Membrane electrode partition testing device
By designing a membrane electrode partition test device, non-destructive electrochemical tests are performed using a three-axis moving device and porous sheet-like material, the problem of electrochemical performance and consistency evaluation of large-size membrane electrodes is solved, and the test results with high contrast are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421634529.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-08
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-07-11
AI Technical Summary
The prior art lacks reliable measurement methods to evaluate the electrochemical performance and consistency of large-size membrane electrodes. Traditional methods are mostly destructive experiments and are difficult to meet commercial needs.
Design a membrane electrode partition testing device, and use a three-axis moving device and porous sheet-like material to realize partition testing of membrane electrodes to ensure consistency of testing conditions. Non-destructive electrochemical tests are performed using the same test electrode and set pressure, temperature, flow and other factors.
Accurate and reliable evaluation of membrane electrodes is achieved, ensuring high contrast of test results, and supporting the accurate evaluation of electrochemical performance and distribution characteristics of large-size membrane electrodes.
Smart Images
Figure CN223078233U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of membrane electrode testing, and particularly relates to a membrane electrode partition testing device. Background Art
[0002] At present, proton exchange membrane type (PEM) electrolytic water equipment is in the commercialization stage, and the size of the membrane electrode reaction area has exceeded 1000 cm 2 . In this case, electrochemical performance and consistency are important indicators of membrane electrode products, and the distribution characteristics of electrochemical performance deterioration and tolerance ability after use are the main references for reflecting the process level or service life of electrolytic cells.
[0003] However, since the research and development of large PEM electrolytic cells is still in its infancy, there is still a lack of reliable measurement means to match it in this regard. At present, electrolytic cells for hydrogen production by water electrolysis are not fully commercialized yet. Whether it is membrane electrode products or electrolytic cell products, there is still a lack of sufficient detection means to prove their reliability. Currently, it mainly stays in the stage of conventional non-in-situ physical or chemical method detection, or cutting and assembling into small electrolytic cells for testing. The former has insufficient evaluation ability for products. For example, tests such as micrometers and profilometers can only evaluate the appearance characteristics of the membrane; the test target areas of scanning electron microscopes, optical microscopes, X-ray fluorescence spectrometers, etc. are in the micrometer scale or smaller, and it is difficult to complete the evaluation of the distribution consistency of large-size membrane electrodes. The latter can evaluate the electrochemical performance of the membrane and summarize data to obtain the consistency or distribution characteristics of the membrane, but it is a destructive experiment. After the membrane electrode is cut into small pieces, it is difficult to continue to use, and the process of installing it into the cell is complex. As the size of the membrane increases, the repeated workload is huge. Summary of the Utility Model
[0004] In order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a membrane electrode partition testing device, which can accurately and fully evaluate the electrochemical performance and its distribution characteristics of the membrane electrode without cutting and damaging the membrane electrode.
[0005] The technical solution adopted by the utility model is as follows:
[0006] A membrane electrode partition testing device includes a test bench base and an external power supply. A lower porous sheet material is fixed on the test bench base, and the membrane electrode to be tested is placed on the lower porous sheet material. A three-axis moving device is installed on the test bench base. The Z-axis end of the three-axis moving device is sequentially and coaxially connected with a pressure control sensor, an elastic insulating plate, an electrode structure, and an upper porous sheet material from top to bottom. A raw water injection port is connected to the electrode structure; an electrode interface is arranged on the test bench base, and the electrode structure and the electrode interface are respectively electrically connected to the external power supply.
[0007] The automatic zoning test device of the present utility model can zone the membrane electrode as required and conduct electrochemical tests on each zoning unit one by one. By using the same test electrode and setting factors such as the test pressure, temperature, and flow rate of the electrode, the consistency of the test conditions is ensured, thereby ensuring the high comparability of the electrochemical test results and achieving the accurate and reliable evaluation of the membrane electrode.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a baffle is further provided on the test bench base, and the lower porous sheet material and the membrane electrode to be tested are arranged within the space surrounded by the baffle.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a thermocouple hole is further provided on the test bench base, and a thermocouple is installed in the thermocouple hole. The thermocouple in the thermocouple hole is used to heat the end plate and the raw water, so that the raw water is maintained at a constant temperature, and the raw water is continuously injected into the sheet material on the probe at a set flow rate.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the area of the electrode structure is 0.1 - 1000 mm 2 .
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the material of the upper porous sheet material and the lower porous sheet material is one of porous titanium material, titanium felt, and porous material with a coating; wherein, the coating includes but is not limited to one of titanium, platinum, gold, or other conductive and electrochemically corrosion-resistant coatings.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the external power supply is one of an electrochemical workstation, a potentiostat, and a variable frequency power supply.
[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the pressure control sensor is one of a spring-type pressure sensor, a strain-type pressure sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, an inductive pressure sensor, a Hall pressure sensor, and an eddy current pressure sensor.
[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a flow channel structure is provided on the test bench base.
[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the flow channel structure includes a straight flow channel and a serpentine flow channel.
[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, a water outlet is provided on the test bench base, and the raw water injection port and the water outlet are connected by a peristaltic pump.
[0017] The beneficial effects of the present utility model are:
[0018] The automatic partition testing device of the present utility model can partition the membrane electrode as required and conduct electrochemical tests on each partition unit one by one. By using the same test electrode and setting factors such as electrode test pressure, temperature, and flow rate, the consistency of test conditions is ensured, thereby ensuring high comparability of electrochemical test results and achieving accurate and reliable evaluation of the membrane electrode. Description of the Drawings
[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the present utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 is an exploded view of a part of the structure of the present utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the test bench base;
[0022] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the division of the membrane electrode partition test cells.
[0023] In the figure: 1 - three-axis moving device; 2 - pressure control sensor; 3 - elastic insulating plate; 4 - electrode structure; 41 - raw water injection port; 5 - upper porous sheet material; 6 - membrane electrode to be tested; 7 - lower porous sheet material; 8 - test bench base; 81 - baffle; 82 - flow channel structure; 83 - water port; 84 - water outlet; 85 - thermocouple hole; 86 - electrode interface. Detailed Embodiments
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present utility model. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and illustrated herein can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0025] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present utility model provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model to be protected, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present utility model. It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0026] Such as Figures 1 to 4As shown in the figure, the membrane electrode partition test device of this embodiment includes a test bench base 8 and an external power supply. A lower porous sheet material 7 is fixed on the test bench base 8, and the membrane electrode 6 to be tested is placed on the lower porous sheet material 7. A three-axis moving device 1 is installed on the test bench base 8. A pressure control sensor 2, an elastic insulating plate 3, an electrode structure 4, and an upper porous sheet material 5 are sequentially and coaxially connected to the Z-axis end of the three-axis moving device 1 from top to bottom. A raw water injection port 41 is connected to the electrode structure 4. An electrode interface 86 is provided on the test bench base 8, and the electrode structure 4 and the electrode interface 86 are respectively electrically connected to the external power supply.
[0027] The automatic partition test device of the present utility model can partition the membrane electrode as required and conduct electrochemical tests on each partition unit one by one. By using the same test electrode and setting factors such as electrode test pressure, temperature, and flow rate, the consistency of test conditions is ensured, thereby ensuring high comparability of electrochemical test results and realizing accurate and reliable evaluation of the membrane electrode.
[0028] As Figure 3 shown, in addition to the original flow channel structure 82, water inlet 83, water outlet 84, and electrode interface 86 on the test bench base 8, a baffle 81 and a thermocouple hole 85 are added. A thermocouple is installed in the thermocouple hole 85, and the lower porous sheet material 7 and the membrane electrode 6 to be tested are arranged within the space surrounded by the baffle 81.
[0029] During the test, a sufficient amount of deionized water is injected and maintained on the test bench base 8 as raw water. The thermocouple in the thermocouple hole 85 is used to heat the end plate and the raw water, so that the raw water is maintained at a constant temperature, and the raw water is continuously injected into the sheet material on the probe at a set flow rate from the raw water injection port 41 through a peristaltic pump.
[0030] Connect the electrode structure 4 and the electrode structure 4 to the external power supply respectively. After controlling the Z-axis end to press down to the specified pressure, start the electrochemical test. After the test is completed, the Z-axis moves to the next partition at a certain step distance, and the electrochemical test is carried out at the specified pressure. Repeat the above process until the test of all partitions of the membrane electrode is completed. Batch process all the test data to form a heat map of the electrochemical performance of the partition-tested membrane electrode.
[0031] It should be noted that:
[0032] Taking the membrane electrode for PEM electrolyzed water as an example, the applicable targets of the present utility model include, but are not limited to, membrane electrode (MEA) products such as membrane electrodes for PEM electrolyzed water, fuel cell membrane electrodes, and anion exchange membrane electrodes.
[0033] The area and size of the electrode structure 4 on the Z-axis are not limited and are configured according to actual test accuracy requirements. Usually, 0.1 - 1000 mm can be selected 2 .
[0034] The materials of the upper porous sheet material 5 and the lower porous sheet material 7 include, but are not limited to, porous titanium, titanium felt, or other porous materials with titanium, platinum, or gold coatings.
[0035] The testing method is not limited to the above-mentioned zoning and moving methods. The size of the zoning can be matched to the area of the membrane electrode, the moving distance can be adjusted independently, and the moving methods include Z-shaped movement, circumferential movement, etc.
[0036] The forms of the three-axis movement include, but are not limited to, XYZ three-axis movement, the Z-axis can move up and down in cooperation with the movement of the base where XY is located, etc. The moving sequence has no influence on the test results.
[0037] This kind of testing device forms a performance evaluation of the entire membrane electrode by testing each local area of the target membrane electrode one by one.
[0038] This testing device supports external connection of various types of power supplies, including, but not limited to, electrochemical workstations, potentiostats (galvanostats), variable-frequency power supplies, etc.
[0039] The pressure control sensor 2 includes, but is not limited to, spring pressure sensors, strain pressure sensors, piezoresistive pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, piezoelectric pressure sensors, inductive pressure sensors, Hall pressure sensors, eddy current pressure sensors, etc.
[0040] The sensor 2 is used to control the electrode structure 4 to form a good surface contact with the membrane electrode, and the pressure of the contact surface can be adjusted and optimized in the range of 0.2 - 7 MPa.
[0041] The design of the test bench base 8 is not limited to the illustrated style.
[0042] The flow channel forms of the flow channel structure 82 and the water inlet 83 include straight flow channels, serpentine flow channels, etc. The form of the flow channel here has no influence on the test. It only needs to meet that the width of the flow channel should be much smaller than the test unit of the Z-axis to ensure the supporting effect on the test unit and the good contact of the contact surface under the downward pressure, and have the ability to remove bubbles in the test area. When designing different flow channel forms, the reliability of the contact can be verified by comparing the impedance values of the membrane electrode under the downward pressure of the same pressure.
[0043] The positions of the water outlet 84 and the thermocouple hole 85 are not limited to the side of the base. The thermocouple can also be directly placed above the raw water in the flow channel to directly heat the raw water, and / or directly introduce constant-temperature raw water by directly using an external chiller without using a thermocouple, etc.
[0044] The water outlet 84 is selectively set. When the water outlet 84 is not set, the raw water can be directly sucked from above the flow channel through a peristaltic pump and a water pipe and injected into the raw water injection port 41.
[0045] The test bench base 8 is provided with a water outlet 84, and the raw water injection port 41 and the water outlet 84 are connected by a peristaltic pump.
[0046] Embodiment:
[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of the membrane electrode partition test device proposed by the present utility model. The test system further includes a computer communicatively connected to the upper computer of the test device and an electrochemical workstation. The working principle is as Figure 4 shown. The computer instructs the test device to move to a target partition and press down to a specified pressure. After completing this step, the computer instructs the electrochemical workstation to carry out electrochemical tests according to the set test process. After the electrochemical tests are completed, it moves to the next target partition and repeats the above process until all partition tests are completed. Finally, the computer processes the electrochemical data to form a data matrix and a thermal map of the electrochemical performance of the membrane electrode.
[0048] The production of membrane electrodes usually adopts processes such as spraying and doctor blading. Only obvious physical defects can be screened by optical means, and the consistency and reliability of the process cannot be evaluated. It is necessary for both membrane electrode manufacturers and electrolytic cell manufacturers to conduct spot checks on membrane electrodes.
[0049] For the newly purchased 1000 cm 2 class membrane electrodes using the spraying process, an in-plant evaluation is carried out. The membrane electrodes are tested according to the above test process. The moving step distances in the X and Y directions of the Z-axis electrode are both set to 4 cm (the number of partitions is 9*9), and the downward pressure in the Z-axis direction is 1.0 MPa. Connect the electrode structure 4 and the electrode interface 86 to an external power supply; connect the raw water injection port 41 and the water outlet 84 through a peristaltic pump to maintain continuous water supply; insert the thermocouple into the thermocouple hole 85, heat the test bench base 8 and the raw water to the set temperature and keep it.
[0050] After setting values such as temperature, step distance, and pressure, as Figure 4 shown, the Z-axis presses down to the corresponding position of the first target partition, and target tests are carried out on the membrane electrode. After completion, it rises and moves to the corresponding position of the second target partition for testing again. Repeat the above process until all partitions are tested. By comparing and analyzing the test data, the evaluation data of the membrane electrode can be obtained.
[0051] This device can precisely control the test temperature, flow rate, pressure, and reaction zone size for each partition, with good test consistency and high comparability of test results.
[0052] This device can be connected to various power supply devices such as electrochemical workstations, and supports various partition tests such as constant current, constant voltage, linear sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It has strong test capabilities, convenient operation, and good adaptability.
[0053] The present utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned optional embodiments, and any person can obtain other various forms of products under the inspiration of the present utility model. However, no matter what changes are made in its shape or structure, as long as the technical solutions fall within the scope defined by the claims of the present utility model, they shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A membrane electrode partition testing device, characterized in that: It includes a test bench base (8) and an external power supply. A lower porous sheet material (7) is fixed on the test bench base (8). The membrane electrode to be tested (6) is placed on the lower porous sheet material (7). A three-axis moving device (1) is installed on the test bench base (8). A pressure control sensor (2), an elastic insulating plate (3), an electrode structure (4), and an upper porous sheet material (5) are sequentially and coaxially connected from top to bottom at the Z-axis end of the three-axis moving device (1). A raw water injection port (41) is connected to the electrode structure (4). An electrode interface (86) is provided on the test bench base (8). The electrode structure (4) and the electrode interface (86) are respectively electrically connected to the external power supply.
2. The membrane electrode partition testing device according to claim 1, wherein: A baffle (81) is further provided on the test bench base (8). The lower porous sheet material (7) and the membrane electrode to be tested (6) are arranged within the space surrounded by the baffle (81).
3. The membrane electrode partition test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A thermocouple hole (85) is further provided on the test bench base (8). A thermocouple is installed in the thermocouple hole (85).
4. A membrane electrode partition test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The area of the electrode structure (4) is 0.1 to 1000 mm 2 .
5. The membrane electrode partition testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The materials of the upper porous sheet material (5) and the lower porous sheet material (7) are one of porous titanium material, titanium felt, and porous material with a coating; wherein, the coating is one of titanium, platinum, and gold.
6. The membrane electrode partition testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The external power supply is one of an electrochemical workstation, a potentiostat, and a variable frequency power supply.
7. A membrane electrode partition testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure control sensor (2) is one of a spring type pressure sensor, a strain type pressure sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, an inductive pressure sensor, a Hall pressure sensor, and an eddy current pressure sensor.
8. The membrane electrode partition testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A flow channel structure (82) is provided on the test bench base (8).
9. The membrane electrode partition testing device according to claim 8, wherein: The flow channel structure (82) includes a straight flow channel and a serpentine flow channel.
10. A membrane electrode partition test device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An outlet (84) is provided on the test bench base (8). The raw water injection port (41) and the outlet (84) are connected by a peristaltic pump.