Membrane-free electrolytic bath and method for electrolyzing water by adopting membrane-free electrolytic bath

Abstract

The invention provides a membraneless electrolytic bath and a method for electrolyzing water by adopting the membraneless electrolytic bath, the membraneless electrolytic bath comprises a bath body, a drivable band-shaped electrode and a scraping plate are arranged in the bath body, one end of the scraping plate faces the surface of the drivable band-shaped electrode, and the scraping plate is used for synchronously removing bubbles attached to the surface of the drivable band-shaped electrode in the transmission process. According to the invention, through the synergistic effect of mechanical transmission of the drivable strip-shaped electrode and the scrapers, the dependence of the membrane-free electrolytic bath on the flowing form of an electrolyte is synergistically reduced, the adaptability to complex fluid conditions is enhanced, and the requirement on high current density is remarkably reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water electrolysis technology, and relates to a membrane-free electrolyzer, and more particularly to a membrane-free electrolyzer and a method for electrolyzing water using a membrane-free electrolyzer. Background Technology

[0002] Electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen not only enables clean energy conversion but is also an important pathway to obtaining "green hydrogen." However, the current production cost of "green hydrogen" remains higher than that of "blue hydrogen" and "gray hydrogen," which are produced from fossil fuels, and its share in global hydrogen production is less than 4%. In recent years, with the gradual decline in the cost of wind and solar power generation, the manufacturing cost of water electrolysis devices has become a major obstacle to the large-scale promotion of "green hydrogen."

[0003] Existing proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEM), alkaline electrolyzers (ALK), and anion exchange membrane electrolyzers (AEM) all employ a basic cathode chamber / diaphragm / anode structure. The presence of the diaphragm not only increases equipment manufacturing costs and energy consumption but also leads to high maintenance costs and safety hazards due to aging and clogging.

[0004] In recent years, membrane-free water electrolysis technology has emerged as an innovative solution, demonstrating great potential in reducing the cost of green hydrogen production. However, existing membrane-free electrolyzers generally rely on the flow pattern of the alkaline solution to achieve gas-liquid separation, making their operation and control complex. For example, flow-through membrane-free electrolyzers require strict maintenance of laminar flow and have high current density requirements; otherwise, cross-permeation of gases and incomplete separation can easily occur, affecting hydrogen production efficiency and purity. These limitations significantly restrict the widespread application of membrane-free electrolysis technology.

[0005] CN118792670A discloses a membrane-free water electrolysis device and method. The membrane-free water electrolysis device includes a membrane-free water electrolysis cell, a flow component, and a power supply component. The membrane-free water electrolysis cell includes a cathode and a cathode with a micro-nano scale gap between them. The cathode is used to generate oxygen by passing electricity, and the cathode is used to generate hydrogen by passing electricity. The flow component provides electrolyte to the membrane-free water electrolysis cell and also causes the electrolyte to flow between the cathode and cathode, allowing the electrolyzed oxygen and hydrogen to be discharged. The power supply component provides adjustable electrical energy to the cathode and anode of the membrane-free water electrolysis cell.

[0006] CN104628092A discloses a novel method for controlling the acidity and alkalinity of electrolyzed water without a membrane. The method includes a container, a membrane-free electrolysis electrode assembly installed within the container, and a controllable electrolysis power supply. Raw water is introduced into the container, and the controllable electrolysis power supply powers the membrane-free electrolysis electrode assembly. Water is electrolyzed between the anode and cathode of the electrode assembly. The controllable electrolysis power supply controls the acidity and alkalinity of the electrolyzed water by alternately supplying two electrolysis voltages of opposite polarity to the electrolysis electrode assembly, or simultaneously controls other electrolyzed water indicators. When the membrane-free electrolysis electrode assembly is supplied with voltages of opposite polarity, the pH value of the electrolyzed water exhibits different trends, tending towards acidity or alkalinity. The container may have an inlet and an outlet; raw water enters the container through the inlet, is electrolyzed by the membrane-free electrolysis electrode assembly, and then flows out through the outlet.

[0007] CN117779068A discloses a membrane-free hydrogen-oxygen separation electrolysis water electrolysis device and method. The electrolysis device includes: an electrolysis water unit; the electrolysis water unit includes a hydrogen production chamber, an oxygen production chamber, a buffer chamber, a power supply, and a flow channel; the hydrogen production chamber includes a hydrogen evolution catalytic electrode and a hydrogen outlet; the oxygen production chamber includes an oxygen evolution catalytic electrode and an oxygen outlet; the buffer chamber includes a medium electrode, wherein the power supply supplies power to the hydrogen evolution catalytic electrode, the medium electrode, and the oxygen evolution catalytic electrode; the hydrogen production chamber, the oxygen production chamber, and the buffer chamber are connected by a controllable flow channel.

[0008] In summary, existing membrane-free electrolyzers all have certain drawbacks, including over-reliance on the electrolyte's own flow pattern, inability to adapt to complex fluid conditions, and high current density requirements. Therefore, it is crucial to develop and design a novel membrane-free electrolyzer and a method for water electrolysis using a membrane-free electrolyzer. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a membrane-free electrolyzer and a method for electrolyzing water using a membrane-free electrolyzer. The present invention, through the mechanical transmission of a tractable strip electrode and the synergistic effect of a scraper, synergistically reduces the dependence of the membrane-free electrolyzer on the electrolyte flow pattern, enhances its adaptability to complex fluid conditions, and significantly reduces the requirement for high current density.

[0010] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a membrane-free electrolytic cell, the membrane-free electrolytic cell comprising a cell body, wherein a traversable strip electrode is disposed in the cell body, and a scraper having one end facing the surface of the traversable strip electrode for simultaneously removing air bubbles adhering to the surface of the traversable strip electrode during the transmission process.

[0012] The membrane-free electrolytic cell provided by this invention includes a traversable strip electrode within the cell. This traversable strip electrode can be continuously moved within the cell, promoting electrolyte agitation through mechanical movement, thereby improving bubble desorption efficiency and renewing the reaction interface on the surface of the traversable strip electrode. This enhances the reactivity of the electrolyte-traversable strip electrode interface. Therefore, the membrane-free electrolytic cell has a low dependence on the electrolyte's own flow pattern and can maintain good electrolysis performance even under complex fluid conditions, reducing the complexity of operation and control.

[0013] The membrane-free electrolytic cell provided by this invention includes a scraper with one end facing the surface of the movable strip electrode. During the transmission process of the movable strip electrode, the scraper can effectively remove air bubbles adhering to the surface of the movable strip electrode, reducing the air bubble coverage rate on the surface of the movable strip electrode, avoiding polarization effects and uneven current distribution caused by air bubble accumulation, thereby improving the current density utilization rate. Therefore, the membrane-free electrolytic cell has a lower requirement for current density and can maintain high efficiency even at lower current densities.

[0014] The membrane-free electrolyzer provided by this invention eliminates the diaphragm and achieves gas-liquid separation by relying on the cooperation between the transmission of the tractable strip electrode and the removal of air bubbles by the scraper. This ensures the stable operation of water electrolysis at the reaction interface, thereby simplifying the structure of the tank and avoiding the high cost, high energy consumption and reliability problems caused by the diaphragm, thus reducing the manufacturing cost and operating energy consumption of the membrane-free electrolyzer.

[0015] In summary, this invention, through the mechanical transmission of the tractable strip electrode and the synergistic effect of the scraper, synergistically reduces the dependence of the membrane-free electrolyzer on the electrolyte flow pattern, enhances its adaptability to complex fluid conditions, and significantly reduces the requirement for high current density.

[0016] Preferably, the tank is provided with a cathode-transmissible strip electrode and a cathode scraper, and also includes an anode-transmissible strip electrode and an anode scraper;

[0017] One end of the cathode scraper faces the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode, and one end of the anode scraper faces the surface of the anode driveable strip electrode.

[0018] Preferably, the cathode tractable strip electrode and the anode tractable strip electrode are each made of nickel.

[0019] Preferably, one end of the cathode scraper and the anode scraper are fixed to the bottom of the tank, and the other end faces the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode, respectively.

[0020] Preferably, the distance between the end of the cathode scraper facing the cathode driveable strip electrode and the cathode driveable strip electrode is 0.1mm to 1mm.

[0021] Preferably, the distance between the end of the anode scraper facing the anode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode is 0.1mm to 1mm.

[0022] Preferably, the membrane-free electrolytic cell is further provided with a transmission component for driving the driveable strip electrode.

[0023] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes four transmission rollers; two of the transmission rollers are matched with cathode-driven strip electrodes, and the other two transmission rollers are matched with anode-driven strip electrodes.

[0024] Preferably, the membrane-free electrolyzer further includes a gas collection device disposed at the top of the tank, the gas collection device being used to separate and collect hydrogen and oxygen generated within the tank.

[0025] Preferably, the tank body includes two single tanks arranged side by side, with the lower parts of the adjacent sidewalls of the two single tanks connected and the upper parts isolated from each other.

[0026] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for electrolyzing water using the membraneless electrolyzer described in the first aspect, the method comprising:

[0027] The energized, transducible strip electrode is continuously driven, and under the action of the electric field, the surface of the transducible strip electrode undergoes a water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

[0028] During the continuous transmission of the transducible strip electrode, the scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the transducible strip electrode.

[0029] In the water electrolysis method provided by this invention, during the operation of the membrane-free electrolyzer, under the action of an electric field, the surface of the tractable strip electrode undergoes a water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. As the tractable strip electrode is continuously driven, the bubbles attached to the surface of the tractable strip electrode are continuously disturbed and peeled off, avoiding the reduction of the reaction area caused by bubble coverage. After the bubbles detach from the tractable strip electrode, they float upwards, thereby achieving stable electrolysis hydrogen production under membrane-free conditions.

[0030] Preferably, the method includes:

[0031] Two drive rollers matched with the cathode driveable strip electrode drive the cathode driveable strip electrode to drive, and two drive rollers matched with the anode driveable strip electrode drive the anode driveable strip electrode to drive. When the cathode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode are energized, water decomposition reaction occurs on the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode under the action of the electric field, producing hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected by a gas collection device set at the top of the tank.

[0032] During the transmission process between the cathode-driven strip electrode and the anode-driven strip electrode, the cathode scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode-driven strip electrode, and the anode scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the anode-driven strip electrode.

[0033] The numerical range described in this invention includes not only the point values ​​listed above, but also any point values ​​within the numerical ranges not listed above. Due to space limitations and for the sake of brevity, this invention will not exhaustively list all the specific point values ​​included in the range.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] (1) In the membraneless electrolytic cell provided by the present invention, a traversable strip electrode is provided in the cell. The traversable strip electrode can be continuously traversed in the cell. The mechanical movement promotes the disturbance of the electrolyte, thereby improving the desorption efficiency of bubbles and realizing the renewal of the reaction interface on the surface of the traversable strip electrode, thus improving the reactivity of the electrolyte-traversable strip electrode interface. Therefore, the membraneless electrolytic cell has a low dependence on the flow pattern of the electrolyte itself and can maintain a good electrolysis effect even under complex fluid conditions, reducing the complexity of operation control.

[0036] (2) In the membraneless electrolytic cell provided by the present invention, a scraper is provided with one end facing the surface of the drivable strip electrode. During the transmission process of the drivable strip electrode, the scraper can effectively remove the air bubbles attached to the surface of the drivable strip electrode, reduce the air bubble coverage on the surface of the drivable strip electrode, avoid the polarization effect and uneven current distribution caused by air bubble accumulation, thereby improving the current density utilization rate. Therefore, the membraneless electrolytic cell has a low requirement for current density, and the membraneless electrolytic cell can maintain high efficiency even at a low current density.

[0037] (3) In the membraneless electrolytic cell provided by the present invention, the diaphragm is eliminated. Gas-liquid separation is achieved by relying on the cooperation between the transmission of the driveable strip electrode and the removal of air bubbles by the scraper, which ensures the stable operation of water electrolysis at the reaction interface. This simplifies the structure of the cell and avoids the high cost, high energy consumption and reliability problems caused by the diaphragm, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and operating energy consumption of the membraneless electrolytic cell.

[0038] (4) The present invention reduces the dependence of the membrane-free electrolyzer on the electrolyte flow pattern, enhances the adaptability to complex fluid conditions, and significantly reduces the requirement for high current density by the mechanical transmission of the transducible strip electrode and the synergistic effect of the scraper. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane-free electrolyzer in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Wherein, 1-tank body; 2-electrolyte; 3-hydrogen bubble; 4-oxygen bubble; 5-cathode tractable strip electrode; 6-cathode scraper; 7-anode tractable strip electrode; 8-anode scraper; 9-drive roller; 10-cathode outlet; 11-anode outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0042] The "range" disclosed in this invention can be defined in the form of a lower limit and an upper limit. A given range is defined by selecting a lower limit and an upper limit, which define the boundaries of the specific range. This type of range definition can include or exclude endpoints; any endpoint can be independently included or excluded, and they can be arbitrarily combined, meaning any lower limit can be combined with any upper limit to form a range. For example, if ranges of 60~120 and 80~110 are listed for specific parameters, it is understood that ranges of 60~110 and 80~120 are also expected. Furthermore, if minimum range values ​​1 and 2 are listed, and maximum range values ​​3, 4, and 5 are also listed, then the following ranges are all expected: 1~3, 1~4, 1~5, 2~3, 2~4, and 2~5. In this invention, unless otherwise stated, the numerical range "a~b" represents a shortened representation of any combination of real numbers between a and b, where a and b are real numbers. For example, the numerical range "0~5" indicates that all real numbers between "0" and "5" have been listed in this article; "0~5" is simply a shortened representation of these numerical combinations. Furthermore, when a parameter is described as an integer ≥2, it is equivalent to listing integers such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, etc. For instance, when a parameter is described as an integer selected from "2~10", it is equivalent to listing the integers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, all embodiments and optional embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other to form new technical solutions.

[0044] The term "embodiment" as used in this invention means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment or implementation of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention can be combined with other embodiments.

[0045] In this invention, open-ended technical features or solutions described using terms such as "comprising" do not exclude additional members beyond those listed unless otherwise specified. They can be considered as providing both closed-ended features or solutions comprised of the listed members and open-ended features or solutions that include additional members beyond the listed members. For example, A includes a1, a2, and a3. Unless otherwise specified, it may also include other members or exclude additional members. This can be considered as providing both technical features or solutions where "A is composed of a1, a2, and a3" or "A is selected from a1, a2, and a3," and technical features or solutions where "A includes not only a1, a2, and a3, but also other members."

[0046] In this invention, the terms "first aspect," "second aspect," "third aspect," "fourth aspect," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or quantity, nor should they be construed as implicitly indicating the importance or quantity of the indicated technical features. Moreover, "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., serve only as a non-exhaustive enumeration and should be understood not to constitute a closed limitation on the quantity.

[0047] In one implementation, such as Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a membraneless electrolyzer, which includes a tank body 1, a traversable strip electrode is disposed in the tank body 1, and a scraper with one end facing the surface of the traversable strip electrode, for simultaneously removing air bubbles (hydrogen bubbles 3 and oxygen bubbles 4) adhering to the surface of the traversable strip electrode during the transmission process.

[0048] In the membrane-free electrolyzer provided by this invention, a traversable strip electrode is provided inside the tank body 1. The traversable strip electrode can be continuously moved within the tank body 1, promoting the disturbance of the electrolyte 2 through mechanical movement, thereby improving the desorption efficiency of bubbles (hydrogen bubbles 3 and oxygen bubbles 4), realizing the renewal of the reaction interface on the surface of the traversable strip electrode, and improving the reactivity of the electrolyte 2-traversable strip electrode interface. Therefore, the membrane-free electrolyzer has a low dependence on the flow pattern of the electrolyte 2 itself, and can maintain a good electrolysis effect even under complex fluid conditions, reducing the complexity of operation and control.

[0049] The membrane-free electrolyzer provided by this invention includes a scraper with one end facing the surface of the movable strip electrode. During the transmission process of the movable strip electrode, the scraper can effectively remove bubbles (hydrogen bubbles 3 and oxygen bubbles 4) adhering to the surface of the movable strip electrode, reducing the bubble coverage rate on the surface of the movable strip electrode, avoiding polarization effects and uneven current distribution caused by bubble accumulation, thereby improving the current density utilization rate. Therefore, the membrane-free electrolyzer has lower requirements for current density and can maintain high efficiency even at lower current densities.

[0050] The membrane-free electrolyzer provided by this invention eliminates the diaphragm. Gas-liquid separation is achieved by relying on the transmission of the tractable strip electrode and the scraping of bubbles (hydrogen bubbles 3 and oxygen bubbles 4) by the scraper. This ensures the stable operation of water electrolysis at the reaction interface, thereby simplifying the structure of the tank body 1 and avoiding the high cost, high energy consumption and reliability problems caused by the diaphragm. This reduces the manufacturing cost and operating energy consumption of the membrane-free electrolyzer.

[0051] In summary, this invention, through the mechanical transmission of the tractable strip electrode and the synergistic effect of the scraper, synergistically reduces the dependence of the membrane-free electrolyzer on the flow pattern of the electrolyte 2, enhances its adaptability to complex fluid conditions, and significantly reduces the requirement for high current density.

[0052] In some embodiments, the tank 1 is provided with a cathode tractable strip electrode 5 and a cathode scraper 6, and also includes an anode tractable strip electrode 7 and an anode scraper 8;

[0053] One end of the cathode scraper 6 faces the surface of the cathode tractable strip electrode 5, and one end of the anode scraper 8 faces the surface of the anode tractable strip electrode 7.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cathode tractable strip electrode 5 and the anode tractable strip electrode 7 are each made of nickel independently.

[0055] In some embodiments, one end of the cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the tank 1, and the other end faces the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 respectively.

[0056] In some embodiments, the distance between the end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode-transportable strip electrode 5 and the cathode-transportable strip electrode 5 is 0.1mm to 1mm, for example, it can be 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm or 1.0mm, but is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within this range are also applicable.

[0057] In some embodiments, the distance between the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode-transportable strip electrode 7 and the anode-transportable strip electrode 7 is 0.1mm to 1mm, for example, it can be 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.7mm, 0.8mm, 0.9mm or 1.0mm, but is not limited to the listed values. Other unlisted values ​​within this range are also applicable.

[0058] In some embodiments, the membrane-free electrolytic cell is further provided with a transmission component that drives the driveable strip electrode.

[0059] In some embodiments, the transmission assembly includes four transmission rollers 9; two of the transmission rollers 9 are matched with cathode-driven strip electrodes 5, and the other two transmission rollers 9 are matched with anode-driven strip electrodes 7.

[0060] In some embodiments, the membraneless electrolyzer further includes a gas collection device disposed at the top of the tank 1, the gas collection device being used to separate and collect hydrogen and oxygen generated within the tank 1.

[0061] In some embodiments, the membraneless electrolytic cell is provided with a cathode outlet 10 and an anode outlet 11.

[0062] In some embodiments, the tank 1 includes two single tanks arranged side by side, with the lower parts of the adjacent sidewalls of the two single tanks connected and the upper parts isolated from each other.

[0063] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for electrolyzing water using the membraneless electrolyzer described in the first aspect, the method comprising:

[0064] The energized, transducible strip electrode is continuously driven, and under the action of the electric field, the surface of the transducible strip electrode undergoes a water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen.

[0065] During the continuous transmission of the transducible strip electrode, the scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the transducible strip electrode.

[0066] In the water electrolysis method provided by this invention, during the operation of the membrane-free electrolyzer, under the action of an electric field, the surface of the tractable strip electrode undergoes a water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. As the tractable strip electrode is continuously driven, the bubbles attached to the surface of the tractable strip electrode are continuously disturbed and peeled off, avoiding the reduction of the reaction area caused by bubble coverage. After the bubbles detach from the tractable strip electrode, they float upwards, thereby achieving stable electrolysis hydrogen production under membrane-free conditions.

[0067] In some implementations, the method includes:

[0068] Two drive rollers 9, matched with the cathode driveable strip electrode 5, drive the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 to drive, and two drive rollers 9, matched with the anode driveable strip electrode 7, drive the anode driveable strip electrode 7 to drive, so that the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 are energized. Under the action of the electric field, the surfaces of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 undergo water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected by a gas collection device set at the top of the tank body 1.

[0069] During the transmission process between the cathode-transmissible strip electrode and the anode-transmissible strip electrode, the cathode scraper 6 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode-transmissible strip electrode 5, and the anode scraper 8 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the anode-transmissible strip electrode 7.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] This embodiment provides a membrane-free electrolytic cell, which includes a cell body 1, a cathode tractable strip electrode 5 (made of nickel) and a cathode scraper 6 disposed in the cell body 1, and an anode tractable strip electrode 7 (made of nickel) and an anode scraper 8.

[0072] One end of the cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the tank 1, and the other end is respectively facing the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7.

[0073] The end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode tractable strip electrode 5 is 0.5 mm away from the cathode tractable strip electrode 5; the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode tractable strip electrode 7 is 0.5 mm away from the anode tractable strip electrode 7.

[0074] The cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are used to simultaneously remove air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 during the transmission process.

[0075] The membrane-free electrolytic cell is also equipped with a transmission assembly that drives the tractable strip electrode; the transmission assembly includes four transmission rollers 9; two of the transmission rollers 9 are matched with the cathode tractable strip electrode 5, and the other two transmission rollers 9 are matched with the anode tractable strip electrode 7.

[0076] The membraneless electrolyzer also includes a gas collection device installed at the top of the tank body 1, which is used to separate and collect hydrogen and oxygen generated in the tank body 1.

[0077] The tank 1 includes two single tanks arranged side by side, with the lower parts of the adjacent sidewalls of the two single tanks connected and the upper parts isolated from each other;

[0078] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membrane-free electrolyzer, the method comprising:

[0079] Two drive rollers 9, matched with the cathode driveable strip electrode 5, drive the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 to drive, and two drive rollers 9, matched with the anode driveable strip electrode 7, drive the anode driveable strip electrode 7 to drive, so that the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 are energized. Under the action of the electric field, the surfaces of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 undergo water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected by a gas collection device set at the top of the tank body 1.

[0080] During the transmission process between the cathode-transducible strip electrode 5 and the anode-transducible strip electrode 7, the cathode scraper 6 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode-transducible strip electrode 5, and the anode scraper 8 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the anode-transducible strip electrode 7.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] This embodiment provides a membrane-free electrolytic cell, which includes a cell body 1, a cathode tractable strip electrode 5 (made of nickel) and a cathode scraper 6 disposed in the cell body 1, and an anode tractable strip electrode 7 (made of nickel) and an anode scraper 8.

[0083] One end of the cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the tank 1, and the other end is respectively facing the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7.

[0084] The end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode tractable strip electrode 5 is 0.1 mm away from the cathode tractable strip electrode 5; the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode tractable strip electrode 7 is 0.1 mm away from the anode tractable strip electrode 7.

[0085] The cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are used to simultaneously remove air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 during the transmission process.

[0086] The membrane-free electrolytic cell is also equipped with a transmission assembly that drives the tractable strip electrode; the transmission assembly includes four transmission rollers 9; two of the transmission rollers 9 are matched with the cathode tractable strip electrode 5, and the other two transmission rollers 9 are matched with the anode tractable strip electrode 7.

[0087] The membraneless electrolyzer also includes a gas collection device installed at the top of the tank body 1, which is used to separate and collect hydrogen and oxygen generated in the tank body 1.

[0088] The tank 1 includes two single tanks arranged side by side, with the lower parts of the adjacent sidewalls of the two single tanks connected and the upper parts isolated from each other;

[0089] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membrane-free electrolyzer, the method comprising:

[0090] Two drive rollers 9, matched with the cathode driveable strip electrode 5, drive the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 to drive, and two drive rollers 9, matched with the anode driveable strip electrode 7, drive the anode driveable strip electrode 7 to drive, so that the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 are energized. Under the action of the electric field, the surfaces of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 undergo water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected by a gas collection device set at the top of the tank body 1.

[0091] During the transmission process between the cathode-transducible strip electrode 5 and the anode-transducible strip electrode 7, the cathode scraper 6 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode-transducible strip electrode 5, and the anode scraper 8 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the anode-transducible strip electrode 7.

[0092] Example 3

[0093] This embodiment provides a membrane-free electrolytic cell, which includes a cell body 1, a cathode tractable strip electrode 5 (made of nickel) and a cathode scraper 6 disposed in the cell body 1, and an anode tractable strip electrode 7 (made of nickel) and an anode scraper 8.

[0094] One end of the cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are respectively fixed to the bottom of the tank 1, and the other end is respectively facing the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7.

[0095] The end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 is 1mm away from the cathode driveable strip electrode 5; the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode driveable strip electrode 7 is 1mm away from the anode driveable strip electrode 7.

[0096] The cathode scraper 6 and the anode scraper 8 are used to simultaneously remove air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 during the transmission process.

[0097] The membrane-free electrolytic cell is also equipped with a transmission assembly that drives the tractable strip electrode; the transmission assembly includes four transmission rollers 9; two of the transmission rollers 9 are matched with the cathode tractable strip electrode 5, and the other two transmission rollers 9 are matched with the anode tractable strip electrode 7.

[0098] The membraneless electrolyzer also includes a gas collection device installed at the top of the tank body 1, which is used to separate and collect hydrogen and oxygen generated in the tank body 1.

[0099] The tank 1 includes two single tanks arranged side by side, with the lower parts of the adjacent sidewalls of the two single tanks connected and the upper parts isolated from each other;

[0100] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membrane-free electrolyzer, the method comprising:

[0101] Two drive rollers 9, matched with the cathode driveable strip electrode 5, drive the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 to drive, and two drive rollers 9, matched with the anode driveable strip electrode 7, drive the anode driveable strip electrode 7 to drive, so that the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 are energized. Under the action of the electric field, the surfaces of the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 undergo water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected by a gas collection device set at the top of the tank body 1.

[0102] During the transmission process between the cathode-transducible strip electrode 5 and the anode-transducible strip electrode 7, the cathode scraper 6 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode-transducible strip electrode 5, and the anode scraper 8 simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the anode-transducible strip electrode 7.

[0103] Example 4

[0104] This embodiment provides a membrane-free electrolytic cell, except that the distance between the end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 is 0.05mm, the rest is the same as in embodiment 1;

[0105] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this embodiment, the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0106] Example 5

[0107] This embodiment provides a membrane-free electrolytic cell, except that the distance between the end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 is 0.05mm, the rest is the same as in embodiment 1;

[0108] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this embodiment, the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0109] Example 6

[0110] This embodiment provides a membraneless electrolytic cell, except that the distance between the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode driveable strip electrode 7 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 is 3mm, the rest is the same as in embodiment 1;

[0111] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this embodiment, the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0112] Example 7

[0113] This embodiment provides a membraneless electrolytic cell, except that the distance between the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode driveable strip electrode 7 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 is 3mm, the rest is the same as in embodiment 1;

[0114] This embodiment also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this embodiment, the rest is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0115] Comparative Example 1

[0116] This comparative example provides a membraneless electrolytic cell, which includes a cell body 1. Except for omitting the cathode scraper 6 in the membraneless electrolytic cell, the rest is the same as in Example 1.

[0117] This comparative example also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this comparative example, everything else is the same as in Example 1.

[0118] Comparative Example 2

[0119] This comparative example provides a membraneless electrolytic cell, which includes a cell body 1. Except for omitting the anode scraper 8 in the membraneless electrolytic cell, the rest is the same as in Example 1.

[0120] This comparative example also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this comparative example, everything else is the same as in Example 1.

[0121] Comparative Example 3

[0122] This comparative example provides a membraneless electrolytic cell, which includes a cell body 1. Except for omitting the cathode scraper 6 and anode scraper 8 in the membraneless electrolytic cell, the rest is the same as in Example 1.

[0123] This comparative example also provides a method for electrolyzing water using the above-mentioned membraneless electrolyzer. Except for replacing the membraneless electrolyzer used with the membraneless electrolyzer provided in this comparative example, everything else is the same as in Example 1.

[0124] Water electrolysis was performed using the membraneless electrolyzer and water electrolysis method provided in the above embodiments and comparative examples. The test method was as follows: using a 1.0M KOH solution as electrolyte 2, at 60℃, the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 were controlled to move at a speed of 10cm / min, with a current of 0.2A / cm. 2 0.4A / cm 2 With 0.6A / cm 2 The test was conducted under a constant current density, and the electrolysis voltage (Cell Voltage) of the membraneless electrolyzer under stable operating conditions was recorded as shown in Table 1.

[0125] Table 1

[0126]

[0127] From Table 1, we can obtain:

[0128] (1) When electrolyzing water using the membraneless electrolyzer and water electrolysis method provided in Examples 1-3, the current density utilization rate is relatively high, that is, at 0.2 A / cm 2 0.4A / cm 2 With 0.6A / cm 2 The electrolysis voltage is lower at the current density (at the same current density, the lower the electrolysis voltage, the less the bubble coverage on the electrode surface, the lower the electrode polarization, and the higher the electrolysis efficiency).

[0129] (2) By comparing Example 1 with Examples 4 and 5, it can be seen that in the present invention, when the distance between the end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 is 0.1mm~1mm, the membrane-free electrolyzer exhibits better performance in water electrolysis. This is because when the distance between the end of the cathode scraper 6 facing the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 and the cathode driveable strip electrode 5 is within this range, it can ensure that the cathode scraper 6 can remove micro bubbles in time and avoid them from merging and increasing to form an insulation dead zone, and can also minimize the physical contact damage of the cathode scraper 6 to the electrode surface, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the interface reaction.

[0130] (3) By comparing Example 1 with Examples 6 and 7, it can be seen that in the present invention, when the distance between the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode driveable strip electrode 7 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 is 0.1mm~1mm, the membrane-free electrolyzer exhibits better performance in water electrolysis. This is because when the distance between the end of the anode scraper 8 facing the anode driveable strip electrode 7 and the anode driveable strip electrode 7 is within this range, it can ensure that the anode scraper 8 can remove micro bubbles in time and avoid them from merging and increasing to form an insulation dead zone, and can also minimize the physical contact damage of the anode scraper 8 to the electrode surface, which is beneficial to maintaining the stability of the interface reaction.

[0131] (4) By comparing Example 1 with Comparative Examples 1 to 3, it can be seen that in the membraneless electrolytic cell provided by the present invention, a traversable strip electrode is provided in the tank body 1. The traversable strip electrode can be continuously traversed in the tank body 1. The mechanical movement promotes the disturbance of the electrolyte 2, thereby improving the bubble desorption efficiency, realizing the renewal of the reaction interface on the surface of the traversable strip electrode, and improving the reaction activity of the electrolyte 2-traversable strip electrode interface. Therefore, the membraneless electrolytic cell has a low dependence on the flow pattern of the electrolyte 2 itself, and can maintain a good electrolysis effect even under complex fluid conditions, reducing the complexity of operation control.

[0132] The membrane-free electrolytic cell provided by this invention includes a scraper with one end facing the surface of the drivable strip electrode. During the transmission process of the drivable strip electrode, the scraper can effectively remove air bubbles adhering to the surface of the drivable strip electrode, reducing the air bubble coverage rate on the surface of the drivable strip electrode, avoiding polarization effects and uneven current distribution caused by air bubble accumulation, thereby improving the current density utilization rate. Therefore, the membrane-free electrolytic cell has lower requirements for current density and can maintain high efficiency even at lower current densities.

[0133] The membrane-free electrolyzer provided by this invention eliminates the diaphragm and achieves gas-liquid separation by relying on the cooperation between the transmission of the tractable strip electrode and the removal of air bubbles by the scraper. This ensures the stable operation of water electrolysis at the reaction interface, thereby simplifying the structure of the tank body 1 and avoiding the high cost, high energy consumption and reliability problems caused by the diaphragm. This reduces the manufacturing cost and operating energy consumption of the membrane-free electrolyzer.

[0134] In summary, this invention, through the mechanical transmission of the tractable strip electrode and the synergistic effect of the scraper, synergistically reduces the dependence of the membrane-free electrolyzer on the flow pattern of the electrolyte 2, enhances its adaptability to complex fluid conditions, and significantly reduces the requirement for high current density.

[0135] The applicant declares that the above description is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention fall within the protection and disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A membrane-free electrolytic cell, characterized in that, The membrane-free electrolytic cell includes a cell body, in which a traversable strip electrode is disposed, and a scraper with one end facing the surface of the traversable strip electrode, for simultaneously removing air bubbles adhering to the surface of the traversable strip electrode during its transmission.

2. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tank is provided with a cathode tractable strip electrode and a cathode scraper, and also includes an anode tractable strip electrode and an anode scraper. One end of the cathode scraper faces the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode, and one end of the anode scraper faces the surface of the anode driveable strip electrode. Preferably, the cathode tractable strip electrode and the anode tractable strip electrode are each made of nickel.

3. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the cathode scraper and the anode scraper are fixed to the bottom of the tank, and the other end faces the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode, respectively.

4. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The distance between the end of the cathode scraper facing the cathode driveable strip electrode and the cathode driveable strip electrode is 0.1mm~1mm; Preferably, the distance between the end of the anode scraper facing the anode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode is 0.1mm to 1mm.

5. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The membrane-free electrolytic cell is also equipped with a transmission component that drives the driveable strip electrode.

6. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission assembly includes four transmission rollers; two of the transmission rollers are matched with cathode-driven strip electrodes, and the other two transmission rollers are matched with anode-driven strip electrodes.

7. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membraneless electrolyzer also includes a gas collection device installed at the top of the tank, which is used to separate and collect hydrogen and oxygen generated in the tank.

8. The membrane-free electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized in that, The trough includes two single troughs arranged side by side, with the lower parts of the adjacent sidewalls of the two single troughs connected and the upper parts isolated from each other.

9. A method for electrolyzing water using the membraneless electrolyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The method includes: The energized, transducible strip electrode is continuously driven, and under the action of the electric field, the surface of the transducible strip electrode undergoes a water decomposition reaction to produce hydrogen and oxygen. During the continuous transmission of the transducible strip electrode, the scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the transducible strip electrode.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method includes: Two drive rollers matched with the cathode driveable strip electrode drive the cathode driveable strip electrode to drive, and two drive rollers matched with the anode driveable strip electrode drive the anode driveable strip electrode to drive. When the cathode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode are energized, water decomposition reaction occurs on the surface of the cathode driveable strip electrode and the anode driveable strip electrode under the action of the electric field, producing hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen and oxygen are separated and collected by a gas collection device set at the top of the tank. During the transmission process between the cathode-driven strip electrode and the anode-driven strip electrode, the cathode scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the cathode-driven strip electrode, and the anode scraper simultaneously removes air bubbles adhering to the surface of the anode-driven strip electrode.

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