An alkali concentration difference type generator and a preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of generators, and particularly relates to an alkali concentration difference type generator and a preparation method and application thereof. The alkali concentration difference type generator comprises a liquid storage pool; a diaphragm is arranged in the liquid storage pool, and the diaphragm divides the liquid storage pool into two parts; an alkaline electrolyte is arranged in one part, and water is arranged in the other part; electrodes are arranged in the alkaline electrolyte and the water, and the electrodes are connected with an external circuit; the diaphragm comprises any one of a bamboo piece and a wood piece. The application increases the negative charge functional groups on the surface of wood fibers by treating the surface of wood with the alkaline electrolyte, and promotes the dissociation of oxygen-containing functional groups of cellulose molecular chains, so that the voltage output of the generator can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of generator technology, and specifically relates to an alkaline concentration difference type generator, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of escalating energy shortages and environmental crises, the development of efficient and low-cost sustainable energy has become a current research hotspot. While the natural environment possesses abundant water resources, freshwater resources are relatively scarce. Industrial alkaline wastewater is a common type of industrial wastewater, and its treatment process is cumbersome and complex. Utilizing industrial wastewater to directly convert it into clean energy can both save treatment costs and promote the efficient use of resources.

[0003] Research indicates that moisture-triggered ion generators hold promise as a solution for green and sustainable energy. Current research on moisture-triggered wood-based ion generators primarily focuses on salt concentration gradient power generation, water evaporation power generation, and moisture-driven ion generators. However, moisture-triggered wood-based ion generators have long suffered from low output voltage, mainly due to the limited dissociation of functional groups on the wood surface in water. Maintaining a significant ion concentration difference between the two ends of the wood is difficult, directly affecting the electrical output and stability of the device. Furthermore, the application of wood-based ion generators is limited to pure water and humid environments or seawater systems, with few reports on their use in the reuse of industrial wastewater. Additionally, the charge density on the surface of wood fibers plays a crucial role in regulating ion selectivity and ion concentration gradients, directly impacting the electrical output of wood-based ion generators. Increasing the functional groups on the cellulose molecular chain backbone using traditional chemical methods has failed to significantly regulate the charge density on the wood fiber surface. Moreover, the interaction between the cellulose molecular chain backbone and water molecules is weak in pure water and seawater systems, and the limited number of dissociated ions also restricts the electrical output of wood-based ion generators.

[0004] Therefore, it is of great significance to provide a generator with excellent voltage output that can realize the reuse of industrial alkaline wastewater. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial solution. Specifically, the present invention provides an alkaline concentration difference type generator, which has excellent voltage output and can realize the reuse of industrial alkaline wastewater.

[0006] The inventive concept of this invention: The alkaline concentration difference type generator of this invention includes a storage tank; a diaphragm is provided in the storage tank, and the diaphragm divides the storage tank into two parts; one part contains an alkaline electrolyte, and the other part contains water; electrodes are provided in both the alkaline electrolyte and the water, and the electrodes are connected to an external circuit; the diaphragm includes any one of bamboo or wood.

[0007] This invention uses wood fiber material as a diaphragm to divide the storage tank into two parts. The oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the wood fiber material dissociate in the alkaline electrolyte aqueous solution, resulting in a gradient distribution of negatively charged functional groups in the cellulose molecular chain skeleton. Under electrostatic forces, like charges repel and unlike charges attract. The wood fiber molecular chains carry negatively charged, small-volume charge carriers such as Na+. + Ions selectively pass through larger negatively charged functional groups and OH groups. - Ions are repelled, resulting in a large difference in ion concentration and charge at both ends of the wood fiber material, forming a potential difference, which can achieve a higher voltage output.

[0008] Therefore, a first aspect of the present invention provides a generator of the alkali concentration difference type.

[0009] Specifically, the alkaline concentration difference type generator includes a storage tank; a diaphragm is provided in the storage tank, which divides the storage tank into two parts; one part contains an alkaline electrolyte, and the other part contains water; electrodes are provided in both the alkaline electrolyte and the water, and the electrodes are connected to an external circuit. The diaphragm can be any one of bamboo or wood chips.

[0010] Preferably, the diaphragm is located in the middle of the liquid storage tank to divide the liquid storage tank into two equal parts.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid storage tank includes a plastic liquid storage tank.

[0012] Specifically, this invention does not have any special requirements on the type of plastic used in the plastic storage tank; conventional plastics can be used to realize this invention.

[0013] Preferably, the wood chips include any one of balsa wood, pine, beech, and linden.

[0014] Preferably, the alkaline electrolyte includes at least one of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and alkaline industrial wastewater.

[0015] Preferably, the concentration of sodium hydroxide is 0.1-4M.

[0016] Preferably, the concentration of potassium hydroxide is 0.1-4M.

[0017] Specifically, the sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide exist in the form of aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.

[0018] Preferably, the electrode includes any one of a platinum electrode, a gold electrode, a graphite electrode, and a carbon cloth electrode.

[0019] Preferably, the platinum electrode is a platinum mesh electrode.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing the alkali concentration difference type generator described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0021] Specifically, the preparation method of the alkali concentration difference type generator includes the following steps: A diaphragm is installed in the storage tank to divide it into two parts, and alkaline electrolyte and water are added to the two parts respectively. Electrodes are inserted into both the alkaline electrolyte and water, and the electrodes are connected to an external circuit to obtain the product.

[0022] Specifically, the diaphragm divides the storage tank into two parts, one of which contains alkaline electrolytes and the other contains water.

[0023] Preferably, the diaphragm is fixed in the liquid storage tank by adhesive.

[0024] Specifically, the present invention does not have any special requirements for the specific type of adhesive, as long as it can fix the diaphragm in the storage tank.

[0025] A third aspect of the present invention provides an application of the alkali concentration difference type generator described in the first aspect of the present invention in the treatment of industrial alkaline wastewater.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by the present invention are as follows: (1) This invention uses alkaline electrolytes to treat the surface of wood, increasing the number of negatively charged functional groups on the surface of the wood fiber material. Simultaneously, it promotes the dissociation of oxygen-containing functional groups in the cellulose molecular chain, resulting in a gradient distribution of negatively charged functional groups in the cellulose molecular chain skeleton. This creates a significant difference in ion concentration and charge at both ends of the wood fiber material, forming a potential difference, which leads to higher voltage output and improves the generator's electrical output. Furthermore, this invention can enhance the generator's electrical output by controlling the concentration of the alkaline electrolyte.

[0027] (2) This invention utilizes the natural porous structure of wood and bamboo to prepare generators, which greatly reduces production costs. At the same time, the generator can directly convert industrial wastewater into clean energy, which can save treatment costs and promote the effective use of resources. The alkaline concentration difference type generator of this invention is expected to provide a solution for green and sustainable energy. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process flow of the alkali concentration difference type generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the alkali concentration difference type generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a graph showing the test results of the electrokinetic potential (Zeta potential) on the surface of the linden wood fiber material in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a graph showing the output voltage of the alkali concentration difference type generator in Example 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 The output voltage results of the alkaline concentration difference generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention are shown in the figure. Figure 6 The output voltage results of the generator in Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 1 of the present invention are shown in the figure. Figure 7 The output voltage results of the generators in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and Comparative Example 2 of this invention are shown in the diagram. Figure 8 The output voltage results of the generators in Embodiment 1 and Comparative Example 3 of this invention are shown in the diagram. Figure 9 The output voltage results of the generators in Embodiment 1, Embodiments 4-7, and Comparative Example 4 of this invention are shown in the diagram. Figure 10 The output voltage result of the generator in Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solutions described in this invention, the following embodiments are provided for illustration. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0030] Unless otherwise specified, the raw materials, reagents or devices used in the following examples are available from conventional commercial sources or can be obtained by existing known methods.

[0031] Example 1 This embodiment provides a generator with an alkaline concentration difference. The plastic storage tank has a length, width, and height of 5×3×2cm. A 3×2×0.5cm (length×width×thickness) linden wood slab is used as a diaphragm to divide the plastic storage tank into two equal parts. One side of the plastic storage tank is provided with a 0.5M alkaline electrolyte solution (sodium hydroxide aqueous solution), and the other side is provided with deionized water. Platinum mesh electrodes are provided in both the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution and the deionized water, and the platinum mesh electrodes are connected to the external circuit.

[0032] This embodiment also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned alkali concentration gradient type generator, the specific steps of which are as follows: Place the cut linden wood pieces measuring 3×2×0.5cm in the middle of the plastic storage tank to divide it into two independent storage tanks. The linden wood pieces are then fixed in the middle of the plastic storage tank by connecting and curing them with commercial silicone for 4 hours. A 0.5M sodium hydroxide aqueous solution is injected into one side of the storage tank, and deionized water is injected into the other side of the storage tank. A platinum mesh electrode is inserted into the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in one side of the storage tank and into the deionized water in the other side of the storage tank. The platinum mesh electrode is then connected to an external circuit to form an alkaline concentration difference type generator.

[0033] Example 1: A schematic diagram of the process flow for an alkaline concentration differential generator is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The wood chips in the text refer to linden wood chips.

[0034] Example 1: Schematic diagram of the working principle of an alkaline concentration difference type generator. Figure 2 As shown. By Figure 2 It can be seen that the working principle of the generator is as follows: the oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the wood fiber material dissociate in the alkaline electrolyte aqueous solution, and the cellulose molecular chain skeleton generates a gradient distribution of negatively charged functional groups. Under the action of electrostatic force, like charges repel and unlike charges attract. Because the wood fiber molecular chain carries negative charges and has a small volume of charge carriers such as Na+, the generator can generate negatively charged functional groups. + Ions selectively pass through larger negatively charged functional groups and OH groups. - Ions are repelled, which creates a charge difference at both ends of the wood fiber material, forming a potential difference, and thus a higher voltage output can be obtained.

[0035] Example 2 The only difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that Example 2 uses an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide of the same concentration as the alkaline electrolyte instead of an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide; otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0036] Example 3 The only difference between Example 3 and Example 1 is that Example 3 uses industrial papermaking alkaline wastewater with a pH of 13 instead of sodium hydroxide aqueous solution; otherwise, it is the same as Example 1.

[0037] Example 4 The only difference between Example 4 and Example 1 is that Example 4 uses bamboo strips of the same size instead of linden wood strips; otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0038] Example 5 The only difference between Example 5 and Example 1 is that Example 5 uses balsa wood chips of the same size instead of linden wood chips; otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0039] Example 6 The only difference between Example 6 and Example 1 is that Example 6 uses pine wood chips of the same size instead of linden wood chips; otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0040] Example 7 The only difference between Example 7 and Example 1 is that in Example 7, beech wood chips of the same size are used instead of linden wood chips; otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0041] Comparative Example 1 Comparative Example 1 compares the effect of different electrolyte acidity / alkalinity on generator output voltage. Specifically, the only difference between Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 is that Comparative Example 1 uses 0.5M sulfuric acid electrolyte, 0.5M sodium chloride, and water to replace the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in Example 1. Otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0042] Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 2 compares the effect of different alkalinity strengths of alkaline electrolytes on the generator output voltage. Specifically, the only difference between Comparative Example 2 and Example 1 is that Comparative Example 2 uses 0.5M sodium propionate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium hydroxide, sodium nitrite, calcium hydroxide, and sodium acetate to replace the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution in Example 1, while the rest is the same as in Example 1.

[0043] Comparative Example 3 Comparative Example 3 compares the effect of different diaphragm materials on generator output voltage. Specifically, the only difference between Comparative Example 3 and Example 1 is that Comparative Example 3 uses polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and polypropylene of the same size to replace the linden wood chips in Example 1. Otherwise, they are the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Comparative Example 4 Comparative Example 4 compares the effects of different wood fiber materials on the generator output voltage. Specifically, the only difference between Comparative Example 4 and Example 1 is that Comparative Example 4 uses paper of the same size to replace the linden wood chips in Example 1, while the rest is the same as Example 1.

[0045] Performance testing 1. Zeta potential test The linden wood chip fiber material from Example 1 was dispersed in aqueous solutions with different pH values ​​(3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). The Zeta potential of the linden wood chip fiber material surface was then measured using a HORIBA SZ-100Z instrument. Measurements were taken three times at each pH, ​​and the average value was recorded. The Zeta potential test results of the linden wood chip fiber material surface in aqueous solutions at different pH values ​​are as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0046] Depend on Figure 3It can be seen that the zeta potential on the surface of lignocellulosic materials is positively correlated with the alkalinity of the electrolyte solution; the stronger the alkalinity of the electrolyte solution, the stronger the negative charge of the zeta potential on the surface of the lignocellulosic materials. This is mainly because the oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of the lignocellulosic materials dissociate in the alkaline electrolyte solution, resulting in an increase in the number of negatively charged functional groups generated by the cellulose molecular chain backbone. The increased negative charge density on the surface of the lignocellulosic materials will have a beneficial effect on the generator.

[0047] 2. Output voltage test (1) The output voltage of the alkali concentration difference generator in Example 1 was tested using a Keithley digital source meter. The test results are as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0048] Depend on Figure 4 It can be seen that the voltage output of the generator in Example 1 is stable at around 0.7V, which is excellent.

[0049] (2) The output voltage of the alkaline concentration differential generator of Example 1 was tested using a Keithley digital source meter in alkaline electrolytes of different concentrations, i.e., sodium hydroxide aqueous solutions of different concentrations were used as alkaline electrolytes. The test results are as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0050] Depend on Figure 5 It can be seen that when the alkaline concentration of the alkaline electrolyte increases from 0.01M to 0.5M, the voltage increases from about 0.23V to about 0.65V, and the voltage tends to stabilize when the concentration continues to increase.

[0051] (3) The output voltage of the generators in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 was tested using a Keithley digital source meter. The test results are as follows: Figure 6 As shown. The acidic solution represents the generator prepared using 0.5M sulfuric acid electrolyte in Comparative Example 1, and the alkaline solution represents the generator prepared in Example 1.

[0052] Depend on Figure 6 It can be seen that, compared with acidic electrolytes, neutral sodium chloride electrolytes, and water, the generator prepared using sodium hydroxide alkaline electrolyte has a higher voltage output. This is mainly because the alkaline electrolyte changes the surface negative charge density of the wood fibers, and the selectivity of ions allows this alkaline electrolyte concentration gradient device to obtain a higher ion concentration difference, thereby obtaining a higher voltage output.

[0053] (4) The output voltage of the generators in Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example 2 was tested using a Keithley digital source meter. The test results are as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0054] Depend on Figure 7It can be seen that there is a certain relationship between alkalinity and voltage output; higher alkalinity tends to result in higher voltage output. This is mainly because the strongly alkaline electrolyte OH... - It can completely ionize, high concentrations of OH - This allows for more complete dissociation of functional groups on the surface of wood fibers, resulting in a higher density of negative functional groups on the surface and thus a higher voltage output.

[0055] (5) The output voltage of the generators in Example 1 and Comparative Example 3 was tested using a Keithley digital source meter. The test results are as follows: Figure 8 As shown. Here, "wood" refers to the linden wood chips in Example 1.

[0056] Depend on Figure 8 It can be seen that, compared with other diaphragm materials, linden wood chips, as the intermediate diaphragm layer, exhibit higher voltage output. This is mainly because the interaction between the alkaline electrolyte and polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, and polypropylene is relatively weak. This further illustrates the advantages of using wood chips in alkaline electrolyte concentration generators.

[0057] (6) The output voltage of the generators in Example 1, Examples 4-7, and Comparative Example 4 were tested using a Keithley digital source meter. The test results are as follows: Figure 9 As shown.

[0058] Depend on Figure 9 It can be seen that the voltage output of generators in Examples 1 and 4-7 is higher than that in Comparative Example 4, indicating that the wood fiber material in the generator plays a crucial role. This is because the special structure of wood demonstrates excellent potential for obtaining a stable ion concentration gradient and high voltage output. In contrast, the high permeability of paper makes it difficult to maintain the concentration difference of the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, resulting in low voltage output.

[0059] (7) The output voltage of the generator in Example 3 was tested using a Keithley digital source meter to evaluate the voltage output of the alkali concentration difference type generator under alkaline wastewater in industrial papermaking. The test results are as follows: Figure 10 As shown.

[0060] Depend on Figure 10 It can be seen that the alkali concentration difference type generator has good voltage output and has great application potential in the reuse of industrial alkaline wastewater and environmental protection.

[0061] In summary, this invention utilizes alkaline electrolytes to treat the surface of wood and bamboo chips, increasing the number of negatively charged functional groups on the surface of the lignocellulose materials. Simultaneously, it promotes the dissociation of oxygen-containing functional groups in the cellulose molecular chains, resulting in a gradient distribution of negatively charged functional groups in the cellulose molecular chain backbone. This creates a significant difference in ion concentration and charge at both ends of the lignocellulose material, forming a potential difference that leads to higher voltage output and improves the voltage output of the generator. Furthermore, industrial wastewater can be used as an alkaline electrolyte and directly converted into clean energy, saving treatment costs and promoting the efficient utilization of resources.

[0062] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A generator, characterized in that, The generator includes a liquid storage tank; a diaphragm is provided in the liquid storage tank, which divides the liquid storage tank into two parts; one part contains an alkaline electrolyte, and the other part contains water; electrodes are provided in both the alkaline electrolyte and the water, and the electrodes are connected to an external circuit. The diaphragm can be any one of bamboo or wood chips.

2. The generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm is located in the middle of the liquid storage tank.

3. The generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wood chips include any one of balsa wood, pine, beech, and linden.

4. The generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alkaline electrolyte includes at least one of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and alkaline industrial wastewater.

5. The generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The concentration of sodium hydroxide is 0.1-4M.

6. The generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The concentration of potassium hydroxide is 0.1-4M.

7. The generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode includes any one of platinum electrode, gold electrode, graphite electrode, and carbon cloth electrode.

8. The method for manufacturing the generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The preparation method includes the following steps: A diaphragm is installed in the storage tank to divide it into two parts, and alkaline electrolyte and water are added to the two parts respectively. Electrodes are inserted into both the alkaline electrolyte and water, and the electrodes are connected to an external circuit to obtain the product.

9. The preparation method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The diaphragm is fixed in the liquid storage tank with glue.

10. The application of the generator according to any one of claims 1-7 in the treatment of industrial alkaline wastewater.

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