A device and system for hydrogen production by photolysis of water

Abstract

The application discloses a water photolysis hydrogen production device and system, which comprises a water photolysis tank, the inside of the water photolysis tank is separated into an upper chamber and a lower chamber which are independent of each other by a separation structure, the separation structure comprises at least two first partitions and at least one second partition, the at least two first partitions are arranged in parallel and are staggered, and the two ends of the second partition are connected with the first partitions to form a Z shape; the first partition is a hollow frame structure and is used for sealing and loading an artificial leaf module, and the second partition is a hollow frame structure and is used for sealing and loading an ion exchange membrane; the artificial leaf module comprises a photoanode and a photocathode which are coupled with each other, the photoanode is arranged in the upper chamber and is used for generating oxygen, the photocathode is arranged in the lower chamber and is used for generating hydrogen, and the ion exchange membrane realizes ion conduction between the upper chamber and the lower chamber. The hydrogen production area and the oxygen production area are completely separated in space, hydrogen and oxygen are separated from the source, and the explosion risk of hydrogen and oxygen mixing is effectively avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of photocatalytic hydrogen production technology, and in particular to a photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device and system. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen energy, as a clean and high-energy-density secondary energy source, with water as its only combustion product, is considered an important component of the future energy system. Among various hydrogen production technologies, photocatalytic water splitting is a clean hydrogen production technology that uses solar energy as the sole energy input to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen, and is considered one of the ideal ways to achieve "green hydrogen energy" and carbon neutrality goals. Photocatalytic water splitting devices typically use semiconductor photocatalytic materials as the core, absorbing sunlight under illumination to generate photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which drive the reduction and oxidation reactions of water, respectively, thereby producing hydrogen and oxygen. Compared with traditional fossil fuel-based hydrogen production and water electrolysis, photocatalytic water splitting has advantages such as simplified process, low energy consumption, no need for external power, and mild reaction conditions, making it a green hydrogen production route with great development potential.

[0003] However, most existing photocatalytic water splitting devices employ a single reaction chamber structure, simultaneously producing hydrogen and oxygen within the same chamber. Since hydrogen and oxygen form an explosive mixture within a certain volume fraction range, these devices pose significant safety hazards under conditions of closed operation, localized gas enrichment, or long-term continuous operation, limiting the safety and engineering application of photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production. Therefore, how to achieve effective separation of hydrogen and oxygen while ensuring the smooth progress of the photocatalytic reaction, and improve the safety of device operation, has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device and system that enables the effective spatial separation of hydrogen and oxygen generation and collection, avoiding the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen gases in the same cavity, thereby significantly reducing the risk of explosion and greatly improving the safety and reliability of the device operation.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device includes a photocatalytic water splitting tank. The interior of the tank is divided into an independent upper chamber and a lower chamber by an isolation structure. The isolation structure includes at least two first partitions and at least one second partition. The at least two first partitions are parallel to each other and staggered. The two ends of the second partition are connected to the first partitions to form a Z-shape. The first partitions are hollow frame structures used to load artificial leaf modules. The second partitions are hollow frame structures and are sealed to load ion exchange membranes. The artificial leaf modules include photoanodes and photocathodes that are coupled together. The photoanode is arranged in the upper chamber for oxygen generation, and the photocathode is arranged in the lower chamber for hydrogen generation. The ion exchange membrane enables ion conduction between the upper and lower chambers and prevents hydrogen and oxygen gases from mixing.

[0006] Preferably, the photolysis tank is made of a corrosion-resistant transparent material.

[0007] Furthermore, the side wall of the photolysis tank is provided with gas outlet pipes that are respectively connected to the upper chamber and the lower chamber for the independent export and collection of oxygen and hydrogen; the side wall is also provided with inlet and outlet ports that are connected to the upper chamber and the lower chamber, and are respectively connected to the external electrolyte circulation system to realize the independent circulation of electrolyte in the upper and lower chambers.

[0008] Preferably, the ion exchange membrane is an anion exchange membrane or a proton exchange membrane.

[0009] Furthermore, the artificial leaf module is directly coupled between the photoanode and the photocathode, or the photoanode is coupled to the solar cell and then electrically connected to the metal mesh cathode, or the photocathode is coupled to the solar cell and then electrically connected to the metal mesh anode.

[0010] Preferably, the photoanode of the artificial leaf module is made of iron oxide material, and the photocathode is composed of a silicon solar cell and a nickel grid, with the photocathode located below the photoanode.

[0011] Preferably, the photoanode is a stacked photoanode, which includes at least two photoanode plates stacked along the incident direction of light. Each photoanode plate is electrically connected in parallel through parallel wires. A photocathode structure is provided below the stacked photoanode, and the photocathode is connected to the stacked photoanode through wires.

[0012] Furthermore, the inner wall of the photolysis tank is provided with a slot for fixing the photoanode on the upper part of the first partition.

[0013] A photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production system includes at least one of the aforementioned photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production devices, and further includes a first electrolyte circulation system and a first gas collection system connected to the upper chamber, and a second electrolyte circulation system and a second gas collection system connected to the lower chamber, wherein the first electrolyte circulation system and the second electrolyte circulation system are independent of each other, and the first gas collection system and the second gas collection system are independent of each other.

[0014] Furthermore, the photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device is mounted on a support frame, which is equipped with a tilt adjustment module for adjusting the tilt angle. The tilt adjustment module is linked to the solar tracking system.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus and system of the present invention features an internal water splitting tank divided into independent upper and lower chambers by an isolation structure. This allows for the effective spatial separation of hydrogen and oxygen generation and collection, preventing the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen gases within the same chamber, thereby significantly reducing the risk of explosion and greatly improving the safety and reliability of the apparatus. The present invention achieves hydrogen and oxygen separation without affecting the efficiency of the photocatalytic reaction, exhibits excellent safety performance, and is suitable for long-term stable operation and engineering applications of photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production.

[0016] The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device and system of the present invention has a Z-shaped isolation structure, which makes the photocatalytic reaction interface (where hydrogen and oxygen are generated), ion transport path and gas separation path spatially misaligned. This achieves effective partitioned generation of hydrogen and oxygen while preventing gas from migrating across the cavity in a straight line. Even under long-term operation or local permeation conditions, it is difficult to form an explosive gas mixture, which significantly improves the operational safety of the photocatalytic water splitting device.

[0017] The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device and system of the present invention integrates the photoanode and photocathode into a single component, which can be fixed by means of a slot or other structure, facilitating modular production, installation, and maintenance. This provides technical support for the large-scale deployment and engineering application of photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production technology. The stacked photoanode can further improve the conversion efficiency of light energy to hydrogen energy. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the photolysis water tank in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the improved structure of the photolysis water tank in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the artificial leaf module; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the artificial leaf module structure with stacked photoanodes; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production system of the present invention.

[0020] Reference numerals: 1-Photolysis tank, 11-Upper chamber, 12-Lower chamber, 2-First partition, 3-Second partition, 4-Ion exchange membrane, 5-Artificial leaf module, 51-Photoanode, 52-Photocathode, 53-Wire, 6-Support frame, 7-First electrolyte circulation system, 8-Second electrolyte circulation system, 9-First gas collection system. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] A photocatalytic water splitting device for hydrogen production, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a photocatalytic water splitting tank 1. The interior of the photocatalytic water splitting tank 1 is divided into an independent upper chamber 11 and a lower chamber 12 by an isolation structure. The isolation structure includes at least two first partitions 2 and at least one second partition 3. The at least two first partitions 2 are parallel to each other and staggered. The two ends of the second partition 3 are connected to the first partitions 2 to form a Z-shape. The first partitions 2 are hollow frame structures used to seal and load artificial leaf modules 5. The second partitions 3 are hollow frame structures and seal and load ion exchange membranes 4. The artificial leaf modules 5 include photoanodes 51 and photocathodes 52 that are coupled to each other. The photoanodes 51 are arranged in the upper chamber 11 for oxygen generation, and the photocathodes 52 are arranged in the lower chamber 12 for hydrogen generation. The ion exchange membrane enables ion conduction between the upper and lower chambers and prevents hydrogen and oxygen gases from mixing.

[0023] Preferably, the photocatalytic water splitting tank 1 is made of a corrosion-resistant material; more preferably, it is made of a corrosion-resistant transparent material, preferably acrylic sheet, to facilitate observation of the internal reaction state of the device. The side wall of the photocatalytic water splitting tank 1 is provided with gas outlet pipes communicating with the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 12 respectively, for the independent export and collection of oxygen and hydrogen. The side wall is also provided with inlet and outlet ports communicating with the upper chamber 11 and the lower chamber 12, respectively, and connected to an external electrolyte circulation system to achieve independent circulation of the electrolyte in the upper and lower chambers, enabling effective spatial partitioning and collection of hydrogen and oxygen during the photocatalytic water splitting reaction.

[0024] The ion exchange membrane 4 is preferably an anion exchange membrane. After loading, the anion exchange membrane connects the upper and lower chambers at the ion transport level and forms a "Z"-shaped return path in terms of structure, thereby preventing hydrogen and oxygen from migrating across the chamber in a straight line.

[0025] The artificial leaf module can take several forms. It can be a direct coupling of a photoanode and a photocathode, with the photoanode using materials such as iron oxide, bismuth vanadate, titanium oxide, and tungsten oxide, and the photocathode using materials such as cuprous oxide, antimony selenide, and silicon-based materials. Alternatively, it can be a combination of the photoanode, a solar cell, and a metal mesh cathode, with the solar cell using materials such as crystalline silicon, perovskite, gallium arsenide, cadmium telluride, and copper indium gallium selenide, and the metal mesh cathode using materials such as nickel, titanium, and platinum. Finally, it can be a combination of the photocathode, a solar cell, and a metal mesh anode, with the metal mesh anode using metal materials such as nickel, titanium, and platinum.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the photoanode 51 of the artificial leaf module is made of iron oxide material, used to drive the oxidation reaction of water to produce oxygen under illumination. The photocathode 52 is composed of a silicon solar cell and a nickel grid, wherein the silicon solar cell absorbs light energy and generates electrons and bias voltage, and the nickel grid serves as a hydrogen evolution catalytic electrode to promote the hydrogen generation reaction. The artificial leaf module is fabricated as follows: the silicon solar cell and the nickel grid are electrically connected using conductive silver paste. After the conductive silver paste cures, the connection area is encapsulated with epoxy resin to achieve insulation protection of the conductive parts and prevent electrolyte corrosion. The photoanode 51 and photocathode 52 are connected by a wire 53, and conductive silver paste is also used at the connection point to enhance conductivity. Subsequently, epoxy resin is used for overall reinforcement and sealing. Through the above method, the photoanode and photocathode form a stable electrical connection and simultaneously form an integrated artificial leaf module. After the artificial leaf module is assembled, the photocathode is located below the photoanode, and the encapsulation process prevents the surface of the silicon solar cell from directly contacting the electrolyte, thereby improving the long-term stability of the artificial leaf module in a photocatalytic water splitting environment.

[0027] Preferably, the photoanode 51 is a stacked photoanode, comprising at least two photoanode plates stacked along the incident direction of light. The photoanode plates are electrically connected in parallel via parallel wires and work collaboratively under illumination. A photocathode structure is disposed below the stacked photoanode, and the photocathode is connected to the stacked photoanode via wires to form a complete photocatalytic water splitting reaction circuit. Under illumination, incident light can sequentially irradiate each layer of photoanode plates, and each layer of photoanode plates can absorb light energy and participate in the photocatalytic reaction. This increases the total light absorption and reaction activity per unit projected area without significantly increasing the device's footprint. The stacked photoanode design allows the artificial leaf module to achieve higher light-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency while maintaining structural compactness, making it suitable for high-efficiency photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production scenarios.

[0028] To facilitate modular assembly and maintenance of the device, the inner wall of the photolysis tank 1, located above the first partition 2, is provided with slots for fixing the photoanodes, allowing the photoanodes to slide in and out smoothly. Preferably, multiple slots are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction, which can be used to fix stacked photoanodes. When stacked photoanodes are loaded, each layer of photoanode plate can be embedded into its corresponding slot, thereby achieving stable positioning and maintaining a preset layer spacing. Preferably, as... Figure 2 As shown, the top surface of the electrolytic water tank 1 is stepped and conforms to the isolation structure, so that the artificial leaf modules on each of the first partitions 2 are at the same height from the top surface of the electrolytic water tank, that is, they are kept at the same depth of electrolyte.

[0029] This invention also discloses a photocatalytic water splitting system for hydrogen production, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the device includes at least one of the aforementioned photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production devices, which are mounted on a support frame 6. It also includes a first electrolyte circulation system 7 and a first gas collection system 9 connected to the upper chamber 11, and a second electrolyte circulation system 8 and a second gas collection system (not shown) connected to the lower chamber 12. The first electrolyte circulation system 7 and the second electrolyte circulation system 8 are independent of each other, and the first gas collection system 9 and the second gas collection system are independent of each other.

[0030] The first electrolyte circulation system 7 and the second electrolyte circulation system 8 each include a circulation pipeline, a circulating water pump, and an electrolyte storage container. During operation, the electrolytes in the upper and lower chambers form independent circulation loops driven by their respective circulating water pumps. This is used to maintain the stability of the electrolyte concentration and temperature during the reaction and to promote the timely removal of reaction products from the electrode surface. The first gas collection system 9 and the second gas collection system are respectively connected to the gas outlet pipelines of the upper and lower chambers. The gas outlet pipelines are further connected to the gas collection container or subsequent processing device to achieve separate export and collection of oxygen and hydrogen.

[0031] During system operation, the photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device is mounted on the support frame 6, with the light-receiving surface of the artificial leaf module facing the light source. Under natural sunlight or simulated light source illumination, the photoanode in the artificial leaf module absorbs light energy and drives the oxidation reaction of water to produce oxygen, while the photocathode drives the reduction reaction of water to produce hydrogen. The generated oxygen is in the upper chamber, and the hydrogen is in the lower chamber, and is extracted through the corresponding gas collection system.

[0032] Because the isolation structure adopts a zigzag "Z" shape, the upper and lower chambers are spatially non-linearly connected, causing spatial misalignment between hydrogen and oxygen in terms of generation location, migration direction, and collection path. This effectively reduces the risk of hydrogen and oxygen gas mixing across chambers during integrated system operation, improving the overall safety and stability of the photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production system. In practical applications, multiple photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production devices can be installed side-by-side on the same support frame 6. The support frame 6 is equipped with a tilt adjustment module for adjusting the tilt angle. By adjusting the tilt angle of the support frame or using it in conjunction with a solar tracking system, the system's utilization efficiency of sunlight can be improved, making it suitable for continuous operation and large-scale application of photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production.

[0033] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A photocatalytic water splitting device for hydrogen production, characterized in that: The device includes a photocatalytic water splitting tank, the interior of which is divided into an independent upper chamber and a lower chamber by an isolation structure. The isolation structure includes at least two first partitions and at least one second partition. The at least two first partitions are parallel to each other and staggered. The two ends of the second partition are connected to the first partitions to form a Z-shape. The first partitions are hollow frame structures used to seal and load artificial leaf modules. The second partitions are hollow frame structures used to seal and load ion exchange membranes. The artificial leaf modules include photoanodes and photocathodes that are coupled to each other. The photoanode is arranged in the upper chamber for oxygen generation, and the photocathode is arranged in the lower chamber for hydrogen generation. The ion exchange membrane enables ion conduction between the upper and lower chambers and prevents hydrogen and oxygen gases from mixing.

2. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photolysis tank is made of corrosion-resistant transparent material.

3. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the photolysis tank is provided with gas outlet pipes that are connected to the upper chamber and the lower chamber respectively, for the independent export and collection of oxygen and hydrogen; the side wall is also provided with liquid inlet and outlet that are connected to the upper chamber and the lower chamber respectively, and are connected to the external electrolyte circulation system to realize the independent circulation of electrolyte in the upper and lower chambers.

4. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ion exchange membrane is an anion exchange membrane or a proton exchange membrane.

5. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The artificial leaf module is formed by direct coupling between the photoanode and the photocathode, or by coupling the photoanode to the solar cell and then electrically connecting it to the metal mesh cathode, or by coupling the photocathode to the solar cell and then electrically connecting it to the metal mesh anode.

6. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The photoanode of the artificial leaf module is made of iron oxide material, and the photocathode is composed of a silicon solar cell and a nickel grid. The photocathode is located below the photoanode.

7. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The photoanode is a stacked photoanode, which includes at least two photoanode plates stacked along the incident direction of light. Each photoanode plate is electrically connected in parallel through parallel wires. A photocathode structure is provided below the stacked photoanode, and the photocathode is connected to the stacked photoanode through wires.

8. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner wall of the photolysis tank is provided with a slot for fixing the photoanode on the upper part of the first partition.

9. A photocatalytic water splitting system for hydrogen production, characterized in that: The device includes at least one of the aforementioned photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production apparatuses, and further includes a first electrolyte circulation system and a first gas collection system connected to the upper chamber, and a second electrolyte circulation system and a second gas collection system connected to the lower chamber. The first electrolyte circulation system and the second electrolyte circulation system are independent of each other, and the first gas collection system and the second gas collection system are independent of each other.

10. The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The photocatalytic water splitting hydrogen production device is installed on a support frame, which is equipped with a tilt adjustment module for adjusting the tilt angle. The tilt adjustment module is linked to the solar tracking system.

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