Catalyst conductivity testing device
By designing a catalyst conductivity testing device that includes a test fixture, an electric heater, and a sensor, the problems of testing complexity and limited conditions in the prior art are solved, and accurate conductivity testing under different conditions is achieved, which is suitable for laboratory and industrial production.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUAYI NEW ENERGY MATERIALS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing catalyst conductivity testing devices are complex in structure and cumbersome in operation, and cannot test the true electronic conductivity under different operating temperatures, pressures and humidity, resulting in deviations between the test results and the actual performance.
A catalyst conductivity testing device was designed, comprising a test fixture, an electric heater, a humidifier, and sensors. The catalyst film is fixed by a threaded connection, and real-time monitoring is achieved by combining temperature and humidity sensors. It is suitable for conductivity testing under different conditions.
It achieves real electronic conductivity feedback under different operating temperatures, pressures, and humidity conditions. It has a simple structure and is easy to operate. It is suitable for rapid and accurate testing of catalyst conductivity performance in laboratories and industrial production, and reduces costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224216778U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrolytic water and fuel cell catalysts, and particularly relates to a catalyst conductivity testing device. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of clean energy technologies, hydrogen production through water electrolysis and fuel cells, as key technologies for efficient energy conversion and storage, have received widespread attention. Catalysts play a central role in both technologies, and their performance directly affects energy conversion efficiency and equipment stability. Among these, the conductivity of the catalyst is one of the key parameters determining its performance, as it directly relates to charge transport efficiency, reaction kinetics, and the overall operating efficiency of the device.
[0003] In the field of hydrogen production through water electrolysis, catalysts need to efficiently catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at high current densities. High conductivity can significantly reduce ohmic losses in the electrodes and improve energy conversion efficiency. Similarly, in the field of fuel cells, the conductivity of the catalyst directly affects the power output and durability of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Therefore, developing an accurate, reliable, and efficient method for testing catalyst conductivity is of great significance for optimizing catalyst design, screening high-performance materials, and promoting the commercial application of hydrogen production through water electrolysis and fuel cell technologies.
[0004] However, existing catalyst conductivity testing devices are complex in structure and cumbersome to operate, and cannot test true electronic conductivity under different operating temperatures, pressures, and humidity levels, leading to discrepancies between test results and actual performance. Therefore, there is a need to develop a catalyst conductivity testing device suitable for complex catalyst systems, capable of simulating actual operating conditions, and easy to operate. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the above problems, this invention proposes a catalyst conductivity testing device.
[0006] A catalyst conductivity testing device includes: a testing fixture, an electric heater, a humidifier, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, wherein...
[0007] The test fixture consists of a first flow channel plate and a second flow channel plate. The catalyst film to be tested is fixed between the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate by a threaded connection. The surfaces of the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate that are in contact with the catalyst film are the inner surfaces, and the other surface is the outer surface.
[0008] The electric heater is disposed on the outer surface of the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, and is used to heat the test fixture;
[0009] The humidifier has a moisture outlet connected to the air inlet on the clamp via an air passage, for outputting moisture into the clamp.
[0010] The temperature sensor is installed in the temperature detection hole inside the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate for real-time temperature monitoring, and the humidity sensor is installed in the air path for real-time humidity monitoring.
[0011] Preferably, the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate are provided with a through hole at each edge. The through hole of the first flow channel plate is a smooth round hole, and the through hole of the second flow channel plate is a threaded hole. A tightening force is applied between the upper end plate and the lower end plate by a through screw.
[0012] Preferably, the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate are respectively fixedly provided with a plurality of conductive pillars in the central region of their outer surfaces. One end of the plurality of conductive pillars is flush with the inner surface, and the other end of the conductive pillars protrudes from the outer surface for connecting to the electrode clamp.
[0013] Preferably, the area of the region on the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate where the plurality of conductive pillars are disposed is slightly smaller than the area of the effective test area.
[0014] Preferably, the number of the aforementioned conductive pillars is 4-8.
[0015] Preferably, the effective test area on the inner surface of the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate is a linear flow channel or a serpentine flow channel.
[0016] Preferably, the number of flow channels in the effective test area is 6-30, and the flow channel depth is 1-4 mm.
[0017] Preferably, both the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate are non-conductive insulating materials.
[0018] Preferably, the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate have an air inlet on one side and an air outlet on the other side, and one end of the air passage is connected to the air inlet and the other end is connected to the air outlet.
[0019] Preferably, the air inlet on one side of the first flow channel plate and the air outlet on the other side of the second flow channel plate are located at opposite ends.
[0020] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0021] This invention discloses a catalyst conductivity testing device, which can be used to test the conductivity of precious metal catalysts. It can achieve real electronic conductivity feedback under different operating temperatures, pressures, and humidity conditions, facilitating rapid screening. This invention has a simple structure and is easy to operate, making it suitable for rapid and accurate testing of catalyst conductivity performance in laboratories or industrial production, thereby effectively reducing costs. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a catalyst conductivity testing device system according to the present invention.
[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a catalyst conductivity testing device according to the present invention.
[0024] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the flow channel plate of a catalyst conductivity testing device according to the present invention, wherein (a) shows the outer surface of the flow channel plate and (b) shows the inner surface of the flow channel plate. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described in this specification are not exhaustive and do not represent the only embodiments of this utility model. The following corresponding embodiments are only for clearly illustrating the utility model content of this patent and are not intended to limit its implementation. For those skilled in the art, different variations and modifications can be made based on these embodiments. Any obvious variations or modifications that fall within the technical concept and utility model content of this utility model are also within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a catalyst conductivity testing device system according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a catalyst conductivity testing device according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a plan view of the flow channel plate of a catalyst conductivity testing device according to this utility model, wherein (a) shows the outer surface of the flow channel plate and (b) shows the inner surface of the flow channel plate. Figure 1-3 As shown, the catalyst conductivity testing device of this utility model includes a testing fixture, an electric heater, a humidifier, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor.
[0027] Preferably, the test fixture consists of two identical flow channel plates 1 and 1'. The catalyst film 2 to be tested is fixed between the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' by a threaded connection. The surfaces of the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' that contact the catalyst film are the inner surfaces, and the other surface is the outer surface. Preferably, the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' have a through hole at each edge. The through hole of the first flow channel plate 1 is a smooth round hole, and the through hole of the second flow channel plate 1' is a threaded hole (or both can be smooth round holes). A tightening force is applied between the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' by a through screw 3. Here, a torque wrench (not shown) is used to tighten the screws 3 diagonally in the threaded holes one pair at a time to achieve the effect of applying a tightening force to the fixture. Preferably, the torque can be set to 3-10 N·m. More preferably, 4-10 spring washers (not shown) are inserted into the through screw 3 to ensure that the magnitude of the tightening force does not change significantly at different temperatures. Preferably, both the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' are non-conductive insulating materials.
[0028] Preferably, the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' each have a plurality of conductive posts 4 fixedly disposed in the central region of their outer surfaces. One end of each conductive post 4 is flush with the inner surface, and the other end of each conductive post 4 protrudes above the outer surface for connection to an electrode clip (not shown). Preferably, the area of the region on the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' where the conductive posts 4 are disposed is slightly smaller than the area of the effective test area. The number of conductive posts 4 is 4-8. Preferably, as... Figure 2 As shown, the effective test area on the inner surfaces of the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' is a linear flow channel 5, which can also be a serpentine flow channel in other embodiments. The number of flow channels in the effective test area is 6-30, and the flow channel depth is 1-4 mm.
[0029] Preferably, the electric heater includes a first electric heater 6 and a second electric heater 6', respectively disposed on the outer surfaces of the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1', for heating the test fixture. The temperature sensor includes a first thermocouple 7 and a second thermocouple 7', respectively disposed in temperature detection holes 8 inside the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' for real-time temperature monitoring.
[0030] Preferably, the humidifier includes a first humidifier 9 and a second humidifier 9', whose moisture outlet is connected to the air inlet 11a on the fixture through an air passage 10 (10') for outputting moisture into the fixture. Preferably, the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' have the air inlet 11a on one side and an air outlet 11b on the other side. More preferably, the air inlet 11a on one side and the air outlet 11b on the other side of the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' are located at opposite ends, that is, the air inlet 11a is located at one end of the flow channel 5, and the air outlet 11b is located at the other end opposite to one end of the flow channel 5, so that the interior of the fixture can be humidified evenly. Preferably, the humidity sensor includes a first hygrometer 12 and a second hygrometer 12', which are respectively disposed in the air passage 10 of the first flow channel plate 1 and the air passage 10' of the second flow channel plate 1' for real-time humidity monitoring.
[0031] As described above, the temperature control of this utility model consists of a first electric heater 6, a second electric heater 6', a first thermocouple 7, and a second thermocouple 7', while the humidification control consists of a first humidifier 9, a second humidifier 9', air passages 10 and 10', a first hygrometer 12, and a second hygrometer 12'. In this way, the catalyst film 2 in the fixture can be kept in a constant temperature and humidity state through temperature control and humidity control.
[0032] This invention can measure the conductivity of a catalyst under different pressure, temperature and humidity conditions by changing the torque setting of the torque wrench, the heating temperature of the clamp and the humidification.
[0033] The following describes in detail the steps for measuring the conductivity of a catalyst film using the device of this invention, taking into account the preferred embodiment of the linear flow channel plate and 8 conductive pillars in this invention, under the detection conditions of 65°C, 70% humidity, and 7 N·m compression force.
[0034] Step 1: Catalyst film preparation: Cut an ion exchange membrane to a suitable size, spray the catalyst slurry onto the ion exchange membrane, and immerse the prepared catalyst film 2 in deionized water for 1-2 hours;
[0035] Step 2: Assemble the fixture: Place the second flow channel plate 1' on the experimental table with the flow channel surface facing upwards. Lay the catalyst film 2 flat in the center of the second flow channel plate 1', ensuring that the surface of the catalyst film 2 is flat, without protrusions or wrinkles. Align and place the first flow channel plate 1 stably on the catalyst film 2 with the flow channel surface facing downwards, ensuring that the flow channel plate is horizontal when placed. After placement, ensure that the conductive post holes 14 and fastening screw holes 15 of the two flow channel plates are aligned. Use a torque wrench (not shown) to tighten the through screws 3 one pair at a time in a diagonal manner. Set the torque of the torque wrench to 7 N·m.
[0036] Step 3: Humidity adjustment: Connect the first humidifier 9, the first flow channel plate 1, and the first hygrometer 12 through the air passage 10. Connect the second humidifier 9', the second flow channel plate 1', and the second hygrometer 12' through the air passage 10'. Turn on the first humidifier 9 and the second humidifier 9' to humidify. Set the humidity and use the hygrometer to finally stabilize the humidity at 70%.
[0037] Step 4: Preheating fixture: Place the first thermocouple 7 and the second thermocouple 7' into the temperature measuring holes 8 of the first flow channel plate 1 and the second flow channel plate 1' for temperature detection, turn on the first electric heater 6 and the second electric heater 6' for heating, set the temperature and combine it with the thermocouple thermometer to finally stabilize the temperature at 65℃.
[0038] Step 5: Conductivity Test: The conductive pillars of the first flow channel plate 1 are named A1, A2…A8, and the conductive pillars of the second flow channel plate 1' are named B1, B2…B8. Using a digital bridge, connect A1 and B1, A3 and B3, A5 and B5, and A7 and B7 respectively to obtain the electronic conduction impedance of the catalyst film. Subtract the electronic conduction impedance of the proton exchange membrane from the electronic conduction impedance of the semi-catalyst film to obtain the cross-sectional electronic conduction impedance of the catalyst film under 70% humidity, 65℃, and 7 N·m compression force. The average electronic conduction impedance of the catalyst film cross-section can be obtained by calculating the average values of four sets of data. The accuracy of the measurement results can be verified by measuring another four sets of data.
[0039] Obviously, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of the present utility model will fall within the scope of the claims of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A catalyst conductivity testing device, characterized in that, include: Test fixtures, electric heaters, humidifiers, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors, among which, The test fixture consists of a first flow channel plate and a second flow channel plate. The catalyst film to be tested is fixed between the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate by a threaded connection. The surfaces of the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate that contact the catalyst film are the inner surfaces, and the other surface is the outer surface. The electric heater is disposed on the outer surface of the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate, and is used to heat the test fixture; The humidifier has a moisture outlet connected to the air inlet on the clamp via an air passage, for outputting moisture into the clamp. The temperature sensor is installed in the temperature detection hole inside the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate for real-time temperature monitoring, and the humidity sensor is installed in the air path for real-time humidity monitoring.
2. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate are provided with a through hole at each edge. The through hole of the first flow channel plate is a smooth round hole, and the through hole of the second flow channel plate is a threaded hole. A tightening force is applied between the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate by a through screw.
3. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate are respectively fixedly provided with a plurality of conductive pillars in the central region of the outer surface. One end of the plurality of conductive pillars is flush with the inner surface, and the other end of the conductive pillars protrudes from the outer surface for connecting the electrode clamp.
4. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The area of the region on the first and second flow channel plates where the plurality of conductive pillars are disposed is slightly smaller than the area of the effective test area.
5. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of conductive pillars mentioned above is 4-8.
6. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The effective test area on the inner surface of the first and second flow channel plates is a linear flow channel or a serpentine flow channel.
7. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The effective test area contains 6-30 flow channels with a depth of 1-4 mm.
8. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate are non-conductive insulating materials.
9. The catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow channel plate and the second flow channel plate have an air inlet on one side and an air outlet on the other side. One end of the air passage is connected to the air inlet and the other end is connected to the air outlet.
10. A catalyst conductivity testing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air inlet on one side of the first flow channel plate and the air outlet on the other side of the second flow channel plate are located at opposite ends.