An industrial electrodeposition hanger for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes

Abstract

The present invention relates to an industrial electrodeposition hanger for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes, comprising a pole frame, a back plate, and a hook, wherein the pole frame is used for current distribution and structural support; the back plate is connected to the pole frame to achieve the function of conducting electricity, and the back plate is provided with a plurality of through holes for conducting current; the hook is connected to the pole frame and can be hung on the copper bus of the electroplating tank; a plurality of conductive cylinders, one end of each of which is connected to the back plate and the other end of each of which is magnetically connected to the alkaline water electrolysis electrode. During electrodeposition, the hook, pole frame, back plate, conductive cylinder, and alkaline water electrolysis electrode form a conductive path connected in sequence. Compared with the existing technology, the present invention makes the current distribution on the nickel mesh more uniform through structural design, thereby uniformly depositing the catalyst and improving the electrode performance and stability. It provides strong support for the preparation of new and efficient water electrolysis electrodes and promotes the development and application of clean energy water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an industrial electrodeposition rack, in particular to an industrial electrodeposition rack used for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of renewable energy, solar and wind power capacity has increased annually, raising the question of how to efficiently consume off-grid electricity. Hydrogen production through water electrolysis, a clean energy solution that converts otherwise instorable electricity into hydrogen and transports it to remote locations, has garnered widespread attention and application. Alkaline water electrolysis, due to its low cost and proven technology, has become the most widely used water electrolysis technology.

[0003] The electrolyzer, the core component of hydrogen production by water electrolysis, consists primarily of electrodes, a diaphragm, and plates. The electrodes are crucial for hydrogen production, and their performance and stability directly determine the quality of the entire electrolysis system. The plates, in direct contact with the electrodes, not only serve as a guide, but also significantly influence electrolysis performance through their contact pattern and contact resistance. Therefore, the optimal design of electrodes and plates is crucial for improving electrolyzer performance.

[0004] In existing electrolytic cells, electrodes typically consist of nickel mesh or spray-coated Raney nickel electrodes. Nickel mesh electrodes offer good stability but poor catalytic performance, while Raney nickel electrodes offer superior catalytic performance but poor stability. During electrolytic cell assembly, the Raney nickel electrodes are susceptible to detachment due to the impact of bubbles in the electrolyzed water and the high temperature, high pressure, and high alkalinity conditions, gradually degrading their performance. Therefore, developing an electrode that combines high performance with high stability, as well as a method for its preparation, is a pressing need.

[0005] In recent years, electrodeposition technology, as a new electrode preparation method, has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as strong controllability, large-scale production, and simple operation. Electrodes prepared by electrodeposition have a strong catalyst load, high catalytic performance and high stability. However, as the diameter of industrial large-scale electrolytic cells reaches more than 2 meters, the size of the corresponding electrodes has also increased, which puts higher requirements on the electrodeposition process. The traditional electrodeposition method conducts electricity through the contact between the top of the workpiece and the hanger. Due to the small diameter and high resistance of the nickel mesh wire, the traditional method of supplying electricity from the top or edge will lead to uneven current distribution on the nickel mesh, which in turn leads to uneven loading of the catalyst loaded by the electrodeposition, affecting the electrode performance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes. Through structural optimization, this rack achieves more uniform current distribution on the nickel mesh, enabling uniform catalyst deposition and improving electrode performance and stability. This innovative design will provide strong support for the preparation of new, high-efficiency water electrolysis electrodes and promote the development and application of clean energy water electrolysis hydrogen production technology.

[0007] The purpose of the present invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] The present invention provides an industrial electrodeposition hanger for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes, comprising an electrode frame, a back plate, and a hook, wherein:

[0009] The pole frame is used for current distribution and structural support;

[0010] The back plate is connected to the pole frame to achieve the function of conducting electricity, and the back plate is provided with a plurality of through holes for conducting current;

[0011] The hook is connected to the pole frame, and the hook can be hung on the copper bar of the electroplating tank;

[0012] Multiple conductive cylinders are connected to the back plate at one end and to the alkaline electrolysis water electrode at the other end by magnetic attraction. During electrodeposition, the hook, pole frame, back plate, conductive cylinder and alkaline electrolysis water electrode form a conductive path connected in sequence.

[0013] Furthermore, the plurality of conductive cylinders are evenly distributed on the back plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the arrangement position of the conductive cylinder has no intersection with the opening position of the through hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the conductive cylinder is made of a highly conductive material to ensure uniform conduction.

[0016] Furthermore, except for the parts of the hook and the conductive cylinder that are in contact with the workpiece, the rest of the hanger is all painted with insulating paint to prevent other parts of the hanger from contacting the electroplating solution and being electroplated.

[0017] Furthermore, the conductive cylinder and the back plate are an integrally formed structure.

[0018] Furthermore, a magnetic material is provided at the end of the conductive cylinder, and the conductive cylinder is connected to the alkaline water electrolysis electrode through the magnetic material;

[0019] The magnetic attraction material can reduce contact resistance, promote current transfer, and prevent the contact surface between the conductive cylinder and the alkaline water electrolysis electrode from being electroplated with catalyst.

[0020] Furthermore, the through holes are evenly opened on the back plate. During the process of the through holes performing the diversion function, the electroplating solution on one side of the back plate passes through the back plate, thereby preventing the electroplating solution from being consumed and not replenished during the electroplating process, resulting in uneven ion concentration distribution and affecting the electroplating effect.

[0021] Furthermore, two hooks are provided on the pole frame, the hooks are connected to the pole frame via a connecting rod, and a reinforcement beam is provided between the two connecting rods.

[0022] Furthermore, the hook and the connecting rod are both made of metallic copper.

[0023] Furthermore, the back plate and the pole frame are both made of stainless steel plates.

[0024] Furthermore, the size and distribution of the conductive cylinders match the nipples of the electrolytic cell plates, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the electrolytic cell and the electrodes.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following technical advantages:

[0026] 1) The electroplating rack of the present invention offers significant advantages over existing technologies, particularly in terms of current distribution, stability, ease of operation, material optimization, electroplating results, and adaptability. First, the uniquely designed conductive cylinder and backplate structure ensure uniform current distribution across the workpiece surface. This design effectively avoids the uneven thickness of the electroplated layer caused by uneven current distribution in traditional methods, significantly improving electroplating quality and the overall performance of the electrode.

[0027] 2) Secondly, the present invention uses magnetic materials to tightly connect the workpiece and the conductive cylinder, reducing contact resistance and ensuring stable current conduction. The entire hanger is made of stainless steel, which has excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, ensuring it is not corroded by the solution during the electroplating process, thereby extending its service life. Furthermore, the hanger surface is coated with insulating paint to prevent electroplating on non-conductive areas, further enhancing the electroplating effect.

[0028] 3) In terms of operational convenience, the electroplating rack of the present invention features a simple design, is easy to install and disassemble, and is suitable for large-scale industrial electroplating applications. Electrodes prepared using electrodeposition methods offer the advantages of high controllability and large-scale production, ease of operation, and strong adaptability, effectively meeting the needs of industrial electroplating at various scales. Through the rationally designed through-hole structure on the backplate, the present invention ensures uniform distribution of the electroplating solution, avoiding concentration differences caused by ion consumption during the electroplating process. This ensures uniformity of the electroplated layer, improving the electroplating effect and the surface quality of the workpiece.

[0029] 4) The present invention's rack design also takes into account the consistent structure of the electrolytic cell plate mastoids compatible with the target product. This effectively reduces the contact resistance between the cell and the electrodes, improving the overall performance of the cell. Furthermore, through structural innovations such as the use of reinforced beams and pole frames, the present invention enhances the rack's stability and durability, making it more reliable for large-scale industrial applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of an industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes in the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the industrial electrodeposition rack used for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes in the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the structure of an industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes in the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the industrial electrodeposition rack used for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes in the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes of the present invention after being assembled to an electrolytic cell;

[0035] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the electrodes.

[0036] In the figure: 1. Hook, 2. Reinforcement beam, 3. Pole frame, 4. Back plate, 5. Through hole, 6. Conductive cylinder, 7. Magnetic material, 8. Mastoid structure, 9. Alkaline water electrolysis electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Any features such as preparation methods, materials, structures or composition ratios not explicitly described in this technical solution are considered to be common technical features disclosed in the prior art.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] This embodiment provides an industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes, which helps to evenly distribute the current on the surface of the workpiece being electroplated, thereby obtaining a uniform catalyst loading on the surface by electroplating.

[0040] Structure and function

[0041] The industrial electrodeposition rack used for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes in this embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 5, including: a hook 1, connected to the copper busbar on the electroplating tank, which plays a conductive role; a reinforcement beam 2, which reinforces and stabilizes the rod structure of the hanger and the hook 1; a pole frame 3, which plays the role of current distribution and support structure. A back plate 4, which is connected to the pole frame, plays a conductive role. The back plate and the pole frame are both stainless steel plates of a certain thickness, which have good conductivity. There is no difference in current distribution on these components, which can play a good conductive role. The through hole 5 on the back plate plays a diversion role, allowing the electroplating solution behind the back plate to pass through the back plate to prevent the solution from being consumed and not replenished during the electroplating process, resulting in uneven ion concentration distribution and affecting the electroplating effect. The conductive cylinder 6, the bottom of the conductive cylinder 6 is connected to the back plate 4 and is cast as a whole with the back plate, ensuring uniform conductivity of each conductive cylinder 6. The top of the conductive cylinder 6 is magnetically connected to the workpiece to conduct electricity, so that each position of the workpiece can obtain a uniform current distribution during electroplating. Magnetic material 7, a piece of magnetic material 7, i.e. a magnet, is installed at the top of the conductive cylinder 6, so that the workpiece can be attracted tightly, which not only reduces the contact resistance and promotes current transfer, but also prevents the contact surface between the conductive cylinder 6 and the workpiece from being electroplated with catalyst.

[0042] In terms of overall material, the entire hanger is made of stainless steel. Except for the end faces of the hook 1 and the magnetic material 7 that are in contact with the workpiece, the rest of the parts are all painted with insulating paint to prevent other parts of the hanger from coming into contact with the solution and being electroplated.

[0043] Regarding the dimensions of the conductive cylinder 6, since the electrode, in actual use, contacts the electrolytic cell plates in a manner similar to the mastoid structure of the conductive cylinder, the diameter, spacing, and other geometric parameters of the conductive cylinder 6 should be consistent with the mastoid structure of the electrolytic cell plates adapted for the target product. During the electroplating process, the magnets on the surface of the conductive cylinder 6 are tightly attracted to the workpiece, and the areas where the conductive cylinder contacts the workpiece will not be plated with catalyst, so the base material remains. When assembled in the electrolytic cell, this base material is properly placed so that it contacts the mastoid of the electrolytic cell plates. See [1]. Figure 6 , which can effectively reduce the contact resistance between the electrolytic cell and the electrode, and is conducive to further improving the performance of the electrolytic cell. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the alkaline water electrolysis electrode 9, in which the papillary structure 8 of the electrolytic cell flow field is marked. The conductive cylinder 6 during the electroplating process has the same size as the contact with the nickel mesh. No catalyst is plated on this contact part, so it has a smaller ohmic resistance, which is conducive to conductivity.

[0044] How it works

[0045] When the rack in this embodiment is used to electroplate a workpiece, hook 1 acts as a conductor, conducting current from the copper busbar to the rack. The current then flows to pole frame 3, and from there to backplate 4. Finally, the current is conducted to the workpiece via conductive cylinders 6 on backplate 4. This results in a uniform current distribution on the workpiece surface, facilitating even catalyst loading. The through-holes in the backplate ensure even solution distribution, preventing concentration differences caused by ion consumption during electroplating.

[0046] Factors that need to be considered in the design of the hanger are:

[0047] First, a new type of electroplating rack is designed, which mainly includes the following components:

[0048] Hook 1: Connected to the copper bar on the electroplating tank, it is used for electrical conduction. The hook is made of highly conductive copper material to ensure smooth current conduction to the hanger.

[0049] Reinforcement beam 2: Made of high-strength stainless steel, it reinforces the hanger structure to ensure the stability of the hanger during the electroplating process.

[0050] Pole frame 3: Made of conductive stainless steel, it serves as a current distributor and support structure. It connects to the backplate, evenly distributing the current to the backplate.

[0051] Back Plate 4: Made of stainless steel of moderate thickness and excellent electrical conductivity, the back plate is connected to the electrode frame, providing electrical conductivity and ensuring uniform distribution of the plating solution through the through holes in the back plate.

[0052] Conductive Cylinder 6: The bottom of Conductive Cylinder 6 is connected to the backing plate, and the top is connected to the workpiece. Conductive Cylinder 6 is made of a highly conductive material to ensure uniform conduction. A magnet is mounted on the top to tightly attract the workpiece and reduce contact resistance.

[0053] Magnetic material 7: A magnet is installed on the top of the conductive cylinder to ensure that the conductive cylinder is tightly connected to the workpiece, reduce contact resistance, and prevent the contact surface between the conductive cylinder and the workpiece from being electroplated.

[0054] Insulation treatment: Except for the hook and the conductive cylinder that are in contact with the workpiece, the rest of the hanger is painted with insulating paint to prevent other parts of the hanger from coming into contact with the plating solution and being electroplated.

[0055] The factors that need to be considered in the production of hangers are:

[0056] According to the above design, a new type of electroplating hanger is made. The production process is as follows:

[0057] Material selection: Use high-conductivity copper material to make the hook, high-strength stainless steel material to make the reinforcement beam, pole frame and back plate, and high-conductivity material to make the conductive cylinder and magnet.

[0058] Processing Technology: Each component is manufactured using precision machining technology to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface quality. The hook, reinforcement beam, pole frame, back plate and conductive cylinder are assembled together through a welding process to ensure a strong structure.

[0059] Insulation treatment: The entire hanger is insulated by brushing with insulating paint to ensure that the hanger is not corroded by the plating solution during the electroplating process.

[0060] Factors that need to be considered in the electroplating process are:

[0061] The prepared electroplating rack is used in the electroplating process. The specific steps are as follows:

[0062] Hanger installation: Install the workpiece on the conductive cylinder of the electroplating hanger, ensuring that the workpiece is tightly connected to the magnet on the top of the conductive cylinder to prevent solution from penetrating.

[0063] Preparation of electroplating tank: Prepare the electroplating tank filled with electroplating solution and ensure that the concentration and temperature of the electroplating solution meet the electroplating requirements.

[0064] Workpiece preparation: Clean the surface of the workpiece to be electroplated to ensure that there is no oil stain and oxide layer on the surface, and prepare for electroplating.

[0065] Conductive connection: Connect the hook to the copper busbar on the electroplating tank to ensure smooth conduction of current to the hanger.

[0066] During the electroplating process, the power supply is turned on, and the current is conducted to the hanger through the hook. The current is then conducted through the electrode frame to the back plate, and then through the conductive cylinder on the back plate to the workpiece surface, ensuring uniform current distribution on the workpiece surface. The plating solution is evenly distributed through the through-holes in the back plate, avoiding concentration differences caused by ion consumption during the electroplating process and ensuring a uniform electroplated layer.

[0067] In this embodiment, the use of a novel electroplating rack for the electroplating process not only solves the problem of uneven current distribution in traditional methods, resulting in uneven electroplating, but also significantly improves the performance and stability of the electrodes. This novel electroplating rack is suitable for large-scale industrial electroplating applications and has broad application prospects and significant industrial value.

[0068] Regarding the dimensions of conductive cylinder 6, since the electrode's actual contact with the electrolytic cell plate is similar to the mastoid structure of this conductive cylinder during use, the diameter, spacing, and other geometric parameters of the conductive cylinder should be consistent with the mastoid structure of the electrolytic cell plate adapted for the target product. During the electroplating process, the magnets on the surface of conductive cylinder 6 are tightly attracted to the workpiece, so the area where the conductive cylinder contacts the workpiece will not be plated with catalyst and will remain as base material. When assembled in the electrolytic cell, proper placement ensures that this base material precisely contacts the mastoid of the electrolytic cell plate, effectively reducing the contact resistance between the electrolytic cell and the electrode, which helps further improve the electrolytic cell's performance.

[0069] The above description of the embodiments is intended to facilitate understanding and use of the invention by those skilled in the art. It will be apparent that those skilled in the art can readily make various modifications to these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without requiring inventive effort. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes, characterized in that: include: Pole frame (3), used for current distribution and structural support; A back plate (4) is connected to the pole frame (3) to achieve a conductive function, and a plurality of through holes (5) for conducting current are provided on the back plate (4); A hook (1) connected to the pole frame (3), wherein the hook (1) can be hung on a copper busbar of an electroplating tank; A plurality of conductive cylinders (6), one end of each of which is connected to the back plate (4), and the other end of each of which is magnetically connected to the alkaline electrolysis water electrode. During electrodeposition, the hook (1), the pole frame (3), the back plate (4), the conductive cylinder (6), and the alkaline electrolysis water electrode form a conductive path connected in sequence; A plurality of the conductive cylinders (6) are evenly distributed on the back plate (4); The end of the conductive cylinder (6) is provided with a magnetic material (7), and the conductive cylinder (6) is connected to the alkaline water electrolysis electrode via the magnetic material (7); The size and distribution of the conductive cylinders (6) match the nipples of the electrolytic cell plates, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the electrolytic cell and the electrodes.

2. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The setting position of the conductive cylinder (6) and the opening position of the through hole (5) have no intersection.

3. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive cylinder (6) and the back plate (4) are an integrally formed structure.

4. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The magnetic attraction material (7) can reduce contact resistance, promote current transfer, and prevent the contact surface between the conductive cylinder (6) and the alkaline water electrolysis electrode from being electroplated with a catalyst.

5. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The through holes (5) are evenly arranged on the back plate (4). During the process of the through holes (5) performing the diversion function, the electroplating solution on one side of the back plate (4) passes through the back plate, thereby preventing the electroplating solution from being consumed and not replenished during the electroplating process, resulting in uneven ion concentration distribution and affecting the electroplating effect.

6. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two hooks (1) are provided on the pole frame (3); the hooks (1) and the pole frame (3) are connected via a connecting rod; a reinforcing beam (2) is provided between the two connecting rods.

7. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hook (1) and the connecting rod are both made of metallic copper.

8. The industrial electrodeposition rack for preparing alkaline water electrolysis electrodes according to claim 1, characterized in that: The back plate (4) and the pole frame (3) are both made of stainless steel plates.

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