WO2014199849A1

WO2014199849A1 - Method for producing functional water, device for producing functional water, and instrument equipped with said device

Info

Publication number: WO2014199849A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/064469
Authority: WO
Inventors: 棚橋正治; 棚橋正和; 寺島健太郎
Original assignee: 有限会社ターナープロセス; シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2013-06-12
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2014-12-18

Abstract

A device disclosed is equipped with: a container (10) in which an aqueous liquid (31) is to be placed; an electrode (11) and an electrode (12); an electric power supply (13); and a controller (20). The controller (20) implements steps (i) and (ii) in this order. In step (i), a voltage is applied between the electrode (11) and the electrode (12), thereby electrolyzing water on the surface of the electrode (11) and adsorbing ions in the aqueous liquid (31) onto the surface of the electrode (12). In step (ii), a voltage is applied between the electrode (11) and the electrode (12) in the direction opposite to the direction employed in step (i), thereby electrolyzing water on the surface of the electrode (11) and releasing the ions adsorbed on the surface of the electrode (12) into the aqueous liquid (31).

Description

Method for generating functional water, functional water generating device and equipment using the same

The present invention relates to a method for generating functional water, a functional water generating device, and a device using the same.

Conventionally, a method for preparing a liquid having a low oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) has been proposed. For example, a method has been proposed in which hydrogen gas or nitrogen gas is blown into water to change the amount of dissolved hydrogen or dissolved oxygen in the liquid, thereby reducing the redox potential of water (for example, JP-A-2005-901). Issue gazette). In addition, a method for changing the oxidation-reduction potential of water by electrolyzing water has been proposed (for example, JP-A-11-57715). In the method described in JP-A-11-57715, an anode and a cathode are arranged so as to sandwich a diaphragm, and water is electrolyzed simultaneously at the anode and the cathode. In this method, alkaline water having a high ORP and acidic water having a low ORP are always generated as a set.

JP-A-2005-901 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-57715

However, the conventional method of blowing gas from the outside requires a gas supply source, which is costly and troublesome. Further, regarding the method of electrolyzing water, the conventional method has a problem that the change in pH accompanying the change in redox potential cannot be controlled. In the method described in JP-A-11-57715, alkaline water having a high ORP and acidic water having a low ORP are generated at the same time. Therefore, when only one is used, the other needs to be discarded.

In such a situation, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus that can easily produce an aqueous liquid that is weakly acidic and has a low redox potential.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides one method. This method is a method of generating functional water using a container in which an aqueous liquid is disposed and first and second electrodes disposed in the container, and (i) the first and second electrodes By applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode while the electrode is immersed in the aqueous liquid, and electrolyzing water on the surface of the first electrode; and A step of adsorbing ions in the aqueous liquid on the surface of the second electrode; and (ii) a voltage in a direction opposite to the step of (i) between the first electrode and the second electrode. And the step of electrolyzing water on the surface of the first electrode and releasing the ions adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode into the aqueous liquid in this order.

The present invention also provides one functional water generator. The functional water generating device applies a voltage between a container in which an aqueous liquid is disposed, first and second electrodes disposed in the container, and the first electrode and the second electrode. Including a power supply and a controller. The controller includes: (i) applying the voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid; Electrolyzing water on the surface of the electrode and adsorbing ions in the aqueous liquid to the surface of the second electrode; and (ii) between the first electrode and the second electrode. In addition, by applying a voltage in the opposite direction to the step (i), water is electrolyzed on the surface of the first electrode, and the ions adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode are The step of releasing into the aqueous liquid is performed in this order.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily produce an aqueous liquid that is weakly acidic and has a low redox potential.

It is a figure which shows typically an example of the apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically another example of the apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of operation | movement of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of operation | movement of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically another example of the apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically another example of the apparatus of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows a part of experimental result of Example 1 and 2. FIG. It is a figure which shows the experimental result of Example 3.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described below. In the following description, specific numerical values and materials may be exemplified, but other numerical values and materials may be applied as long as the effects of the present invention can be obtained. Moreover, in the description using drawing, the same code | symbol may be attached | subjected to the same part and the overlapping description may be abbreviate | omitted.

(Method and apparatus for generating functional water)
The method of the present invention for producing functional water is a method for producing functional water using a container in which an aqueous liquid is arranged and first and second electrodes arranged in the container. Hereinafter, the aqueous liquid used in the method and apparatus of the present invention may be referred to as “aqueous liquid (A)”. In this method, steps (i) and (ii) described later are performed in this order. In the following steps (i) and (ii), the container in which the aqueous liquid (A) is disposed may or may not be sealed. By performing the process in a sealed state, the concentration of dissolved gas in the aqueous liquid (A) can be increased.

The apparatus of the present invention for generating functional water includes a container in which an aqueous liquid (A) is disposed, first and second electrodes disposed in the container, a first electrode, and a second electrode. A power supply for applying a voltage (usually a direct current voltage) between and a controller. And a controller performs the process (i) and (ii) mentioned later in this order. That is, the apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention. Therefore, the matters described for the method of the present invention can be applied to the apparatus of the present invention, and the items described for the apparatus of the present invention can be applied to the method of the present invention.

In the method and apparatus of the present invention, steps (i) and (ii) are usually performed in a batch mode. The batch system means that after adding a predetermined amount of the aqueous liquid (A) to the container (electrolysis container), the process is executed without substantially taking in and out the aqueous liquid (A) in the container. To do. For example, if the variation of the volume of the aqueous liquid (A) in the container is 20 vol% or less, it can be regarded as a batch system.

The aqueous liquid (A) is a liquid that is electrolyzed by the method of the present invention, and includes water. Usually, the aqueous liquid (A) is an aqueous solution in which the solvent is only water, but may contain a solvent other than water. The ratio of water in the solvent is usually in the range of 50 to 100% by weight, for example, in the range of 80 to 100% by weight or 90 to 100% by weight.

The aqueous liquid (A) contains other ions in addition to hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) and hydroxide ions (OH ⁻ ). Usually, the aqueous liquid (A) contains a cation other than hydrogen ions and an anion other than hydroxide ions. Examples of the aqueous liquid (A) include tap water. Hereinafter, cations other than hydrogen ions may be collectively referred to as “cations (L ⁺ )” regardless of their charge number, and anions other than hydroxide ions may be referred to as “anions (L)” regardless of their charge number. L ^-) "and there is a case to be collectively. Also. A cation (L ⁺ ) and an anion (L ⁻ ) may be collectively referred to as an ion (L). When the cation is adsorbed on the second electrode in the step (i), the aqueous liquid (A) contains a cation (L ⁺ ). When the anion is adsorbed on the second electrode in the step (i), the aqueous liquid (A) contains an anion (L ⁻ ).

The higher the conductivity of the aqueous liquid (A), the lower the voltage required for the electrolysis of the aqueous liquid (A). Therefore, the aqueous liquid (A) may be an aqueous solution in which a salt is dissolved. However, it is convenient if an aqueous liquid (for example, tap water) that is easy to handle and obtain can be used as the aqueous liquid (A). In the apparatus of the present invention, by adopting an appropriate configuration, an aqueous liquid (for example, tap water) having a conductivity in the range of 100 μS / cm to 1000 μS / cm (for example, 100 μS / cm to 300 μS / cm) is electrolyzed. It is possible.

If the conductivity of the aqueous liquid (A) is too low, a compound that generates ions (for example, a salt such as KCl or NaCl) may be dissolved in the aqueous liquid (A). There is no limitation on the salt to be added. The salt to be added is preferably such that the ions produced thereby do not react within the electrolysis potential of water.

In step (i), a voltage (DC voltage) is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode while the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A). By applying this voltage, water is electrolyzed on the surface of the first electrode, and ions (ions (L)) in the aqueous liquid (A) are adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode. By the step (i), the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is changed. Further, the redox potential of the aqueous liquid (A) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “ORP”) changes.

Next, in step (ii), a voltage (DC voltage) is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode in the opposite direction to step (i). By applying this voltage, water is electrolyzed on the surface of the first electrode, and ions adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode are released into the aqueous liquid (A). By the step (ii), the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is changed. Moreover, ORP of aqueous liquid (A) changes with process (ii). In step (ii), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A) that has undergone step (i).

In step (i), a constant voltage may be applied or the voltage may be changed. For example, in step (i), a voltage may be applied so that a constant current flows between the electrodes. In step (ii), a constant voltage may be applied or the voltage may be changed. For example, in step (ii), a voltage may be applied so that a constant current flows between the electrodes.

(First example)
Hereinafter, as a first example, a case where a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode serves as an anode in the step (i) will be described.

In the step (i) of the first example, the first electrode is an anode (between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A)). A voltage is applied so that the second electrode becomes a cathode (cathode). By applying this voltage, oxygen gas and hydrogen ions are generated on the surface of the first electrode, and cations (L ⁺ ) in the aqueous liquid (A) are adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode. By this step (i), the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is lowered. Further, the ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) changes.

In step (i), a constant voltage may be applied or the voltage may be changed. For example, a voltage may be applied so that a constant current flows between the electrodes. In step (i), voltage may be applied until the pH is in the range of 2.5 to 4.5 (for example, in the range of 3.0 to 4.0).

Next, in step (ii) of the first example, a voltage is applied so that the first electrode becomes a cathode (so that the second electrode becomes an anode) between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is applied. By applying this voltage, hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions are generated on the surface of the first electrode, and cations (L ⁺ ) adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode are released into the aqueous liquid. By this step (ii), the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is increased. That is, according to step (ii) of the first example, the aqueous liquid (A) that has become acidic or weakly acidic in step (i) can be made weakly acidic, neutral, or weakly alkaline. Moreover, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the aqueous liquid (A) is increased by the step (ii) of the first example, and the ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) is decreased. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an aqueous liquid (A) that is weakly acidic or neutral and has a low ORP. In another aspect, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an aqueous liquid (A) that is weakly acidic or neutral and has a high dissolved hydrogen concentration. Hereinafter, water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration (for example, water having a dissolved hydrogen concentration of 0.1 ppm or more) may be simply referred to as “hydrogen water”.

In one example of the first example, acidic water or weakly acidic water is produced in step (i), and is made weakly acidic to almost neutral in step (ii). In this specification, “substantially neutral” means, for example, that the pH is in the range of 6.0 to 8.0. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid (A) having a pH in the range of 4.5 to 8.0 and an ORP in the range of −450 to +250 mV. Further, according to the above method, it is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid (A) having a pH in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 and an ORP in the range of −150 to 0 mV. The aqueous liquid (A) obtained by this invention can be used for various uses as functional water. Examples of such applications include drinking applications, plant growing applications, air cleaning applications, and hairdressing applications.

(Second example)
Hereinafter, as a second example, a case where a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode serves as a cathode in step (i) will be described.

In step (i) of the second example, the first electrode is a cathode between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid (A). A voltage is applied so that the second electrode becomes the anode. By applying this voltage, hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions are generated on the surface of the first electrode, and the anions (L ⁻ ) in the aqueous liquid (A) are adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode. By this step (i), the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is increased. Further, the ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) changes.

Next, in the step (ii) of the second example, the voltage is set so that the first electrode becomes an anode (the second electrode becomes a cathode) between the first electrode and the second electrode. Is applied. By applying this voltage, oxygen gas and hydrogen ions are generated on the surface of the first electrode, and anions (L ⁻ ) adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode are released into the aqueous liquid. By this step (ii), the pH of the aqueous liquid (A) is lowered. That is, according to step (ii) of the second example, the aqueous liquid (A) that has become alkaline or weakly alkaline in step (i) can be made weakly alkaline, neutral, or weakly acidic. In addition, the dissolved hydrogen concentration of the aqueous liquid (A) is decreased and the ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) is increased by the step (ii) of the second example. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain a weakly alkaline or neutral aqueous liquid (A) having a high ORP. In one example, it is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid (A) having a pH in the range of 6.0 to 6.5 and an ORP in the range of 344 to 532 mV. In another aspect, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily obtain an aqueous liquid (A) that is weakly alkaline or neutral and has a low dissolved hydrogen concentration.

In addition, the pH of the aqueous liquid (functional water) after passing through the step (ii) by changing the conditions of each step and the pH and ORP of the aqueous liquid (A) before being treated in the step (i) The ORP can be set to a predetermined value. As described above, according to the present invention, functional water having pH and ORP in a predetermined range can be easily produced. Unlike the method described in JP-A-11-57715, according to the present invention, it is possible to produce only a weakly acidic to neutral aqueous liquid having a low ORP. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to produce only an aqueous liquid having weak alkalinity to neutrality and high ORP. In addition, in this specification, weak acid means that pH is 3.0 or more and less than 6.0. In this specification, weak alkalinity means that the pH is greater than 8.0 and 11.0 or less.

The controller included in the device of the present invention includes, for example, an arithmetic processing device and a storage device. Note that the controller may include an integrated circuit in which the arithmetic processing device and the storage device are integrated. The storage device stores a program for executing various processes (for example, steps (i) and (ii)). The arithmetic processing unit generates functional water by executing the stored program. Known devices can be applied to these arithmetic processing devices and storage devices.

Also, the device of the present invention may include an input device for inputting settings desired by the user and a display device for indicating the state of the device. Known input devices and display devices can be used. For example, a touch panel that serves as both an input device and a display device may be used.

The container used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the aqueous liquid (A), and may be a container formed using a resin, for example.

The first electrode is an electrode that is more susceptible to water electrolysis than the second electrode. An example of the first electrode is a metal electrode. In a typical example in the first example described above, a material having a hydrogen overvoltage smaller than the material present on the surface of the second electrode is present on the surface of the first electrode. Platinum is present on the surface of the first electrode of an example. A preferred example of the first electrode is a metal electrode coated with platinum, for example, a titanium electrode coated with platinum.

The second electrode is an electrode that can reversibly adsorb ions. The second electrode may include a conductive substance capable of reversibly adsorbing ions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “conductive substance (C)”).

In a typical example, the conductive material (C) is in the form of a sheet. The conductive substance (C) can adsorb ions reversibly. That is, the conductive substance (C) can release the adsorbed ions. As the conductive substance (C), for example, a substance that forms an electric double layer on the surface by adsorbing ions in a solution can be used. When surface charge is present on the surface of the conductive material (C), it is considered that ions having a sign opposite to the surface charge are adsorbed on the surface of the conductive material (C). For example, an anion is adsorbed when the surface charge is a positive charge, and a cation is adsorbed when the surface charge is a negative charge.

As the conductive substance (C), a conductive substance having a large specific surface area can be used. For example, a carbon material can be used. Among the carbon materials, activated carbon is preferably used because of its large specific surface area. For example, the conductive substance (C) may be a conductive sheet formed by aggregating granular activated carbon, or a conductive sheet formed by aggregating granular activated carbon and conductive carbon. Alternatively, it may be an activated carbon block formed by solidifying activated carbon particles, a sheet formed of activated carbon fibers, or a composite of these. Examples of the sheet formed of activated carbon fibers include a cloth formed of activated carbon fibers. Examples of the activated carbon fiber cloth include activated carbon fiber cloths manufactured by Nippon Kainol Co., Ltd. (product numbers such as ACC-5092-10, ACC-5092-15, and ACC-5092-20).

The specific surface area of the conductive material (C) is, for example, 300 m ² / g or more, and preferably 900 m ² / g or more. The upper limit of the specific surface area is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 5000 m ² / g or less or 2500 m ² / g or less. In this specification, “specific surface area” is a value measured by the BET method using nitrogen gas.

In a preferred example of the present invention, the first electrode includes platinum disposed on the surface, and the second electrode includes activated carbon disposed on the surface. According to this configuration, functional water can be generated efficiently.

The first and second electrodes may be flat (sheet-like) electrodes. In this specification, the phrase “flat plate” is not limited to the shape of a plate. The meaning of the phrase “flat” includes “flat” and “two-dimensional”. Examples of the plate-like electrode include, in addition to a general plate-like electrode, a linear electrode arranged in a plate shape and an expanded metal. In addition, the first and second electrodes may be electrodes through which gas can pass or flat electrodes through which gas can pass. Such electrodes include electrodes composed of linear electrodes and expanded metals. Only the first electrode may be a flat electrode through which gas can pass. Note that the electrode through which the gas can pass is an electrode through which the liquid can pass (that is, an electrode through which the gas and the liquid can pass) from another viewpoint.

The outer shape of the first and second electrodes is not limited, and may be, for example, a square shape. Moreover, there is no limitation in the size (outside size) of the first and second electrodes, and it can be selected according to the application. In addition, the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode can be arbitrarily set in consideration of the application. A plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes may be used. In that case, the first electrode and the second electrode may be alternately arranged.

Two preferred examples of electrodes will be described below. In one example (1), each of the first and second electrodes is a flat electrode. The first and second electrodes are arranged in parallel with each other so as to face each other in parallel to the vertical direction. According to this structure, functional water can be generated particularly efficiently. In this specification, “vertical direction” means a direction parallel to the direction of gravity. In this specification, “horizontal direction” means a direction parallel to a plane orthogonal to the direction of gravity. Further, in this specification, the meaning of “parallel” includes a case where it can be regarded as substantially parallel. For example, an inclination within 5 ° is included in the parallel range.

In another example (2), the first electrode is disposed above the second electrode. In this example (2), the first and second electrodes are preferably flat electrodes, and are arranged in parallel to each other so as to be parallel to the horizontal direction and to face each other. According to this structure, functional water can be generated particularly efficiently.

In the above examples (1) and (2), the first electrode may be a flat electrode through which gas can pass. In the above examples (1) and (2), both the first and second electrodes may be flat electrodes through which gas can pass.

The flat plate-like first and second electrodes may be disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. For example, the first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged parallel to each other and inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the first electrode is arranged above. Increasing the volume of the portion of the aqueous liquid (A) through which the generated gas passes can be achieved by tilting it in the horizontal direction as compared to arranging the first and second electrodes in parallel in the vertical direction. Can do.

A general DC power supply can be used as the power supply included in the apparatus of the present invention. The power source may be an AC-DC converter that converts an AC voltage obtained from an outlet into a DC voltage. The power source may be a power generation device such as a solar cell or a fuel cell or a battery (a primary battery and a secondary battery).

(Equipment including functional water generator)
The apparatus of this invention contains the functional water production | generation apparatus mentioned above. You may apply the well-known structure used with the apparatus to parts other than the functional water generating apparatus of this invention.

The apparatus of the present invention may further include a pipe for taking out and using the functional water generated by the functional water generator. And the connection part of the container contained in the functional water generating apparatus and in which the functional water is generated and the pipe may be located above the first electrode. For example, in the arrangement of the electrodes in Example (2) above, the connecting portion between the container in which the functional water is generated and the piping may be located above the first electrode. According to this structure, since the functional water produced | generated above the 1st electrode can be utilized, it becomes easy to obtain predetermined functional water. For example, it becomes easy to obtain functional water having a weak pH and a low ORP.

In one example of the device of the present invention, the connecting portion between the container in which the functional water is generated and the pipe may be disposed closer to the first electrode than to the second electrode. According to this configuration, it is easy to use an aqueous liquid (functional water) whose physical properties have changed in the vicinity of the first electrode.

The above piping may be connected to a diffusion unit for misting or steaming the functional water. Moreover, the said piping may be connected to the container for hold | maintaining functional water.

Examples of the device of the present invention include a functional water generator for beverages, a functional water generator for plant cultivation, an air purifier, and a hairdressing and beauty device.

(Embodiment 1)
An example of the method and apparatus of the present invention is described below. The apparatus 100 of Embodiment 1 for producing functional water is shown in FIG.

1 includes a container 10, first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 disposed in the container 10, a power source 13, and a controller 20. The power supply 13 includes a switching circuit for changing the polarity of the supplied voltage. The controller 20 controls the DC voltage (DC current) supplied from the power supply 13.

The first electrode 11 is a titanium electrode coated with platinum. A preferred example of the first electrode 11 is an electrode through which gas can pass. The second electrode 12 is an electrode including an activated carbon fiber cloth and a current collector in contact therewith. The first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 both have a flat plate shape (sheet shape) with a rectangular outer shape.

The container 10 is a container mainly made of resin. The container 10 may include a water supply port 10a as shown in FIG. The water supply port 10a can be closed with a lid. That is, the container 10 can be used as a sealed container. However, the container 10 may include a valve or the like for releasing the internal gas to the outside of the container 10 when the internal pressure in the container 10 increases excessively. In step (i), the container 10 may be opened, and in step (ii), the container 10 may be in a sealed state or a state close thereto.

In the apparatus 100, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are arranged in parallel to each other so as to be parallel to the vertical direction and to face each other. The arrangement of the first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 may be different from the arrangement shown in FIG. An example of such an apparatus 100a is shown in FIG.

2, the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are each arranged in parallel with the horizontal direction. Further, these electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other so that the first electrode 11 is arranged above the second electrode 12 and are opposed to each other. In the apparatus 100a of FIG. 2, it is preferable that the 1st electrode 11 is an electrode which lets gas pass.

An example when the method of the present invention is implemented using the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 will be described below. Even when the apparatus 100a of FIG. 2 is used, the method of the present invention can be carried out in the same procedure.

First, the aqueous liquid 31 is placed in the container 10. The aqueous liquid 31 is tap water, for example. In general tap water, the pH is in the range of 5.8 to 8.6, and the ORP is in the range of +300 to +750 mV. Next, step (i) is performed. Specifically, the controller 20 controls the power supply 13 and applies a DC voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 becomes an anode. At this time, a voltage at which oxygen gas is generated from at least the first electrode 11 is applied. For example, a voltage in the range of 20 to 80 volts may be applied. Note that the voltage to be applied can be reduced to about 5 volts by adding a salt such as KCl or NaCl (the same applies to step (ii)).

By applying the voltage in the step (i), as shown in FIG. 3A, water is electrolyzed on the surface of the first electrode 11 to generate hydrogen ions and oxygen gas. On the other hand, on the surface of the second electrode 12, the cation (L ⁺ ) in the aqueous liquid 31 is adsorbed on the activated carbon fiber cloth of the second electrode 12. As described above, examples of the cation (L ⁺ ) include not only a cation having a valence of 1 but also a polyvalent cation (for example, divalent or trivalent such as Ca ²⁺ , Mg ²⁺ and Fe ^3+). Of cations). Therefore, in the step (i), the hardness of the aqueous liquid 31 is usually reduced.

In step (i), the pH of the aqueous liquid 31 is lowered by the hydrogen ions generated on the surface of the first electrode 11. In step (i), the oxygen concentration generated in the surface of the first electrode 11 usually increases the dissolved oxygen concentration in the aqueous liquid 31, and as a result, the ORP of the aqueous liquid 31 may increase. However, the ORP may decrease depending on conditions.

Although depending on the type of aqueous liquid 31 to be used, in an example in which tap water having a pH in the range of 6 to 8 is used as the aqueous liquid 31, the pH of the aqueous liquid 31 is in the range of 2.5 to 4.5 ( For example, the voltage is applied until it becomes within the range of 3.0 to 4.0. In this example, the ORP at this time is in the range of −100 to +250 mV (eg, −50 to +100 mV).

Next, step (ii) is performed with the first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 immersed in the aqueous liquid 31 that has undergone step (i). Specifically, the controller 20 controls the power supply 13 and applies a DC voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 becomes a cathode. That is, a voltage is applied in the opposite direction to the step (i). At this time, a voltage at which hydrogen gas is generated from at least the first electrode 11 is applied. For example, a voltage in the range of 20 to 80 volts may be applied.

By applying the voltage in the step (ii), as shown in FIG. 3B, water is electrolyzed on the surface of the first electrode 11 to generate hydroxide ions and hydrogen gas. On the other hand, on the surface of the second electrode 12, cations (L ⁺ ) adsorbed on the surface are released into the aqueous liquid 31.

In step (ii), the pH of the aqueous liquid 31 is increased by hydroxide ions generated on the surface of the first electrode 11. In step (ii), the hydrogen gas generated on the surface of the first electrode 11 increases the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the aqueous liquid 31, and as a result, the ORP of the aqueous liquid 31 decreases.

By the above process, an aqueous liquid 31 having a pH near neutral and a low ORP is obtained. In addition, pH and ORP of the aqueous liquid 31 obtained can be adjusted by changing the kind of aqueous liquid 31 to be used, and the application conditions of voltage. According to the method and apparatus of the present invention, the aqueous liquid 31 (functional water) having a pH in the range of 4.5 to 8.0 and an ORP (oxidation-reduction potential based on the standard hydrogen electrode) in the range of −450 to +200 mV. ) Can be obtained. Further, according to the method and apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to obtain the aqueous liquid 31 having a pH in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 and an ORP in the range of about −200 to +100 mV. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an aqueous liquid 31 having a large amount of dissolved hydrogen even in a pH range where the acidity is relatively high as compared with the conventional method and apparatus. In this specification, when ORP is represented by a numerical value, the ORP is represented by a numerical value with reference to a standard hydrogen electrode.

The aqueous liquid (functional water) obtained by the method and apparatus of the present invention can also be used as it is for drinking or face washing. When drinking the functional water obtained in the first example described above, the effect of removing in-vivo active oxygen by dissolved hydrogen is expected. In addition, when the functional water obtained in the first example described above is used for washing the face, activation of the skin by the astrogen effect, skin tightening effect, disinfection effect, skin aging prevention effect by dissolved hydrogen, etc. There is expected.

The apparatus using the functional water generator of the present invention may include a diffusion unit that discharges the obtained aqueous liquid (functional water) into the air in the form of mist or steam. That is, humidification with functional water is possible by diffusing the obtained functional water (for example, hydrogen water) into the air.

ＰＨ By making weakly acidic functional water mist using a mist generating device, fluctuations in pH can be suppressed, and reduction in dissolved hydrogen concentration can be suppressed as compared to steaming. Therefore, when functional water is discharged into the air (including the case where the functional water is injected into the human body), it can be suppressed that the effect of the functional water is reduced. By spraying the functional water having a weak acidity and low ORP into the space, not only the humidification effect but also the prevention of bacterial infection due to the bactericidal effect of the acidic water is expected. In addition, when functional water with low acidity and low ORP is allowed to act on the skin, activation of the skin, etc. by the astrogen effect, skin tightening effect, disinfection effect, skin aging prevention effect by dissolved hydrogen, etc. are expected .

(Embodiment 2)
An example of the apparatus of the present invention including the functional water generating apparatus and the diffusing apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 includes a main body part 210, a container 10, a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, a diffusion part 220, a pipe 221, and an on-off valve 222. Device 200 includes an input device and a display device (both not shown). Note that the device 200 may include a touch panel that serves as both an input device and a display device.

The main body 210 includes a power supply 13 and a controller (control device) 20. The container 10, the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, the power supply 13, and the controller 20 are the same as those of the device 100 described in the first embodiment, and thus redundant description is omitted. That is, the device 200 includes the device 100 described in the first embodiment. However, in the apparatus 200 in FIG. 4, the container 10 provided with the water supply port 10a is used. Note that the arrangement of the electrodes may be the same as that of the device 100a of FIG. An example of such a device 200a is shown in FIG.

The diffusion unit 220 includes a mechanism for diffusing functional water. A known mechanism used in a humidifier or a mist generator can be applied to such a mechanism. However, since the dissolved hydrogen concentration decreases when functional water is heated, a mechanism that does not involve heating is preferable from the viewpoint of maintaining the dissolved hydrogen concentration.

The container 10 of the apparatus 100 and the diffusion unit 220 are connected by a pipe 221. The movement of the aqueous liquid 31 from the container 10 to the diffusion unit 220 may be performed, for example, by providing a pump or the like at a predetermined location (for example, the diffusion unit 220). Alternatively, the diffusing unit 220 may be disposed below the container 10 and the aqueous liquid 31 may be moved according to the height difference. By opening the on-off valve 222 provided in the pipe 221, the aqueous liquid 31 in the device 200 can be moved.

Two terminals (not shown) connected to the first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 are provided on a part of the outside of the container 10. In addition, two terminals for outputting electric power supplied from the power supply 13 are also provided in a part of the main body 210. The two terminals of the container 10 and the two terminals of the main body 210 are formed so as to be connected when the container 10 is set on the main body 210. Therefore, it is possible to apply a voltage from the power supply 13 to the first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 by setting the container 10 in the main body 210. The first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 may be integrated as an electrode unit that can be attached to and detached from the container 10. By doing so, the replacement and maintenance of the electrodes are facilitated.

The container 10 of the device 200 is formed to be detachable from the main body 210. According to this configuration, the water remaining in the container 10 after washing the first and

second electrodes

11 and 12 can be easily discarded by removing the container 10 from the main body 210. This facilitates maintenance by the user. Further, since it is possible to prevent water from splashing on the main body 210 and the like during cleaning, malfunction due to a short circuit or the like can be prevented.

The controller 20 is connected to the power source 13, the diffusion unit 220, the on-off valve 222, and other devices (for example, an input device, a display device, etc.), and controls them as necessary. Moreover, the controller 200 takes in the signal input from the input device as necessary and reflects it in the control.

An example of the operation of the device 200 will be described below. First, the aqueous liquid 31 is supplied from the water supply port 10a. Next, steps (i) and (ii) are performed as described for the device 100 to obtain functional water. The obtained functional water is diffused from the diffusion unit 220 and used.

Note that the connecting portion between the pipe 221 and the container 10 may be disposed at a position higher than the first electrode 11. An example of such a device 200b is shown in FIG. The device 200b includes a device 100a. In the device 200 b, a connection part (water intake) 221 a between the pipe 221 and the container 10 is located above the first electrode 11. From another viewpoint, the connection portion 221 a is closer to the first electrode 11 than the second electrode 12.

As described above, in the step (i), hydrogen ions (H ⁺ ) are generated on the surface of the first electrode 11 and the aqueous liquid 31 in the vicinity of the first electrode 11 is acidified. That is, the pH is lowered in the vicinity of the first electrode 11, and a pH concentration gradient is generated. When step (ii) is performed in this state, the aqueous liquid 31 above the first electrode 11 becomes weakly acidic to neutral due to an increase in pH, and ORP is generated by hydrogen gas generated at the first electrode 11. Decreases. As a result, it is easy to obtain reducing weakly acidic water having a high dissolved hydrogen concentration above the first electrode 11. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, by placing the connecting portion (water intake port) 221 a above the first electrode 11, the aqueous liquid 31 above the first electrode 11 is taken in, so that the pH is reduced. Functional water with low dissolved hydrogen concentration is easily obtained.

In addition, when the connection part (water intake) 221a is arrange | positioned above the 1st electrode 11, the aqueous liquid 31 below the connection part 221a will remain. By applying a voltage to this water in the same direction as the voltage application in the step (ii) and causing a current to flow, the cation (for example, hardness component) adsorbed on the second electrode 12 is left in the remaining aqueous liquid 31. Can be released inside. By discarding the aqueous liquid 31 from which the cations have been released, the ion adsorption ability of the second electrode 12 can be maintained. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example of processing including these steps. However, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example of processing. For example, the aqueous liquid 31 at the time when step (ii) is completed may be discarded.

Embodiments 1 and 2 have described the first example described above (when the first electrode is used as an anode in step (i)). However, the second example described above can be implemented by reversing the direction of voltage application in steps (i) and (ii).

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples.

(Example 1)
In Example 1, an experiment was performed using the apparatus 100 shown in FIG. As the first electrode 11, an electrode in which a plurality of platinum-coated titanium wires were arranged in a stripe shape was used. As the second electrode 12, a stack of three activated carbon fiber cloths (size: 70 mm × 90 mm) was used. The distance between the electrodes was 15 mm. The two electrodes were arranged in parallel to each other as shown in FIG. In addition, 100 mL of 0.1 wt% KCl aqueous solution was placed in the container 10 as the aqueous liquid 31.

Next, a DC voltage was applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 became an anode (step (i)). Specifically, a voltage was applied between the electrodes for 150 seconds so that a current of 0.20 A flows between the electrodes (total amount of electricity is 30 A · sec). Next, a DC voltage was applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode became a cathode without replacing the aqueous liquid 31 (step (ii)). Specifically, a voltage was applied between the electrodes for 80 seconds so that a current of 0.25 A flows between the electrodes (total amount of electricity is 20 A · sec). Table 1 shows the results of this voltage application for five samples.

As shown in Table 1, under the conditions of Example 1, an aqueous liquid having a pH of about 5.6 to 6.2 and an ORP of about -138 to 36 mV was obtained.

(Example 2)
In Example 2, the same experiment as in Example 1 was performed, except that the voltage application conditions in step (ii) were changed. In step (i) of Example 2, as in Example 1, a voltage was applied between the electrodes for 150 seconds so that a current of 0.20 A flows between the electrodes (total amount of electricity is 30 A · sec). In the next step (ii), a voltage was applied between the electrodes for 120 seconds so that a current of 0.20 A flows between the electrodes (total amount of electricity is 24 A · sec). Table 2 shows the results of this voltage application for five samples.

As shown in Table 2, under the conditions of Example 2, an aqueous liquid having a pH of about 7.0 to 7.5 and an ORP of about -435 to -420 mV was obtained.

FIG. 8 shows the distribution of the aqueous liquid finally obtained in Example 1 and Example 2. FIG. 8 also shows a line with a hydrogen partial pressure of 100% and a line with an oxygen partial pressure of 100%. By increasing the amount of electricity flowing in step (ii), the pH and ORP of Example 1 moved to the pH and ORP of Example 2.

In addition, the range of pH and ORP can be controlled by changing the voltage application conditions in steps (i) and (ii) (the same applies to the following examples). For example, in step (i), weakly acidic water having a pH of about 3.0 to 3.2 can be obtained by electrolysis of 500 mL of aqueous liquid 31 at 500 mA for 240 seconds. Further, in step (ii), 500 mL of the aqueous liquid 31 is electrolyzed at 500 mA for 150 seconds, so that the pH is in the range of 6.3 to 6.8 and the ORP is about −140 to −260 mV. Neutral reduced water in the range can be obtained.

(Example 3)
In Example 3, the experiment was performed using the apparatus 100a shown in FIG. As the first electrode 11, an expanded metal made of titanium and coated with platinum was used. As the second electrode 12, a sheet-like activated carbon electrode was used. The outer shapes of these electrodes were 90 mm × 70 mm, respectively. The distance between the electrodes was 10 mm. The two electrodes were arranged as shown in FIG.

The container 10 was charged with 300 mL of tap water having a pH of 7.5 and a conductivity of 180 μS / cm. Next, a DC voltage was applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 became an anode. Specifically, a voltage was applied so that a constant current of 500 mA flows between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The voltage at this time was 60 volts or less. By performing electrolysis at a current value of 500 mA for 180 to 240 seconds, weakly acidic water having a pH of about 3.0 to 3.2 was obtained.

Next, a DC voltage was applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 became a cathode. Specifically, a voltage was applied so that a constant current of 500 mA flows between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The voltage at this time was 50 volts or less. By performing electrolysis at a current value of 500 mA for 20 seconds, weakly acidic water having a pH of about 3.6 was obtained. By changing the voltage application conditions in step (ii), various functional waters (for example, a pH of 3.5 or more and less than 6 (for example, a pH in the range of 3.5 to 5.5) in a weakly acidic region, Reduced water having an ORP of about −300 to −50 mV).

FIG. 9 shows changes in physical properties of water in the container 10 in the above steps (i) and (ii) of Example 3. FIG. 9 also shows a line with a hydrogen partial pressure of 100% and a line with an oxygen partial pressure of 100%.

As shown in FIG. 9, pH was lowered and ORP was lowered by voltage application in step (i). Moreover, pH rose and ORP fell by the voltage application of process (ii). The reason why ORP has decreased in step (i) of Example 3 is not clear at present, but one possibility is that hydrogen is applied to the second electrode 12 during voltage application in step (i). When gas is generated and the hydrogen gas rises, oxygen dissolved in the water generated at the anode is partially expelled into the hydrogen gas, and as a result, the dissolved hydrogen concentration in the aqueous liquid 31 may increase. There is sex.

According to the results of the above examples, the behavior of the change in the physical properties of the aqueous liquid 31 is different between the case where the flat electrodes are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction and the case where the flat electrodes are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. Different. Therefore, the arrangement of the electrodes may be changed according to the application of the device.

The above equipment (and the generated hydrogen water) can be preferably used for hairdressing and beauty applications such as face washing. Water with a high dissolved hydrogen concentration and a low oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of about -500 to 0 mV is called so-called reduced water, and it is expected to have an anti-aging effect on the skin, especially for cosmetics. (Reference: Hot Spring Science, Vol. 55, p. 55-63, 2005).

Moreover, the functional water obtained by the present invention can be used for plant breeding applications (watering by watering, spraying on crops, etc.) in addition to hairdressing and beauty applications.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The present invention can be used for a functional water generation method and apparatus, and a device including the same.

Claims

A method of generating functional water using a container in which an aqueous liquid is disposed, and first and second electrodes disposed in the container,
(I) A surface of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid. Electrolyzing water and adsorbing ions in the aqueous liquid to the surface of the second electrode;
(Ii) electrolyzing water on the surface of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a direction opposite to the step (i), And releasing the ions adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode into the aqueous liquid in this order.
In the step (i), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes an anode, whereby oxygen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. Generating gas and hydrogen ions, and adsorbing cations in the aqueous liquid on the surface of the second electrode;
In the step (ii), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes a cathode, whereby hydrogen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. The method according to claim 1, wherein gas and hydroxide ions are generated, and the cation adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode is released into the aqueous liquid.
In the step (i), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes a cathode, whereby hydrogen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. Generating gas and hydroxide ions, and adsorbing the anions in the aqueous liquid on the surface of the second electrode;
In the step (ii), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes an anode, whereby oxygen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. The method according to claim 1, wherein gas and hydrogen ions are generated and the anions adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode are released into the aqueous liquid.
The first electrode includes platinum disposed on a surface;
The method of claim 1, wherein the second electrode comprises activated carbon disposed on a surface.
Each of the first and second electrodes is a flat electrode,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other so as to be parallel to the vertical direction and to face each other.
Each of the first and second electrodes is a flat electrode,
The first and second electrodes are arranged in parallel to the horizontal direction, in parallel to each other so as to face each other, and so that the first electrode is located above the second electrode. The method of claim 1.
The method according to claim 6, wherein the first electrode is a flat electrode through which a gas can pass.
A container in which an aqueous liquid is disposed, first and second electrodes disposed in the container, a power source for applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a controller A functional water generator comprising:
The controller is
(I) A surface of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a state where the first and second electrodes are immersed in the aqueous liquid. Electrolyzing water and adsorbing ions in the aqueous liquid to the surface of the second electrode;
(Ii) electrolyzing water on the surface of the first electrode by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode in a direction opposite to the step (i), And the functional water production | generation apparatus which performs the process to discharge | release the said ion adsorbed on the surface of the said 2nd electrode in the said aqueous liquid in this order.
The controller is
In the step (i), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes an anode, whereby oxygen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. Generating gas and hydrogen ions, and adsorbing cations in the aqueous liquid on the surface of the second electrode;
In the step (ii), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes a cathode, whereby hydrogen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. The functional water generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein gas and hydroxide ions are generated and the cation adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode is released into the aqueous liquid.
The controller is
In the step (i), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes a cathode, whereby hydrogen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. Generating gas and hydroxide ions, and adsorbing the anions in the aqueous liquid on the surface of the second electrode;
In the step (ii), a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode so that the first electrode becomes an anode, whereby oxygen is generated on the surface of the first electrode. The functional water generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein gas and hydrogen ions are generated and the anions adsorbed on the surface of the second electrode are released into the aqueous liquid.
The first electrode includes platinum disposed on a surface;
The functional water generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the second electrode includes activated carbon disposed on a surface.
Each of the first and second electrodes is a flat electrode,
The functional water generating device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in parallel to each other so as to be parallel to and perpendicular to the vertical direction.
Each of the first and second electrodes is a flat electrode,
The first and second electrodes are arranged in parallel to the horizontal direction, in parallel to each other so as to face each other, and so that the first electrode is located above the second electrode. The functional water generating apparatus according to claim 8.
The functional water generating device according to claim 13, wherein the first electrode is a flat electrode through which gas can pass.
Equipment including the functional water generator according to claim 8.
It further comprises piping for taking out and using the functional water generated by the functional water generator,
The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a connection portion between the pipe, which is a container included in the functional water generation device and in which the functional water is generated, is located above the first electrode. .
The device according to claim 15, which is a hairdressing and beauty device.