Electrolytic cell with sliding groove for electrocatalytic synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of electrolytic cells, and discloses an electrolytic cell with sliding grooves for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia, which comprises a workbench, the inner side of the workbench is provided with a sliding groove assembly, the sliding groove assembly comprises a mounting seat arranged on the inner side of the workbench, connecting bolts are arranged on the two sides of the mounting seat, the mounting seat is fixedly connected with the workbench through the connecting bolts, a plurality of sliding grooves are formed in the workbench, the plurality of sliding grooves are equidistantly distributed along the width direction of the workbench, the two ends of the plurality of sliding grooves are fixedly connected with limiting blocks, the middle part of the mounting seat is provided with a proton exchange membrane assembly, one side of the proton exchange membrane assembly is provided with a cathode reaction assembly, and the other side of the proton exchange membrane assembly is provided with an anode reaction assembly. The sliding groove assembly, the positioning mechanism and the modular design comprehensively solve the pain points of the electrolytic cell in aspects of assembly, sealing, maintenance and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolytic cell technology, and more specifically, to an electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia. Background Technology

[0002] Electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis technology, as an emerging field to replace the traditional Haber-Bosch process, has received widespread attention in recent years. This technology utilizes electrical energy to drive the nitrogen reduction reaction, achieving ammonia synthesis under ambient temperature and pressure conditions. It has potential advantages such as low energy consumption, mild reaction conditions, and environmental friendliness. The electrolyzer, as the core equipment of this technology, directly affects the efficiency and feasibility of ammonia synthesis through its structural design. Currently, electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis technology is in a critical stage of transitioning from laboratory to industrialization, and the structural optimization of the electrolyzer has become a bottleneck restricting its development. An ideal electrolyzer needs to simultaneously meet multiple requirements, including high-efficiency catalysis, ease of maintenance, and long-term stable operation. However, existing technologies have significant shortcomings in these aspects, specifically as follows:

[0003] First, traditional electrolyzers use bolts or welding to connect the components. This rigid connection method has obvious defects. The assembly process requires tightening a large number of bolts one by one, and disassembly is also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Furthermore, relying on manual adjustment of the position of each component makes it difficult to ensure the precise alignment of the anode and cathode reaction chambers with the proton exchange membrane.

[0004] Second, existing electrolytic cells generally have sealing problems during long-term operation. During operation, gaps are easily generated at the component connection due to thermal expansion and contraction or vibration. Traditional gaskets are prone to corrosion and failure in the electrochemical environment and cannot meet the sealing requirements of pressure fluctuations during the reaction process.

[0005] Third, existing technologies pose safety hazards during use. Improper operation may lead to component damage or seal failure, resulting in poor electrode contact and potential localized overheating. In the event of a leak, it is difficult to isolate and replace faulty components in a timely manner.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention proposes an electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention proposes an electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia, which solves the problem that the assembly process of existing electrolytic cells requires tightening a large number of bolts one by one, and the disassembly process is also time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: an electrolytic cell with sliding grooves for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia includes a worktable, a sliding groove assembly is provided on the inner side of the worktable, the sliding groove assembly includes a mounting base provided on the inner side of the worktable, connecting bolts are provided on both sides of the mounting base, the mounting base is fixedly connected to the worktable by the connecting bolts, a plurality of sliding grooves are provided on the worktable, the plurality of sliding grooves are equidistantly distributed along the width direction of the worktable, and limit blocks are fixedly connected to both ends of the plurality of sliding grooves, a proton exchange membrane assembly is provided in the middle of the mounting base, a cathode reaction assembly is provided on one side of the proton exchange membrane assembly, and an anode reaction assembly is provided on the other side of the proton exchange membrane assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the cathode reaction assembly and the anode reaction assembly have the same structural distribution and are symmetrically distributed along the center line of the mounting base.

[0010] Preferably, the cathode reaction assembly includes a cathode reaction chamber, the bottom of which is fixedly connected with a plurality of first sliders corresponding one-to-one with the sliding grooves, the plurality of first sliders slidingly engaging with the corresponding sliding grooves, and a cathode plate is provided on one side of the cathode reaction chamber.

[0011] Preferably, each of the four corners of the cathode reaction chamber is fixedly connected with a positioning rod, and all four positioning rods are in sliding engagement with the proton exchange membrane assembly.

[0012] Preferably, the cathode reaction assembly further includes a locking block fixedly connected to the inner side of the cathode plate, and the side wall of the cathode reaction chamber is provided with a locking groove that slides with the locking block. A rotating rod that passes through the cathode reaction chamber is rotatably connected to the inner side of the cathode reaction chamber. A rotating cap is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating rod, and a locking block is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod. The locking block is located inside the locking groove, and the locking block slides with the locking block.

[0013] Preferably, the locking block has a T-shaped structure, and the locking block has a mating groove that slides with the locking block.

[0014] Preferably, the proton exchange membrane assembly includes two parallel proton exchange membrane sieves, with a proton exchange membrane fixedly connected between the two proton exchange membrane sieves, and a plurality of second sliders fixedly connected to the bottom of the proton exchange membrane sieves, the plurality of second sliders slidingly engaging with corresponding grooves.

[0015] Preferably, positioning grooves are provided at the four corners of the outer side of the proton exchange membrane sieve plate, and several positioning rods slide in cooperation with the corresponding positioning grooves.

[0016] The working principle and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0017] 1. This invention adopts a sliding groove assembly design. Through the sliding cooperation between the slider and the sliding groove, the rapid positioning and installation of each component is realized, which significantly reduces the manual operation time. The worktable is provided with equally distributed sliding grooves, and each component is equipped with a slider (such as the first slider and the second slider) at the bottom. The slider will automatically stop when it slides to the position of the limit block, which replaces the traditional bolt fastening method and reduces the difficulty of operation.

[0018] 2. The chutes are evenly distributed along the width of the worktable, and the limiting blocks are fixed at both ends of the chutes to ensure that the sliding components (such as the cathode reaction assembly and the proton exchange membrane assembly) are aligned in the predetermined position, thus ensuring the alignment of each component during operation and avoiding misalignment caused by vibration. The even distribution of the chutes and the rigid stop design of the limiting blocks ensure the precise alignment of the anode and cathode reaction chambers with the proton exchange membrane assembly, avoiding misalignment caused by vibration or manual adjustment errors, and improving the stability of equipment operation.

[0019] 3. Through the sliding engagement of the positioning rod and the positioning groove, as well as the locking block mechanism, a tight seal is achieved between the reaction chamber and the proton exchange membrane, effectively preventing ammonia leakage and improving the safety of the electrocatalytic reaction; positioning rods are set at the four corners of the cathode reaction chamber, and positioning grooves are opened in the proton exchange membrane assembly, which automatically fits in during the sliding process; at the same time, the cathode plate is quickly pressed by the clamping block and locking block (T-shaped structure).

[0020] 4. The cathode reaction assembly adopts a rotatable locking block structure, which can be unlocked by simply rotating the rotating cap; the proton exchange membrane assembly is slidably installed via the second slider. This design allows for quick connection between the cathode plate and the cathode reaction chamber, and also facilitates the replacement of the cathode plate; the modular design allows for the replacement of faulty components (such as the cathode plate or proton exchange membrane) without disassembling the entire electrolyzer, which greatly shortens maintenance downtime and reduces spare parts costs.

[0021] 5. The anode and cathode reaction components are symmetrically distributed along the center line of the mounting base, which avoids stress concentration, extends the service life of the equipment, and simplifies the assembly process; the cathode reaction component has the same structure as the anode reaction component and is installed in a mirror image symmetrically to ensure uniform stress distribution. The symmetrical distribution avoids stress concentration and improves the overall stability of the equipment.

[0022] 6. The precise alignment and sealing design ensures uniform contact between the proton exchange membrane and the reaction chamber, reducing local hot spots and leakage points, thereby improving nitrogen conversion rate and ammonia yield, laying the foundation for industrial application; the proton exchange membrane is firmly clamped between two sieve plates to avoid wrinkles; the cooperation between the positioning groove and the positioning rod ensures the consistency of the reaction interface. This precise alignment design ensures the uniformity of the electrocatalytic reaction and improves nitrogen conversion rate and ammonia yield. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrolyzer with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrolyzer with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding groove assembly of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cathode reactor assembly of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the cathode reaction chamber of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the proton exchange membrane assembly of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 10, workbench; 20, sliding groove assembly; 201, mounting base; 202, sliding groove; 203, limiting block; 204, connecting bolt; 40, cathode reaction assembly; 401, cathode reaction chamber; 402, first slider; 403, cathode plate; 404, positioning rod; 405, locking block; 406, locking groove; 407, rotating rod; 408, rotating cap; 409, locking block; 400, docking groove; 50, anode reaction assembly; 60, proton exchange membrane assembly; 601, second slider; 602, proton exchange membrane sieve plate; 603, proton exchange membrane; 604, positioning groove. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, this embodiment proposes an electrolytic cell with sliding grooves for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia, including a workbench 10. A sliding groove assembly 20 is provided on the inner side of the workbench 10. The sliding groove assembly 20 includes a mounting base 201 provided on the inner side of the workbench 10. Connecting bolts 204 are provided on both sides of the mounting base 201. The mounting base 201 is fixedly connected to the workbench 10 by the connecting bolts 204. A plurality of sliding grooves 202 are provided on the workbench 10. The plurality of sliding grooves 202 are equidistantly distributed along the width direction of the workbench 10. Limiting blocks 203 are fixedly connected to both ends of the plurality of sliding grooves 202. A proton exchange membrane assembly 60 is provided in the middle of the mounting base 201. A cathode reaction assembly 40 is provided on one side of the proton exchange membrane assembly 60. An anode reaction assembly 50 is provided on the other side of the proton exchange membrane assembly 60.

[0034] In this embodiment, the proton exchange membrane assembly 60 is placed in the center of the mounting base 201, with the cathode reaction assembly 40 and the anode reaction assembly 50 slidably mounted on its two sides respectively. During assembly, the sliders at the bottom of each assembly slide along the groove 202 until they are blocked by the limiting block 203, achieving rapid positioning. The equidistant distribution of the grooves 202 ensures the accuracy of component alignment, while the limiting block acts as a rigid stop to prevent excessive sliding. The groove design replaces traditional bolt fixing, greatly reducing assembly time and lowering the difficulty of operation. The cooperation between the limiting block 203 and the groove 202 ensures the alignment of each component during operation, avoiding misalignment caused by vibration and improving equipment reliability. The equidistant distribution of the grooves 202 allows for the adaptation of components of different sizes, supports customized applications, and the overall design provides a solid foundation for electrocatalytic reactions, helping to improve the efficiency of ammonia synthesis.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode reaction assembly 40 and the anode reaction assembly 50 have the same structural distribution and are symmetrically distributed along the center line of the mounting base 201.

[0036] In this embodiment, the cathode reaction assembly 40 and the anode reaction assembly 50 have the same structure and are symmetrically distributed along the center line of the mounting base 201. This mirror design makes the sliding path, locking mechanism and positioning method of the anode and cathode reaction chambers completely consistent, simplifying the assembly process; the symmetrical distribution avoids stress concentration, improves the overall stability of the equipment and extends its service life.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode reaction assembly 40 includes a cathode reaction chamber 401. A plurality of first sliders 402 corresponding one-to-one with the sliding grooves 202 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the cathode reaction chamber 401. The plurality of first sliders 402 are slidably engaged with the corresponding sliding grooves 202. A cathode plate 403 is provided on one side of the cathode reaction chamber 401. Positioning rods 404 are fixedly connected to the four corners of the cathode reaction chamber 401. The four positioning rods 404 are slidably engaged with the proton exchange membrane assembly 60.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first slider slides into the groove 202, allowing the cathode reaction chamber 401 to move along the worktable 10. The positioning rod 404 slides into the positioning groove 604 of the proton exchange membrane assembly 60, guiding the cathode reaction chamber 401 to precisely align with the proton exchange membrane assembly 60 during the sliding process. When the cathode reaction chamber 401 slides to the position of the limiting block 203, the positioning rod 404 automatically inserts into the positioning groove 604, ensuring a sealed interface. The cathode plate 403 is initially fixed by the locking block 405 and the locking groove 406. The sliding engagement of the positioning rod 404 and the positioning groove 604 eliminates manual adjustment errors, ensuring the alignment accuracy of the cathode reaction chamber 401 and the proton exchange membrane assembly 60, and reducing the risk of ammonia leakage. The design of the first slider 402 allows the cathode reaction chamber 401 to be replaced individually without disassembling the entire electrolytic cell, greatly shortening maintenance time. This precise alignment design ensures the uniformity of the electrocatalytic reaction, improving nitrogen conversion rate and ammonia yield.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode reaction assembly 40 further includes a locking block 405 fixedly connected to the inner side of the cathode plate 403. The side wall of the cathode reaction chamber 401 is provided with a locking groove 406 that slides with the locking block 405. A rotating rod 407 that passes through the cathode reaction chamber 401 is rotatably connected to the inner side of the cathode reaction chamber 401. A rotating cap 408 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the rotating rod 407. A locking block 409 is fixedly connected to the outer side of the rotating rod 407. The locking block 409 is located inside the locking groove 406 and slides with the locking block 405. The locking block 409 has a T-shaped structure. A docking groove 400 that slides with the locking block 409 is provided on the locking block 405.

[0040] In this embodiment, after the cathode plate is inserted into the slot through the locking block, rotating the rotating cap drives the rotating rod to rotate, causing the locking block to slide along the mating groove 400 on the locking block 405 and press against the locking block 405 to achieve mechanical locking. The T-shaped structure enhances the locking force and prevents loosening. This process can be completed with only a certain rotation, and the operation is simple. This design allows the cathode plate 403 to be quickly connected to the cathode reaction chamber 401, and also facilitates the replacement of the cathode plate 403.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the proton exchange membrane assembly 60 includes two parallel proton exchange membrane sieve plates 602, a proton exchange membrane 603 is fixedly connected between the two proton exchange membrane sieve plates 602, a plurality of second sliders 601 are fixedly connected to the bottom of the proton exchange membrane sieve plates 602, the plurality of second sliders 601 are slidably engaged with the corresponding sliding grooves 202, and positioning grooves 604 are provided at the four corners of the outer side of the proton exchange membrane sieve plates 602, and a plurality of positioning rods 404 are slidably engaged with the corresponding positioning grooves 604.

[0042] In this embodiment, during assembly, the second slider 601 slides along the groove until the positioning groove 604 and the positioning rod 404 are fully engaged, ensuring that the proton exchange membrane 603 is located in the center between the cathode and anode reaction chambers. The fixing method of the proton exchange membrane 603 avoids wrinkles or displacement, ensuring proton conduction efficiency. The cooperation between the positioning groove 604 and the positioning rod 404 ensures uniform contact between the proton exchange membrane 603 and the reaction chamber, reducing hot spots and leakage points, and improving reaction stability. The modular design allows the proton exchange membrane 603 to be repaired or replaced individually, reducing spare parts costs and maintenance downtime.

[0043] Installation Procedure: First, place the workbench 10 on a stable surface or support, and use a level to adjust it to a horizontal position. Then, place the mounting base 201 of the sliding groove assembly 20 inside the workbench, aligning it with the pre-drilled holes. Secure the mounting base to the workbench using the connecting bolts 204 on both sides, and tighten them evenly with a wrench to ensure the mounting base is stable and does not wobble. After fixing, check that the sliding grooves 202 are evenly distributed along the width of the workbench, and that the limiting blocks 203 are securely installed at both ends of the sliding grooves. The limiting blocks act as rigid stops to prevent excessive movement of the sliding components.

[0044] Position the proton exchange membrane assembly 60 in the center of the mounting base 201. Hold the proton exchange membrane sieve plate 602 and align the second slider 601 at its bottom with the groove in the slide groove 202. Gently push the proton exchange membrane assembly along the length of the slide groove, sliding until the second slider is blocked by the limiting block 203. At this point, the proton exchange membrane 603 should be located in the center of the mounting base. During the sliding process, be careful to keep the proton exchange membrane flat and avoid wrinkles or misalignment. The positioning groove 604 of the proton exchange membrane assembly will be used to cooperate with the positioning rod of the subsequent reaction assembly to ensure precise docking.

[0045] The installation of the cathode reaction assembly 40 must ensure alignment with the proton exchange membrane assembly. Hold the cathode reaction chamber 401 and align its bottom first slider 402 with the groove of the slide rail 202. Slide the cathode reaction chamber along the slide rail until the first slider contacts the limiting block 203 and automatically stops. During the sliding process, the positioning rods 404 at the four corners of the cathode reaction chamber will automatically insert into the positioning grooves 604 of the proton exchange membrane assembly, achieving precise guidance and sealing. At this point, the cathode reaction chamber and the proton exchange membrane sieve plate should be tightly fitted without any visible gaps. The cathode plate 403 is initially inserted into the slot 406 of the cathode reaction chamber via the locking block 405, but is not yet locked.

[0046] The installation of the anode reaction assembly 50 is symmetrical to that of the cathode reaction assembly. Since the anode and cathode assemblies have identical structures and are symmetrically distributed along the centerline of the mounting base, the anode reaction chamber is slid to the other side of the proton exchange membrane assembly until the slider is blocked by the limiting block, at which point the positioning rod automatically engages with the positioning groove. This symmetrical installation ensures uniform stress distribution on the equipment, avoids stress concentration, and improves overall stability.

[0047] To ensure a tight seal, the locking mechanism of the cathode reaction assembly must be activated. Check that the locking block 405 of the cathode plate 403 is fully inserted into the locking slot 406 of the cathode reaction chamber. Then, rotate the rotating cap 408 on the cathode reaction chamber side, causing the rotating rod 407 to rotate. The T-shaped locking block 409 on the outside of the rotating rod then slides along the mating groove 400 on the locking block, pressing the locking block to achieve mechanical locking.

[0048] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia, comprising a worktable (10), characterized in that, The inner side of the workbench (10) is provided with a sliding groove assembly (20). The sliding groove assembly (20) includes a mounting base (201) provided on the inner side of the workbench (10). Both sides of the mounting base (201) are provided with connecting bolts (204). The mounting base (201) is fixedly connected to the workbench (10) by the connecting bolts (204). The workbench (10) is provided with a plurality of sliding grooves (202). The plurality of sliding grooves (202) are equidistantly distributed along the width direction of the workbench (10). Both ends of the plurality of sliding grooves (202) are fixedly connected with limit blocks (203). The middle part of the mounting base (201) is provided with a proton exchange membrane assembly (60). One side of the proton exchange membrane assembly (60) is provided with a cathode reaction assembly (40), and the other side of the proton exchange membrane assembly (60) is provided with an anode reaction assembly (50).

2. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode reaction assembly (40) has the same structural distribution as the anode reaction assembly (50) and is symmetrically distributed along the center line of the mounting base (201).

3. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cathode reaction assembly (40) includes a cathode reaction chamber (401). The bottom of the cathode reaction chamber (401) is fixedly connected with a plurality of first sliders (402) corresponding to the slide grooves (202). The plurality of first sliders (402) slide in cooperation with the corresponding slide grooves (202). A cathode plate (403) is provided on one side of the cathode reaction chamber (401).

4. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cathode reaction chamber (401) is fixedly connected to four corners with positioning rods (404), and the four positioning rods (404) are slidably engaged with the proton exchange membrane assembly (60).

5. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cathode reaction assembly (40) further includes a locking block (405) fixedly connected to the inner side of the cathode plate (403). The side wall of the cathode reaction chamber (401) is provided with a slot (406) that slides with the locking block (405). The inner side of the cathode reaction chamber (401) is rotatably connected to a rotating rod (407) that passes through the cathode reaction chamber (401). The bottom of the rotating rod (407) is fixedly connected to a rotating cap (408). The outer side of the rotating rod (407) is fixedly connected to a locking block (409). The locking block (409) is located inside the slot (406) and slides with the locking block (405).

6. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 5, characterized in that, The locking block (409) has a T-shaped structure, and the locking block (405) has a mating groove (400) that slides with the locking block (409).

7. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 4, characterized in that, The proton exchange membrane assembly (60) includes two parallel proton exchange membrane sieves (602), with a proton exchange membrane (603) fixedly connected between the two proton exchange membrane sieves (602). A plurality of second sliders (601) are fixedly connected to the bottom of the proton exchange membrane sieves (602), and the plurality of second sliders (601) slide in cooperation with the corresponding sliding grooves (202).

8. An electrolytic cell with a sliding groove for electrocatalytic nitrogen synthesis of ammonia according to claim 7, characterized in that, The four corners of the proton exchange membrane sieve plate (602) are provided with positioning grooves (604), and several positioning rods (404) slide in cooperation with the corresponding positioning grooves (604).

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