Electrolytic tank pole plate assembly and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides an electrolytic bath pole plate assembly and a preparation method thereof, and relates to the technical field of electrolytic baths, the electrolytic bath pole plate assembly comprises a pole plate, a sealing element and a diffusion layer, the pole plate, the sealing element and the diffusion layer are connected into an integrated structure, and the diffusion layer is located in an area defined by the sealing element. And the reaction region of the polar plate is covered. Therefore, the polar plate, the sealing element and the diffusion layer are constructed into an integrated structure, so that the sealing element and the diffusion layer are firmly positioned, the risk that the sealing element is not aligned in sealing and the diffusion layer is assembled in a staggered manner can be effectively reduced, and meanwhile, the whole electrolytic cell polar plate assembly is an integrated part; therefore, the number of parts of the exchange membrane electrolytic cell can be reduced, and the assembly process is simplified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and in particular to an electrolytic cell plate assembly and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The exchange membrane electrolyzer is a device that uses water electrolysis hydrogen production technology to prepare hydrogen. It mainly includes a membrane electrode, a diffusion layer, a seal and a plate. Among them, the membrane electrode is the main reaction site for water electrolysis, the diffusion layer plays the role of conducting the reaction water and the generated gas, the seal plays the role of isolating the inside and outside of the electrolyzer and the anode and cathode of the electrolyzer, and the plate plays the role of isolating the anode and cathode, supporting the internal structure of the electrolyzer, and providing channels for reactant input and product discharge.

[0003] In the existing electrolyzer, the membrane electrode, diffusion layer, seal and electrode plate are separable components, which makes the assembly process of the electrolyzer more complicated; moreover, although a slot is provided on the electrode plate for positioning the seal and the diffusion layer, a certain gap needs to be left in the slot to accommodate the compression deformation of the seal and the dimensional tolerance of the diffusion layer, resulting in poor positioning effect, which not only makes the seal prone to the risk of misalignment, but also makes the diffusion layer prone to falling downward due to the influence of gravity during assembly, so as to cause the risk of misaligned assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] The problem solved by the invention is: how to simplify the assembly process of the exchange membrane electrolyzer while ensuring the effective positioning of the seal and diffusion layer of the exchange membrane electrolyzer.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell plate assembly and a preparation method thereof.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell plate assembly, comprising a plate, a seal and a diffusion layer, wherein the plate, the seal and the diffusion layer are connected as an integrated structure, and the diffusion layer is located in an area enclosed by the seal and covers a reaction area of ​​the plate.

[0007] Optionally, the seal includes a sealing body and an extension portion, wherein the extension portion is arranged along the edge of the sealing body and is located within the area enclosed by the sealing body, and the extension portion is parallel to the electrode plate and extends in a direction away from the sealing body, a gap is formed between the edge of the diffusion layer and the electrode plate, and the extension portion extends into the gap.

[0008] Optionally, a circle of protrusions is provided on the electrode plate, and the area surrounded by the protrusions constitutes the reaction area, and one end of the extension portion away from the sealing body is in contact with the outer side wall of the protrusion.

[0009] Optionally, a circle of protrusions is provided on the electrode plate, and the area surrounded by the protrusions constitutes the reaction area, and the extension portion is spaced apart from an end of the sealing body and an outer side wall of the protrusions.

[0010] Optionally, the thickness of the extension portion is smaller than the thickness of the sealing body, and the edge of the diffusion layer abuts against an end surface of the sealing body connected to one end of the extension portion.

[0011] Optionally, the electrode plate is an integrally formed bipolar plate structure, the bipolar plate structure includes an anode surface and a cathode surface, the seal includes an anode seal and a cathode seal, the diffusion layer includes an anode diffusion layer and a cathode diffusion layer, the anode seal and the anode diffusion layer are arranged on the anode surface, and the cathode seal and the cathode diffusion layer are arranged on the cathode surface.

[0012] Optionally, the electrode plate is a monopolar plate structure; when the electrode plate is an anode plate provided with an anode surface, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly is an anode assembly, and the seal and the diffusion layer in the anode assembly are arranged on the anode surface, and are respectively an anode seal and an anode diffusion layer; when the electrode plate is a cathode plate provided with a cathode surface, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly is a cathode assembly, and the seal and the diffusion layer in the cathode assembly are arranged on the cathode surface, and are respectively a cathode seal and a cathode diffusion layer.

[0013] Optionally, the anode surface and the cathode surface are both provided with a reactant inlet, an anode reactant outlet and a cathode reactant outlet;

[0014] The electrolytic cell plate assembly further includes a first gasket, which is disposed at the edges of the reactant inlet and the anode reactant outlet on the anode surface, and opposite ends of the first gasket are respectively connected to the anode seal in an integral manner;

[0015] And / or, the electrolytic cell plate assembly further includes a second gasket, which is disposed at the edge of the cathode reactant outlet on the cathode surface, and opposite ends of the second gasket are respectively integrally connected to the cathode seal.

[0016] Optionally, the diffusion layer is one of titanium felt, carbon paper, nickel felt, nickel foam and stainless steel felt.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing an electrolytic cell plate assembly, comprising:

[0018] Connecting the diffusion layer and the sealing member in a preformed state to form a combined body;

[0019] Coating a coupling agent on a portion of the electrode plate that is in contact with the seal;

[0020] The combination and the electrode plate coated with the coupling agent are subjected to a vulcanization treatment;

[0021] The vulcanized electrode plate and the combined body are dried and solidified to obtain the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly.

[0022] Optionally, when the electrolytic cell plate assembly further includes a gasket, connecting the diffusion layer and the sealing member in a preformed state into a combined body comprises: connecting the diffusion layer and the gasket with the sealing member in a preformed state into the combined body.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the electrolytic cell plate assembly of the present invention are as follows: the electrode plate, the seal and the diffusion layer are connected, the diffusion layer is located in the area surrounded by the seal and covers the reaction area of ​​the electrode plate, so as to realize the assembly and production of the electrolytic cell plate assembly; and, by connecting the electrode plate, the seal and the diffusion layer into an integrated structure, the seal and the diffusion layer are firmly positioned, thereby effectively reducing the risks of misalignment of the seal and misalignment of the diffusion layer. At the same time, the electrolytic cell plate assembly is made into an integrated component as a whole, thereby reducing the number of parts of the exchange membrane electrolyzer, thereby simplifying the assembly process. At the same time, setting the seal and the diffusion layer as an integrated structure can not only improve the bonding force between the seal and the diffusion layer and ensure the sealing of the electrolytic cell, but also reduce the gap between the seal and the diffusion layer, so as to ensure that more reactants can enter the reaction channel and penetrate into the diffusion layer, rather than filling in the gap, thereby increasing the total amount of reactants flowing into the diffusion layer. Moreover, compared with integrating the diffusion layer with the electrode plate by welding to realize the integrated structure of the electrolytic cell electrode assembly, the diffusion layer and the seal are connected in an integrated manner by, for example, injection molding together, which can not only avoid welding from damaging the surface coating of the electrode plate and the diffusion layer and changing the metallographic phase of the electrode plate and the diffusion layer, thereby ensuring the corrosion resistance of the electrode plate and the diffusion layer, but also make the diffusion layer a metal material or a non-metallic material such as carbon paper or carbon cloth, thereby reducing the material requirements of the diffusion layer in the electrolytic cell electrode assembly. In addition, the electrolytic cell electrode assembly is formed into an integrated structure by using the electrode plate, the seal and the diffusion layer, so that the electrolytic cell electrode assembly and the membrane electrode are independent components, so that the membrane electrode with a higher cost can be separated from other components for maintenance and recycling. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrolytic cell plate assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of the middle A;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of another situation at A in the middle;

[0027] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the electrolytic cell plate assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the anode surface of the electrolytic cell plate assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode surface of the electrolytic cell plate assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anode seal in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the anode surface of the electrode plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cathode surface of the electrode plate in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the exchange membrane electrolyzer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of an exchange membrane electrolyzer in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig.12 The flowchart is a method for preparing an electrolytic cell plate assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Description of reference numerals:

[0037] 1. Plate; 11. Anode reaction zone; 12. Cathode reaction zone; 13. Reactant inlet; 14. Anode reactant outlet; 15. Cathode reactant outlet; 16. Mounting groove; 17. Positioning hole; 18. Gap; 19. Protrusion; 2. Seal; 21. Sealing body; 22. Extension; 23. Anode seal; 24. Cathode seal; 3. Diffusion layer; 31. Anode diffusion layer; 32. Cathode diffusion layer; 4. Gasket; 41. First gasket; 42. Second gasket; 100. Electrolytic cell plate assembly; 200. Membrane electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present invention. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present invention are only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The term "including" and its variations used in this document are open inclusions, that is, "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "based at least in part on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". The relevant definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the present invention are only used to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order or interdependence of the functions performed by these devices, modules or units.

[0040] It should be noted that the modifications of "one" and "plurality" mentioned in the present invention are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, it should be understood as "one or more".

[0041] Combination Figure 1 As shown, an electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes a plate 1, a seal 2 and a diffusion layer 3. The plate 1, the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 are connected as an integrated structure, and the diffusion layer 3 is located in the area enclosed by the seal 2 and covers the reaction area of ​​the plate 1.

[0042] It should be noted that the electrolyzer plate assembly 100 is generally used in an exchange membrane electrolyzer, which may be a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer (PEM electrolyzer for short) or an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer (AEM electrolyzer for short). Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the membrane electrode 200 is sandwiched between two electrolyzer plate assemblies 100 with opposite polarities, wherein the water electrolysis areas on the front and back sides of the membrane electrode 200 are coated with catalysts.

[0043] Specifically, in the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100, the plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3 are usually flat plate structures, the seal 2 is usually a frame-shaped sealing strip structure, and the seal 2 is stacked on the plate 1, the diffusion layer 3 is stacked on the seal 2, and is located in the area surrounded by the seal 2. At the same time, the seal 2 and the plate 1, and the diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 are all connected in an integral manner, so that the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 is an inseparable integrated structure. Among them, the plate 1 is usually a rectangular, circular or other geometric flat plate structure. According to the processing method, the plate 1 can be an etched plate, a stamped plate or a machined plate. According to the type of coating, the plate 1 can be a non-coated plate or a coated plate. Among them, the coating method can be physical vapor deposition, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition, cathode arc ion plating, or electroplating. The coating type can be precious metal platinum, gold, or non-precious metal titanium, nickel, etc., or conductive non-metallic materials, and the material of the plate 1 can be titanium plate, stainless steel plate, nickel plate, etc. The material of the seal 2 can be EPDM or fluororubber, and the seal 2 is usually connected to the plate 1 in an integrated manner by vulcanization. The shape of the seal 2 can be compatible with the plate 1. For example, if the plate 1 is rectangular, the seal 2 is also rectangular. If the plate 1 is circular, the seal 2 is also circular. Of course, the shape of the seal 2 may not be compatible with the plate 1. For example, if the plate 1 is rectangular, the seal 2 may be circular or elliptical. The diffusion layer 3 is usually a porous plate, carbon cloth or carbon paper, and has a certain compression rate. Moreover, the diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 are usually connected in an integrated manner by integral injection molding, that is, when the seal 2 is injected, the prepared diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 are injected into a whole. During installation, the diffusion layer 3 is clamped between the electrode plate 1 and the membrane electrode 200, so that the front and back sides of the diffusion layer 3 are in contact with the electrode plate 1 and the membrane electrode 200 respectively, and the diffusion layer 3 is compressed to a certain extent, which is beneficial to the contact between the diffusion layer 3 and the membrane electrode 200 and the gas discharge, thereby reducing the contact resistance.

[0044] More specifically, the electrode plate 1 is usually provided with a flow channel structure to transport reaction water to the membrane electrode 200, while collecting and conducting current and discharging the generated product gas. The area where the flow channel structure is located constitutes the reaction area of ​​the electrode plate 1, and the diffusion layer 3 is not only stacked on the seal 2, but also covers the reaction area of ​​the electrode plate 1. The electrode plate 1 can be an integrally formed bipolar plate structure. In this case, the electrode plate 1 has an anode surface and a cathode surface. The flow channel structure on the anode surface of the electrode plate 1 forms an anode reaction area 11, and the flow channel structure on the cathode surface of the electrode plate 1 forms a cathode reaction area 12. The anode surface and cathode surface of the electrode plate 1 are both provided with a seal 2 and a diffusion layer 3. The seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 arranged on the anode surface of the electrode plate 1 are respectively an anode seal 23 and an anode diffusion layer 31. The anode diffusion layer 31 covers the anode reaction area 11 of the electrode plate 1. The seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 arranged on the cathode surface of the electrode plate 1 are respectively cathode seal 24 and The cathode diffusion layer 32 covers the cathode reaction zone 12 of the electrode plate 1; the electrode plate 1 may also be a single-pole plate structure, for example, the electrode plate 1 may be an anode plate with an anode surface or a cathode plate with a cathode surface. In this case, if the electrode plate 1 is an anode plate, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is an anode assembly; if the electrode plate 1 is a cathode plate, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is a cathode assembly, and the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 arranged on the anode plate are respectively an anode seal 23 and an anode diffusion layer 31, and the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 arranged on the cathode plate are respectively a cathode seal 24 and a cathode diffusion layer 32.

[0045] When the electrode plate 1 is an integrated bipolar plate structure, such as Figure 1 As shown, the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 of an integrated structure includes an anode diffusion layer 31, an anode seal 23, a plate 1, a cathode seal 24 and a cathode diffusion layer 32 which are stacked in sequence. At this time, the membrane electrode 200 is clamped between the two electrolytic cell plate assemblies 100, and the front and back sides of the membrane electrode 200 are respectively in contact with the anode surface and the cathode surface of the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100; when the plate 1 is a single-pole plate structure, for the anode assembly, the anode assembly includes an anode plate, an anode seal 23 and an anode diffusion layer 31 which are stacked in sequence, and for the cathode assembly, the cathode assembly includes a cathode plate, a cathode seal 24 and a cathode diffusion layer 32 which are stacked in sequence. At this time, the membrane electrode 200 is clamped between the anode assembly and the cathode assembly, that is, the front and back sides of the membrane electrode 200 are respectively in contact with the anode assembly and the cathode assembly.

[0046] In this embodiment, the electrode plate 1, the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 are connected, and the diffusion layer 3 is located in the area surrounded by the seal 2 and covers the reaction area of ​​the electrode plate 1, so as to realize the assembly production of the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100; moreover, by constructing the electrode plate 1, the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 as an integrated structure, the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 are firmly positioned, thereby effectively reducing the risk of sealing misalignment of the seal 2 and misalignment of the diffusion layer 3. At the same time, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is also made into an integrated component as a whole, thereby reducing the number of parts of the exchange membrane electrolyzer, thereby simplifying the assembly process. At the same time, setting the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 as an integrated structure can not only improve the bonding force between the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 and ensure the sealing of the electrolytic cell, but also reduce the gap between the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3, thereby ensuring that more reactants can enter the reaction channel and penetrate into the diffusion layer 3, rather than filling in the gap, thereby increasing the total amount of reactants flowing into the diffusion layer 3. Moreover, compared with integrating the diffusion layer 3 with the electrode plate 1 by welding to achieve an integrated structure of the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100, the diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 are connected in an integrated manner by, for example, injection molding together, which can not only avoid welding from damaging the surface coating of the electrode plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3 and changing the metal phase of the electrode plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3, thereby ensuring the corrosion resistance of the electrode plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3, but also make the diffusion layer 3 can be a metal material, can also be a non-metallic material such as carbon paper or carbon cloth, reducing the material requirements of the diffusion layer 3 in the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100. In addition, the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 is formed of an integrated structure of the plate 1, the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3, so that the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 and the membrane electrode 200 are independent components, so that the more expensive membrane electrode 200 can be separated from other components for maintenance and recycling.

[0047] Furthermore, combined with Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the electrode plate 1 is provided with a positioning hole 17, and correspondingly, the membrane electrode 200 is provided with a connection hole at a position corresponding to the positioning hole 17. During assembly, fasteners such as bolts are passed through the connection hole of the membrane electrode 200 and the positioning hole 17 of the electrode plate 1 to connect and fix the two.

[0048] Optionally, combined Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the seal 2 includes a seal body 21 and an extension portion 22. The extension portion 22 is arranged along the edge of the seal body 21 and is located in the area surrounded by the seal body 21. The extension portion 22 is parallel to the electrode plate 1 and extends in a direction away from the seal body 21. A gap 18 is formed between the edge of the diffusion layer 3 and the electrode plate 1, and the extension portion 22 extends into the gap 18.

[0049] In this optional embodiment, the seal 2 can be an anode seal 23 or a cathode seal 24, that is, both the anode seal 23 and the cathode seal 24 can be divided into two parts, namely, the seal body 21 and the extension 22, but the structures of the seal body 21 of the anode seal 23 and the cathode seal 24 are different, and the structures of the extension 22 of the anode seal 23 and the cathode seal 24 are also different. In addition, the area of ​​the diffusion layer 3 is larger than the area of ​​the reaction area of ​​the electrode plate 1 (i.e., the anode reaction area 11 or the cathode reaction area 12), so that a gap 18 is formed between the edge of the diffusion layer 3 and the electrode plate 1, and the extension 22 extends into the gap 18, that is, the edge of the diffusion layer 3 overlaps the extension 22; wherein, the edge of the anode diffusion layer 31 overlaps the extension 22 of the anode seal 23, and the edge of the cathode diffusion layer 32 overlaps the extension 22 of the cathode seal 24. For the sake of convenience of description, the seal 2 is used herein as a general term for the anode seal 23 and the cathode seal 24, and the diffusion layer 3 is used as a general term for the anode diffusion layer 31 and the cathode diffusion layer 32. The sealing body 21 and the extension portion 22 of the seal 2 are both frame-shaped structures. The extension portion 22 is arranged along the inner circle edge of the sealing body 21, and the extension portion 22 extends along the surface of the electrode plate 1 in a direction away from the sealing body 21, and the edge of the diffusion layer 3 overlaps the extension portion 22, that is, the surface of the diffusion layer 3 away from the membrane electrode 200 is in contact with the surface of the extension portion 22 away from the electrode plate 1, so that the diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 form a surface-to-surface contact at the extension portion 22.

[0050] In this way, by providing an extension portion 22 on the inner edge of the sealing body 21, and extending the extension portion 22 into the gap 18 formed between the edge of the diffusion layer 3 and the electrode plate 1, the edge of the diffusion layer 3 is overlapped on the extension portion 22 of the seal 2. On the one hand, the contact area between the diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 can be increased to improve the stability of the connection between the two. On the other hand, the seal 2 can be used to support the edge of the diffusion layer 3 to prevent the edge of the diffusion layer 3 from collapsing in the gap 18.

[0051] Optionally, combined Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a circle of protrusions 19 is provided on the electrode plate 1 , and the area surrounded by the protrusions 19 constitutes a reaction area. One end of the extension portion 22 away from the sealing body 21 is in contact with the outer side wall of the protrusion 19 .

[0052] In this optional embodiment, a circle of protrusions 19 are convexly provided on the electrode plate 1, and the flow channel structure on the electrode plate 1 is arranged in the area surrounded by the protrusions 19 and constitutes the reaction area of ​​the electrode plate 1. The end of the extension 22 away from the sealing body 21 is in contact with the outer wall of the protrusion 19, which can be understood as the inner circle side wall of the sealing member 2 and the outer wall of the reaction area are in contact, such as Figure 2 As shown, the overlapping position of the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 can close the reactant channel surrounded by the electrode plate 1, the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3, thereby preventing the reactant from flowing into the gap between the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3, thereby increasing the total amount of reactant flowing into the diffusion layer 3.

[0053] Optionally, combined Figure 3 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a circle of protrusions 19 is provided on the electrode plate 1 , and the area surrounded by the protrusions 19 constitutes a reaction area. The extension portion 22 is spaced apart from the outer side wall of the protrusion 19 at one end away from the sealing body 21 .

[0054] In this optional embodiment, the arrangement of the protrusion 19 is the same as above and will not be described again. The extension portion 22 is spaced apart from the outer side wall of the protrusion 19 at one end away from the sealing body 21, which can be understood as a spacing between the inner ring side wall of the sealing member 2 and the outer side wall of the protrusion 19, such as Figure 3 As shown, this spacing can be used as a reactant channel, that is, a reactant channel is left at the position where the seal 2 overlaps the diffusion layer 3, and the reactants in the channel have a diffusion layer penetration efficiency similar to that of the reactants in the flow channel area of ​​the electrode plate 1, thereby also being able to increase the total amount of reactants flowing into the diffusion layer 3 to a certain extent.

[0055] Optionally, combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the thickness of the extension portion 22 is smaller than the thickness of the sealing body 21 , and the edge of the diffusion layer 3 abuts against the end surface of the sealing body 21 connected to the extension portion 22 .

[0056] In this optional embodiment, since the thickness of the extension part 22 is less than the thickness of the sealing body 21, a step structure is formed at the connection between the sealing body 21 and the extension part 22, and the edge of the diffusion layer 3 abuts against the side wall of the step structure. In this way, not only can the overlapping position of the sealing member 2 and the diffusion layer 3 be further sealed, but the sealing member 2 can also support and limit the edge of the diffusion layer 3, thereby improving the effectiveness and stability of the positioning of the diffusion layer 3 in the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100.

[0057] Furthermore, the cross section of the sealing body 21 may be a multi-peak structure (eg Figure 1 It can also be a single peak structure or a rectangular structure.

[0058] In this embodiment, the side surface of the sealing body 21 facing the electrode plate 1 and the portion of the electrode plate 1 for releasing the sealing member 2 are usually flat, so as to ensure that the sealing body 21 is closely attached to the electrode plate 1. Moreover, in practical applications, it is usually preferred that the cross section of the sealing body 21 has a multi-peak structure to form multiple sealing barriers, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0059] Optionally, combined Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the pole plate 1 is provided with a mounting groove 16 , and the sealing member 2 and the protrusion 19 are both arranged in the mounting groove 16 .

[0060] In this optional embodiment, the shape of the mounting groove 16 is adapted to the shape of the seal 2, and the mounting groove 16 has a groove bottom wall and an inner groove wall, wherein the inner groove wall of the mounting groove 16 is the outer wall of the protrusion 19, and after the seal 2 is arranged in the mounting groove 16, the surface of the seal 2 facing the plate 1 is in contact with the groove bottom wall of the mounting groove 16, and the inner ring side wall of the seal 2 and the inner groove wall of the mounting groove 16 can be in contact with each other or can be spaced apart. In addition, the mounting groove 16 can have an outer groove wall or not. When the mounting groove 16 has an outer groove wall, the outer ring side wall of the seal 2 and the outer groove wall of the mounting groove 16 can be in contact with each other or can be spaced apart. When the mounting groove 16 does not have an outer groove wall, the outer side of the mounting groove 16 is open. In this way, by setting the mounting groove 16, the sealing member 2 can be pre-positioned by using the mounting groove 16 to ensure that the installation position of the sealing member 2 is accurate.

[0061] In other embodiments, the mounting groove 16 may not be provided on the electrode plate 1. In this case, the seal 2 can be directly installed in the plane area reserved for the seal 2 on the periphery of the electrode plate 1. Moreover, since the seal 2 and the electrode plate 1 are injection molded together, the seal 2 does not need to be limited and will not slide during the assembly process.

[0062] Optionally, combined Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the electrode plate 1 is an integrally formed bipolar plate structure, the bipolar plate structure includes an anode surface and a cathode surface, the seal 2 includes an anode seal 23 and a cathode seal 24, the diffusion layer 3 includes an anode diffusion layer 31 and a cathode diffusion layer 32, the anode seal 23 and the anode diffusion layer 31 are arranged on the anode surface, and the cathode seal 24 and the cathode diffusion layer 32 are arranged on the cathode surface.

[0063] In this optional embodiment, the electrode plate 1 is an integrated bipolar plate structure. In this case, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 includes an anode diffusion layer 31, an anode seal 23, an electrode plate 1, a cathode seal 24, and a cathode diffusion layer 32 which are stacked in sequence. In this way, the electrode plate 1 is designed as an integrated bipolar plate structure, and the anode seal 23, the anode diffusion layer 31, the cathode seal 24, and the cathode diffusion layer 32 of the exchange membrane electrolyzer can be integrated on the electrode plate 1, that is, the anode assembly and the cathode assembly are integrated into an integral and inseparable component, thereby further reducing the number of parts of the electrolytic cell, further simplifying the assembly process, and improving the assembly efficiency.

[0064] Optionally, the electrode plate 1 is a monopolar plate structure; when the electrode plate 1 is an anode plate with an anode surface, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is an anode assembly, and the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 in the anode plate assembly are arranged on the anode surface, and are respectively an anode seal 23 and an anode diffusion layer 31; when the electrode plate 1 is a cathode plate with a cathode surface, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is a cathode assembly, and the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3 in the cathode plate assembly are arranged on the cathode surface, and are respectively a cathode seal 24 and a cathode diffusion layer 32.

[0065] In this optional embodiment, the electrode plate 1 is a monopolar plate structure. When the electrode plate 1 is an anode plate, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is an anode assembly, which includes an anode plate, an anode seal 23 and an anode diffusion layer 31 stacked in sequence. When the electrode plate 1 is a cathode plate, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 is a cathode assembly, which includes a cathode plate, a cathode seal 24 and a cathode diffusion layer 32 stacked in sequence. In this way, not only can the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 of the integrated structure be applied to an exchange membrane electrolyzer that needs to disassemble and assemble the anode assembly and the cathode assembly, but also when a seal 2 or a diffusion layer 3 is damaged, only a corresponding anode assembly or cathode assembly needs to be replaced, thereby reducing the subsequent maintenance cost.

[0066] Optionally, combined Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a reactant inlet 13, an anode reactant outlet 14 and a cathode reactant outlet 15 are provided on the anode surface and the cathode surface;

[0067] The electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 further includes a first gasket 41, which is disposed at the edge of the reactant inlet 13 and the anode reactant outlet 14 on the anode surface, and opposite ends of the first gasket 41 are integrally connected to the anode seal 23 respectively;

[0068] And / or, the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 further includes a second gasket 42 , which is disposed at the edge of the cathode reactant outlet 15 on the cathode surface, and opposite ends of the second gasket 42 are integrally connected to the cathode seal 24 .

[0069] Specifically, for the convenience of description, the electrode plate 1 is taken as an integrated bipolar plate structure for example. The electrode plate 1 is usually provided with a reactant inlet 13, an anode reactant outlet 14 and two cathode reactant outlets 15. The reactant inlet 13, the anode reactant outlet 14 and the cathode reactant outlet 15 can be collectively referred to as reactant inlets and outlets, wherein the reactant inlet 13 and the anode reactant outlet 14 are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the electrode plate 1, and the two cathode reactant outlets 15 are respectively arranged on the sides of the reactant inlet 13 and the anode reactant outlet 14, and the opening areas of the reactant inlet 13 and the anode reactant outlet 14 are respectively larger than the opening areas of the cathode reactant outlet 15. When the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 further includes a first gasket 41, the first gasket 41 is disposed on the anode surface of the plate 1 and is located at the edge of the reactant inlet 13 and the anode reactant outlet 14, that is, a first gasket 41 is provided at each edge of the reactant inlet 13 and the anode reactant outlet 14, and the opposite ends of the first gasket 41 are respectively integrally connected to the anode seal 23. When the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 further includes a second gasket 42, the second gasket 42 is disposed on the cathode surface of the plate 1 and is located at the edge of the cathode reactant outlet 15, that is, a second gasket 42 is provided at each edge of the two cathode reactant outlets 15, and the opposite ends of the second gasket 42 are respectively integrally connected to the cathode seal 24. The first gasket 41 may also be referred to as an anode gasket, and the second gasket 42 may also be referred to as a cathode gasket. For the convenience of description, the first gasket 41 and the second gasket 42 are collectively referred to as gasket 4. In this embodiment, the electrode plate 1, the seal 2, the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 are integrally formed to form an electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 of an integrated structure. In addition, the gasket 4 may be made of metal or insulating material, and its specific material may be determined according to the requirements of the electrolytic cell.

[0070] Since the material of the membrane electrode 200 is relatively soft, after the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 and the membrane electrode 200 are assembled, the membrane electrode 200 is prone to collapse at the reactant inlet and outlet. Therefore, in this optional embodiment, a first gasket 41 and / or a second gasket 42 is provided to support the membrane electrode 200 at the reactant inlet and outlet, so as to prevent the membrane electrode 200 from collapsing at the reactant inlet and outlet.

[0071] Optionally, the diffusion layer 3 is one of titanium felt, carbon paper, nickel felt, foamed nickel and stainless steel felt.

[0072] In this optional embodiment, the diffusion layer 3 can be determined according to the needs of the exchange membrane electrolyzer, and can be titanium felt, carbon paper, nickel felt, foamed nickel or stainless steel felt, etc., wherein titanium felt is a porous metal felt made of pure titanium wire or titanium fiber, nickel felt is a porous material pressed from nickel fiber, foamed nickel is a metal nickel foam material, which is porous inside and has a three-dimensional mesh structure, and stainless steel felt is a porous material made from stainless steel fiber. According to the preparation process, the diffusion layer 3 can also be powder felt or fiber felt, wherein fiber felt is a thin sheet material with a porous structure made from fiber material, and powder felt generally refers to a felt material formed by hot pressing of powder. In this way, one of titanium felt, carbon paper, nickel felt, foamed nickel and stainless steel felt is used as the diffusion layer 3, so that it can be directly obtained from the market, thereby reducing the difficulty of designing and developing the diffusion layer 3.

[0073] Combination Fig.12 As shown, a method for preparing an electrolytic cell plate assembly provided by an embodiment of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0074] S100, connecting the diffusion layer 3 and the sealing element 2 in a preformed state into a combined body.

[0075] Specifically, the diffusion layer 3 is placed in a pre-molding mold of the seal 2, and the rubber mix is ​​injected into the pre-molding mold for pre-molding to obtain the seal 2 in a pre-molded state. Since the seal 2 in the pre-molded state is sticky, it can stick to the diffusion layer 3, thereby forming a combination of the seal 2 and the diffusion layer 3.

[0076] The mixed glue is a state of sealing material, which has a certain viscosity and can bond the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 described later. Moreover, the temperature during the preforming process is 150-210°C and the time is 4-12 minutes to ensure that the sealing member 2 in the preformed combination is still viscous and is convenient for connecting with the plate 1 through vulcanization fixation.

[0077] S200 , coating a coupling agent on a portion of the electrode plate 1 that contacts the seal 2 .

[0078] The coupling agent, as a surface modifier, can improve the adhesion between the electrode plate 1 and the seal 2, and ensure that the electrode plate 1 and the seal 2 are firmly bonded during the vulcanization process.

[0079] S300, subjecting the combination and the electrode plate 1 coated with the coupling agent to a vulcanization treatment.

[0080] The combination and the plate 1 coated with a coupling agent are usually placed in a transfer mold for vulcanization treatment. The temperature during the vulcanization treatment is 90-130° C. and the time is 5-7 minutes to ensure that the combination and the plate 1 can be firmly connected after the vulcanization treatment.

[0081] S400 , drying and curing the vulcanized electrode plate 1 and the combination to obtain an electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 .

[0082] The drying and curing time can be determined according to the bonding strength requirement between the seal 2 and the electrode plate 1. For example, the temperature during the drying and curing process can be set to 130-150° C. and the time can be set to 30 minutes.

[0083] In this way, the diffusion layer 3 and the seal 2 are formed into a combination by injection molding, and the combination and the electrode plate 1 are vulcanized to form an integral component, that is, an electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100 with an integrated structure. There is no welding process in the entire preparation process, and there is no situation where the surface coating of the electrode plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3 is damaged by welding, and there is no situation where the metal microstructure of the electrode plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3 is changed by welding, thereby ensuring the corrosion resistance of the electrode plate 1 and the diffusion layer 3. The diffusion layer 3 can also be a metal material or a non-metallic material such as carbon paper or carbon cloth, thereby reducing the material requirements of the diffusion layer 3 in the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly 100.

[0084] Optionally, when the electrolytic cell plate assembly 100 further includes a gasket 4, step S100 includes: connecting the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 to the seal 2 in a preformed state to form a combination. Specifically, the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 are placed in a preformed mold of the seal 2, and the mixed rubber is injected into the preformed mold for preformation to form a combination consisting of the seal 2, the gasket 4 and the diffusion layer 3.

[0085] In this way, the gasket 4 is fixed to the seal 2 by injection molding, so that the electrode plate 1, the seal 2, the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 form an integral component, so as to further reduce the number of parts of the exchange membrane electrolyzer, thereby further simplifying the assembly process of the exchange membrane electrolyzer.

[0086] Furthermore, before step S100, the method further includes: coating a coupling agent on the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 at the locations in contact with the rubber mix, so as to ensure that the sealing element 2 is firmly bonded to the diffusion layer 3 and the gasket 4 during the preforming process.

[0087] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell plate assembly, characterized in that: The invention comprises an electrode plate (1), a sealing member (2) and a diffusion layer (3), wherein the electrode plate (1), the sealing member (2) and the diffusion layer (3) are connected to form an integrated structure, and the diffusion layer (3) is located in an area surrounded by the sealing member (2) and covers a reaction area of ​​the electrode plate (1).

2. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing member (2) comprises a sealing body (21) and an extension portion (22); the extension portion (22) is arranged along the edge of the sealing body (21) and is located within the area surrounded by the sealing body (21); the extension portion (22) is parallel to the electrode plate (1) and extends in a direction away from the sealing body (21); a gap (18) is formed between the edge of the diffusion layer (3) and the electrode plate (1), and the extension portion (22) extends into the gap (18).

3. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrode plate (1) is provided with a circle of protrusions (19), and the area surrounded by the protrusions (19) constitutes the reaction area. The end of the extension portion (22) away from the sealing body (21) is in contact with the outer side wall of the protrusion (19).

4. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electrode plate (1) is provided with a circle of protrusions (19), and the area surrounded by the protrusions (19) constitutes the reaction area. The extension portion (22) is spaced apart from an end of the sealing body (21) and an outer side wall of the protrusion (19).

5. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the extension portion (22) is smaller than the thickness of the sealing body (21), and the edge of the diffusion layer (3) abuts against an end surface of the sealing body (21) connected to one end of the extension portion (22).

6. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode plate (1) is an integrally formed bipolar plate structure, the bipolar plate structure comprising an anode surface and a cathode surface, the seal (2) comprising an anode seal (23) and a cathode seal (24), the diffusion layer (3) comprising an anode diffusion layer (31) and a cathode diffusion layer (32), the anode seal (23) and the anode diffusion layer (31) being arranged on the anode surface, and the cathode seal (24) and the cathode diffusion layer (32) being arranged on the cathode surface.

7. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode plate (1) is a monopolar plate structure; when the electrode plate (1) is an anode plate provided with an anode surface, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly is an anode assembly, the seal (2) and the diffusion layer (3) in the anode assembly are arranged on the anode surface, and are respectively an anode seal (23) and an anode diffusion layer (31); when the electrode plate (1) is a cathode plate provided with a cathode surface, the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly is a cathode assembly, the seal (2) and the diffusion layer (3) in the cathode assembly are arranged on the cathode surface, and are respectively a cathode seal (24) and a cathode diffusion layer (32).

8. The electrolytic cell plate assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The anode surface and the cathode surface are both provided with a reactant inlet (13), an anode reactant outlet (14) and a cathode reactant outlet (15); The electrolytic cell plate assembly further comprises a first gasket (41), the first gasket (41) being arranged at the edges of the reactant inlet (13) and the anode reactant outlet (14) on the anode surface, and opposite ends of the first gasket (41) being integrally connected to the anode seal (23) respectively; And / or, the electrolytic cell plate assembly further comprises a second gasket (42), the second gasket (42) being arranged at the edge of the cathode reactant outlet (15) on the cathode surface, and the opposite ends of the second gasket (42) being respectively integrally connected to the cathode seal (24).

9. A method for preparing an electrolytic cell plate assembly, characterized in that: include: Connecting the diffusion layer (3) and the sealing element (2) in a preformed state to form a combined body; Coating a coupling agent on a portion of the electrode plate (1) that is in contact with the sealing member (2); The combined body and the electrode plate (1) coated with a coupling agent are subjected to a vulcanization treatment; The electrode plate (1) and the combined body that have been vulcanized are dried and solidified to obtain the electrolytic cell electrode plate assembly.

10. The preparation method according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the electrolytic cell plate assembly further comprises a gasket (4), the step of connecting the diffusion layer (3) and the sealing member (2) in a preformed state into a combined body comprises: The diffusion layer (3) and the gasket (4) are connected to the sealing element (2) in a preformed state to form the combined body.

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