Device for obtaining nascent oxygen from an atmospheric environment and device for preventing the passage of liquids

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment, comprising: a cathode in contact with the atmospheric environment; an anode disposed on the cathode; an electrolyte impregnating the cathode and the anode; a container having an inlet and an outlet, and containing the cathode, the anode and the electrolyte, wherein the cathode is disposed at the inlet; a moisture removal structure disposed at the outlet; and a permeation component disposed at the outlet and closer to the outlet than the moisture removal structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for generating oxygen. More specifically, this disclosure relates to an apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment. Background Technology

[0002] Common oxygen generators are continuous oxygen supply devices. Their principle involves using an electric motor (or air compressor) to draw air from the atmosphere into the machine. The air then passes through a molecular sieve to separate oxygen and nitrogen, thus producing a high concentration of oxygen. Devices that use molecular sieves to separate oxygen are called dry oxygen generators. Because this type of oxygen generator operates on the principle of a metal-air electrochemical cell, where oxidation-reduction reactions occur at the electrodes, the consumption of oxygen from the external air at the cathode leads to a decrease in oxygen production efficiency. Therefore, the material of the electrodes and their manufacturing process are key factors affecting oxygen production efficiency.

[0003] To achieve more efficient redox reactions, the selection of the appropriate catalyst for the electrode's catalytic layer has become a key research focus in this field, as the catalyst's activity significantly impacts the performance of the air electrode. Typically, an air electrode consists of a catalytic layer containing the catalyst, a conductive current collector, and a gas diffusion film. The inventors of this invention focus on improving the catalytic layer to enhance the oxygen production efficiency of an oxygen generator.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode to improve the structure of the electrode catalyst layer, increase the reaction area, and improve oxygen production efficiency.

[0005] Furthermore, the moisture content (or water mist, water vapor, water vapor, humidity, fog, aerosol, liquid) in the atmosphere varies with weather conditions, especially in Taiwan where the climate is humid year-round. However, conventional dry oxygen generators do not address air humidity at the air inlet. Therefore, the separated oxygen may contain a certain amount of moisture. Alternatively, even if highly absorbent molecular sieves (such as activated alumina) are used to adsorb moisture within the dry oxygen generator, the molecular sieves will face limitations due to moisture saturation. In view of this, the applicant has disclosed a device to prevent liquid from passing through and a device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere, which can remove moisture from the atmosphere to output dry oxygen.

[0006] Furthermore, the applicant in this case has proposed a moisture removal structure suitable for wet oxygen manufacturing equipment, which blocks moisture in the atmospheric environment from flowing out with gravity, or after the wet oxygen generator separates oxygen, the moisture that may evaporate in the electrolyte is blocked by the moisture removal structure and will not be output with the oxygen, thus maintaining the concentration of the electrolyte and extending the service life of such wet oxygen generator.

[0007] Therefore, in view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the applicant has invented a moisture removal structure and a device for obtaining fresh oxygen from the atmospheric environment to improve the problems of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment, comprising: a cathode in contact with the atmospheric environment; an anode disposed on the cathode; an electrolyte impregnating the cathode and the anode; a container having an inlet and an outlet and containing the cathode, the anode and the electrolyte, wherein the cathode is disposed at the inlet; a moisture removal structure disposed at the outlet having an outlet location; and a permeation component disposed at the outlet and closer to the outlet location than the moisture removal structure.

[0009] Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for generating new oxygen from the atmospheric environment, comprising: an oxygen generating unit; a container having an outlet and housing the oxygen generating unit; a moisture removal structure disposed in the container; and a permeation component disposed at the outlet and closer to the outlet than the moisture removal structure.

[0010] Another objective of this case is to provide a device for preventing the passage of liquid, including a liquid removal structure and a permeation component. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The above-described objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the structure of the catalyst layer of an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of an electrode containing a catalyst layer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram showing the electrode structure of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram showing the electrode structure of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen, which is used to configure the electrodes of Examples 1 to 5 and the comparative examples for testing.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a line graph showing the change in unit area current density versus time for Embodiments 1-5 and Comparative Examples of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6A This is a photograph of a cathode material according to an embodiment of the present invention, on which water droplets are applied to test the contact angle characteristics of the cathode surface.

[0019] Figure 6B It is based on Figure 6A A schematic diagram showing the contact angle state of the cathode surface.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode material of a wet-type apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a device for preventing liquid from passing through, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment in a dry manner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a device for obtaining new oxygen from the atmospheric environment in a dry manner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the oxygen production under dehydration test conditions for the wet oxygen-generating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a moisture loss curve from a moisture removal test of the wet oxygen-derived apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The invention presented in this case will be fully understood by the following embodiments, which will enable those skilled in the art to carry it out. However, the implementation of this case is not limited to the following embodiments. Those skilled in the art can still deduce other embodiments based on the spirit of the disclosed embodiments, and all such embodiments should be within the scope of this invention.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the structure of the catalyst layer of a cathode according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1In this embodiment, the catalyst layer 100 mainly comprises: a conductive agent 101, a binder 102, a large-particle-size catalyst 103, and a small-particle-size catalyst 104. The conductive agent 101 is uniformly distributed in the binder 102 and on the surfaces of the large-particle-size catalyst 103 and the small-particle-size catalyst 104. The binder 102 also fixes the large-particle-size catalyst 103 and the small-particle-size catalyst 104 together. Even so, fluid channels 105 still exist in the catalyst layer 100 between the large-particle-size catalyst 103, between the small-particle-size catalyst 104, and between the large-particle-size catalyst 103 and the small-particle-size catalyst 104, and the fluid channels 105 also vary in size. In this embodiment of the invention, the catalyst layer 100, through this structure of catalysts with mixed particle sizes, uses large-particle-size catalysts to create large fluid channels and small-particle-size catalysts to create small fluid channels, so that the fluid channels are closely distributed in the catalyst layer. For example, this increases the surface area of ​​the catalyst, improves the reaction efficiency, and thus improves the oxygen production efficiency.

[0028] In the embodiment of this invention, the catalyst layer 100 is mainly composed of a large-particle-size catalyst 103 and a small-particle-size catalyst 104, where "particle size" refers to "average particle size." The "average particle size" refers to the D50 value (i.e., the median particle size distribution) or arithmetic mean calculated using, for example, a laser particle size analyzer known in the art. This "average particle size" can be determined by those skilled in the art based on specific requirements. For example, to ensure product quality stability, catalyst particles of appropriate size are screened using sieves of a specific mesh size. Furthermore, since the shape of catalyst particles is not fixed, the particle size is calculated based on the major axis of the particle. The large-particle-size catalyst 103 of this invention uses an average particle size range of 150–270 µm, and the small-particle-size catalyst 104 uses an average particle size range of 5–50 µm. The average particle size of the large-particle-size catalyst 103 is 3–54 times that of the small-particle-size catalyst 104.

[0029] Furthermore, the materials of the large-particle-size catalyst 103 and the small-particle-size catalyst 104 in the catalyst layer 100 of the present invention are selected from the group consisting of ruthenium dioxide, iridium dioxide, manganese dioxide, cobalt monoxide, cobalt tetroxide, nickel hydroxide, nickel oxide, iron oxide, tungsten trioxide, vanadium pentoxide and palladium oxide.

[0030] The adhesive 102 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The conductive agent 101 is made of carbon black, acetylene black, or carbon nanofibers.

[0031] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing process of an electrode including a catalyst layer 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: Step S1, mixing a large-particle-size catalyst, a small-particle-size catalyst, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent to form a first mixture; then Step S2, stirring the first mixture to obtain a second mixture; and Step S3, rolling the second mixture into a catalyst layer to obtain the catalyst layer 100. Furthermore, the solvent is water, an alcohol, or a combination thereof. Then, in order to further fabricate the catalyst layer 100 into an electrode, the solvent evaporates during the electrode manufacturing process, thereby facilitating the formation of fluid channels 105, such as pores, in the catalyst layer 100. Finally, in Step S4, the catalyst layer 100 is pressed together with a conductive current collector and a gas diffusion film to obtain the electrode.

[0032] The conductive agent added in step S1 above shall not exceed half the total weight of the first mixture, preferably in the range of 20-50%, and more preferably 28-46%. This is because while the conductive agent can enhance electrode conductivity, excessive addition will reduce the catalyst content and decrease the reactivity. The catalyst added in step S1 above, wherein the weight ratio of the large-particle-size catalyst to the small-particle-size catalyst is 10:1 to 1:10, preferably 5:1 to 1:5.

[0033] The difference between the mixing and stirring in steps S1 and S2 lies in the fact that step S1 is a general mixing process that does not require high homogeneity, while step S2 is performed to achieve high homogeneity of the mixture. Therefore, the stirring process in step S1 can be set at a speed of 50–800 rpm, preferably 100–700 rpm, and more preferably 150–600 rpm, using a commonly used mixer (blade shear mixer) to produce the first mixture. The stirring in step S2 is preferably performed using a planetary mixer (also known as a gravity centrifugal mixer), with a speed set in the range of 200–2000 rpm, preferably 400–1900 rpm, and more preferably 500–1400 rpm, to produce the second mixture. Furthermore, step S2 is not limited to using a planetary mixer; a blade shear mixer can also be used, as long as the uniform distribution of materials is achieved.

[0034] The rolling process in step S3 above uses a rolling mill commonly used by those skilled in the art, with the rotation speed set between 1 and 30 rpm, preferably between 2 and 28 rpm, and more preferably between 4 and 26 rpm. The roller temperature is set below 150°C, preferably between 15 and 100°C, and more preferably between 20 and 80°C.

[0035] Figure 3A This is a schematic diagram showing the electrode structure of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3BThis is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrode structure according to another embodiment of the present invention. For example... Figure 3A As shown, cathode 113 is formed by pressing conductive current collector 112 onto catalyst layer 100, and gas diffusion film 111 is pressed onto conductive current collector 112. Alternatively, it can be as follows... Figure 3B As shown, a first gas diffusion film 111a is pressed onto the catalyst layer 100, then a conductive current collector 112 is pressed onto the first gas diffusion film 111a, and finally a second gas diffusion film 111b is pressed onto the conductive current collector 112. This four-layer electrode structure provides a more stable reaction than a three-layer structure because the gas diffusion film 111 has a better bond with the conductive current collector 112.

[0036] The conductive current collector 112 functions to concentrate current, fix the catalyst layer, and support the electrode structure. It is made of a mesh or foam material, such as stainless steel, nickel, titanium, or copper. The gas diffusion membrane 111, the first gas diffusion membrane 111a, and the second gas diffusion membrane 111b function to allow oxygen to pass through and prevent electrolyte leakage. They are made of materials similar to the conductive agent 101 and the adhesive 102 described above. That is, the gas diffusion membrane 111, the first gas diffusion membrane 111a, and the second gas diffusion membrane 111b are made by mixing, stirring, and rolling a conductive agent, such as carbon black, acetylene black, and carbon nanofibers, and an adhesive, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The steps are similar to steps S1 to S3 described above, except that no catalyst is added. The mixing ratio can be adjusted by those skilled in the art as needed, but it is preferable that the proportion of conductive agent 101 is higher than that of adhesive 102. In the gas diffusion membrane 111, the proportion of adhesive is higher than that in the catalyst layer 100.

[0037] Based on the above-described method for manufacturing the catalyst layer 100 of the present invention, the following embodiments are proposed.

[0038] Table 1

[0039] In Example 1 of the present invention, the mixture was prepared according to the proportions shown in Table 1 above. Specifically, 45 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 270 µm, 9 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 5 µm, 103.5 g of XC72R, 67.5 g of PTFE, 112 g of 95% ethanol, and 665 g of water were mixed and stirred at 200 rpm for 10 minutes using a DLH DC mixer (YOTEC, model: MRB-3500L) to produce a gel-like first mixture. The gel-like first mixture was then stirred at 1900 rpm for 5 minutes using a Thinky planetary mixer to obtain a lumpy second mixture. The lumpy second mixture was then rolled into a catalyst layer with a thickness of 0.78 mm using a rolling mill (Yezhong, EKT-2100SLM) at 25°C and 50 rpm. Finally, the catalyst layer is pressed together with the conductive current collector and the gas diffusion film (1.2 mm thick) to obtain an electrode (or cathode) with a thickness of 1.87 mm.

[0040] Table 2

[0041] Example 2 of the present invention was prepared according to the proportions shown in Table 2 above. Specifically, 78.75 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 270 µm, 15.75 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 50 µm, 56.25 g of XC72R, 6.75 g of VGCF-H, 67.5 g of PTFE, 112 g of 95% ethanol, and 665 g of water were mixed and stirred at 200 rpm for 10 minutes using a DLH DC mixer (YOTEC, model: MRB-3500L) to produce a gel-like first mixture. The gel-like first mixture was then stirred at 1900 rpm for 5 minutes using a Thinky planetary mixer to obtain a lumpy second mixture. The lumpy second mixture was then rolled into a catalyst layer with a thickness of 0.78 mm using a rolling mill (Yezhong, EKT-2100SLM) at 25°C and 50 rpm. Finally, the catalyst layer is pressed together with the conductive current collector and the gas diffusion film (1.2 mm thick) to obtain an electrode (or cathode) with a thickness of 1.87 mm.

[0042] Table 3

[0043] Regarding Example 3 of the present invention, the preparation was carried out according to the proportions shown in Table 3 above. Specifically, 78.75 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 150 µm, 15.75 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 5 µm, 85.5 g of XC72R, 45 g of PTFE, 114 g of 95% ethanol, and 662 g of water were mixed and stirred at 200 rpm for 10 minutes using a DLH DC stirrer (YOTEC, model: MRB-3500L) to produce a gel-like first mixture. The gel-like first mixture was then stirred at 1900 rpm for 5 minutes using a Thinky planetary stirrer to obtain a lumpy second mixture. Then, the lumpy second mixture was rolled into a catalyst layer with a thickness of 0.78 mm using a rolling mill (Yezhong, EKT-2100SLM) at 25°C and 50 rpm. Finally, the catalyst layer is pressed together with the conductive current collector and the gas diffusion film (1.2 mm thick) to obtain an electrode (or cathode) with a thickness of 1.87 mm.

[0044] Table 4

[0045] Regarding Example 4 of the present invention, the preparation was carried out according to the proportions shown in Table 4 above. Specifically, 67.5 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 150 µm, 13.5 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 50 µm, 99 g of XC72R, 45 g of PTFE, 114 g of 95% ethanol, and 662 g of water were mixed and stirred at 200 rpm for 10 minutes using a DLH DC stirrer (YOTEC, model: MRB-3500L) to produce a gel-like first mixture. The gel-like first mixture was then stirred at 1900 rpm for 5 minutes using a Thinky planetary stirrer to obtain a lumpy second mixture. Then, the lumpy second mixture was rolled into a catalyst layer with a thickness of 0.78 mm using a rolling mill (Yezhong, EKT-2100SLM) at 25°C and 50 rpm. Finally, the catalyst layer is pressed together with the conductive current collector and the gas diffusion film (1.2 mm thick) to obtain an electrode (or cathode) with a thickness of 1.87 mm.

[0046] Table 5

[0047] Example 5 of the present invention was prepared according to the proportions shown in Table 5 above. Specifically, 13.5 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 150 µm, 67.5 g of MnO2 with an average particle size of 50 µm, 69.75 g of XC72R, 6.75 g of VGCF-H, 67.5 g of PTFE, 112 g of 95% ethanol, and 665 g of water were mixed and stirred at 200 rpm for 10 minutes using a DLH DC mixer (YOTEC, model: MRB-3500L) to produce a gel-like first mixture. The gel-like first mixture was then stirred at 1900 rpm for 5 minutes using a Thinky planetary mixer to obtain a lumpy second mixture. The lumpy second mixture was then rolled into a catalyst layer with a thickness of 0.78 mm using a rolling mill (Yezhong, EKT-2100SLM) at 25°C and 50 rpm. Finally, the catalyst layer is pressed together with the conductive current collector and the gas diffusion film (1.2 mm thick) to obtain an electrode (or cathode) with a thickness of 1.87 mm.

[0048] Table 6

[0049] The comparative example of the single average particle size of the present invention was prepared according to the proportions shown in Table 6 above. Specifically, 45.0 g of manganese dioxide with a single average particle size of 150 µm (as in Examples 1-5 above, this single average particle size refers to the D50 value calculated using a laser particle size analyzer known in the art), 112.5 g of XC72R, 67.5 g of PTFE, 112 g of 95% ethanol, and 665 g of water were mixed and stirred at 200 rpm for 10 minutes using a DLH DC stirrer (YOTEC, model: MRB-3500L) to produce a gel-like first mixture. The gel-like first mixture was then stirred at 1900 rpm for 5 minutes using a Thinky planetary stirrer to obtain a lumpy second mixture. The lumpy second mixture was then rolled into a catalyst layer with a thickness of 0.78 mm using a rolling mill (Yezhong, EKT-2100SLM) at 25°C and 50 rpm. Finally, the catalyst layer is pressed together with the conductive current collector and the gas diffusion film (1.2 mm thick) to obtain an electrode (or cathode) with a thickness of 1.87 mm.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen, used to configure the electrodes of Examples 1-5 and the comparative examples for testing. To test the performance of electrodes made of different materials, a simplified apparatus 200 for obtaining nascent oxygen is proposed. Figure 4As shown, a portion of the cathode 113, manufactured according to the steps of the above-described embodiments and comparative examples, is placed in a container 116 containing electrolyte 115 (30% sodium hydroxide), along with a nickel mesh serving as the anode 114. Inside the container 116, the catalyst layer 100 of the cathode 113 and the anode 114 are immersed in electrolyte 115. The gas diffusion membrane 111 of the cathode 113 is disposed outside the container 116, while the catalyst layer 100 is inside the container 116, allowing atmospheric oxygen to enter the container 116 through the gas diffusion membrane 111. When a voltage is applied, atmospheric oxygen is generated through an electrochemical reaction between the catalyst layer 100 and the anode 114, concentrating the atmospheric oxygen concentration of only 19% to a concentration greater than 80% within the device assembly. The surface area of ​​the cathode 113 and the anode 114 is 100 cm². 2 This device can be used to conveniently carry out the production of new oxygen. During testing, a 1V voltage is applied to the electrodes to measure the current value. Dividing the current value by the area yields the current density value, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown.

[0051] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a line graph showing the change in current density per unit area versus time for Examples 1-5 and the Comparative Example of the present invention. A higher current density per unit area indicates better electrochemical reaction capability, which can be used to evaluate the electrode oxygen production efficiency of the embodiments of the present invention. This test was conducted using the cathodes of Examples 1-5, in conjunction with a potassium hydroxide electrolyte and an anode Ni mesh. Figure 5 It can be seen that the current density per unit area exhibited by Examples 1-5, which use a dual average particle size catalyst mixture of the present invention, is greater than that of the comparative examples using a single average particle size catalyst. Although Example 1 performed worse than the comparative examples in the first hour, its effect gradually increased after one hour, and by three hours it was close to the performance of Examples 4 and 5. In other words, because the ratio of binder to catalyst was different, the initial values ​​of each example were also different, but the final results were still better than those of catalysts with a single average particle size range. Figure 5 It is clear that Example 3 performs the best.

[0052] Figure 6A This is a photograph of a cathode material according to an embodiment of the present invention, on which water droplets are applied to test the contact angle characteristics of the cathode surface. Figure 6B This is based on Figure 6A A schematic diagram showing the contact angle state of the cathode surface. The composition of the cathode material is shown in Table 7 below.

[0053] Table 7

[0054] Depend on Figure 6A and6B As can be seen, the water droplet 211 forms a very large contact angle on the surface of the cathode 201 made of the cathode material in one embodiment of the present invention, causing the water droplet 211 to form a granular shape (also known as a water bead). This phenomenon will be applied and explained in the following content.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a wet-type apparatus (also known as an oxygen multiplier / device) for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, this device 200 for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere has a container 204 with an inlet 207 and an outlet 208. The inlet 207 allows air from the atmosphere to flow in (as indicated by the arrow), and the outlet 208 allows nascent oxygen to flow out (as indicated by the arrow). The container 204 contains an electrolyte 203, a cathode 201, an anode 202 disposed on the cathode 201, a moisture removal structure 205, and a permeation assembly (or air permeation assembly) 206 disposed near the outlet 208. The cathode 201 is disposed at the inlet 207, or even adjacent to the inlet 207. The electrolyte 203 substantially impregnates the cathode 201 and the anode 202 to serve as an electrical conductivity medium between the cathode 201 and the anode 202. When the cathode 201 is disposed adjacent to the inlet 207, the cathode 201 is not entirely immersed in the electrolyte 203. At this time, at least a portion of the surface of the cathode 201 facing the inlet 207 is in direct contact with the atmospheric environment (i.e., ambient oxygen from the air). Furthermore, due to the presence of pore channels formed by catalyst particles of varying sizes within the cathode 201, and the presence of hydrophobic adhesives (such as Teflon materials, PTFE, etc.) used in the cathode 201 material, these adhesives adhere to at least a portion of the catalyst particle surface (i.e., the pore channel surface). Due to the hydrophobicity of the pore channels formed within the cathode 201, the liquid (e.g., water) in the electrolyte 203 forms particles (water droplets) due to the large contact angle between the liquid and the internal channels of the cathode 201. The contact angle is as follows: Figure 6A and 6B As shown. Therefore, although the electrolyte 203 may pass through the local pore channels at the location of the cathode 201 closest to the electrolyte 203, it will ultimately not penetrate into the internal pore channels at the location of the cathode 201 furthest from the electrolyte 203 (i.e., near the inlet 207 of the cathode 201). Therefore, the material of the cathode 201 of the present invention can prevent the electrolyte 203 from flowing out of the inlet 207 through the cathode 201.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the permeation component 206 is located closest to the outlet 208, that is, the permeation component 206 is closer to the outlet 208 than the moisture removal structure 205. Because this device 200 for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere has an electrolyte 203, it is called a wet-type device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere.

[0057] The wet oxygen extraction device 200 further includes a power supply (not shown) connected to the cathode 201 and the anode 202. The cathode 201 adsorbs ambient oxygen from the atmosphere, and the adsorbed ambient oxygen undergoes a first electrochemical reaction at the cathode 201 to produce hydroxide ions; and the hydroxide ions undergo a second electrochemical reaction at the anode 202 to produce the newly generated oxygen. The applicant has discovered that the half-reactions occurring at the cathode and anode are as follows.

[0058] cathode:

[0059] anode:

[0060] If using 100 cm 2 The electrodes are of a certain area, with an applied potential difference of approximately 1 V and a current density of 100 mA / cm². 2 Tests have shown that the oxygen production rate can reach 35 mL / min, thus enabling the creation of a portable, wet device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere. Furthermore, because the applied voltage is lower than the 1.23 V potential difference required for water electrolysis, the water in the electrolyte will not be electrolyzed and lost, and the generation of hydrogen gas can also be avoided.

[0061] Electrolytes 203 include alkali metal salts, liquid electrolytes, or solid electrolytes of ionic liquid form. Alkali metal salts include hydroxides, carbonates, halides, sulfates, nitrates, or thiosulfates, such as NaOH, KOH, K₂CO₃, KI, Na₂SO₄, K₂SO₄, NaNO₃, or Na₂S₂O₃, but are not limited to these.

[0062] The function of the permeation component is waterproof and breathable, and its material is Teflon; the first Teflon material can be PTFE, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The permeation component can also be formed into a membrane and installed in the form of a permeation membrane. Suitable permeation components have pore sizes ranging from 0.1 µm to 10 µm and thicknesses ranging from 30 µm to 300 µm.

[0063] The moisture removal structure 205 can be one or more layers of laminated fibers or meshes, filter paper, nets, foamed metal (also known as porous metal) structures, or fluoroplastics or polymer membranes, used to condense or capture moisture on its surface. The material of the moisture removal structure 205 can be a first metal material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof. The first metal material is foamed nickel (also known as foamed nickel, porous nickel) or stainless steel, the plastic material is a second Teflon material or a polyolefin material, the second Teflon material is one of PTFE, FEP, perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), and PVDF, and the polyolefin material is polypropylene (PP). Suitable moisture removal structures, if they are metal fibers or metal meshes (e.g., stainless steel fibers or stainless steel mesh), have a density of 80 kg / m³. 3 ~ 400 kg / m 3 The porosity is above 90%; if it is foamed metal (e.g., foamed nickel), its density is 100 kg / m³. 3 ~ 500 kg / m 3 (For example, using an areal density of 0.0583 g / cm³) 3 Furthermore, the density of foamed nickel with a thickness of 0.4 cm can be calculated to be 0.0583 / 0.4 = 0.1458 g / cm³. 3 That is, 145.8 kg / m 3 The porosity is over 90%; if it is the second Teflon material, the density is 300 kg / m³. 3 ~ 700 kg / m 3 Its porosity is above 70%; if it is a fiber web of polyolefin material (such as PP fiber web), its wire diameter is 0.1 ~ 0.3 mm, its warp density is 40 ~ 80 threads / inch, its weft density is 40 ~ 80 threads / inch, and its porosity is above 70%.

[0064] When the moisture removal structure is the first metal material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity greater than or equal to 90%; and when the moisture removal structure is the plastic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity greater than or equal to 70%.

[0065] The cathode 201 is made of a catalyst, a conductive agent, and an adhesive. The catalyst is a metal or a metal oxide, wherein the metal is selected from at least one of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), ruthenium (Ru), and iridium (Ir); and the metal oxide is selected from at least one of iridium dioxide (IrO2), ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), cobalt monoxide (CoO), cobalt tetroxide (Co3O4), manganese dioxide (MnO2), nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), vanadium oxide (V2O5), palladium oxide (PdO), nickel monoxide (NiO), and iron oxide (Fe2O3). The conductive agent is a carbon material selected from carbon black, acetylene black, or carbon nanofibers. The adhesive is a third Teflon material, wherein the third Teflon material is selected from one of tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), perfluoroalkoxyalkane (PFA), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

[0066] The material of the anode 202 includes a second metallic material, a second metal oxide material, or a combination thereof. Due to the material properties of the cathode 201 (as described above)... Figure 6A and 6B (Related content), which can prevent electrolyte 203 from leaking out backwards from inlet 207.

[0067] The anode 202 is made of a second metallic material, a second metal oxide material, or a combination thereof. The second metallic material is nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir), or iron (Fe), while the second metal oxide material is an oxide of the second metallic material.

[0068] It should be noted that the method for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere in the wet-process apparatus of the present invention differs from the conventional method of generating oxygen by electrolyzing water, even though both utilize electrochemical reactions to produce oxygen. The present invention does not involve direct electrolysis of water, and the oxygen source is taken from the atmosphere. It achieves this through an electrochemical reaction as described in the present invention: reduction to hydroxide ions at the cathode and oxidation at the anode to generate nascent oxygen.

[0069] Because the material of the cathode 201 of this invention only reacts with oxygen and not with nitrogen. Please refer to [further details]. Figure 7 The ambient oxygen present in the atmosphere enters through inlet 207 and cathode 201. Figure 7 In the container 204 shown (entry direction as follows) Figure 7(As indicated by the arrow next to inlet 207), and adsorbed in the gaps of cathode 201, where an electrochemical reaction occurs. The electrons required at cathode 201 are supplied from anode 202 to cathode 201 by a power supply (not shown in the figure) through an external circuit (not shown in the figure). The hydrogen and oxygen ions generated at cathode 201 diffuse to anode 202 and are oxidized to generate nascent oxygen. The generated nascent oxygen is in the form of bubbles. Because its density is lower than that of electrolyte 203, it will collect from anode 202 and rise naturally. Finally, it passes through the moisture removal structure 205 and the permeation component 206 above and is output from outlet 208 (output direction as shown). Figure 7 (As indicated by the arrow above outlet 208). The water consumed in the cathode half-reaction and the water generated in the anode half-reaction reach stoichiometric equilibrium. Therefore, the water in electrolyte 203 is not consumed. Furthermore, if the water in electrolyte 203 evaporates to form water vapor, it can be condensed by the desiccant structure 205 and will not be output with the oxygen through outlet 208. Therefore, the water in electrolyte 203 will not escape, resulting in minimal changes in the concentration of each component in electrolyte 203. Consequently, the service life of the wet oxygen extraction device 200 from the atmospheric environment of the present invention can be effectively extended. In addition, the permeation component 206 also functions to isolate water vapor and electrolyte 203, allowing only gas to pass through and solving the problem of water evaporation (or water scarcity).

[0070] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a device for preventing liquid flow according to the present invention. Figure 8 As shown, the device 300 for preventing liquid passage has an inlet section 301 (which has an inlet 307), a moisture removal structure section 302, a moisture removal structure outlet section 303 (which has an internal outlet channel 309), a permeation component 306, and an outlet section 304. Each of these components can be manufactured and assembled separately. The inlet 307 allows air from the atmosphere to flow in (as indicated by the arrow), and the outlet 308 allows newly generated oxygen to flow out (as indicated by the arrow). The moisture removal structure section 302 houses a moisture removal structure 305, meaning the device allows newly generated oxygen to pass through the outlet 308 but prevents moisture or liquid from passing through. According to one embodiment of the invention, the permeation component 206 is located closest to the outlet 208, while the moisture removal structure 205 is located near the inlet 307. When humid air from the atmosphere enters the device 300 for preventing liquid from passing through, the moisture is intercepted by the moisture removal structure 305 and condenses into liquid water. Due to gravity, the water flows downward and exits from the inlet 307 (if the device 300 for preventing liquid from passing through is rotated 90 degrees so that the outlet 308 faces upward) or from a separate liquid outlet below (not shown in the figure). The dryer body exits from the outlet 308 through the internal outlet channel 309 via the permeation component 306.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for generating new oxygen from the atmospheric environment includes an oxygen generating unit; a container having an outlet and housing the oxygen generating unit; a moisture removal structure disposed in the container; and a permeation component disposed at the outlet and closer to the outlet than the moisture removal structure.

[0072] The oxygen generating unit includes a wet oxygen generating unit or a dry oxygen generating unit. The wet oxygen generating unit includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte; and the dry oxygen generating unit includes a molecular sieve. The wet oxygen generating unit is configured to contact and react with ambient oxygen in the atmosphere.

[0073] This device 300, which has a moisture-removing structure and a permeation component for preventing liquid passage, can be independently connected to the aforementioned device. Figure 7 The device shown is located above an electrolytic cell containing a cathode 201, an anode 202, and an electrolyte 203, or is externally connected to a dry component such as a molecular sieve that can adsorb nitrogen from the atmospheric environment to separate oxygen, or may include the aforementioned dry device, to form a dry device for obtaining nascent oxygen from ambient oxygen in the atmospheric environment.

[0074] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere in a dry manner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the dry oxygen extraction device 400 has an inlet section 401 (with an inlet 407), a moisture removal structure 405, a dry component 402 for separating oxygen, a dry component outlet section 403 (with an internal outlet channel 409), a permeation component 406, and an outlet section 404 (with an outlet 408). Each component can be manufactured and assembled separately. The inlet 407 allows air from the atmosphere to flow in (as indicated by the arrow), and the outlet 408 allows nascent oxygen to flow out (as indicated by the arrow). According to one embodiment of the invention, the permeation component 206 is located closest to the outlet 208, while the moisture removal structure 205 is located near the inlet 307.

[0075] The dry component 402 for separating oxygen can be a molecular sieve, but is not limited to it. Molecular sieves include zeolite materials (typically with four pore sizes: 3 Å, 4 Å, 5 Å, and 13 Å) that utilize physical adsorption and desorption techniques, selecting appropriate pore sizes to separate ambient oxygen and nitrogen from atmospheric air. The molecular sieve has two operating modes. In the first mode, under pressure (the relevant pressurization component is not shown in the figure), the molecular sieve adsorbs nitrogen from the air, thus collecting ambient oxygen as a high concentration of nascent oxygen. Upon depressurization, the adsorbed nitrogen is desorbed from the molecular sieve and released back into the atmosphere (the relevant emission component is not shown in the figure). Therefore, the molecular sieve itself is not consumed and can continue to separate ambient oxygen from the air. In the second mode, the molecular sieve adsorbs ambient oxygen while releasing nitrogen (not shown in the figure). For example, a molecular sieve with a 3 Å pore size is selected to adsorb oxygen molecules with a molecular size of approximately 3.8 Å × 2.8 Å, while allowing nitrogen molecules with a molecular size of approximately 4.2 Å to pass through. After multiple cycles of separation, a high concentration of nascent oxygen can eventually be obtained.

[0076] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere in a dry manner according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, the dry oxygen-derived apparatus 500 of the present invention connects the oxygen-separating dry component 502 to a device such as a connecting pipe 503. Figure 8 The device 300 shown is for preventing liquid from passing through. The dry component 502 that separates oxygen can also be a molecular sieve, as can be seen in the foregoing description of the dry component 402 that separates oxygen, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] Figure 11 This is a graph showing the oxygen production under dehydration test conditions for the wet oxygen-generating apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 12 This is a moisture loss curve from a moisture removal test of the wet oxygen extraction device according to the present invention. The moisture removal test conditions are shown in Table 8. The test was conducted with an applied current density of 60 mA / cm². 2 Combinations such as Figure 11 The oxygen production was carried out under the same conditions as shown (from 0 to 3 hours, maintained at approximately 30 mL / min).

[0078] Table 8

[0079] like Figure 12The diagram illustrates a wet-process apparatus for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere using the present invention (which includes devices for preventing liquid flow, including a permeation component and a moisture removal structure). The weight of the electrolyte is measured before operation, after 1 hour of operation, and after 3 hours of operation, and the weight loss is calculated to determine the percentage of weight loss relative to the initial time. The electrolyte weight loss originates from the loss of water from the electrolyte. Figure 12 As can be seen from the curves, the control group, without using the device for preventing liquid flow of the present invention, experienced an electrolyte weight loss of over 2% after 1 hour of operation and over 5% after 3 hours. In contrast, experiments 1, 2, 3, and 4 using the device for preventing liquid flow of the present invention showed significantly lower percentages of weight loss than the control group. This easily verifies that the device for preventing liquid flow of the present invention, when applied to a wet-type device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment, has an excellent effect in preventing moisture loss.

[0080] Of course, the device 300 for preventing liquid from passing through in this invention can be applied to a device for obtaining new oxygen from the atmospheric environment in a dry manner, and its effect can also be deduced and verified from the above test data.

[0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to embodiments currently considered to be the most practical and preferred, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar configurations included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to cover all such modifications and similar structures.

[0082] Component symbol table

[0083] 100 Catalyst Layer

[0084] 101 Conductive Agent

[0085] 102 Adhesive

[0086] 103 Large Particle Size Catalyst

[0087] 104 Small Particle Size Catalyst

[0088] 105 Fluid Channel

[0089] 111 Gas diffusion membrane

[0090] 111a First Gas Diffusion Membrane

[0091] 111b Second Gas Diffusion Membrane

[0092] 112 Conductive Current Collector

[0093] 113 Cathode

[0094] 114 Anode

[0095] 115 Electrolytes

[0096] 116 Containers

[0097] 200, 400, 500 Devices for obtaining oxygen from newborns

[0098] 201 Cathode

[0099] 202 Anode

[0100] 203 Electrolytes

[0101] 204 container

[0102] 205, 305, 405 moisture removal structure

[0103] 206, 306, 406 penetration components

[0104] Entrances for buses 207, 307, and 407

[0105] Exports of buses 208, 308, and 408

[0106] 300 Device for preventing liquid from passing through

[0107] 301, 401 entrance section

[0108] 302 Moisture Removal Structural Section

[0109] 303 and 403 moisture removal structure outlet section

[0110] Exit sections 304 and 404

[0111] Internal exit passages for 309 and 409

[0112] 402 and 502 are dry-type components that separate oxygen.

[0113] 503 connecting pipe

[0114] Steps S1 to S4

Claims

1. A device for obtaining fresh oxygen from the atmospheric environment, comprising: The cathode is in contact with the atmospheric environment and has a catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises a combination of large-particle-size catalysts and small-particle-size catalysts, wherein the average particle size of the large-particle-size catalysts ranges from 150 to 270 µm, and the average particle size of the small-particle-size catalysts ranges from 5 to 50 µm, and fluid channels exist in the catalytic layer of the cathode between the large-particle-size catalysts, between the small-particle-size catalysts, and between the large-particle-size catalysts and the small-particle-size catalysts; The anode is disposed opposite the cathode; Electrolyte, impregnating the cathode and the anode; A container having an inlet and an outlet, and containing the cathode, the anode and the electrolyte, wherein the cathode is disposed at the inlet; The moisture removal structure is located at the outlet, which has an outlet position. as well as A permeation component is disposed at the outlet and is closer to the outlet position than the moisture removal structure.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The device also includes a power supply connected to the cathode and the anode; The cathode adsorbs ambient oxygen from the atmospheric environment, and the adsorbed ambient oxygen undergoes a first electrochemical reaction at the cathode to produce hydroxide ions. as well as The hydroxide ions undergo a second electrochemical reaction at the anode to produce the nascent oxygen.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The material of the permeation component is PTFE, FEP, or PVDF; and The moisture removal structure comprises a first metal material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof; the first metal material is foamed nickel or stainless steel; the plastic material is one of PTFE, FEP, PFA, and PVDF, or PP; and When the moisture removal structure is the first metallic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity of 90% or higher. as well as When the moisture removal structure is the plastic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity of 70% or higher.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The cathode has a cathode material comprising the catalyst, conductive agent, and adhesive; The catalyst comprises a metal or a metal oxide, wherein the metal is selected from at least one of platinum (Pt), gold (Au), ruthenium (Ru), and iridium (Ir); and the metal oxide is selected from at least one of iridium dioxide (IrO2), ruthenium dioxide (RuO2), cobalt monoxide (CoO), cobalt tetroxide (Co3O4), manganese dioxide (MnO2), nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), tungsten trioxide (WO3), vanadium oxide (V2O5), palladium oxide (PdO), nickel oxide (NiO), and iron oxide (Fe2O3). The conductive agent is a carbon material; The adhesive is one of PTFE, FEP, PFA, and PVDF; and The anode has an anode material comprising a second metallic material, a second metallic oxide material, or a combination thereof.

5. A device for obtaining nascent oxygen from the atmosphere, comprising: Oxygen generation unit; A container having an outlet and housing the oxygen generating unit; A moisture-removing structure is provided in the container; The catalyst includes a combination of large-particle-size catalysts and small-particle-size catalysts, wherein the average particle size of the large-particle-size catalysts ranges from 150 to 270 µm, the average particle size of the small-particle-size catalysts ranges from 5 to 50 µm, and fluid channels exist in the catalyst layer containing the catalysts between the large-particle-size catalysts, between the small-particle-size catalysts, and between the large-particle-size catalysts and the small-particle-size catalysts. as well as A permeation component is disposed at the outlet and is closer to the outlet than the moisture removal structure.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The permeation assembly is made of PTFE, FEP, or PVDF; and The moisture removal structure comprises a first metal material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof; the first metal material is foamed nickel or stainless steel; the plastic material is one of PTFE, FEP, PFA, and PVDF, or PP; and When the moisture removal structure is the first metallic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity of 90% or higher. as well as When the moisture removal structure is the plastic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity of 70% or higher.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The oxygen generating unit includes a wet oxygen generating unit or a dry oxygen generating unit. The wet oxygen generation unit includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte; and The dry oxygen generation unit includes a molecular sieve.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein when the oxygen generating unit is the wet oxygen generating unit, the wet oxygen generating unit comes into contact with the atmospheric environment, thereby reacting with oxygen in the atmospheric environment.

9. A device for preventing moisture penetration, the device being supplied with nascent oxygen from the atmosphere, and comprising: A moisture removal structure is configured to remove moisture from the atmospheric environment; The catalyst includes a combination of large-particle-size catalysts and small-particle-size catalysts, wherein the average particle size of the large-particle-size catalysts ranges from 150 to 270 µm, the average particle size of the small-particle-size catalysts ranges from 5 to 50 µm, and fluid channels exist in the catalyst layer containing the catalysts between the large-particle-size catalysts, between the small-particle-size catalysts, and between the large-particle-size catalysts and the small-particle-size catalysts, and is configured to obtain the nascent oxygen from the atmospheric environment; as well as A gas permeation assembly configured to permeate the newly generated oxygen.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: The permeation assembly is made of PTFE, FEP, or PVDF; and The moisture removal structure comprises a first metal material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof; the first metal material is foamed nickel or stainless steel; the plastic material is one of PTFE, FEP, PFA, and PVDF, or PP; and When the moisture removal structure is the first metallic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity of 90% or higher. as well as When the moisture removal structure is the plastic material, the moisture removal structure has a porosity of 70% or higher.

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