A catalyst-coated membrane assembly manufacturing method and electrolysis module

Abstract

The application relates to the electrolysis field and discloses a catalyst-coated membrane assembly manufacturing method and an electrolysis module, wherein the catalyst-coated membrane assembly manufacturing method comprises the following steps: activating the surface of a proton exchange membrane, so that the surface of the proton exchange membrane is formed with first active groups; modifying catalyst slurry, so that the catalyst slurry is formed with second active groups, the second active groups are complementary to the first active groups; transferring the modified catalyst slurry from a transfer film to the two sides of the activated proton exchange membrane, and forming an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer on the two sides of the proton exchange membrane respectively. The application realizes the close combination of catalyst active sites and mass transfer channels, greatly reduces the interface impedance, enables higher current density under the same working voltage, significantly improves the utilization rate of the catalyst, greatly improves the hydrogen production rate of the formed electrolysis module, and shortens the waiting time required for reaching the target hydrogen concentration in the civil hydrogen production scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrolysis, and discloses a method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly and an electrolysis module. Background Technology

[0002] Proton exchange membrane electrolysis of water is one of the mainstream technologies for hydrogen production based on electrical energy. In the current field of civilian hydrogen generators, the commonly used electrolysis module includes a three-layer structure of an anode electrode, a proton exchange membrane, and a cathode electrode. The working principle of this three-layer structure is as follows: the anode electrode undergoes an oxygen evolution reaction in the electrolyte, producing protons and electrons. Electrons are conducted to the cathode electrode through an external circuit, while protons migrate directionally to the cathode side through the proton exchange membrane. The proton exchange membrane also serves to isolate hydrogen and oxygen gases and achieve gas-liquid separation. On the surface of the cathode electrode, protons and electrons combine with water molecules to undergo a hydrogen evolution reaction to generate hydrogen gas. Both the anode and cathode electrode surfaces are loaded with electrolysis catalysts such as platinum and iridium-based catalysts to reduce the activation energy of the reaction and catalyze the electrochemical reaction.

[0003] When this type of three-layer structure is in use, because the catalyst-containing electrode sheet and the proton exchange membrane are assembled independently, the contact interface between the two is not well adhered, which easily leads to gaps. This results in an extended proton conduction path, increased interfacial resistance, and limited mass transfer and charge transfer efficiency of the catalytic reaction, ultimately causing a low hydrogen production rate. Therefore, current hydrogen production equipment requires a long time to reach the required saturation concentration of hydrogen, and the long waiting time for users makes it difficult to meet the immediate use requirements of hydrogen production equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly and an electrolysis module, so as to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option or create conditions.

[0005] A method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: The surface of the proton exchange membrane is activated so that a first active group is formed on the surface of the proton exchange membrane; The catalyst slurry is modified to form a second active group, which is complementary to the first active group. The modified catalyst slurry is transferred from the transfer film to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane, and an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, respectively.

[0006] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: By activating the surface of the proton exchange membrane and modifying the catalyst slurry, complementary first and second active groups are formed on both sides. When the catalyst slurry is transferred from the transfer membrane to both sides of the proton exchange membrane, the bonding force between the proton exchange membrane and the catalyst layer can be effectively improved. This results in a microscopically tight bond between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane and the proton exchange membrane, constructing a continuous mass transport interface. During operation, the diffusion transport layer is wetted with reactants such as pure water and then contacts the catalyst layer. After energizing, an oxygen evolution reaction occurs in the anode catalyst layer, and the generated hydrogen ions migrate directly to the cathode side through the tightly bonded proton exchange membrane. In the cathode catalyst layer, hydrogen ions... The hydrogen evolution reaction occurs when electrons from the external circuit combine with the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane. Because the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane are integrated, the interfacial impedance of the catalytic reaction is effectively reduced, and the charge transfer efficiency is greatly improved. At the same time, the active sites of the catalyst are in full contact with the proton conductor, and the utilization rate is significantly improved. Therefore, this invention achieves a tight combination of the active sites of the catalyst and the mass transfer channel, which not only greatly reduces the interfacial impedance, enabling a higher current density to be obtained under the same operating voltage, but also optimizes the reaction interface by integrating the anode catalyst layer, the proton exchange membrane and the cathode catalyst layer, significantly improving the utilization rate of the catalyst and greatly improving the hydrogen production rate of the formed electrolysis module, shortening the waiting time required to reach the target hydrogen concentration in the target liquid or space in civilian hydrogen production scenarios.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the activation of the surface of the proton exchange membrane includes: treating the surface of the proton exchange membrane with plasma or ultraviolet ozone.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first active group includes a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the modification of the catalyst slurry includes: adding a functional binder to the catalyst slurry, wherein the functional binder has the second active group.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second active group includes an amino group or an epoxy group.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the step of transferring the modified catalyst slurry from the transfer membrane to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane includes: Obtain the current temperature value and the target temperature threshold, and control the current temperature value to be within the target temperature threshold; Obtain the current pressure value and the target pressure threshold, and control the current pressure value to be within the target pressure threshold; Chemical bond interfaces are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, chemical bond interfaces are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, including: the first active group and the second active group are connected by covalent bonds or ionic bonds.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first active group and the second active group are connected by a covalent bond or an ionic bond, including: the first active group and the second active group undergo a dehydration condensation reaction or a ring-opening addition reaction.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention further includes: drying the transferred proton exchange membrane.

[0015] An electrolysis module according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an anode diffusion transport layer, a cathode diffusion transport layer, and a catalyst-coated membrane obtained by the above-described catalyst-coated membrane assembly manufacturing method. The anode diffusion transport layer is disposed on the side of the anode catalyst layer away from the proton exchange membrane, and the cathode diffusion transport layer is disposed on the side of the cathode catalyst layer away from the proton exchange membrane.

[0016] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: the anodic diffusion transport layer and the cathodic diffusion transport layer are respectively attached to the catalyst layers on both sides of the proton exchange membrane. The anodic diffusion transport layer and the cathodic diffusion transport layer are responsible for uniform mass transfer, electrical conduction and gas conduction. Since the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane are integrated, the interfacial impedance of the catalytic reaction is effectively reduced, and the charge transfer efficiency is greatly improved. At the same time, the catalyst active sites are in full contact with the proton conductor, and the utilization rate is significantly improved. Therefore, in this electrolysis module, the catalyst active sites and mass transfer channels are tightly combined, which not only greatly reduces the interfacial impedance, enabling a higher current density to be obtained under the same operating voltage, but also significantly improves the utilization rate of the catalyst, greatly improves the hydrogen production rate, and shortens the waiting time required to reach the target hydrogen concentration in civilian hydrogen production scenarios.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the method for manufacturing the catalyst-coated membrane assembly of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the process of transferring the modified catalyst slurry from the transfer membrane to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0023] In the description of this invention, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0024] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "set up," "install," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0025] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In the description of this application, the use of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "an example," "some instances," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," and "some examples" indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 A method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to a first aspect of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following steps: Step S100: Activate the surface of the proton exchange membrane to form a first active group on the surface of the proton exchange membrane; Step S200: Modify the catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry forms a second active group, which is complementary to the first active group; In step S300, the modified catalyst slurry is transferred from the transfer membrane to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane, forming an anodic catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, respectively. In practical applications, a perfluorosulfonic acid proton exchange membrane is used as the substrate. An anodic catalyst layer is formed on one side of the membrane by transfer, and the main active component of the anodic catalyst layer is an iridium-based oxygen evolution catalyst. A cathode catalyst layer is formed on the other side of the membrane.

[0028] As described above, by activating the surface of the proton exchange membrane and modifying the catalyst slurry, complementary first and second active groups are formed. When the catalyst slurry is transferred from the transfer membrane to both sides of the proton exchange membrane, the bonding force between the proton exchange membrane and the catalyst layer can be effectively improved. This results in a microscopically tight bond between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane and the proton exchange membrane, constructing a continuous mass transport interface. During operation, the diffusion transport layer is wetted with reactants such as pure water and brought into contact with the catalyst layer. After energization, an oxygen evolution reaction occurs in the anode catalyst layer, and the generated hydrogen ions migrate directly to the cathode side through the tightly bonded proton exchange membrane. In the cathode catalyst layer, the hydrogen ions react with the external circuit. The incoming electrons combine to initiate the hydrogen evolution reaction. Because the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane are integrated, the interfacial impedance of the catalytic reaction is effectively reduced, and the charge transfer efficiency is greatly improved. At the same time, the catalyst active sites are in full contact with the proton conductor, significantly improving utilization. Therefore, this invention achieves a tight integration of the catalyst active sites and the mass transfer channels, which not only significantly reduces the interfacial impedance, enabling a higher current density to be obtained under the same operating voltage, but also optimizes the reaction interface by integrating the anode catalyst layer, the proton exchange membrane, and the cathode catalyst layer, significantly improving the catalyst utilization rate and greatly increasing the hydrogen production rate of the formed electrolysis module. This shortens the waiting time required to reach the target hydrogen concentration in the target liquid or space in civilian hydrogen production scenarios.

[0029] In step S100, the surface of the proton exchange membrane is activated, including plasma treatment or ultraviolet ozone treatment. Plasma treatment or ultraviolet ozone treatment introduces a first active group onto the surface of the proton exchange membrane. Because plasma treatment or ultraviolet ozone treatment is mild and controllable, it helps prevent damage to the structure of the proton exchange membrane and ensures that the first active group is evenly distributed, thus better enabling subsequent chemical bonding.

[0030] Furthermore, the first active group includes a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group. Carboxyl and hydroxyl groups are highly reactive and readily form stable chemical bonds with complementary groups, thereby enhancing interfacial bonding.

[0031] In step S200, the catalyst slurry is modified by adding a functional binder containing a second active group. In practical applications, the second active group can be uniformly distributed in the catalyst slurry by mechanical stirring or ultrasonic dispersion, thus ensuring that the catalyst slurry contains the second active group. This second active group participates in the interfacial reaction, achieving molecular-level bonding between the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane.

[0032] Furthermore, the second active group includes an amino group or an epoxy group. The amino group can undergo dehydration condensation with the carboxyl group, and the epoxy group can undergo ring-opening addition with the hydroxyl group to form a covalent bond, which significantly improves the interfacial durability.

[0033] In step S300, the modified catalyst slurry is transferred from the transfer membrane to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane, such as... Figure 2 As shown, including but not limited to the following steps: Step S310: Obtain the current temperature value and the target temperature threshold, and control the current temperature value to be within the target temperature threshold. The operating temperature can be monitored in real time through a temperature sensor.

[0034] Step S320: Obtain the current pressure value and the target pressure threshold, and control the current pressure value to be within the target pressure threshold. The pressure value can be monitored in real time through a pressure sensor.

[0035] In step S330, chemical bond interfaces are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane.

[0036] By controlling temperature and pressure in this way, it is beneficial to avoid damage to the catalyst layer caused by local overheating or uneven pressure, thereby improving mass transfer efficiency.

[0037] In step S330, chemical bonding interfaces are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, including: a first active group and a second active group forming a covalent bond or an ionic bond. By utilizing the chemical bond formed by the first and second active groups through a chemical reaction, physical adsorption is replaced, effectively reducing the risk of catalyst layer stripping.

[0038] Furthermore, the first active group and the second active group are connected by covalent or ionic bonds, including: the first active group and the second active group undergoing a dehydration condensation reaction or a ring-opening addition reaction. The chemical bonding interface is formed between the catalyst layer and the membrane body on both sides of the proton exchange membrane through covalent or ionic bonds. The chemical bonding interface shortens the proton transport path, improves charge transfer efficiency, and effectively enhances hydrogen production efficiency.

[0039] The present invention also includes, but is not limited to, the following steps: Step S400, drying the transferred proton exchange membrane. After transfer, the proton exchange membrane is dried, and the temperature and humidity are carefully controlled during drying to allow the catalyst layer to solidify slowly. This drying method reduces internal stress in the catalyst layer, prevents cracking and deformation, and helps ensure interface integrity.

[0040] An electrolysis module according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an anode diffusion transport layer, a cathode diffusion transport layer, and a catalyst coating membrane obtained by the above-described catalyst coating membrane assembly manufacturing method. The anode diffusion transport layer is disposed on the side of the anode catalyst layer away from the proton exchange membrane, and the cathode diffusion transport layer is disposed on the side of the cathode catalyst layer away from the proton exchange membrane.

[0041] In this electrolysis module, the anode diffusion transport layer and the cathode diffusion transport layer are respectively bonded to the catalyst layers on both sides of the proton exchange membrane. The anode diffusion transport layer and the cathode diffusion transport layer are responsible for uniform mass transfer, electrical conduction, and gas conduction. Since the catalyst layer and the proton exchange membrane are integrated, the interfacial impedance of the catalytic reaction is effectively reduced, and the charge transfer efficiency is greatly improved. At the same time, the catalyst active sites are in full contact with the proton conductor, and the utilization rate is significantly improved. Therefore, this electrolysis module achieves a tight combination of catalyst active sites and mass transfer channels, which not only greatly reduces the interfacial impedance, enabling a higher current density to be obtained under the same operating voltage, but also significantly improves the utilization rate of the catalyst, greatly improves the hydrogen production rate, and shortens the waiting time required to reach the target hydrogen concentration in civilian hydrogen production scenarios.

[0042] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane module, characterized in that: include: The surface of the proton exchange membrane is activated so that a first active group is formed on the surface of the proton exchange membrane; The catalyst slurry is modified to form a second active group, which is complementary to the first active group. The modified catalyst slurry is transferred from the transfer film to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane, and an anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane, respectively.

2. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The activation of the proton exchange membrane surface includes: treating the proton exchange membrane surface with plasma or ultraviolet ozone.

3. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first active group includes a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group.

4. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modification of the catalyst slurry includes adding a functional binder to the catalyst slurry, wherein the functional binder has the second active group.

5. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second active group includes amino or epoxy groups.

6. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of transferring the modified catalyst slurry from the transfer membrane to both sides of the activated proton exchange membrane includes: Obtain the current temperature value and the target temperature threshold, and control the current temperature value to be within the target temperature threshold; Obtain the current pressure value and the target pressure threshold, and control the current pressure value to be within the target pressure threshold; Chemical bond interfaces are formed on both sides of the proton exchange membrane.

7. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The proton exchange membrane has chemical bond interfaces formed on both sides, including: the first active group and the second active group are connected by covalent bonds or ionic bonds.

8. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane module according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first active group and the second active group are connected by a covalent bond or an ionic bond, including: the first active group and the second active group undergo a dehydration condensation reaction or a ring-opening addition reaction.

9. The method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: The proton exchange membrane after transfer is dried.

10. An electrolysis module, characterized in that: The assembly includes an anodic diffusion transport layer, a cathodic diffusion transport layer, and a catalyst-coated membrane obtained by the method for manufacturing a catalyst-coated membrane assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anodic diffusion transport layer is disposed on the side of the anodic catalyst layer away from the proton exchange membrane, and the cathodic diffusion transport layer is disposed on the side of the cathodic catalyst layer away from the proton exchange membrane.

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