TW201937001A - Device for electrolysis - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for electrolysis is provided with an anode, a cathode, an ion-exchange membrane, and spacers. The cathode has a cathode feed conductor and a cathode surface material for covering the surface of the cathode feed conductor. The ion-exchange membrane is in contact with the anode and is disposed between the anode and the cathode away from the cathode surface material. The spacers are disposed in a cathode water flow passage formed between the cathode surface material and the ion-exchange membrane.

Description

Electrolytic components

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to an element for electrolysis that electrolyzes water between an anode and a cathode.

Background of the Invention An electrolysis element for electrolyzing water between an anode and a cathode has been developed as disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-245669. The conventional electrolysis element has an anode and a cathode, and the anode has an anode power supply body and an anode surface material covering a main surface of the anode power supply body, and the cathode has a cathode power supply body and a cathode. A surface material for a cathode of a main surface of a power supply body.

In the conventional electrolysis element described above, an ion exchange membrane is disposed between the anode and the cathode so as to be in contact with the anode surface material and away from the cathode surface material.

In the above-described conventional element for electrolysis, water having a large flow rate flows along the main surface while contacting the main surface on the ion exchange membrane side of the surface material for cathode. Thereby, the dissolution of water by hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the surface material for the cathode is promoted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the above-described conventional electrolysis element, the ion exchange membrane may be expanded toward the cathode surface material side, and the ion exchange membrane may be in contact with one of the cathode surface materials. In this case, current concentration occurs at a portion where the ion exchange membrane is in contact with the surface material for the cathode. As a result, there is a possibility that the surface material for the cathode deteriorates.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide an element for electrolysis which can reduce the concern of deterioration of a surface material for a cathode.

An element for electrolysis according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and a separator. The cathode includes a cathode power supply body and a cathode surface material covering the main surface of the cathode power supply body. The ion exchange membrane contacts the anode and is disposed away from the cathode surface material between the anode and the cathode. The spacer is disposed in the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane.

The other element for electrolysis according to the present disclosure includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and two cathode water passages. The cathode has a through hole extending toward the anode. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The two cathode water passages are provided on both sides of the cathode and communicate via the through holes.

According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce the concern that the surface material for the cathode is deteriorated.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The electrolysis element of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and a separator.

The cathode includes a cathode power supply body and a cathode surface material covering the main surface of the cathode power supply body. The ion exchange membrane contacts the anode and is disposed away from the cathode surface material between the anode and the cathode. The spacer is disposed in the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane.

In the element for electrolysis according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, a gap in which the water supply flows is provided between the spacer and the surface material for the cathode.

In the element for electrolysis according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the spacer is disposed in the cathode water passage so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage in the longitudinal direction of the spacer.

In the element for electrolysis according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the spacer is in contact with the surface material for the cathode so that the longitudinal direction of the spacer extends along the longitudinal direction of the surface material for the cathode.

In the element for electrolysis according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the cathode power supply body has at least one of a recess and a through hole at least on a main surface facing the ion exchange membrane. At least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the recess and the through hole is covered with the surface material for the cathode.

In the element for electrolysis according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect, the area of the portion where the spacer is in contact with the surface material for the cathode is smaller than the area of the portion where the spacer is in contact with the ion exchange membrane.

The electrolysis element according to the seventh aspect of the present invention includes an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane, and two cathode water passages.

The cathode has a through hole extending toward the anode. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The two cathode water passages are provided on both sides of the cathode and communicate via the through holes.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, in the two cathode water passages, the flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage on the surface side of the cathode opposite to the ion exchange membrane is larger than that of the cathode. The flow path of the cathode water passage on the back side opposite to the surface of the ion exchange membrane is smaller.

In the element for electrolysis according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, the flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage on the back side of the surface of the cathode opposite to the ion exchange membrane in the two cathode water passages is The flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage opposite to the surface side of the cathode and the ion exchange membrane is smaller.

In the element for electrolysis according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eighth aspect, the cathode includes a cathode power supply body and a cathode surface material covering the main surface of the cathode power supply body facing the ion exchange membrane. At least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is also covered by the surface material for the cathode.

Hereinafter, the element for electrolysis according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, the portions to which the same reference numerals are given are assumed to have the same function. Therefore, the function of the portion to which the same reference symbol is given will not be repeatedly described unless otherwise specified.

The element for electrolysis of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 7 .
(The overall composition of the components for electrolysis)

As shown in Fig. 1, the element 1 for electrolysis comprises a rectangular plate-shaped anode case 1A and a rectangular plate-shaped cathode case 1C. The anode case 1A shown in Fig. 2 and the cathode case 1C shown in Fig. 3 are integrated so that the inner side faces thereof face each other, thereby constituting the electrolysis element 1.
(anode box)

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the anode case 1A houses the anode 2A and constitutes a part of the outer periphery of the element 1 for electrolysis. The material of the anode case 1A is acrylic resin. The anode case 1A has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided with a case recess 1AC. The case recessed portion 1AC is formed by excavation processing on the main surface constituting the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cartridge recess 1AC has a water inlet hole 1AI and a water outlet hole 1AO. The water inlet hole 1AI is disposed in the vicinity of one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1. The water outlet hole 1AO is disposed in the vicinity of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1. The cartridge recessed portion 1AC has a conductive wire insertion hole 1AL disposed between the center in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolytic element 1 and the water outlet hole 1AO.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5, the case recessed portion 1AC is disposed substantially at the center of the inner side surface in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1, and has a planar recess 1AD. The planar recess 1AD includes a water inlet hole 1AI, a water outlet hole 1AO, and a conductive wire insertion hole 1AL.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the cartridge recess 1AC has an annular seal recess 1AP. The seal recess 1AP is disposed outside the planar recess 1AD so as to surround the planar recess 1AD.

In the region including the water outlet hole 1AO and not including the conductive wire insertion hole 1AL, the cartridge recess 1AC has the buffer recess 1AB. The buffer recess 1AB is deeper than the planar recess 1AD.

As shown in Fig. 2, the anode casing 1A has a plurality of fixing holes 1AF. The fixing hole 1AF is disposed outside the annular seal recess 1AP, and the annular seal recess 1AP is provided outside the buffer recess 1AB and the planar recess 1AD.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of disk-shaped box ribs 1AR are disposed inside the planar recess 1AD. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the planar recess 1AD and the buffer recess 1AB are connected by the box inclined surface 1AS.
(cathode box)

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the cathode case 1C houses the cathode 2C and a plurality of (for example, three) spacers S, and constitutes a part of the outer periphery of the element 1 for electrolysis. The material of the cathode case 1C is acrylic resin.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cathode case 1C has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and is provided with a case recess 1CC. The case recess 1CC is formed by excavation processing on the main surface constituting the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the cartridge recessed portion 1CC has a water inlet hole 1CI disposed in the vicinity of one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1. The cartridge recess 1CC has a water outlet hole 1CO disposed in the vicinity of the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cartridge recessed portion 1CC has a conductive wire insertion hole 1CL disposed between the center in the longitudinal direction of the inner side surface of the electrolytic element 1 and the water outlet hole 1CO.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case recessed portion 1CC is disposed substantially at the center of the inner side surface of the electrolysis element 1, and has a planar recess 1CD. The planar recess 1CD includes a water inlet hole 1CI, a water outlet hole 1CO, and a conductive wire insertion hole 1CL. The annular seal recess 1CP is disposed on the outer side of the planar recess 1CD so as to surround the planar recess 1CD.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge recess 1CC includes a water outlet hole 1CO. However, the cartridge recess 1CC has the buffer recess 1CB in a region not including the conductive wire insertion hole 1CL. The buffer recess 1CB is deeper than the planar recess 1CD.

The cartridge recess 1CC has a fixing hole 1CF. The fixing hole 1CF is disposed outside the annular seal recess 1CP, and the annular seal recess 1CP is disposed outside the buffer recess 1CB and the planar recess 1CD.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a plurality of disk-shaped box ribs 1CR are disposed inside the planar recess 1CD. The disc-shaped box rib 1CR and the disc-shaped box rib 1AR are disposed such that their respective circular front end faces are opposed to each other. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the planar recess 1CD and the buffer recess 1CB are connected by the box inclined surface 1CS.
(ion exchange membrane)

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ion exchange membrane 3 is disposed between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the ion exchange membrane 3 contacts the anode surface material 2AS and leaves the cathode surface material 2CS.

The ion exchange membrane 3 is a cation exchange membrane that passes hydrogen ions generated in the vicinity of the anode 2A, inevitable metal ions, water molecules, and oxygen molecules, but does not pass cations. The cation exchange membrane may, for example, be a product name "Nafion (R)" of DuPont (DuPont). The thickness of the ion exchange membrane 3 is 0.01 to 0.2 mm. The ion exchange membrane 3 has a thin planar shape.

The ion exchange membrane 3 is a copolymer of a fluororesin called perfluorosulfonic acid, and the perfluorosulfonic acid is a main chain of perfluoroethylene and has a side chain having a sulfonic acid group. Specifically, the ion exchange membrane 3 is a polyvinyl fluoride-sulfonic acid. Moreover, the amount "EW (equivalent weight)" of the ion exchange group indicating the ease of electrification was about 1,000. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the main surface of one side of the ion exchange membrane 3 contacts the entire main surface of one side of the anode surface material 2AS.

As shown in Fig. 5, a part of the main surface of the other side of the ion exchange membrane 3 contacts a plurality of spacers S which are disposed apart from each other. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the end portion of the ion exchange membrane 3 extends outward from the outer periphery of the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. The end of the ion exchange membrane 3 is sandwiched by the seal P on the anode cartridge 1A side and the seal P on the cathode cartridge 1C side.
(Anode power supply body <titanium surface material>)

The anode power supply body 2AF shown in Figs. 6 and 7 receives a negative charge from the anode surface material 2AS. The thickness of the anode power supply body 2AF is 0.5 mm. The anode power supply body 2AF has a thin planar shape.

A through hole THA having a diameter of 1 mm is formed on the main surface of the anode power supply body 2AF facing the ion exchange membrane 3, for example, at intervals of 1 mm. The through hole THA may have a diameter of, for example, about 1 nm to 1 mm. The material of the anode power supply body 2AF is made of titanium and unavoidable impurities.

The anode surface material 2AS is provided on the main surface of one side of the anode power supply body 2AF. In the present embodiment, the anode surface material 2AS is also provided in a part of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole THA. However, the anode surface material 2AS may be provided on the entire inner circumferential surface of the through hole THA. The conductive wire 2AE (refer to FIG. 4) is inserted into the conductive wire insertion hole 1AL, and is electrically connected to the main surface of the other side of the anode power supply body 2AF.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cartridge rib 1AR protrudes from the planar recess 1AD of the anode case 1A. The cartridge rib 1AR abuts against the main surface of the other side of the anode power supply body 2AF.
(Anode surface material <Pt and Pt metal and its alloy>)

In the anode surface material 2AS, a reaction of "2H ₂ O → 4H ⁺ + O ₂ + 4e ^- " is performed. The thickness of the anode surface material 2AS was 0.1 μm. The anode surface material 2AS has a thin planar shape. The anode surface material 2AS has fine irregularities (not shown) on its main surface, and has a fine and continuous plurality of voids (not shown).

The material for the anode surface material 2AS is an alloy of platinum and rhodium. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the anode surface material 2AS is provided as a whole main surface which is in contact with one side of the anode power supply body 2AF. When the anode case 1A and the cathode case 1C are combined, the anode surface material 2AS contacts the ion exchange film 3. The anode surface material 2AS may also be formed on the entire surface of the anode power supply body 2AF.
(Cathode power supply body <titanium surface material>)

The cathode power supply body 2CF supplies a negative electric charge to the cathode surface material 2CS (refer to FIG. 6). The thickness of the cathode power supply body 2CF was 0.5 mm. The cathode power supply body 2CF has a thin planar shape. On the main surface of the cathode power supply body 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3, a recess D having a diameter of 1 mm was formed at intervals of 1 mm.

A through hole THC having a diameter of 1 mm was formed at a position of 1 mm at a position where the recess D of the cathode power supply body 2CF was not included in the main surface facing the ion exchange membrane 3. Only one of the recess D and the through hole THC may be provided in the cathode power supply body 2CF. The through hole THC may have a diameter of about 1 nm to 1 mm. The material of the cathode power supply body 2CF contains titanium and unavoidable impurities.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the cathode surface material 2CS is provided on the main surface of one side of the cathode power supply body 2CF. A cathode surface material 2CS is also formed in a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the recess D and the through hole THC. The cathode surface material 2CS may be provided on the entire inner circumferential surface of the through hole THC.

The conductive wire 2CE (refer to FIG. 4) is inserted into the conductive wire insertion hole 1CL, and is connected to the main surface of the other side of the cathode power supply body 2CF. When the anode case 1A and the cathode case 1C are combined, the case rib 1CR protruding from the planar recess 1CD of the cathode case 1C abuts against the main surface of the other side of the cathode power supply body 2CF.
(Cathode surface material <Pt and Pt metal and its alloy>)

In the cathode surface material 2CS, a reaction of "2H ⁺ + 2e ^- → H ₂ " is performed. The thickness of the cathode surface material 2CS is 0.1 to 1 μm. The cathode surface material 2CS has a thin planar shape. The cathode surface material 2CS has fine irregularities (not shown) on its main surface, and has a fine and continuous plurality of voids (not shown).

The material of the cathode surface material 2CS is an alloy of platinum and rhodium. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the cathode surface material 2CS is formed as a whole main surface which is in contact with one side of the cathode power supply body 2CF, and contacts the spacer S when the anode case 1A and the cathode case 1C are combined. The cathode surface material 2CS may be formed on the entire surface of the cathode power supply body 2CF.
(spacer)

As shown in Fig. 6, the spacer S is provided in the cathode water passage 10B between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3. By the spacer S, the contact of the ion exchange membrane 3 with the cathode surface material 2CS due to the expansion of the ion exchange membrane 3 can be suppressed. Therefore, deterioration of the cathode surface material 2CS can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress current concentration from occurring in the portion where the separator S contacts the ion exchange membrane 3.

A gap C in which the water supply flows is provided between the spacer S and the cathode surface material 2CS. Through the gap C, the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS covered by the spacer S also has water inflow. Therefore, the amount of reduction in the area of the cathode surface material 2CS contacting the water can be reduced. As a result, the amount of hydrogen generated in the cathode 2C due to the spacer S can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the concave portion formed on the surface of the spacer S facing the cathode surface material 2CS functions as the gap C. The recess D formed on the surface of the cathode surface material 2CS also functions in the same manner as the gap C.

The gap C is not formed in the unevenness of the spacer S or the cathode surface material 2CS, but may be formed on the cathode surface material 2CS or the spacer S. For example, a void (Pt and a Pt-based metal and a gap in which the alloy is plated) which is naturally formed on the main surface of the cathode surface material 2CS during the manufacturing process may have the same function as the gap C.

As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the spacer S is disposed in the cathode water passage 10B so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage 10B in the longitudinal direction of the spacer S. Therefore, the water resistance due to the spacer S can be reduced.

The spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS so that the longitudinal direction of the spacer S extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2CS. Therefore, the deflection of the ion exchange membrane 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2CS can be reduced. As a result, the concern that the cathode surface material 2CS is in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3 can be further reduced.

The cathode power supply body 2CF has a recess D and a through hole THC at least on a surface facing the ion exchange membrane 3. One of the inner surface of the recess D and the inner surface of the through hole THC is covered by the cathode surface material 2CS. Therefore, at the position of the recess D and the through hole THC, the flow velocity of the water becomes slower than the other positions. As a result, more hydrogen can be generated at a position of one of the recess D and the through hole THC.

As shown in Fig. 6, the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3 is larger than the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS. By reducing the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS, it is possible to enlarge the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS that effectively functions to generate hydrogen.

The spacer S is disposed between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3, and maintains the distance between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3, that is, the width of the cathode water passage 10B. The spacer S prevents local concentration of the current generated at the contact position by suppressing partial contact of the ion exchange membrane 3 with the cathode surface material 2CS.

The spacer S is a rod-shaped member having a trapezoidal shape in cross section. Both ends of the spacer S are bent to form a hook portion (see Fig. 2). The spacer S may also be a rod-shaped member having a rectangular or circular cross section. The material of the spacer S is a resin having a specific resistance compared to water, for example, tap water.

As described above, the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS is smaller than the area of the portion where the spacer S contacts the ion exchange membrane 3. Specifically, the width of the portion of the spacer S contacting the ion exchange membrane 3 is, for example, 3 mm. The width of the portion of the spacer S that is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS is, for example, 2 mm.

Therefore, even if the spacer S exists in the cathode water passage 10B, the area of the cathode surface material 2CS in which the generation of hydrogen is effectively functioned becomes larger.

A recess D is formed in a portion of the cathode surface material 2CS facing the spacer S. A gap C is formed in a portion of the spacer S facing the cathode surface material 2CS. The spacer S is sandwiched by the ion exchange membrane 3 and the cathode surface material 2CS. In this state, the hook portions (refer to FIG. 2) at both ends of the spacer S contact the cathode case 1C.
(Cathode water passage)

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cathode water passages 10B and 10C are provided so as to face the two main surfaces of the cathode 2C, respectively, and communicate via the through holes THC. When water moves through the through hole THC, turbulent flow occurs in the vicinity of the through hole THC. By this turbulent flow, it is possible to prevent the hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C from staying there and to agglomerate. As a result, the dissolution of hydrogen by water is promoted.

As shown in Fig. 6, in the cross section of the flow path through the through hole THC, the cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10B of the cathode 2C opposite to the surface side of the ion exchange membrane 3 is higher than that of the cathode 2C and the ion exchange membrane 3 The cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10C opposite to the back side of the surface is smaller.

Therefore, the flow velocity V1 of the cathode 2C with respect to the surface side of the ion exchange membrane 3 is larger than the flow velocity V2 of the cathode 2C with respect to the back side of the surface of the ion exchange membrane 3. As a result, water flows into the cathode water passage 10B through the through hole THC, and the dissolution of the generated hydrogen into water is promoted.

In the cross section of the flow path through the through hole THC, the cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 is larger than the surface side of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3. The cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10B may be smaller.

In this case, the flow velocity V2 of the water on the back side of the cathode 2C opposite to the surface side of the ion exchange membrane 3 becomes more than the flow velocity V1 of the water on the surface side of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3. Big. Therefore, a part of the hydrogen generated in the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 passes through the through hole THC, and the back surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 faces. The cathode water passage 10C on the side contacts the water.

As a result, aggregation of hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C can be suppressed. Thus, in this case, the dissolution of hydrogen by water can also be promoted.

The cathode 2C includes a cathode power supply body 2CF and a cathode surface material 2CS covering the surface of the cathode power supply body 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3. Part or all of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole THC is also covered by the cathode surface material 2CS. Therefore, hydrogen is also generated inside the through hole THC. As a result, the area of the portion of the cathode 2C where hydrogen is generated can be increased, and the amount of hydrogen generated can be increased.
(assembly of components for electrolysis)

On the main surface of one side of the cathode power supply body 2CF, the cathode surface material 2CS is deposited by electrolytic plating. At this time, the surface material 2CS for cathode is deposited on the surface of the recess D of the cathode power supply body 2CF and the surface of the through hole THC. The cathode surface material 2CS may be deposited as part or all of the through holes THC.

Electrolytic plating also includes a case where a solution in which a chloride or a complex of platinum or a chloride or a metal of a platinum-based metal is dissolved is directly applied, and then thermally baked to be deposited on the surface of the cathode. Happening.

The cathode power supply body 2CF is provided to expose the cathode surface material 2CS with respect to the planar recess 1CD. The conductive wire 2CE is inserted into the inner side of the cathode case 1C from the conductive wire insertion hole 1CL, and is connected to the cathode power supply body 2CF.

As shown in Fig. 3, the three spacers S are arranged such that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the longitudinal direction of the cathode 2C, and are arranged at substantially equal intervals between both end portions and the center in the short-side direction of the cathode 2C. Above the cathode 2C.

The hook portion of the spacer S is fixed to the cathode case 1C by an adhesive. The area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3 is larger than the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS (see Fig. 6).

The seal P is inserted into the recess 1AP for the seal. The ion exchange membrane 3 is superposed on the cathode 2C. The peripheral portion of the ion exchange membrane 3 is located further outside than the seal recess 1AP.

The anode power supply body 2AF is disposed in the planar recess 1AD so that the anode surface material 2AS is exposed. The conductive wire 2AE is inserted into the inner side of the inner side surface of the anode case 1A by the conductive wire insertion hole 1AL, and is electrically connected to the anode power supply body 2AF.

As shown in FIG. 4, the seal P is inserted into the recess 1AP for the seal. In the state where the anode surface material 2AS faces the ion exchange membrane 3, the inner side surface of the cathode case 1C overlaps with the inner side surface of the anode case 1A. The disc-shaped box rib 1CR and the disc-shaped box rib 1AR are arranged to face almost in the opposite direction.

In the state shown in Fig. 1, a screw and a nut (not shown) are inserted into the fixing hole 1CF and the fixing hole 1AF, thereby fixing the cathode case 1C and the anode case 1A.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the vicinity of the outer periphery of the ion exchange membrane 3 is sandwiched by the seal P. The vicinity of the center of the ion exchange membrane 3 is supported by the anode surface material 2AS and the spacer S. The ion exchange membrane 3 is provided to be separated from the cathode surface material 2CS.
(Assembling of Electrolytic Components to Electrolyzed Water Generator)

The element 1 for electrolysis is attached to an electrolyzed water generating apparatus. The water inlet pipe is installed in the water inlet hole 1AI and the water inlet hole 1CI. The water outlet pipe is installed in the water outlet hole 1AO and the water outlet hole 1CO.

The water outlet holes 1AO, 1CO are arranged to become higher than the water inlet hole 1AI and the water inlet hole 1CI. In this state, the longitudinal direction of the spacer S is the same as the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passages 10B and 10C. The external conductive wires connect the conductive wires 2AE, 2CE and are connected to the power source.
(Operation of electrolysis in an element for electrolysis)

The confirmation of the initial operation of the electrolysis element 1 is started by energizing the operation power source. For example, based on the current 时 when a predetermined voltage is applied between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C, it is determined whether or not the external conductive wire is detached, the ionic exchange film 3 is improperly contacted with the cathode 2C, and the cathode surface material 2CS is deteriorated. . When an abnormality is detected in the test, an abnormality is notified and the operation of the electrolyzed water generating device is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 4, after the water flows into the electrolysis element 1, the water inlet hole 1AI and the water inlet hole 1CI flow toward the water outlet hole 1AO and the water outlet hole 1CO, and are filled in the internal space of the electrolysis element 1.

As shown in Fig. 7, water flows through the through-holes THC and flows through the cathode water passages 10B and 10C. Also, water flows in the anode water passage 10A.

In this case, the flow velocity V1 of the water flowing toward the main surface side of the ion exchange membrane 3 opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 (the flow velocity on the exposed surface side of the cathode surface material 2CS) is higher than that of the ion exchange membrane 3 at the cathode 2C. The flow velocity V2 of the water flowing toward the back side of the main surface (the flow velocity on the exposed surface side of the cathode power supply body 2CF) is larger.

When the power source of the electrolysis element 1 is turned on, hydrogen is generated mainly by the electrolysis to mainly face the main surface of the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3. Specifically, hydrogen is generated in the cathode surface material 2CS attached to the through hole THC, the recess D of the cathode power supply body 2CF, and the cathode surface material 2CS adhered to the inner circumferential surface of the through hole THC.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration of the element 1 for electrolysis of the present embodiment and the effects obtainable thereby will be described.

(1) The element 1 for electrolysis includes an anode 2A, a cathode 2C, an ion exchange membrane 3, and a separator S. The cathode 2C has a cathode power supply body 2CF and a cathode surface material 2CS covering the main surface of the cathode power supply body 2CF. The ion exchange membrane 3 contacts the anode 2A and is disposed apart from the cathode surface material 2CS between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. The spacer S is provided in the cathode water passage 10B between the cathode surface material 2CS and the ion exchange membrane 3.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the ion exchange membrane 3 from coming into contact with the cathode surface material 2CS due to the expansion of the ion exchange membrane 3. As a result, deterioration of the cathode surface material 2CS can be suppressed.

(2) It is preferable to provide a gap C between the spacer S and the cathode surface material 2CS with a water supply flow. With this configuration, the surface of the region covered by the spacer S in the entire surface of the cathode surface material 2CS also flows into the water through the gap C.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of contact of the cathode surface material 2CS with water due to the amount of reduction by the spacer S. As a result, the amount of hydrogen generated in the cathode 2C due to the spacer S can be reduced.

(3) The spacer S is preferably disposed in the cathode water passage 10B so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage 10B in the longitudinal direction of the spacer S. With this configuration, the water flow resistance due to the spacer S can be reduced.

(4) The spacer S is preferably formed so as to be in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS so that the longitudinal direction of the spacer S extends along the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2CS. According to this configuration, the deflection of the ion exchange membrane 3 in the longitudinal direction of the cathode surface material 2CS can be reduced. Therefore, the concern that the cathode surface material 2CS is in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3 can be further reduced.

(5) The cathode power supply body 2CF is preferably at least one of the recess D and the through hole THC on the main surface facing the ion exchange membrane 3. At least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the recess D and the through hole THC is preferably covered by the cathode surface material 2CS.

According to this configuration, at least one of the recess D and the through hole THC, the flow velocity of the water becomes slower than the other positions. Therefore, more hydrogen can be generated at a position of at least one of the recess D and the through hole THC.

(6) The area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS is preferably smaller than the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the ion exchange membrane 3. By reducing the area of the portion where the spacer S is in contact with the cathode surface material 2CS, it is possible to enlarge the area of the portion of the cathode surface material 2CS that effectively functions to generate hydrogen.

(7) The element 1 for electrolysis includes an anode 2A, a cathode 2C, an ion exchange membrane 3, and cathode water passages 10B and 10C. The cathode 2C has a through hole THC that extends toward the anode 2A. The ion exchange membrane 3 is disposed between the anode 2A and the cathode 2C. The cathode water passages 10B and 10C are provided on both sides of the cathode 2C and communicate via the through holes THC.

When water moves between the cathode water passages 10B and 10C through the through holes THC, turbulent flow occurs in the vicinity of the through holes THC. By this turbulent flow, it is possible to suppress the hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C from staying there and to agglomerate. As a result, the dissolution of hydrogen by water is promoted.

(8) The flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3, and the flow of the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 The road cross-sectional area is smaller.

With this configuration, the flow velocity V1 of the water flowing on the surface side of the cathode water passage 10B opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 of the cathode 2C is higher than the back surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the surface of the ion exchange membrane 3. The flow rate V2 of the water flowing through the cathode water passage 10C is larger.

Therefore, the water flows into the cathode water passage 10B facing the surface side of the ion exchange membrane 3 from the cathode water passage 10C on the back side facing the surface of the ion exchange membrane 3 through the through hole THC. Thereby, the dissolution of water by the generated hydrogen is promoted.

(9) The flow path cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage 10C on the back side of the surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3, and the flow of the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 of the cathode 2C. The road cross-sectional area is smaller.

With this configuration, the flow velocity V2 of the water flowing through the cathode water passage 10C on the surface side of the cathode 2C facing the ion exchange membrane 3 is higher than the back surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the surface of the ion exchange membrane 3. The flow rate V1 of the water flowing through the cathode water passage 10B is larger.

Therefore, a part of the hydrogen generated in the cathode water passage 10B on the surface side of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 passes through the through hole THC, and the back surface of the cathode 2C opposite to the ion exchange membrane 3 faces. The cathode water passage 10C on the side contacts the water. Therefore, aggregation of hydrogen generated in the vicinity of the cathode 2C can be suppressed. As a result, the dissolution of the generated hydrogen into water can be promoted.

(10) The cathode 2C may further include a cathode power supply body 2CF and a cathode surface material 2CS covering the main surface of the cathode power supply body 2CF facing the ion exchange membrane 3. At least a part of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole THC is also preferably covered by the cathode surface material 2CS. According to this configuration, hydrogen is generated even inside the through hole THC. Therefore, the area of the portion of the cathode 2C where hydrogen is generated can be enlarged.

1‧‧‧Electrical components

1A‧‧‧Anode box

1AB, 1CB‧‧‧ cushioning

1AC, 1CC‧‧‧ box recess

1AD, 1CD‧‧‧ faceted depression

1AF, 1CF‧‧‧ fixing holes

1AI, 1CI‧‧‧ water hole

1AL, 1CL‧‧‧ conductive wire insertion hole

1AO, 1CO‧‧‧ water outlet

1AP, 1CP‧‧‧seal for seals

1AR, 1CR‧‧‧ box ribs

1AS, 1CS‧‧‧ box inclined surface

1C‧‧‧cathode box

2A‧‧‧Anode

2AE, 2CE‧‧‧ conductive wire

2AF‧‧‧Anode power supply

2AS‧‧‧Anode surface material

2C‧‧‧ cathode

2CF‧‧‧ cathode power supply

2CS‧‧‧Cake surface material

3‧‧‧Ion exchange membrane

10A‧‧‧Anode water passage

10B, 10C‧‧‧ Cathodic water access

C‧‧‧ gap

D‧‧‧ dent

P‧‧‧Seal

S‧‧‧ spacers

THA, THC‧‧‧through holes

V1, V2‧‧‧ flow rate

Fig. 1 is a perspective external view of an element for electrolysis according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an anode case of the element for electrolysis according to the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a cathode case of the element for electrolysis according to the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an element for electrolysis according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the element for electrolysis according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged transverse cross-sectional view showing an anode, an ion exchange membrane, a separator, and a cathode of the element for electrolysis according to the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a partially enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an anode, an ion exchange membrane, a separator, and a cathode of the element for electrolysis according to the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 4.

Claims (10)

An element for electrolysis having: anode; The cathode includes: a cathode power supply body; and a cathode surface material covering a main surface of the cathode power supply body; An ion exchange membrane contacting the anode and disposed between the anode and the cathode away from the cathode surface material; The spacer is provided in the cathode water passage between the cathode surface material and the ion exchange membrane. The element for electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein a gap in which the water supply flows is provided between the spacer and the surface material for the cathode. The element for electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is disposed in the cathode water passage so that a longitudinal direction of the spacer extends along a longitudinal direction of the cathode water passage. The element for electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is in contact with the surface material for the cathode so that the longitudinal direction of the spacer extends in the longitudinal direction of the surface material for the cathode. The element for electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein the cathode power supply body has at least one of a recess and a through hole at least on a main surface opposite to the ion exchange membrane. At least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the recess and the through hole is covered by the surface material for the cathode. The element for electrolysis according to claim 1, wherein an area of the portion of the spacer in contact with the surface material for the cathode is smaller than an area of a portion of the spacer in contact with the ion exchange membrane. An element for electrolysis having: anode; a cathode having a through hole extending toward the anode; An ion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and The two cathode water passages are provided on both sides of the cathode and communicate via the through holes. The electrolysis element according to claim 7, wherein, in the two cathode water passages, a cross-sectional area of a cathode water passage of the cathode opposite to the surface of the ion exchange membrane is larger than that of the cathode and the ion exchange membrane The cross-sectional area of the cathode water passage opposite to the back side of the surface is smaller. The electrolysis element according to claim 7, wherein, in the two cathode water passages, a cross-sectional area of a cathode water passage on a back side of the cathode opposite to the surface of the ion exchange membrane is larger than the cathode and the ion The cross-sectional area of the flow path of the cathode water passage on the surface side opposite to the exchange membrane is smaller. The electrolysis element according to claim 8, wherein the cathode comprises: a cathode power supply body; and a cathode surface material covering a main surface of the cathode power supply body facing the ion exchange membrane, At least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole is also covered by the surface material for the cathode.