The electrolytic solution decomposing method of the present invention may be performed using the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus of the present invention. In carrying out the electrolytic solution decomposing method of the present invention, any known process, any known apparatus, etc. are further added. Good. For example, devices such as a water circulation step, a gas-liquid separation step, and a pump may be further added in carrying out the electrolytic solution decomposition method of the present invention.

1 Electrolytic solution (water: H ₂ O)
2 Oxygen (O ₂ )
3 Hydrogen (H ₂ )
4 hydroxide ion (OH ^-)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inflow cell 20 1st electrode part 30 2nd electrode part 40 1st outflow cell 50 2nd outflow cell 60 Electrolyte inflow port 70 Electrolyte outflow port of 1st outflow cell 80 Electrolyte outflow port of 2nd outflow cell 90 Photocatalyst Electrode 91 Photocatalytic film 92 Electrode substrate 93 Porous film of first electrode part 94 Porous film of second electrode part 95 Counter electrode 100 Electrolyte decomposition apparatus of the present invention 110 Housing 120 Transparent window part 130 Separator 140 Light 200 Present invention Refrigeration apparatus configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus 100 and the pipe 201 of oxygen outflow pipe 202 hydrogen outflow pipe 203 inflow cell pipe 211 oxygen solution reservoir tank 212 hydrogen solution reservoir tank 213 for water supply Reservoir tank 221 Circulating pump 300 Electrolyte decomposition apparatus 300 of the present invention
310 1st introduction part 320 2nd introduction part 400 Reflux device constituted by combining electrolyte solution decomposition apparatus 300 of the present invention and piping 401 Oxygen outflow pipe 402 First introduction section piping 403 Hydrogen outflow pipe 404 Second Pipe for introduction section 405 Pipe for inflow cell 411 Reservoir tank for oxygen solution 412 Reservoir tank for hydrogen solution 413 Reservoir tank for water supply 421 Circulation pump 500 Electrolyte decomposition apparatus 500 of the present invention
510 Deriving unit 600 Reflux device configured by combining the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus 500 of the present invention and piping 601 Oxygen outflow piping 602 First introduction piping 603 Hydrogen outflow piping 604 Second introduction piping 605 Electrolyte Outflow piping 606 Inflow cell piping 611 Reservoir tank for oxygen solution 612 Reservoir tank for hydrogen solution 613 Reservoir tank for water supply 621 Circulation pump 700 Electrolyte decomposition apparatus 700 of the present invention
800 Electrolyte decomposition apparatus 800 of the present invention
801 First lid 802 Second lid

Claims (14)

  An inflow cell into which the electrolyte solution flows, a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion disposed across the inflow cell, a first outflow cell from which the electrolyte solution that has passed through the first electrode portion flows out, A second outflow cell through which the electrolytic solution that has passed through the second electrode portion flows out, and the pressure of the electrolytic solution in the inflow cell is such that the electrolysis in the first outflow cell and in the second outflow cell. An electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus characterized by being higher than the pressure of the liquid.   2. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first outflow cell further includes a first introduction unit, and the second outflow cell further includes a second introduction unit.   The electrolytic solution decomposition apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflow cell further includes a lead-out unit.   The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode unit includes a first electrode substrate.   5. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode unit further includes a first porous film on the inflow cell side of the first electrode substrate.   6. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first electrode substrate and the first porous film are laminated.   The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first electrode substrate and the first porous film are spaced apart from each other.   8. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first electrode portion further includes a photocatalytic film on the outflow cell side of the first electrode substrate. 9.   The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode unit includes a second electrode substrate.   10. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second electrode unit further includes a second porous film on the inflow cell side of the second electrode substrate.   The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second electrode substrate and the second porous film are laminated.   11. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second electrode substrate and the second porous film are spaced apart from each other.   13. The electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second electrode unit further includes a photocatalytic film on the second outflow cell side of the second electrode substrate.   A method for decomposing an electrolytic solution, wherein the electrolytic solution is decomposed using the electrolytic solution decomposing apparatus according to claim 1.

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