Electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis and enzyme electrocatalysis system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis and an enzyme electrocatalysis system. Wherein the electrochemical reactor comprises a reactor main body and a reactor support arm which are integrally connected; a reaction cavity used for containing a reference electrode and a working electrode is formed in the reactor body, a liquid inlet is formed in the bottom end of the reaction cavity, a liquid outlet is formed in the upper portion of the reaction cavity, a first opening used for installing an electrode support is formed in the top end of the reaction cavity, and an electrode cavity used for containing a counter electrode is formed in the reactor supporting arm. The bottom end of the electrode cavity is communicated with the lower part of the reaction cavity, a glass sand core diaphragm or an ion permeable membrane is arranged in a connecting channel between the electrode cavity and the reaction cavity, and a glass sand core supporting plate is arranged in the reaction cavity below the connecting channel. The electrochemical reactor adopts a continuous flow type design, so that reaction liquid can continuously flow through the reaction cavity, and the electrochemical reactor is not only suitable for reaction analysis, but also suitable for large-scale enzyme electro-catalysis continuous production and biosynthesis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of enzyme electrocatalysis equipment technology, and specifically relates to an electrochemical reactor and an enzyme electrocatalysis system for enzyme electrocatalysis. Background Technology

[0002] Enzymes can perform a variety of electrocatalytic processes through bidirectional electron transfer and energy metabolism with the external environment. Enzyme electrocatalysis has attracted widespread attention due to its advantages such as synthesis without by-products, high selectivity, high catalytic efficiency, and green environmental protection.

[0003] Currently, glass bottles are commonly used as reaction vessels in enzyme electrocatalysis processes. There are no dedicated reactors for enzyme electrocatalysis. Because glass bottles are batch reactors, they are small in size and simple in structure, making it impossible to scale up electrochemical biocatalytic synthesis. Furthermore, real-time sampling and analysis and packing are not possible during the reaction process, thus hindering large-scale continuous production. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention discloses an electrochemical reactor and an enzyme electrocatalysis system for enzyme electrocatalysis, in order to overcome or at least partially solve the aforementioned problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This utility model discloses an electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis, comprising an integrally connected reactor body and reactor support arms.

[0007] The reactor body contains a reaction chamber for accommodating a reference electrode and a working electrode. The bottom of the reaction chamber has an inlet, the top of the reaction chamber has an outlet, and the top of the reaction chamber has a first opening for mounting an electrode support. The reactor arm contains an electrode chamber for accommodating a counter electrode. The bottom of the electrode chamber is connected to the lower part of the reaction chamber. A glass frit membrane or an ion-permeable membrane is provided in the connecting channel between the electrode chamber and the reaction chamber. A glass frit support plate is provided in the reaction chamber below the connecting channel.

[0008] Another aspect of this utility model discloses an enzyme electrocatalysis system, including a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, a liquid supply device, and the electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis described above.

[0009] The counter electrode is located inside the electrode cavity, the working electrode and the reference electrode are located inside the reaction cavity, and the working electrode is located below the reference electrode. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are both connected to the liquid supply device, which is used to provide the reaction solution.

[0010] The advantages and beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0011] In the electrochemical reactor of this invention, by setting an inlet and an outlet on the reaction chamber, the reaction liquid can flow continuously through the reaction chamber, realizing continuous reaction, thereby improving the reactant conversion rate and enzyme reaction efficiency. This electrochemical reactor is not only suitable for reaction analysis, but also for large-scale continuous production. In addition, by setting an electrode chamber and setting a glass frit membrane or ion permeation membrane in the connecting channel between the electrode chamber and the reaction chamber, the counter electrode and the working electrode can be effectively separated, and the cross-contamination of substances between the two chambers can be prevented, ensuring the continuous and stable progress of the enzyme electrocatalytic reaction. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochemical reactor in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the enzyme electrocatalytic system in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Reactor body; 1-1. Cylinder; 1-2. Cover; 2. Reactor support arm; 3. Reference electrode; 4. Working electrode; 5. Reaction chamber; 6. Inlet; 7. Outlet; 8. First opening; 9. Counter electrode; 10. Electrode chamber; 11. Glass core diaphragm; 12. Glass core support plate; 13. Exhaust port; 14. Exhaust valve; 15. Flow control valve; 16. Second opening; 17. Third opening; 18. Top cover; 19. Liquid supply equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0017] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] One embodiment of this invention provides an electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the electrochemical reactor includes an integrally connected reactor body 1 and reactor support arm 2, meaning the reactor body 1 and reactor support arm 2 are a single structure. The electrochemical reactor can be made of glass.

[0019] Specifically, the reactor body 1 has a reaction chamber 5 formed inside to accommodate the reference electrode and the working electrode, so that the reference electrode can be close to the working electrode to allow stable current flow and reduce the IR drop (IR drop refers to the deviation phenomenon caused by current and resistance) that may be caused by long-distance current paths. The bottom of the reaction chamber 5 is provided with a liquid inlet 6 and the top of the reaction chamber 5 is provided with a liquid outlet 7. The electrochemical reactor can be coupled to the reaction liquid supply equipment through the liquid inlet 6 and the liquid outlet 7, so that the reaction liquid can flow continuously through the reaction chamber 5 and participate in the reaction, thereby giving the electrochemical reactor a larger reaction volume, which enables the electrochemical reactor to be used for scale-up production and large-scale electrochemical biocatalytic synthesis.

[0020] In addition, the top of the reaction chamber 5 is provided with a first opening 8 for mounting an electrode support, so that the reference electrode can be inserted into the reaction chamber 5 through the first opening 8 and fixed at the first opening 8 by the electrode support; an electrode cavity 10 is formed in the reactor arm 2 for accommodating the counter electrode, which can separate the counter electrode and the working electrode. The bottom end of the electrode cavity 10 is connected to the lower part of the reaction chamber 5. A glass frit membrane 11 is provided in the connection channel between the electrode cavity 10 and the reaction chamber 5 to isolate the reactants in the electrode cavity 10 and the reaction chamber 5; of course, in other embodiments, the glass frit membrane can also be replaced with an ion permeation membrane.

[0021] In addition, a glass core support plate 12 is provided in the reaction chamber 5 below the connecting channel. The glass core support plate 12 can be used to support the working electrode or the stirring magnet. The glass core has a large porosity, which minimizes flow resistance.

[0022] In the electrochemical reactor of this embodiment, the reaction chamber 5 has a volume of approximately 60 ml to ensure sufficient reaction space; the electrode chamber 10 has a volume of approximately 15 ml to facilitate the handling of gases that may be generated during side reactions at the electrodes; and the first opening 8 has a diameter of 35 mm to accommodate electrodes of various sizes and shapes. Of course, the reaction chamber and electrode chamber can be designed to be larger as needed.

[0023] In summary, in the electrochemical reactor of this embodiment, by setting an inlet and an outlet on the reaction chamber, the reaction liquid can flow continuously through the reaction chamber, realizing continuous reaction, thereby improving the reactant conversion rate and enzyme reaction efficiency. This electrochemical reactor is not only suitable for reaction analysis, but also for large-scale continuous production. In addition, by setting an electrode chamber and setting a glass frit membrane or ion permeation membrane in the connecting channel between the electrode chamber and the reaction chamber, the counter electrode and the working electrode can be effectively separated, and the cross-contamination of substances between the two chambers can be prevented, ensuring the continuous and stable progress of the enzyme electrocatalytic reaction.

[0024] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the lower part of the reaction chamber 5 is provided with an exhaust port 13, which is located below the glass core support plate 12. An exhaust valve 14 is provided on the exhaust port 13. Through the exhaust port 13 and the exhaust valve 14, the bubbles accumulated below the glass core support plate 12 during the reaction process or flow process can be released to ensure the stability of the reaction.

[0025] And, as Figure 1 As shown, a flow control valve 15 is provided on the liquid outlet 7 to control the speed at which the reaction liquid flows out of the reaction chamber 5, thereby indirectly controlling the reaction rate.

[0026] In addition, the top of the reaction chamber 5 is provided with a second opening 16 and a third opening 17. Through the second opening 16 and the third opening 17, real-time sampling and analysis, real-time material addition and parameter measurement can be realized without affecting the normal chemical reaction in the reaction chamber 5.

[0027] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the reactor body 1 includes a cylinder 1-1 and a cover 1-2.

[0028] The cover 1-2 is detachably connected to the top of the cylinder 1-1, and the first opening 8 is opened on the cover 1-2 to facilitate cleaning of the inside of the reactor body 1.

[0029] Specifically, the cylinder 1-1 and the cover 1-2 are connected by a threaded structure, making it easier to disassemble the cylinder 1-1 and the cover 1-2. A sealing ring (not shown in the figure) is provided between the cylinder 1-1 and the cover 1-2, so that the electrochemical reactor can be used in both airtight and watertight conditions as well as in normal atmospheric conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the upper end of the electrode cavity 10 is provided with a fourth opening, and the fourth opening is covered with a top cover 18. The fourth opening makes it easier to place the counter electrode.

[0031] Another embodiment of this utility model provides an enzyme electrocatalytic system, such as Figure 2As shown, the enzyme electrocatalysis system includes a working electrode 4, a reference electrode 3, a counter electrode 9, a liquid supply device 19, and the electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis in the above embodiments.

[0032] Specifically, the counter electrode 9 is located within the electrode cavity 10, and the working electrode 4 and the reference electrode 3 are located within the reaction cavity 5, with the working electrode 4 positioned below the reference electrode 3. Both the inlet 6 and the outlet 7 are connected to the liquid supply device 19, which provides the reaction solution, ensuring a continuous supply of reaction solution within the reaction cavity 5 to participate in the reaction. This enzyme electrocatalysis system is capable of large-scale enzyme electrocatalysis reactions with higher reaction efficiency.

[0033] Furthermore, the working electrode comprises a foamed metal and a porous conductive coating; the porous conductive coating is disposed on the surface of the foamed metal, and the porous conductive coating has a catalytic enzyme loaded in its pore structure. The pore structure of the foamed metal is a micron-scale pore structure, and the pore structure of the porous conductive coating is a nano-scale pore structure.

[0034] In this way, the design of the micron-nano hierarchical porous structure enables efficient loading and effective immobilization of enzymes on the working electrode. Under continuous flow of the reaction solution, the enzymes are more stable on the carrier, thereby improving the reactivity of the working electrode. At the same time, the micron-nano hierarchical porous structure can also reduce enzyme aggregation, prevent subunit dissociation, and prevent enzyme autolysis or hydrolysis, thereby improving the enzyme activity stability. Furthermore, it increases the effective contact area between the enzyme and the continuously flowing reaction solution, thus making the enzyme reaction more efficient.

[0035] Furthermore, the average pore size of the foamed metal pore structure is 20 μm to 50 μm, preferably 25 μm to 45 μm; the porosity of the foamed metal pore structure is 40% to 90%, preferably 45% to 85%, more preferably 50% to 80%; the thickness of the porous conductive coating is 1 μm to 3 μm, preferably 1.5 μm to 2.5 μm; the average pore size of the porous conductive coating pore structure is 20 nm to 80 nm, preferably 30 nm to 50 nm; and the porosity of the porous conductive coating pore structure is 20% to 50%.

[0036] The above-mentioned structure of foamed metal and porous conductive coating improves the loading and immobilization of enzymes on the working electrode and increases the reaction efficiency of enzymes.

[0037] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model. Under the teachings of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make other improvements or modifications based on the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above specific description is only to better explain the purpose of this utility model, and the scope of protection of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis, characterized in that, Includes an integrally connected reactor body and reactor support arms; The reactor body contains a reaction chamber for accommodating a reference electrode and a working electrode. The bottom of the reaction chamber has an inlet, the top of the reaction chamber has an outlet, and the top of the reaction chamber has a first opening for mounting an electrode support. The reactor arm contains an electrode chamber for accommodating a counter electrode. The bottom of the electrode chamber is connected to the lower part of the reaction chamber. A glass frit membrane or an ion-permeable membrane is provided in the connecting channel between the electrode chamber and the reaction chamber. A glass frit support plate is provided in the reaction chamber below the connecting channel.

2. The electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the reaction chamber is provided with an exhaust port, which is located below the glass core support plate, and an exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust port.

3. The electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow control valve is installed on the liquid outlet.

4. The electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the reaction chamber is also provided with a second opening and a third opening.

5. The electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor body includes a cylindrical body and a cover body; The cover is detachably connected to the top of the cylinder, and the first opening is formed on the cover.

6. The electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cylinder and the cover are connected by a threaded structure, and a sealing ring is provided between the cylinder and the cover.

7. The electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The upper end of the electrode cavity is provided with a fourth opening, and the fourth opening is covered with a top cover.

8. An enzyme electrocatalytic system, characterized in that, It includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, a liquid supply device, and an electrochemical reactor for enzyme electrocatalysis as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; The counter electrode is located inside the electrode cavity, the working electrode and the reference electrode are located inside the reaction cavity, and the working electrode is located below the reference electrode. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet are both connected to the liquid supply device, which is used to provide the reaction solution.

9. The enzyme electrocatalytic system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The working electrode comprises a foamed metal and a porous conductive coating; The porous conductive coating is disposed on the surface of the foamed metal. The porous conductive coating has a catalytic enzyme loaded in its pore structure. The pore structure of the foamed metal is a micron-scale pore structure, and the pore structure of the porous conductive coating is a nano-scale pore structure.

10. The enzyme electrocatalytic system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The average pore size of the foamed metal is 20 μm to 50 μm, and the porosity is 40% to 90%; the thickness of the porous conductive coating is 1 μm to 3 μm, and the average pore size of the porous conductive coating is 20 nm to 80 nm, and the porosity is 20% to 50%.

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