Electrochemical device suitable for use as both electrolytic cell and fuel cell

Abstract

An electrochemical device suitable for use as both an electrolytic cell and a fuel cell has a housing (10); a central tubular electrode (11) provided with a plurality of through holes (13) and having a first electrical connector (6) connected to a power supply or an electrical load; a first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2); a catalyst coating film for the exchange of ionic species or CCM (3) wound on the first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2); and a second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) wound on the catalyst coating film or CCM (3) and provided with a second electrical connector (5). The first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), the catalyst coating film or CCM (3), and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) are adapted to surround the central tubular electrode (11) at least 360 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical device suitable for use as both an electrolyzer and a fuel cell. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrolyzer having a tubular or spiral structure with a high packing density based on an ion exchange membrane.

[0002] An electrolytic cell or electrolyser makes it possible to convert chemical substances by using electricity to break them down into simpler substances. In other words, an electrolyser converts electrical energy into chemical energy. In so-called fuel cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electrical energy, the conversion process from electrical energy to chemical energy can be reversible.

[0003] One method of producing hydrogen is the electrolysis of water, which uses electricity without the use of toxic reagents and produces no polluting byproducts or CO2 emissions. Electrolysis requires low-voltage direct current; therefore, the electrolysis cell or electrolyzer can be powered by renewable energy such as solar or wind power. The method is considered environmentally sustainable, allowing for the storage of excess renewable energy and allowing consumers to use excess energy even when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining. Background Art

[0004] The electrolyzers most commonly used to produce hydrogen utilize a water electrolysis process assisted by a solid polymer electrolyte such as an ion exchange membrane. In particular, the use of proton exchange membranes (cation exchange membranes - CEM, and often proton exchange membranes or polymer electrolyte membranes - PEM) allows high energy efficiency and power density to be achieved; anion exchange membranes (anion exchange membranes - AEM) allow the use of low-cost catalysts for the electrolysis process and generally have high durability.

[0005] The PEM membrane allows the selective transport of protons, or the AEM membrane allows the transport of hydroxide ions from the anode to the cathode and vice versa of the electrolyser, respectively. Both types of membranes, PEM and AEM, act as a barrier to the gases produced (for the electrolysis of water, only H2 and O2), thus allowing their separation.

[0006] There are also ion exchange membranes that are covered on both sides with a layer of catalyst (catalyst coated membrane, CCM).

[0007] The electrolytic cell is connected to a DC power source which allows catalytic oxidation at the anode and catalytic reduction at the cathode according to the following general reaction:

[0008] 2H2O+energy→2H2+O2

[0009] These types of electrolyzers make it possible to produce gas at pressures sufficient to store it without the need for mechanical compression.

[0010] To make the electrodes, metals or their alloys are usually used to form meshes or plates. Electrocatalysts, i.e. compounds that increase the rate of the reaction at the electrodes, may also be used. Currently commercially available electrolyzers consist of two half-cells containing electrodes, separated by a porous diaphragm through which a liquid electrolyte circulates. This structure does not allow a clean and physical separation of hydrogen and oxygen. Electrolyzers with ion exchange membranes, on the contrary, allow the production of the two gases in two completely independent compartments. For example, membranes based on perfluorosulfonated polymers (such as and ) acts as a physical barrier between two gases, where it is possible to produce these two gases at a high pressure difference. Membrane electrolyzers are generally characterized by a flat circular or flat square structure and involve the use of a single flat membrane or multiple flat membranes installed in series in a parallel manner. By the way, see S. Shiva Kumar, V. Himabindu, Hydrogen production by PEM waterelectrolysis–A review, Mater. Ski. Energy Technol. 2 (2019) 442–454. The spread of these devices on an industrial scale is still limited by the scarcity and high cost of materials used to assemble the electrolyzers. In addition, the production of membrane electrolyzers capable of operating with high energy efficiency and high current involves the use of membranes with large surfaces so as to be able to disperse the charge and have a low current density. This involves the production of large electrolyzers that can accommodate the large active surface area of ​​a single flat membrane or a cell with multiple stacked membranes.

[0011] US2010 / 0089747 discloses a high-pressure electrolyzer. A cylinder serving as an external electrode has a water outlet and a gas outlet. A conductive center pin serves as a center electrode partially contained within the external electrode. Alternatively, the external electrode and the center electrode may be an anode electrode or a cathode electrode. The external electrode and the center electrode are electrically coupled to each other via a DC power supply. The membrane electrode arrangement is spirally wound around the center electrode within the external electrode. An impermeable separator is wrapped around the center electrode alone and may be bonded to the center electrode or the external electrode. The impermeable separator prevents electrical contact between remote portions of the membrane electrode arrangement and substantially prevents water, or oxygen, or hydrogen, or hydrogen ions from flowing therethrough. It is provided that a compartment may be added for collecting H2 and O2 and that H2 and O2 may be extracted by gravity. The arrangement of electrodes and separation layers in US 2010 / 0089747 is not efficient; in fact, it does not allow the utilization of the entire active area of ​​the membrane. In particular, since the external electrode is wrapped into a single layer with the membrane, there is a non-contact point between the two elements. This means that parts of the membrane area are not active for the electrolysis process. At the same time, the electrolyser according to US 2010 / 0089747 does not allow for clean separation of the product gases.

[0012] US 6890410 B2 describes a device for converting liquid (such as water) into oxygen and hydrogen using an electrode packaging system. The system allows electrodes with opposite charges to be in close contact with each other to increase ion flow and electron flow, and to increase gas production accordingly. Preferably, a flexible material envelope is used, folded along one edge to completely encapsulate the electrode. In one embodiment, the device includes a housing, which defines a chamber that can be filled with water, and the packaged electrode and the non-packaged electrode rolled from one end to the other end are immersed in the chamber. A flexible metal tube feeds water into the envelope, and one end of the flexible metal tube is connected to the positive side of a DC power supply. One end of the flexible metal tube passes through the lid of the housing, and the other conduit passes through the lid and leads to the chamber. The negative side of the current path is connected to the non-packaged electrode circuit. When electrolysis occurs during electron flow, oxygen bubbles are generated in the packaged electrode, particularly in the housing, and bubbles of hydrogen are generated on the surface of the negatively charged electrode. The generated oxygen and hydrogen are transported to storage facilities or used directly through these pipelines, respectively. In US 6890410 B2, the collection tanks for hydrogen and oxygen are located outside the electrolyzer. In addition, the electrodes are encapsulated in electrodeposited, screen-printed and relatively flexible materials, which therefore requires several complex and expensive preparation steps. In addition, US patent 6890410 B2 provides a method for simply immersing the electrolyzer in electrolyte and / or water without providing water recycling, which is necessary to facilitate the removal of the generated gases from the membrane and to continuously hydrate the membrane and allow it to function properly.

[0013] WO 2005100639 A1 discloses a gas generator for extracting oxygen and hydrogen separately by electrolysis. The gas generator includes a tubular electrode for holding an electrolyte, a central electrode concentric with the tubular electrode, a tubular intermediate electrode concentrically arranged between the central electrode and the tubular electrode, and a cover for sealing the openings at both ends of the tubular electrode and the central electrode. A DC voltage is applied to generate an electric field between the central electrode and the electrode tube. Due to the electric field, hydrogen and oxygen are generated at the circumferential surfaces of the central electrode, the tubular electrode and the intermediate electrode. The hydrogen and oxygen are discharged separately. A simple ion exchange membrane is used, which is protected by a protective element to maintain appropriate humidity.

[0014] Currently, the high cost of electrolyzers, mainly due to the high cost of the materials that make them up and the complexity of their assembly, limits their sale and promotion. In addition, current membrane electrolyzers have a low packing density, so they need to be used to maintain low current densities (A / cm 2 ) while also allowing for the large membrane area necessary for operation even at high currents. Summary of the invention

[0015] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the devices described in the cited documents.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system in which the membrane itself acts as a separator between the produced gases, thus avoiding the presence of two different compartments for distinguishing oxygen and hydrogen collection.

[0017] These objects are achieved by an electrochemical device capable of functioning as both an electrolyser and a fuel cell, the electrochemical device comprising

[0018] - a housing equipped with at least two connecting ducts for the inlet or outlet of both reagents or reaction products,

[0019] - a central tubular electrode provided with a plurality of through holes and located in said housing, said central tubular electrode having said end opening for the inlet or outlet of reagents or reaction products, and a first electrical connector connected to a system selected from the group consisting of a power supply and an electrical load,

[0020] - a first gas diffusion layer,

[0021] - an ion exchange membrane wound around the first gas diffusion layer,

[0022] - a second diffusion layer, wound around the ion exchange membrane and equipped with a second electrical connector connected to said selected system,

[0023] The first gas diffusion layer, the ion exchange membrane, and the second gas diffusion layer are adapted to surround the central tubular electrode by at least 360°.

[0024] Essentially, due to the high packing density of the tubular or spiral structure, an advantage of the device according to the invention is the possibility of operating with high energy efficiency while keeping the weight and dimensions of the device low.

[0025] Due to its small size, the device according to the invention can be used in small modular units for producing hydrogen where the user needs it.

[0026] Additionally, its construction eliminates much of the cost and complexity of conventional electrolytic cells.

[0027] Furthermore, the proposed structure allows to have a self-pressurizing electrolysis system by using outlet valves for the gases produced according to time, current density and collection volume in the supporting electrodes (central and external), which act as collection tanks integrated into the system itself.

[0028] Another advantage of the device is the simplicity of the steps to make it happen, which could ensure greater diffusion of membrane electrolyzers on the market. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of an electrochemical device suitable for use both as an electrolyzer and as a fuel cell, shown by way of indicative and non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1

[0031] [ Figure 1 ] is a transparent schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrochemical device according to the present invention having the function of an electrolytic cell.

[0032] Figure 2

[0033] [ Figure 2 ] is a transparent schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrochemical device according to the present invention having a fuel cell function.

[0034] Figure 3

[0035] [ Figure 3 ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an electrochemical device and shows its internal components.

[0036] Figure 4

[0037] [ Figure 4 ] is a partially cutaway schematic perspective view highlighting the different components of the first embodiment of the electrochemical device.

[0038] Figure 5

[0039] [ Figure 5 ] is a partially cut-away schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrochemical device.

[0040] Figure 6

[0041] [ Figure 6 ] shows a first step for obtaining a second embodiment of an electrochemical device according to the invention, represented by a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0042] Figure 7

[0043] [ Figure 7 ] shows a second step for obtaining a second embodiment of an electrochemical device according to the present invention, represented by a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0044] Figure 8

[0045] [ Figure 8] shows the third step for obtaining the second embodiment of the electrochemical device according to the present invention represented by a schematic cross-sectional view.

[0046] Fig. 9

[0047] [ Fig. 9 ] is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of a first variant of a GDL electrode and a spacer layer in a component.

[0048] Fig.10

[0049] [ Fig.10 ]yes Fig. 9 Enlarged detail of the left front edge portion of the first variant of the GDL-electrode and the spacer layer.

[0050] Fig.11

[0051] [ Fig.11 ] is a schematic partial cross-sectional perspective view of a second variant of a GDL-electrode and a spacer layer comprising a hydrophobic membrane.

[0052] Fig.12

[0053] [ Fig.12 ]yes Fig.11 Enlarged detail of the left front edge portion of the second variant of the GDL-electrode and spacer layer.

[0054] Fig.13

[0055] [ Fig.13 ]yes Fig.11 Zoomed-in detail of the right front edge portion of the second variant of the GDL-electrode and spacer layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an electrochemical device suitable for use as an electrolyser and a fuel cell, respectively, comprises a housing 10 having a tubular shape closed at the ends. The housing 10 is provided with two connecting ducts, indicated schematically as transversely towards the outside of the housing, indicated as 7 and 8 respectively, and for the inlet or outlet of reagents or reaction products.

[0057] The central tubular electrode 11 is located in the housing 10. The central tubular electrode 11 has a cavity with end openings 1, 9 shown schematically and which is also used for the inlet or outlet of reagents or reaction products. The central tubular electrode 11 is equipped with a plurality of through holes 13 and is provided with a first electrical connector 6.

[0058] Also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an electrochemical device shown in FIG. 1 and a schematic perspective view of a portion cut from the side. Note that in FIG. Figure 3 The connecting pipes 7 and 8 are not shown.

[0059] An ion exchange membrane 3 covered on both sides by a catalyst layer, which has been referred to above as a CCM (catalyst coated membrane), is wound around the central tubular electrode 11. A first gas diffusion layer or GDL (gas diffusion layer) 2 is inserted between the central tubular electrode 11 and the CCM 3. A second gas diffusion layer or GDL-electrode 4, which also has an electrode function, surrounds the CCM 3 by 360° and is equipped with a second electrical connector 5.

[0060] It should be understood that the core of the device consists of a CCM 3 wound around a central tubular electrode 11, which has a load-bearing function and also provides support for the CCM 3. A GDL 2 is inserted between the CCM 3 and the central tubular electrode 11, which is flexible and conductive, and acts as a current distributor and promotes the diffusion of gases. The flexible and conductive GDL-electrode 4 surrounds the CCM 3 and is therefore also referred to as an external GDL. The GDL 2, CCM 3 and GDL-electrode 4 are able to surround the central tubular electrode 11 for at least 360°, thereby defining a tubular structure of the electrochemical device.

[0061] The central tubular electrode 11, GDL 2, GDL-electrode 4 and CCM 3 are located within a housing 10 which can be removed to allow operation to restore or replace the GDL 2, GDL-electrode 4 and CCM 3. Electrical connectors 6 and 5 are anchored to the central tubular electrode 11 and GDL-electrode 4, respectively.

[0062] In the operating mode of the electrolyzer as an electrochemical device according to the present invention, the electrodes are connected to an external DC power supply. In the fuel cell mode, the device is connected to an external electrical load or energy storage system. In both operating modes, pressure or temperature sensors can be connected to the inlet and outlet of gas and / or water for continuous monitoring of reagents and products. In addition, as will be seen below, a highly hydrophobic porous membrane can be installed at the gas outlet, allowing gas to pass and at the same time hindering water from passing, thereby having the further advantage of obtaining anhydrous gas from the membrane electrolysis process.

[0063] In conclusion, Figure 4 express Figure 1 and Figure 2Axonometric view of a tubular electrolyser with a cross-sectional view of the internal components: inlets / outlets for reactants / products 1, 7, 8, 9; CCM 3; GDL 2 and GDL-electrode 4, central tubular electrode 11 with holes 13 allowing reactants to enter / reaction products to leave.

[0064] Reference now Figure 5 , Figure 5 1 is a schematic perspective view of a partial cross section of a second embodiment of an electrochemical device according to the present invention. Figure 5 In, already exists in Figure 4 The component parts of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0065] Unlike the first embodiment, the layers of the second embodiment of the invention are not arranged in a tubular sleeve shape, but are helically wound. In fact, the GDL 2, CCM 3 and GDL-electrode 4 can surround the central tubular electrode 11 for more than 360°, thus defining a helical structure of the electrochemical device.

[0066] To allow functional windings, the conductive layers must be properly insulated.

[0067] An ion exchange membrane or CCM 3 is adapted to surround the central tubular electrode 11 and the first gas diffusion layer or GDL 2 on each side.

[0068] In this way, the GDL 2 can be wound around the central tubular electrode 11 and rewound on itself, being kept isolated by folding the CCM 3 over it. A spacer layer 12 of electrically insulating material is provided, enabling lateral and longitudinal circulation of H2O and O2, as will be shown below. Accordingly, a second diffusion layer or GDL-electrode 4 surrounds the ion exchange membrane or CCM 3. This can be achieved by Figure 6 , 7 8, these figures show three consecutive steps for obtaining the same electrochemical device in schematic cross-sectional views. In these figures, the housing 10 is not shown, and the central tubular electrode 11 is represented by a schematic dashed portion of its input end 1 to highlight the presence of the hole 13. The GDL 2 is in electrical contact with the central tubular electrode 11. The GDL 2 is in electrical contact with the central tubular electrode 11. Figure 6 The center electrode tube 11 and the GDL 2 are surrounded on all sides by the CCM 3 having an electrical insulation function.

[0069] The second electrode is represented by a GDL-electrode 4 arranged in contact with the CCM 3 .

[0070] In order to allow the GDL-electrode 4 to be wound upon itself, it is clamped onto a spacer layer 12 of electrically insulating material.

[0071] exist Figure 7In the embodiment, the central tubular electrode 11 and the end of the GDL 2 in contact therewith rotate integrally through a quarter turn.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the central tubular electrode 11 together with the layers of the GDL 2 and the GDL-electrode 4 and the corresponding insulating layers are arranged relative to each other. Figure 7 The arrangement rotates about a quarter of a turn.

[0073] Reference now Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view in partial section of a first variant of the GDL-electrode and spacer layer as a whole. The spacer layer 12 is covered on both sides by a second diffusion layer or GDL-electrode 4. According to this first variant, the spacer layer 12 and the GDL-electrode 4 form a single element, which is formed by a multilayer material. This material is simultaneously conductive and permeable to water, so it can have the dual function of conducting electricity and promoting the diffusion of gas and water until it reaches the CCM 3. Fig.10 A magnified detail is presented showing the lateral and longitudinal circulation of H2O until the CCM 3 is wetted, and the removal of the generated O2 and excess H2O from the CCM 3.

[0074] Fig.11 is a schematic, partially cut-away perspective view of a second variant of a GDL-electrode comprising a hydrophobic membrane and a spacer layer in one element. Fig.12 and Fig.13 They are Fig.11 Zoomed-in detail of the left and right front edge portions of the second variant of the GDL electrodes and spacer layer. Fig.12 and Fig.13 The H2O inlet and oxygen outlet are shown. Fig. 9 Compared to the first variant, Fig.11 The second variant has a multi-layer structure, which is presented from the outside to the inside:

[0075] - two conductive layers, corresponding to the electrical GDL 4, one of which is intended to be in direct contact with the CCM 3, as Figure 5 As shown,

[0076] - two spacer layers 12,

[0077] - two hydrophobic membranes 14 permeable to gases,

[0078] - Anhydrous oxygen recovery channel 15 defined by two hydrophobic membranes 14 .

[0079] The hydrophobic membrane is then interposed between the respective GDL-electrode 4-spacer layer 12 and anhydrous oxygen recovery channel 15. This arrangement allows the recovery of oxygen in anhydrous form.

[0080] As an example of electrolytic cell operation

[0081] A device having a tubular structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention used as an electrolytic cell ( Figure 1 ) is provided to a water recirculation system. Water can be supplied from the inlet 7 into the housing 10 and recirculated at the outlet 8, and vice versa. In this configuration, the anode consists of the GDL-electrode 4 and the cathode consists of the GDL 2, as it is in contact with the central tubular electrode 11. The hydrogen produced by the membrane electrolysis process is collected in the cavity of the central tubular electrode 11 after passing through its pores 13. In contrast, the oxygen produced on the anode side diffuses from the CCM 3 through the GDL-electrode 4 until it is collected in the housing 10.

[0082] By reversing the polarity of the applied current, the central tubular electrode 11 acts as an anode and the GDL-electrode 4 acts as a cathode. Water can be supplied from above, from the inlet 1 of the cavity of the central tubular electrode 11, and recirculated downward into the opening 9, and vice versa. The oxygen produced by the membrane electrolysis process is collected in the cavity of the central tubular electrode 11, on which there are holes 13 for gas diffusion. In contrast, the hydrogen produced from the cathode side diffuses from the CCM 3 through the GDL-electrode 4 until it is collected in the housing 10. The size and thickness of the various layers constituting the electrolyzer can be selected according to specific needs. Turning to the second embodiment, the device with a spiral structure allows a higher packing density than the tubular device, because the CCM 3 surrounds the central tubular electrode 11 and the first gas diffusion layer or GDL 2 on each side, folding back in a spiral form with the GDL-electrode 4. The CCM 3 is in contact with the respective GDL 2, 4. Specifically, the CCM 3 surrounds the GDL 2 on each side, and the GDL 4 is sandwiched on the spacer layer 12.

[0083] Since the central tubular electrode 11 is provided with the through-hole 13, the central tubular electrode 11 allows the generated gas to be collected or the water to be recycled according to the polarity of the applied current.

[0084] The electrochemical device used as an electrolyser allows operation at low current densities and thus high energy efficiency. This is achieved by using a larger membrane surface area compared to a conventional planar electrolyser, where the more active surface is compressed into a smaller volume. Compared to a multilayer electrolyser, such an electrolyser is not heavy and is more compact.

[0085] As an example of fuel cell operation

[0086] Referring to the first embodiment Figure 2 and Figure 3, the device according to the invention can also be reversibly operated as a fuel cell. Specifically, hydrogen is supplied to the cavity of the central tubular electrode 11 and passes through its pores 13, diffuses through the GDL 2 to the catalyst present on the surface of the CCM 3. On the other hand, oxygen is supplied from the inlet 8 in the housing 10, from which it diffuses through the GDL-electrode 4 until it reaches the outer surface of the CCM 3. The direct current generated by the reaction is sent to an external electrical load or energy storage system through the electrical connectors 5, 6. The produced water leaves the housing 10 through its outlet 7.

[0087] By reversing the polarity of the applied current, the central tubular electrode 11 acts as a cathode and the GDL-electrode 4 acts as an anode. In this case, oxygen is supplied to the cavity of the central tubular electrode 11 and diffuses through the GDL 2 to the catalyst on the surface of the CCM 3 after passing through the hole 13. On the other hand, hydrogen is supplied from the inlet 8 in the housing 10, from which it diffuses through the GDL-electrode 4 until it reaches the outer surface of the CCM 3. The direct current generated by the reaction is sent to an external electrical load or to an energy storage system through electrical connectors 5, 6. The generated water is collected in the cavity of the central tubular electrode 11.

[0088] Ultimately, the advantages of electrochemical devices with tubular / helical structures compared to planar configurations are as follows:

[0089] - High compactness and packing density, understood as a high ratio between the area of ​​the membrane and the volume of the device. The improvement of the helical structure device is at least 10 times;

[0090] - Greater resistance to internal gas pressure (up to 5000 kPa) due to the specific geometry. The helical structure and packing density allow to redistribute stress loads without causing device failure when high pressure is applied.

[0091] Compared to planar electrolyzers, devices with tubular or spiral structures make it possible to achieve higher energy efficiency because the current density will be lower with the same current supplied, maximizing the effective area of ​​the membrane in a smaller volume. The fact that the ion exchange membrane is wrapped rather than encapsulated on a flexible electrode increases the contact at the interface between the membrane catalyst and the electrode, which will also act as a gas diffusion layer on the cathode and anode sides, as well as acting as a water distributor on the anode side.

[0092] This device allows the recycling of water, which has two positive aspects: on the one hand it guarantees a faster removal of the produced gases from the CCM surface, on the other hand it allows the removal of the latent heat that may be generated during the electrolysis reaction.

[0093] Industrial Applicability

[0094] Since the packing density of spiral and tubular structures is higher than that of conventional flat membrane electrolyzers, the present invention finds a natural application field in systems that require the immediate production and use of H2 and O2 through compact devices (e.g., in wearable systems, space applications, mobile systems).

Claims

1. An electrochemical device suitable for use as both an electrolyzer and a fuel cell, comprising - a housing (10) equipped with at least two connecting ducts (7, 8) for the inlet or outlet of both reagents and reaction products; a central tubular electrode (11) provided with a plurality of through holes (13) and located in the housing (10), the central tubular electrode (11) having an end opening (1, 9) for the inlet or outlet of both reagents and reaction products and a first electrical connector (6) connected to a system selected from the group consisting of a power supply and an electrical load, - a first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), - a catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3) for exchanging ionic species wound on said first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), - a second gas diffusion layer or electrode - GDL (4) also acting as an electrode, which is wound on the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3) and provided with a second electrical connector (5) connected to the selected system, The first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3), and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) are adapted to surround the central tubular electrode (11) by at least 360°.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrochemical device has a tubular configuration, wherein the first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3), and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) are in the shape of cylindrical sleeves, arranged continuously and concentrically from inside to outside around the central tubular electrode (11).

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrochemical device has a spiral configuration, wherein the first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2), the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3), and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) are adapted to be spirally wound around the central tubular electrode (11) by more than 360°, and the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3) is adapted to surround the first gas diffusion layer or GDL (2) on each side.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) is adapted to surround the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3).

5. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The electrochemical device further comprises a spacer layer (12) consisting of an electrically insulating material and covered on both sides by a second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4), the spacer layer (12) and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) being arranged in a manner allowing lateral and longitudinal H2O circulation in order to wet the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3) and in a manner allowing removal of excess O2 and H2O from the catalyst coated membrane or CCM (3).

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The spacer layer (12) and the second gas diffusion layer or electrode-GDL (4) are made of a single multilayer material suitable for conducting electricity and promoting gas and water diffusion.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The single multilayer material further comprises - an additional spacer layer (12), - two hydrophobic membranes (14) permeable to gas, said two hydrophobic membranes (14) being delimited by the two said spacer layers (12), and - a channel (15) for recovering anhydrous oxygen, said channel (15) being delimited by said two hydrophobic membranes (14).

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