A bionic electrode based on rose petal effect and a membrane-free electrolytic water reactor
By designing a biomimetic electrode with a rose petal effect, the problems of bubble coverage and internal resistance in the process of hydrogen production through water electrolysis were solved, achieving high-efficiency electrode catalytic performance and energy conversion, and improving the performance of the water electrolysis reactor.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310683678.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-06-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-06-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing water electrolysis hydrogen production technologies suffer from problems such as electrode catalytic surface being covered by bubbles, bubble internal resistance, and gas mixing, which lead to decreased electrode performance and increased energy loss, making it difficult to achieve high current density, high hydrogen purity, and high energy conversion efficiency.
The biomimetic electrode with rose petal effect, composed of hydrophobic silica microspheres and hydrophilic nanocatalysts, exhibits a periodic structure with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic arrangements on its surface. Gas is discharged through porous channels inside the electrode, preventing the formation of bubbles on the electrode surface.
It effectively avoids problems such as bubble coverage of catalytic sites, bubble internal resistance, and gas mixing, thereby improving electrode catalytic performance and energy conversion efficiency, approaching the performance of membrane electrode reactors.
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Figure CN116905019B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water electrolysis catalysis technology, specifically involving a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect and a membrane-free water electrolysis reactor. Background Technology
[0002] Compared to traditional methods of producing hydrogen from coal or natural gas, water electrolysis is a clean hydrogen production technology. Water electrolysis uses electrical energy to produce oxygen through oxidation at the anode and hydrogen through reduction at the cathode. Currently, there are three main technologies for water electrolysis to produce hydrogen: alkaline electrolyzers, proton exchange membrane electrolyzers, and membrane-free electrolyzers.
[0003] An alkaline electrolytic cell consists of a cathode, an anode, and a porous membrane. The electrolyte is typically a 25%-30% potassium hydroxide solution. During water electrolysis, the cathode and anode generate a large number of hydrogen bubbles and oxygen bubbles, respectively, leading to the following problems:
[0004] 1) The electrode catalytic surface is covered by bubbles, preventing the electrolyte from contacting the catalyst and leading to a decline in electrode performance; 2) A large number of bubbles in the electrolyte hinder ion transport, thus introducing internal bubble resistance and increasing energy loss; 3) Bubbles passing through the porous membrane cause hydrogen and oxygen mixing, raising safety concerns.
[0005] Due to the above-mentioned problems, the operating current density range of alkaline electrolytic cells is generally only 0.2~0.4 A cm⁻¹. -2 Energy efficiency <60%.
[0006] A proton exchange membrane electrolyzer consists of a cathode, an anode, and a proton exchange membrane. The cathode, anode, and proton exchange membrane are thermally pressed together to form a membrane electrode assembly. The proton exchange membrane conducts protons and prevents gas mixing, enabling high-current, high-efficiency hydrogen production. Its main challenges include:
[0007] 1) Proton exchange membrane modules are expensive, increasing the cost of hydrogen production; 2) Membrane electrode modules are inconvenient to maintain and have a short lifespan; 3) They can only operate under acidic conditions.
[0008] The cost of hydrogen production based on proton exchange membrane electrolyzers remains high, and it does not have an advantage over hydrogen production from traditional fossil fuels.
[0009] Current membrane-free electrolyzers consist of a cathode and an anode, eliminating the need for a diaphragm or proton exchange membrane to reduce costs. However, they have the following problems:
[0010] 1) The electrode catalytic surface is covered by bubbles, preventing the electrolyte from contacting the catalyst and causing a decline in electrode performance; 2) A large number of bubbles in the electrolyte hinder ion transport, thereby introducing internal resistance and increasing energy loss; 3) There is no physical barrier between the anode and cathode, making it easy for gases to mix and causing safety issues.
[0011] In other words, existing membrane-free reactors cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of high current density, high hydrogen purity, and high energy conversion efficiency, and can only be applied in scenarios with low current density and low hydrogen purity requirements.
[0012] The hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of an electrode affects its catalytic activity. Hydrophobic porous electrodes have gas channels inside, through which the gas generated by the electrode can be discharged, thus preventing bubbles from being released into the electrolyte. However, because the electrode cannot be fully wetted by the electrolyte solution, the catalyst and reactants do not come into sufficient contact, thereby reducing the catalytic performance of the electrode.
[0013] The hydrophilic electrode is fully wetted by the electrolyte solution, resulting in good catalytic performance. However, due to the lack of hydrophobic gas channels, the gas generated on the electrode surface can only be released into the electrolyte solution as bubbles. This leads to a series of problems, including bubble resistance and product mixing.
[0014] 1) Problem of bubble covering catalytic sites: For alkaline electrolytic cells and traditional membrane-free electrolytic cells, bubbles generated on the electrode surface will cover the catalytic active sites, resulting in a decrease in electrode performance.
[0015] 2) Bubble resistance problem: In alkaline electrolytic cells and traditional membrane-free electrolytic cells, the electrodes release a large number of bubbles into the electrolyte. These bubbles hinder ion transport, thereby introducing additional bubble resistance (bubble resistance) and increasing the energy loss of the system.
[0016] 3) Gas mixing problem: In traditional reactors, bubbles are generated on the electrode surface, which easily leads to gas mixing.
[0017] 4) Electrolyte resistance problem: Traditional membrane-free reactors usually increase the distance between the anode and cathode to prevent bubble mixing, thereby reducing the probability of bubble mixing, but this will increase the electrolyte resistance. Summary of the Invention
[0018] The purpose of this section is to outline some aspects of embodiments of the present invention and to briefly describe some preferred embodiments. Simplifications or omissions may be made in this section, as well as in the abstract and title of this application, to avoid obscuring the purpose of these documents; however, such simplifications or omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
[0019] In view of the problems existing in the above and / or prior art, the present invention is proposed.
[0020] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect.
[0021] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: including,
[0022] The electrode is composed of hydrophobic silica microspheres and hydrophilic nanocatalysts;
[0023] The silica microspheres have a particle size of 0.9~1.2μm, and the nanocatalyst has a size of 40~60nm, forming a periodic structure with alternating ridges and grooves.
[0024] As a preferred embodiment of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect described in this invention, the electrode surface exhibits a periodic structure with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic arrangements at the microscopic level.
[0025] As a preferred embodiment of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect described in this invention, wherein no bubbles are generated on the surface of the electrode when it is applied to the water electrolysis reaction.
[0026] As a preferred embodiment of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect described in this invention, the electrode is prepared by means of:
[0027] Carbon nanotubes were ultrasonically dispersed in anhydrous ethanol, and then 5% Nafion solution, hydrophobic silica, and nano-carbon powder were added sequentially and ultrasonically dispersed to obtain solution I.
[0028] Solution I is sprayed onto hydrophobic carbon paper to form a base layer;
[0029] Carbon nanotubes were ultrasonically dispersed in anhydrous ethanol, and then 5% Nafion solution, hydrophobic silica, and nano-platinum carbon catalyst were added sequentially and ultrasonically dispersed to obtain solution II.
[0030] Solution II is sprayed onto the substrate to form a thick catalytic layer. After sintering and cooling, a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect is obtained.
[0031] As a preferred embodiment of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect described in this invention, the solution I comprises: 2-4 mg of carbon nanotubes, 10 ml of anhydrous ethanol, 18-22 mg of 5% Nafion solution, 140-160 mg of hydrophobic silica, 12-18 mg of nano-platinum carbon catalyst, and the thickness of the substrate layer is 40-60 μm.
[0032] As a preferred embodiment of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect described in this invention, the solution II comprises: 2-4 mg of carbon nanotubes, 10 ml of anhydrous ethanol, 18-22 mg of 5% Nafion solution, 30-50 mg of hydrophobic silica, 5-7 mg of nano-carbon powder, and the thickness of the thick catalyst layer is 10-12 μm.
[0033] As a preferred embodiment of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect described in this invention, wherein: the sintering is performed at a temperature of 135°C for a time of 0.5 h.
[0034] Another objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a membraneless water electrolysis reactor that utilizes a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect.
[0035] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: including,
[0036] The PMMA chamber plate has a cathode and an anode on both sides of its outer wall, respectively.
[0037] The cathode assembly has a flow channel connected to the PMMA chamber plate and also includes a cathode titanium current collector plate. The cathode titanium current collector plate has a cathode gas channel integrally formed on its outside, and a cathode fluororubber gasket for sealing the cathode titanium current collector plate and the PMMA chamber plate is provided.
[0038] The anode assembly includes an anode titanium current collector and an anode fluoropolymer gasket for sealing the anode titanium current collector and the PMMA chamber plate; and the anode titanium current collector has an integrally formed anode gas channel.
[0039] Both the cathode and anode use biomimetic electrode materials based on the rose petal effect.
[0040] As a preferred embodiment of the membraneless water electrolysis reactor of the present invention, wherein: a first end plate is provided outside the cathode titanium current collector, a liquid pipe connected to the flow channel is provided outside the first end plate, and a first gas pipe connected to the cathode gas channel is also provided outside the first end plate.
[0041] As a preferred embodiment of the membraneless water electrolysis reactor of the present invention, wherein: a second end plate is provided outside the anode titanium manifold, a gas cavity communicating with the anode gas channel is provided outside the second end plate, and a second gas pipe is provided outside the second end plate for the gas inside the gas cavity to flow out.
[0042] Beneficial effects of this invention:
[0043] This invention designs a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect. The electrode surface exhibits a periodic structure with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic arrangements at the microscopic level. The hydrophilic portion ensures good contact between the electrocatalyst and the electrolyte solution, thereby guaranteeing the electrode's catalytic performance. The hydrophobic portion allows gas generated on the electrode surface to escape through porous channels inside the electrode, preventing the formation of visible bubbles on the surface and fundamentally avoiding problems caused by bubbles.
[0044] This invention designs a membrane-free water electrolysis reactor that uses a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect. This avoids the generation of bubbles on the electrode surface, thus avoiding problems such as bubble coverage of catalytic sites, bubble internal resistance, and gas mixing. At the same time, it can reduce electrolyte resistance loss, making the performance of the membrane-free water electrolysis reactor close to that of a membrane electrode reactor. Attached Figure Description
[0045] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:
[0046] Figure 1 The images show a nanoscale scanning electron microscope image and a schematic diagram of the structure of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect prepared in Example 1 of this invention.
[0047] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect obtained in Example 1 of the present invention.
[0048] Figure 3 This is a performance comparison diagram of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect of this invention, a conventional porous gas diffusion electrode, and a planar platinum electrode.
[0049] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the comparison of the electrochemical performance of electrode A and electrode B in this invention.
[0050] Figure 5 This is a comparison diagram of the electrochemical performance of electrode A with electrodes C and D of the present invention.
[0051] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the water electrolysis reactor device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0052] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the water electrolysis reactor device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0053] Figure 8 This is a photograph of the actual operation of the water electrolysis reactor in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0054] Figure 9 The graph shows the gas output over time when the water electrolysis reactor based on the rose petal effect biomimetic electrode is applied in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and the output at 1 A cm⁻¹. -2 Graph showing voltage change over time at current density.
[0055] Figure 10The linear voltammetric test curve and AC impedance spectrum curve of the membrane-free water electrolysis reactor are shown in Embodiment 2 of the present invention when the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect is applied. Detailed Implementation
[0056] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the examples in the specification.
[0057] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0058] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.
[0059] Example 1
[0060] This embodiment provides a method for fabricating a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect, specifically as follows:
[0061] 1) 3 mg of carbon nanotubes were ultrasonically dispersed in 10 ml of anhydrous ethanol solution, and then 20 mg of 5% Nafion solution, 150 mg of hydrophobic silica and 15 mg of nano carbon powder were added in sequence. The mixture was then ultrasonically dispersed for 1 hour to obtain solution I.
[0062] 200 μl of solution I was sprayed onto hydrophobic carbon paper to form a base layer with a thickness of 200 μm;
[0063] 2) 3 mg of carbon nanotubes were ultrasonically dispersed in 10 ml of anhydrous ethanol solution, and then 20 mg of 5% Nafion solution, 35 mg of hydrophobic silica and 5 mg of nano-platinum carbon catalyst were added in sequence. The mixture was then ultrasonically dispersed for 1 hour to obtain solution II.
[0064] 100 μl of solution II was sprayed onto hydrophobic carbon paper to form a base layer with a thickness of 50 μm;
[0065] 3) The product obtained in step 2) is placed in an electric furnace and sintered at 135°C for 0.5 h, then cooled to room temperature to obtain a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect.
[0066] like Figure 1The image shown is a nanoscale scanning electron microscope image and a schematic diagram of the structure of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect prepared in this embodiment. Figure 1 The structural units shown cover the entire electrode surface, forming a rose petal effect biomimetic electrode. The hydrophobic silica makes the entire electrode surface hydrophobic. The catalyst between the hydrophobic silica particles is hydrophilic, ensuring good contact between the electrolyte and the catalyst, making the electrode surface both hydrophobic and exhibiting strong water affinity.
[0067] like Figure 2 The figure shows the hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics of the electrode prepared in this embodiment. When a water droplet is dropped onto the electrode, the droplet remains spherical when the electrode is upright, and the contact angle of the water droplet is greater than 90 degrees, indicating that the electrode is hydrophilic. When the electrode is inverted, the water droplet does not fall, indicating that the electrode has a strong affinity for water.
[0068] Performance testing of biomimetic electrodes based on the rose petal effect
[0069] The following groups of electrodes using different materials were subjected to electrochemical tests to compare the performance of the rose petal-inspired electrode obtained in this invention:
[0070] Group A: The performance of the rose petal-inspired bio-electrode was tested in 1 mol / L sulfuric acid solution using a bio-electrode based on the rose petal effect and a conventional hydrophilic iridium-ruthenium metal electrode as the anode. The results are as follows: Figure 4 As shown;
[0071] As can be seen in this test, since the anode surface is a common planar electrode, a large number of bubbles are covered on the electrode surface during operation, while no bubble generation can be observed on the cathode surface. The generated bubbles are directly discharged into the atmosphere through the internal channels of the electrode.
[0072] Group B: The performance of the rose petal-inspired biomimetic electrode was tested in 1 mol / L sulfuric acid solution using a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect and a planar platinum electrode as the cathode, and a conventional porous gas diffusion electrode as the anode. The bubble behavior results of each electrode under different current densities are as follows: Figure 5 As shown;
[0073] Figure 3 (a), (b), and (c) represent the experimental results for the rose petal biomimetic electrode, the conventional porous gas diffusion electrode, and the planar platinum electrode, respectively. It can be seen that for the rose petal biomimetic electrode, when the current density is 2 A cm⁻¹... -2 At that time, the anode was covered with a large number of oxygen bubbles, while no hydrogen bubbles were observed on the cathode surface. This continued as the current density increased to 4.2 Acm. -2 At that time, bubbles begin to form on the electrode surface;
[0074] For a hydrophilic platinum electrode, when the current density is 0.01 Acm -2A large number of hydrogen bubbles were observed to be generated on the electrode surface at that time.
[0075] The above results demonstrate that the hydrophilic part of the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect ensures good contact between the electrocatalyst and the electrolyte solution, thereby guaranteeing the catalytic performance of the electrode. The hydrophobic part allows the gas generated on the electrode surface to be discharged through the porous channels inside the electrode, without generating visible bubbles on the electrode surface, thus fundamentally avoiding problems caused by bubbles.
[0076] Comparison of electrochemical performance of biomimetic electrodes prepared under different preparation methods
[0077] Electrode A: The biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect prepared in Example 1 of this invention;
[0078] Electrode B: The difference from Example 1 is that the amount of silicon dioxide used in step 2) is adjusted to 15 mg, while the rest of the preparation process is the same as in Example 1;
[0079] The comparison results between electrode A and electrode B are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it can be seen that, compared with electrode B, electrode A prepared by the present invention has superior electrochemical performance. Therefore, the amount of silicon dioxide used was selected as 35 mg.
[0080] Electrode C: The difference from Example 1 is that the amount of solution I sprayed on the hydrophobic carbon paper in step 1) is adjusted to 100 μl, and the rest of the preparation process is the same as in Example 1;
[0081] Electrode D: The difference from Example 1 is that the amount of solution II sprayed on the hydrophobic carbon paper in step 1) is adjusted to 200 μl, and the rest of the preparation process is the same as in Example 1;
[0082] The comparison results between electrode A and electrodes C and D are as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it can be seen that, compared with electrodes C and D, electrode A prepared by the present invention has better electrochemical performance. Therefore, the spraying amounts of solutions I and II on the hydrophobic carbon paper were selected as 200 μl and 100 μl, respectively.
[0083] Example 2
[0084] like Figures 6-7 This embodiment provides a membrane-free water electrolysis reactor that utilizes biomimetic electrodes based on the rose petal effect, specifically including:
[0085] The PMMA chamber plate 100 has a cathode 101 and an anode 102 on its outer walls, respectively; specifically, the thickness of the PMMA chamber plate 100 is equal to the distance between the cathode and anode.
[0086] The cathode assembly 200 has a flow channel S connected to the PMMA chamber plate 100 and also includes a cathode titanium current collector 201. The cathode titanium current collector 201 has a cathode gas channel T-1 integrally formed on its exterior, and a cathode fluororubber gasket 202 for sealing the cathode titanium current collector 201 and the PMMA chamber plate 100 is also provided.
[0087] Specifically, the cathode titanium current collector 201 is provided with a first end plate B-1, the first end plate B-1 is provided with a liquid pipe B-11 connected to the flow channel S, and the first end plate B-1 is also provided with a first gas pipe B-12 connected to the cathode gas channel T-1.
[0088] The anode assembly 300 includes an anode titanium manifold 301 and an anode fluororubber gasket 302 for sealing the anode titanium manifold 301 and the PMMA chamber plate 100; and the anode titanium manifold 301 has an anode gas channel T-2 integrally formed on its exterior.
[0089] Specifically, the anode titanium manifold 301 is provided with a second end plate B-2, the second end plate B-2 is provided with a gas cavity B-21 that communicates with the anode gas channel T-2, and the second end plate B-2 is provided with a second gas pipe B-22 that allows the gas inside the gas cavity B-21 to flow out.
[0090] Both the cathode 101 and the anode 102 are made of biomimetic electrode materials based on the rose petal effect.
[0091] More specifically, when the reactor is running, the electrolyte flows in from one side of the flow channel S, fills the PMMA chamber plate 100, and then flows in and out from the other side of the flow channel S. During the electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen, the gases generated at the anode and cathode are discharged from the anode and cathode gas channels T-1 and T-2, respectively.
[0092] It should be noted that the first end plate B-1 and the second end plate B-2 are used to install the electrolyte inlet / outlet and the outlet of the anode and cathode gases;
[0093] When the reactor is assembled and compressed, the fluororubber gasket deforms, reducing its thickness. Since the chamber area is slightly smaller than the electrode area, the electrode edges are pressed against the titanium current collector, forming an ohmic contact. A power input can be connected through the titanium current collector, thus forming an electrochemical circuit.
[0094] Practical application effect of membrane-free water electrolysis reactor
[0095] like Figure 8The image shown is a photograph of the actual operation of the membrane-free water electrolysis reactor prepared according to the present invention. The outlet of the anode and cathode gas channels of the reactor is connected to a Hoffman device. Observation shows that the gas volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in the cathode water column and the anode water column is 2:1, indicating that the membrane-free reactor of the present invention can effectively separate the anode and cathode gases.
[0096] like Figure 9 The figure shows the gas production of the membraneless water electrolysis reactor over time and at 1 A cm⁻¹. -2 Graph showing voltage change over time at current density. Observe. Figure 9 It can be seen that the measured values of gas production at the anode and cathode are consistent with the theoretical values, indicating that the membrane-free water electrolysis reactor can effectively avoid gas mixing; the voltage remains basically unchanged over time, indicating that the device operates stably.
[0097] like Figure 10 The figure shows the linear voltammetry curve and AC impedance spectroscopy curve of the membrane-free water electrolysis reactor. Observing the linear voltammetry curve, it can be seen that at 1 A cm⁻¹... -2 At the given current density, the electrolytic cell voltage is approximately 2V, corresponding to an energy conversion efficiency of approximately 62%. Observing the intersection of the AC impedance spectrum curve and the X-axis, the internal resistance of the electrolytic cell is approximately 0.1 Ω cm. 2 The membrane-free water electrolysis reactor exhibits excellent performance.
[0098] Table 1 shows the gas mixing rate under different anode-cathode spacings. The anode-cathode spacing can be changed by altering the thickness of the plexiglass chamber.
[0099] Table 1 Gas mixing rate under different anode-cathode spacing
[0100]
[0101] As can be seen from Table 1, the hydrogen mixing rate is less than 0.02% under different anode-cathode spacings, corresponding to a gas purity greater than 99.98%, further proving that this membraneless water electrolysis device can effectively avoid product mixing.
[0102] In summary, to address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention designs a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect. The electrode surface exhibits a periodic structure with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic arrangements at the microscopic level. The hydrophilic portion ensures good contact between the electrocatalyst and the electrolyte solution, thereby guaranteeing the electrode's catalytic performance. The hydrophobic portion allows gas generated on the electrode surface to escape through porous channels inside the electrode, preventing the formation of visible bubbles on the electrode surface and fundamentally avoiding problems caused by bubbles.
[0103] This invention designs a membrane-free water electrolysis reactor that uses a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect. This avoids the generation of bubbles on the electrode surface, thus avoiding problems such as bubble coverage of catalytic sites, bubble internal resistance, and gas mixing. At the same time, it can reduce electrolyte resistance loss, making the performance of the membrane-free water electrolysis reactor close to that of a membrane electrode reactor.
[0104] This invention designs a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect. The electrode surface exhibits a periodic structure with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic arrangements at the microscopic level. The hydrophilic portion ensures good contact between the electrocatalyst and the electrolyte solution, thereby guaranteeing the electrode's catalytic performance. The hydrophobic portion allows gas generated on the electrode surface to escape through porous channels inside the electrode, preventing the formation of visible bubbles on the surface and fundamentally avoiding problems caused by bubbles.
[0105] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A method for fabricating a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect, characterized in that: Specifically, Carbon nanotubes were ultrasonically dispersed in anhydrous ethanol, and then 5% Nafion solution, hydrophobic silica, and nano-carbon powder were added sequentially and ultrasonically dispersed to obtain solution I. Solution I is sprayed onto hydrophobic carbon paper to form a base layer; Carbon nanotubes were ultrasonically dispersed in anhydrous ethanol, and then 5% Nafion solution, hydrophobic silica, and nano-platinum carbon catalyst were added sequentially and ultrasonically dispersed to obtain solution II. Solution II is sprayed onto the substrate to form a thick catalytic layer. After sintering and cooling, a biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect is obtained. The sintering process is carried out at a temperature of 135°C for 0.5 hours.
2. The method for preparing the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Solution I consists of 2-4 mg of carbon nanotubes, 10 ml of anhydrous ethanol, 18-22 mg of 5% Nafion solution, 140-160 mg of hydrophobic silica, and 12-18 mg of nano-carbon powder. The thickness of the substrate layer is 40-60 μm.
3. The method for preparing the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Solution II consists of 2-4 mg of carbon nanotubes, 10 ml of anhydrous ethanol, 18-22 mg of 5% Nafion solution, 30-50 mg of hydrophobic silica, and 5-7 mg of nano-platinum carbon catalyst. The thickness of the thick catalyst layer is 10-12 μm.
4. The method for preparing the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The membrane-free water electrolysis reactor, including the biomimetic electrode prepared using this method, comprises: PMMA chamber plate (100) has a cathode (101) and an anode (102) on both sides of its outer wall. The cathode assembly (200) has a flow channel (S) communicating with the PMMA chamber plate (100) and also includes a cathode titanium current collector (201), which has an integrally formed cathode gas channel (T-1), and a cathode fluororubber gasket (202) for sealing the cathode titanium current collector (201) and the PMMA chamber plate (100). The anode assembly (300) includes an anode titanium manifold (301) and an anode fluoropolymer gasket (302) for sealing the anode titanium manifold (301) and the PMMA chamber plate (100); and the anode titanium manifold (301) has an integrally formed anode gas channel (T-2). The cathode (101) and anode (102) both use biomimetic electrode materials based on the rose petal effect.
5. The method for preparing the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The cathode titanium current collector (201) is provided with a first end plate (B-1), the first end plate (B-1) is provided with a liquid pipe (B-11) connected to the flow channel (S), and the first end plate (B-1) is also provided with a first gas pipe (B-12) connected to the cathode gas channel (T-1).
6. The method for preparing the biomimetic electrode based on the rose petal effect as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The anode titanium manifold (301) is provided with a second end plate (B-2), the second end plate (B-2) is provided with a gas chamber (B-21) communicating with the anode gas channel (T-2), and the second end plate (B-2) is provided with a second gas pipe (B-22) for the gas inside the gas chamber (B-21) to flow out.
Citation Information
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Aerophile and aerophobic synergistic confinement electrode and preparation method thereof
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