Preparation method of electrochemical device simulating artificial photosynthesis
By using nickel foam and copper foam to prepare electrodes and combining them with solar panels for power supply, the problems of low efficiency and high cost in existing technologies have been solved, realizing the conversion and industrial application of efficient and clean energy.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511474310.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing photocatalysis and electrocatalysis technologies suffer from low efficiency, high cost, expensive equipment, and poor portability in the energy sector, which limits the development of photocatalysis in the energy field.
Using nickel foam and copper foam as self-supporting materials, combined with Fe3+ solution treatment, anode and cathode electrodes are prepared. Powered by solar panels, they are assembled into an electrolytic cell to carry out electrocatalytic reactions, converting water and CO2 into oxygen and valuable chemicals.
It improves energy conversion efficiency, reduces catalyst costs, enables the industrial application of clean energy, and provides a portable and efficient energy conversion pathway.
Smart Images
Figure CN121320973A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of novel energy conversion, specifically to a method for preparing an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid growth of the world's population and the continuous expansion of industrialization, the excessive consumption of traditional energy sources has not only triggered an energy crisis but also brought about a series of environmental problems, such as the greenhouse effect caused by massive CO2 emissions. Therefore, the development of clean energy and the conversion of CO2 have become global concerns. Plants in nature convert CO2 and water into oxygen through natural photosynthesis (NPS), a process that effectively consumes CO2 while providing oxygen. Therefore, developing efficient devices that mimic the photosynthesis process of plants in nature to convert water into oxygen while consuming CO2 and converting it into chemicals is one of the important strategies for solving greenhouse gas emissions, the energy crisis, and environmental pollution.
[0003] NPS consists of two consecutive steps: the light reaction and the dark reaction. However, the light energy conversion efficiency of NPS is typically less than 1%, far below the theoretical limit of 30%. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, the concept of artificial photosynthesis was proposed in the 1980s. Research has led to the construction of highly efficient artificial photosynthetic systems for oxygen production and solar energy storage by simulating the principles of natural photosynthesis. To date, significant progress has been made in exploring new energy sources such as constructing artificial light and pigment proteins to manufacture solar biocells, genetically modifying plant carbon fixation pathways, and photocatalytic energy production. In 2009, the Japan Science and Technology Agency vigorously promoted the "Light Energy and Matter Conversion" project, and in 2012, it launched the "Artificial Photosynthesis" project. Since 2007, international conferences on solar fuels and artificial photosynthesis have been held regularly to exchange experiences and promote continuous development in this field. However, the low efficiency, high cost of equipment, and stringent requirements for the reaction environment of existing photocatalytic methods severely limit the development of photocatalysis in the energy sector.
[0004] Electrocatalytic reactions are highly efficient and stable, making them a promising approach in the energy sector. In the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), noble metals such as Ir and Ru, and their compounds, exhibit high catalytic activity; however, their high cost, limited reserves, and tendency to deactivate over long-term use restrict their large-scale commercial application. Electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide offers advantages such as low energy consumption and high controllability. However, CO2 reduction involves multi-electron reactions with complex pathways, and suitable catalysts are currently lacking. Furthermore, electrocatalytic reactions require a constant supply of electricity, and the reactors are immobile, resulting in poor portability. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to supplement and improve upon existing photocatalysis and electrocatalysis technologies by providing a method for preparing an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis. By focusing the anolyte catalyst in the electrocatalytic reaction, the catalytic efficiency of the electrolyzer is improved, and the catalyst cost is reduced. Combined with a solar panel to convert light energy into electrical energy, this electrical energy drives the electrocatalytic reaction, converting water and CO2 into oxygen and valuable chemicals, providing a feasible approach for achieving novel energy conversion.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:
[0007] A method for preparing an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis, the method comprising:
[0008] Configure Fe at different concentrations 3+ Solution, nickel foam is immersed in Fe at room temperature 3+ Stir in the solution.
[0009] Rinsing Fe from the surface of the nickel foam 3+ Solution residue was left, and the rinsed nickel foam was dried. The copper foam was then activated with dilute hydrochloric acid.
[0010] A nickel foam anode and a copper foam cathode are assembled into a water electrolyzer. A CO2-saturated electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyzer, and the electrolyzer is connected to a solar photovoltaic panel to assemble an integrated device that uses solar power to catalyze oxygen generation and CO2 conversion.
[0011] Furthermore, Fe 3+ The solution concentration gradient was set from 0.01 mol / L to 0.05 mol / L.
[0012] Furthermore, Fe 3+ Solutions include, but are not limited to, ferric chloride solution, ferric nitrate solution, and ferric sulfate solution.
[0013] Furthermore, the soaking time gradient was set from 2 hours to 10 hours.
[0014] Furthermore, copper-based self-supporting materials include, but are not limited to, copper foam and copper nanowires.
[0015] Furthermore, the electrolyte is a 1 mol / L KOH solution.
[0016] Furthermore, the anode self-supporting catalyst and the cathode self-supporting catalyst are prepared into components for an electrolyzer, and the steps are as follows: the catalysts are assembled into an electrolyzer in sequence, and a CO2-saturated electrolyte is introduced.
[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide a simple electrolytic cell electrode, which is prepared by the above method. The Fe / nickel foam catalyst at the anode and the copper foam catalyst at the cathode can be directly regarded as working electrodes and have good electrochemical activity.
[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide the application of the above-mentioned electrodes in electrolytic cells and devices for artificial photosynthesis.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0020] (1) Electrocatalysis is used instead of traditional photocatalysis in the reaction, but solar panels are used to power the reaction, which effectively improves the efficiency of energy conversion and eliminates the need for external power.
[0021] (2) Nickel foam and copper foam are selected as material substrates because they have obvious advantages in self-supporting structure, good conductivity and easy modification, which can improve reaction efficiency and reduce energy loss.
[0022] (3) Selecting Ni, Fe, and Cu as active sites is low-cost and conducive to technology promotion. Attached Figure Description
[0023] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a technical roadmap for the device of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 3 These are optical microscope characterization images. (a) is Example 1, (b) is Example 2, and (c) is Example 3.
[0027] Figure 4 The graphs show the electrochemical performance data. (a) is Example 1, (b) is Example 2, and (c) is Example 3. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To further illustrate the preparation method of the electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis according to the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0029] The preparation method of an electrochemical device mimicking artificial photosynthesis according to the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments:
[0030] This invention discloses a method for preparing an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis. By focusing the anode catalyst in the electrocatalytic reaction, the catalytic efficiency of the electrolyzer is improved, the catalyst cost is reduced, and solar panels are used to convert light energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is then used to drive the electrocatalytic reaction, converting water and CO2 into oxygen and valuable chemicals. This device effectively catalyzes related reactions, realizing the industrialization of clean energy.
[0031] The technical solution of this invention is as follows:
[0032] A method for preparing an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis includes the following steps:
[0033] Configure Fe at different concentrations 3+ Solution, nickel foam is immersed in Fe at room temperature 3+ Stir in the solution.
[0034] Rinsing Fe from the surface of the nickel foam 3+ Solution residue was left, and the rinsed nickel foam was dried. The copper foam was then activated with dilute hydrochloric acid.
[0035] A nickel foam anode and a copper foam cathode are assembled into a water electrolyzer. A CO2-saturated electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyzer, and the electrolyzer is connected to a solar photovoltaic panel to assemble an integrated device that uses solar power to catalyze oxygen generation and CO2 conversion.
[0036] Preferably, Fe 3+ The solution concentration gradient was set from 0.01 mol / L to 0.05 mol / L.
[0037] Further preferred, Fe 3+ The solution concentration is 0.05 mol / L.
[0038] Fe 3+ Solutions include, but are not limited to, ferric chloride solution, ferric nitrate solution, and ferric sulfate solution.
[0039] The soaking time gradient was set from 2h to 10h.
[0040] Preferably, the soaking time is set to 6 hours.
[0041] Preferably, copper-based self-supporting materials include, but are not limited to, copper foam and copper nanowires.
[0042] The working electrode of an electrochemical device is prepared using the above method. This electrode can effectively convert water and CO2 into oxygen and valuable chemicals.
[0043] The aforementioned electrodes are assembled into an electrolytic cell, which is then used in conjunction with a solar panel for electrochemical applications.
[0044] The electrolyte is a 1 mol / L KOH solution.
[0045] Preferably, the steps for preparing the anode self-supporting catalyst and the cathode self-supporting catalyst for use in the electrolyzer are as follows;
[0046] The catalysts are assembled into an electrolytic cell in sequence, and a CO2-saturated electrolyte is introduced.
[0047] This invention develops a novel energy conversion device that achieves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and chemicals using clean energy. By attempting to replace existing precious metal electrocatalysts with inexpensive metals, the cost of electrochemical devices is reduced, promoting the commercial application of electrochemical devices that mimic artificial photosynthesis, thus contributing to the goal of carbon neutrality and providing new ideas for alleviating the energy and environmental crisis.
[0048] This invention provides a method for preparing and researching an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis. Many methods and approaches exist for implementing this technical solution; the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention. All components not explicitly stated in this embodiment can be implemented using existing technologies.
[0049] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.
[0050] Example 1.
[0051] The specific operating steps are as follows:
[0052] A. Preparation of the anode electrode:
[0053] (1) Prepare a 0.01 mol / L FeCl3 solution.
[0054] (2) Immerse the nickel foam in FeCl3 solution at room temperature and stir for 4 hours.
[0055] (3) Rinse the Fe from the surface of the nickel foam. 3+ The solution residue was dried after rinsing the foamed nickel.
[0056] B. Preparation of the cathode electrode:
[0057] (4) Activate copper foam with dilute hydrochloric acid.
[0058] C Electrochemical performance testing:
[0059] The electrochemical detection equipment consists of an electrochemical workstation, a reaction cell, a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. Platinum wire is used as the counter electrode, mercury / mercury oxide as the reference electrode, and the working electrode is the sample. Linear voltammetry is used with a scanning potential of 100 mV / s and a scanning range X of 1-1.5 V.
[0060] Example 2.
[0061] The specific operating steps are as follows:
[0062] A. Preparation of the anode electrode:
[0063] (1) Prepare a 0.03 mol / L FeCl3 solution.
[0064] (2) Immerse the nickel foam in FeCl3 solution at room temperature and stir for 6 hours.
[0065] (3) Rinse the Fe from the surface of the nickel foam. 3+ The solution residue was dried after rinsing the foamed nickel.
[0066] B. Preparation of the cathode electrode:
[0067] (4) Activate copper nanowires with dilute hydrochloric acid.
[0068] C Electrochemical performance testing:
[0069] The electrochemical detection equipment consists of an electrochemical workstation, a reaction cell, a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. Platinum wire is used as the counter electrode, mercury / mercury oxide as the reference electrode, and the working electrode is the sample. Linear voltammetry is used with a scanning potential of 100 mV / s and a scanning range X of 1-1.5 V.
[0070] Example 3.
[0071] The specific operating steps are as follows:
[0072] A. Preparation of the anode electrode:
[0073] (1) Prepare a 0.05 mol / L FeCl3 solution.
[0074] (2) Immerse the nickel foam in FeCl3 solution at room temperature and stir for 6 hours.
[0075] (3) Rinse the Fe from the surface of the nickel foam. 3+ The solution residue was dried after rinsing the foamed nickel.
[0076] B. Preparation of the cathode electrode:
[0077] (4) Activate copper foam with dilute hydrochloric acid.
[0078] C Electrochemical performance testing:
[0079] The electrochemical detection equipment consists of an electrochemical workstation, a reaction cell, a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode. Platinum wire is used as the counter electrode, mercury / mercury oxide as the reference electrode, and the working electrode is the sample. Linear voltammetry is used with a scanning potential of 100 mV / s and a scanning range X of 1-1.5 V.
[0080] Examples 1-3 were tested.
[0081] (1) Optical Microscope
[0082] The optical microscopes in Examples 1-3 are as follows: Figure 3 As shown. With increasing stirring time, Fe 3+ The nickel foam gradually and evenly covers the structure, but after 6 hours, some of the nickel foam has already dissolved in the structure.
[0083] (2) Electrochemical performance
[0084] The electrochemical performance data of Examples 1-3 are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, with increasing soaking time and concentration, the overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction decreases, indicating that under the condition of preserving a relatively complete nickel foam structure, Fe... 3+ The presence of [something] can effectively improve catalytic activity.
[0085] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.
Claims
1. A method for preparing an electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Configure Fe at different concentrations 3+ Solution, nickel foam is immersed in Fe at room temperature 3+ Stir in the solution; Rinsing Fe from the surface of the nickel foam 3+ If solution residue remains, dry the rinsed nickel foam. Activate copper foam with dilute hydrochloric acid; A nickel foam anode and a copper foam cathode are assembled into a water electrolyzer. A CO2-saturated electrolyte is introduced into the electrolyzer, and the electrolyzer is connected to a solar photovoltaic panel to assemble an integrated device that uses solar power to catalyze oxygen generation and CO2 conversion.
2. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Fe 3+ The solution concentration gradient was set from 0.01 mol / L to 0.05 mol / L.
3. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Fe 3+ Solutions include, but are not limited to, ferric chloride solution, ferric nitrate solution, and ferric sulfate solution.
4. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soaking time gradient is set from 2h to 10h.
5. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soaking time gradient is set to 6 hours.
6. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The copper-based self-supporting materials include, but are not limited to, copper foam and copper nanowires.
7. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrolyte is a 1 mol / L KOH solution.
8. An electrochemical device that mimics artificial photosynthesis, characterized in that, It is produced by the preparation method according to any one of claims 1-3.
9. The application of the electrochemical device mimicking artificial photosynthesis according to claim 8 in electrochemistry.
10. The application of the electrochemical device mimicking artificial photosynthesis according to claim 8 in electrochemistry, characterized in that, The steps of preparing the anode self-supporting catalyst and the cathode self-supporting catalyst for use in the electrolyzer include: assembling the catalysts into the electrolyzer in sequence and introducing a CO2-saturated electrolyte.