A membrane electrode electrolyzer flow channel structure for CO2 electroreduction

By optimizing the flow channel structure through a multi-fold serpentine flow channel and hydrophilic/hydrophobic coating design, the problems of uneven reactant distribution, liquid product retention, and excessive pressure drop in the CO2 electroreduction membrane electrode electrolysis cell were solved, thereby improving CO2 conversion efficiency and catalyst stability.

CN122279638APending Publication Date: 2026-06-26NANJING UNIV
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NANJING UNIV
Filing Date
2026-02-10
Publication Date
2026-06-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing flow channel design in CO2 electroreduction membrane electrode electrolysis cells has problems such as uneven distribution of reactants, retention of liquid products, excessive pressure drop and failure of bubble management, which leads to reduced catalyst activity and limited energy efficiency.

Method used

Employing a multi-fold serpentine flow channel structure, combined with hydrophilic and hydrophobic coating design, Ag is added through melt cooling to optimize the inner wall structure of the flow channel, thereby reducing pressure and promoting laminar flow formation, ensuring stable mass transfer of gas/liquid products.

Benefits of technology

It has achieved improvements in CO2 mass transfer efficiency and system energy efficiency, increased catalyst utilization, efficient carry-out of liquid phase products, and increased catalytic reaction area, solving the problems of inhomogeneity and product retention in traditional flow channel design.

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Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of electrochemical catalysis technology, and specifically relates to a membrane electrode electrolytic cell flow channel structure for CO2 electroreduction. The flow channel structure is disposed within the electrolytic cell and includes a main flow channel inlet, a main flow channel outlet, and at least one 180° folding unit disposed between the main flow channel inlet and the main flow channel outlet. Each 180° folding unit symmetrically branches the incoming flow channel into two sub-flow channels, forming a bidirectional convection network. All sub-flow channels eventually converge to the main flow channel outlet. The multi-folding flow channel structure reduces the pressure in the CO2 gas path, facilitating the outflow of liquid products from the flow channel for collection and analysis. Furthermore, during the cell manufacturing process, a small amount of Ag is added through a melt-cooling process, which effectively reduces the temperature of the electrolyte during the reaction. This invention employs a multi-folding MEA flow channel, significantly improving the collection capacity of CO2 reduction products, thereby increasing the efficiency of CO2 conversion to carbon products.
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