Flow guide part and electrolytic bath

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flow guide part and an electrolytic bath, and relates to the technical field of electrolysis, the flow guide part comprises a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer which are arranged in a stacked mode, a flow channel groove is formed in the side, away from the first conducting layer, of the second conducting layer, and the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer are both configured to be made of foam metal materials; the hole structure parameters of the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer are different, so that the surface area of one side, deviating from the second conducting layer, of the first conducting layer is larger than the surface area of one side, deviating from the first conducting layer, of the second conducting layer. According to the technical scheme, the contact area of the flow guide part and the diaphragm is increased, so that the safety performance of the electrolytic cell is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrolysis technology, and in particular to a flow guide and an electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, the surface of the flow guide of the electrolytic cell is provided with structures such as nipple plates and mesh plates to form flow channels and guide the flow of electrolyte and electrolysis products. However, such structures are prone to puncturing the diaphragm, which poses a safety hazard to the stable operation of the electrolytic cell. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main objective of this application is to provide a flow guide and an electrolytic cell, which aims to increase the contact area between the flow guide and the diaphragm, thereby improving the safety performance of the electrolytic cell.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the flow guide proposed in this application includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer stacked together. A flow channel groove is formed on the side of the second conductive layer opposite to the first conductive layer. Both the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are made of foam metal material, and the pore structure parameters of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are different, such that the surface area of ​​the side of the first conductive layer opposite to the second conductive layer is greater than the surface area of ​​the second conductive layer opposite to the first conductive layer.

[0005] In one embodiment, the foamed metal material is formed by a template method.

[0006] In one embodiment, the second conductive layer is formed by milling to create the flow channel groove.

[0007] In one embodiment, the foamed metal material is resistant to alkali corrosion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the foamed metal material is foamed nickel or foamed nickel alloy or foamed titanium or foamed titanium alloy.

[0009] In one embodiment, the aperture of the first conductive layer is smaller than the aperture of the second conductive layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pore density of the first conductive layer is greater than that of the second conductive layer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the porosity of the first conductive layer is greater than that of the second conductive layer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the PPI of the first conductive layer is 25 to 35.

[0013] In one embodiment, the PPI of the second conductive layer is 10 to 20.

[0014] In one embodiment, the aperture of the first conductive layer is 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0015] In one embodiment, the aperture of the second conductive layer is 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0016] In one embodiment, a catalyst layer is provided on the side of the first conductive layer opposite to the second conductive layer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the catalyst layer is formed on the first conductive layer by electrodeposition.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are integrally formed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are formed separately and then connected together by a layer welding method.

[0020] This application also proposes an electrolytic cell, including an electrode plate, a diaphragm, and the aforementioned flow guide, wherein the flow guide is disposed between the electrode plate and the diaphragm, the first conductive layer abuts against the diaphragm, and the second conductive layer abuts against the electrode plate.

[0021] In the technical solution of this application, the opposite sides of the current guide, that is, the opposite sides of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, abut against the diaphragm and the electrode plate respectively. Specifically, the side of the first conductive layer away from the second conductive layer abuts against the diaphragm, and the side of the second conductive layer away from the first conductive layer abuts against the electrode plate. Since both the first and second conductive layers are made of foamed metal material with a large specific surface area, the opposite sides of the first and second conductive layers can abut against each other through a relatively large contact area and corresponding structure. This reduces the contact pressure between the current guide and the structures on both opposite sides, making it highly unlikely that the current guide will cause structural damage to the electrode plate and the diaphragm, thus improving the safety performance of the electrolytic cell. In particular, the large contact area and low contact resistance between the second conductive layer and the electrode plate improve the current transmission efficiency of the electrolytic cell, thereby improving the electrolysis efficiency.

[0022] Furthermore, the pore structure parameters of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are different, which makes the side of the first conductive layer that abuts against the diaphragm have a larger surface area than the side of the second conductive layer that abuts against the electrode plate. This increases the contact area between the first conductive layer and the diaphragm, thereby reducing the contact pressure between them and making it more conducive to ensuring the structural stability of the diaphragm. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the flow guide provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flow guide component on one side of the first conductive layer;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flow channel groove distribution on one side of the second conductive layer for the flow guide component.

[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0028] 100, First conductive layer; 200, Second conductive layer; 210, Flow channel groove.

[0029] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0032] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0033] This application proposes a flow guide.

[0034] Please see Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this application, the flow guide includes a first conductive layer 100 and a second conductive layer 200 stacked together. A flow channel groove 210 is formed on the side of the second conductive layer 200 away from the first conductive layer 100. Both the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 are made of foam metal material.

[0035] In the technical solution of this application, the opposite sides of the current guide, that is, the opposite sides of the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200, when respectively abutting against the diaphragm and the electrode plate, specifically, the side of the first conductive layer 100 away from the second conductive layer 200 abuts against the diaphragm, and the side of the second conductive layer 200 away from the first conductive layer 100 abuts against the electrode plate. Since both the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 are configured as foamed metal materials with a large specific surface area, the opposite sides of the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 can abut against each other through a relatively large contact area and corresponding structure, thereby reducing the contact pressure between the current guide and the structures on the opposite sides. The possibility of the current guide causing structural damage to the electrode plate and the diaphragm is very low, which is beneficial to improving the safety performance of the electrolytic cell. In particular, because the contact area between the second conductive layer 200 and the electrode plate is large and the contact resistance is small, the current transmission efficiency of the electrolytic cell can be improved, which is beneficial to improving the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolytic cell.

[0036] Furthermore, the pore structure parameters of the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 are different, which makes the surface area of ​​the side of the first conductive layer 100 away from the second conductive layer 200 greater than the surface area of ​​the second conductive layer 200 away from the first conductive layer 100. That is, the side of the first conductive layer 100 that abuts against the diaphragm will have a larger surface area. This can increase the contact area between the first conductive layer 100 and the diaphragm, thereby reducing the contact pressure between the two and making it more conducive to ensuring the structural stability of the diaphragm.

[0037] In related technologies, nipple plates, rhomboid meshes, or elastic meshes are set on the surface of the electrode plates as flow guiding structures. However, these flow guiding structures have a significant impact on the safety performance of the electrolytic cell.

[0038] Among them, the contact between the nipple plate and the electrode plate is mostly point contact, with a small contact area and high contact resistance. Moreover, the rigid connection between the nipple and the electrode plate makes it easy to puncture the diaphragm under stress, posing a safety hazard to the stable operation of the electrolytic cell. The contact between the diamond-shaped mesh and the electrode is mostly line contact, with a limited contact area, which cannot effectively reduce the contact resistance. At the same time, the contact part of the diamond-shaped mesh is the blade part of the plate, which can easily cut through the diaphragm under long-term compression, posing a significant safety hazard. The contact area between the elastic mesh and the electrode plate is closely related to its compression. The greater the compression, the larger the contact area. However, after long-term operation, the elastic mesh will experience fatigue failure, and there is also the possibility of the elastic mesh wires melting and breaking, producing multiple barbs, which pose a risk of puncturing the diaphragm.

[0039] Compared with the above-mentioned technical solutions, the current guide in this application can reliably contact the electrode plate and diaphragm through a large contact area for a long time, which can basically avoid structural damage to the electrode plate and diaphragm, thereby helping to ensure the safety performance of the electrolytic cell. In addition, it can also reduce the contact resistance between the current guide and the electrode plate and improve the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolytic cell.

[0040] In addition to the flow channel grooves 210 on the second conductive layer 200 guiding the electrolyte flow, the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200, as foam metal materials, can form a porous structure with pore diameters much larger than pore wall thicknesses. All the pores in the flow guide are interconnected, and the internal pores can allow the electrolyte and electrolysis products to flow. This allows the flow guide to not only provide a large contact area on both opposite sides, but also a large flow area for the relevant fluids, thereby helping to ensure the working performance of the electrolytic cell.

[0041] The first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 have different pore structure parameters, resulting in different structural characteristics. This allows the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 to fulfill different functions, thus better ensuring the operation of the electrolytic cell. The pore structure parameters include pore size, porosity, pore density, pore shape, and specific surface area.

[0042] For example, the first conductive layer 100, which is in contact with the diaphragm, can be configured as a porous structure with small pore size, high pore density, or high porosity. This is beneficial for forming a larger specific surface area, thereby making the surface area of ​​the first conductive layer 100 larger. The side of the first conductive layer 100 away from the second conductive layer 200 can provide a larger contact area with the diaphragm, which helps to prevent the flow guide from puncturing the diaphragm. Furthermore, the pores of the first conductive layer 100 are more conducive to gas transport, which can quickly guide the gaseous products generated by the electrolysis reaction to flow to the outlet, thereby ensuring that the electrolysis reaction can continue reliably.

[0043] The second conductive layer 200, which is in contact with the diaphragm, can be configured as a porous structure with large pore size, low pore density, or low porosity. This is beneficial for improving the electrolyte flow efficiency and allows the electrolyte to be more evenly distributed on the electrode surface, thereby ensuring the electrolysis efficiency of the electrolytic cell.

[0044] Of course, the first conductive layer 100 can also be configured as a porous structure with large pore size, low pore density, or low porosity to facilitate the passage of electrolyte; or the second conductive layer 200 can be configured as a porous structure with small pore size, high pore density, or high porosity to ensure that the second conductive layer 200 still has sufficient structural strength after forming the flow channel 210, so as to play a good supporting role.

[0045] It should be noted that the sizes of the pore structure parameters mentioned above are relative to the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200. This means that the relevant pore structure parameters between the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 have a certain size relationship. Designers can choose according to actual needs so that the relevant pore structure parameters between the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 have different size relationships.

[0046] In addition, a catalyst layer is provided between the diaphragm and the first conductive layer 100. The electrolysis reaction mainly takes place at the catalyst layer. The catalyst layer may include elements such as nickel, nickel oxide, and aluminum, which can accelerate the electrolysis reaction and thus improve the efficiency of the electrolysis reaction.

[0047] In one embodiment, a catalyst layer is provided on the side of the first conductive layer 100 opposite to the second conductive layer 200. Thus, the first conductive layer also serves as a carrier for the catalyst layer, allowing the catalyst layer to stably bond with the first conductive layer and form a reliable electrode structure. Without loss of generality, the catalyst layer is formed on the first conductive layer 100 by electrodeposition. This ensures the bonding stability between the catalyst layer and the first conductive layer 100, thereby guaranteeing the catalytic effect of the catalyst layer on the electrolysis reaction.

[0048] Of course, in other embodiments, the catalyst layer may be formed on the surface of the membrane, or the catalyst layer may be formed separately and then bonded to the first conductive layer 100 or the surface of the membrane.

[0049] In one embodiment, the PPI of the first conductive layer 100 is 25 to 35. PPI refers to the number of holes per inch, a parameter related to pore density. In this embodiment, the number of holes in the first conductive layer 100 is between 25 and 35 per inch, ensuring that the first conductive layer 100 has a suitable pore distribution density, thereby ensuring the gas conduction effect of the first conductive layer 100. The PPI of the first conductive layer 100 can be 25, 27, 28, 30, 32, 33, 35, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the PPI of the first conductive layer 100 can also be less than 25, such as 10, 15, 18, 20, etc., or it can be greater than 35, such as 38, 40, 42, 45, etc.

[0050] In one embodiment, the PPI of the second conductive layer 200 is 10 to 20. That is, the number of pores in the second conductive layer 200 per inch is in the range of 10 to 20, which ensures that the second conductive layer 200 has a suitable pore distribution density, thereby ensuring the conductivity of the electrolyte. The PPI of the second conductive layer 200 can be 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the PPI of the second conductive layer 200 can also be less than 10, such as 5, 6, 7, 8, etc., or it can be greater than 20, such as 22, 24, 25, 26, etc.

[0051] In one embodiment, the aperture of the first conductive layer 100 is 1 mm to 5 mm. This allows the apertures of the first conductive layer 100 to have a suitable size, making it more suitable for guiding the flow of gas produced in the electrolysis reaction. The aperture of the first conductive layer 100 can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the aperture of the first conductive layer 100 can also be less than 1 mm or greater than 5 mm, for example, 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, etc., or 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, etc.

[0052] In one embodiment, the aperture of the second conductive layer 200 is 5 mm to 10 mm. This allows the apertures of the second conductive layer 200 to have a suitable size, making it more suitable for guiding electrolyte flow. The aperture of the second conductive layer 200 can be 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, etc. Of course, in other embodiments, the aperture of the first conductive layer 100 can also be less than 5 mm or greater than 10 mm, for example, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, or 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, etc.

[0053] In one embodiment, the foamed metal material is formed using a template method. Specifically, the template can be a porous substrate such as sponge or polyurethane foam. The process involves immersing the porous substrate in conductive adhesive, electroplating metal onto the substrate, burning off the porous substrate, and then reducing the oxidized metal. This method provides high controllability of the foamed metal structure, allowing for control over the forming structure by selecting a suitable porous substrate. Furthermore, it facilitates the formation of a porous structure in the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200, resulting in a porous structure with a pore size much larger than the pore wall thickness. This provides a sufficiently large fluid flow area and a sufficiently high specific surface area, thereby ensuring the fluid flow efficiency of the electrolytic cell and ensuring a sufficiently large contact area on both sides of the guide member.

[0054] In one embodiment, the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 are integrally formed. That is, two porous substrates with different pore structure parameters can be used as templates to form the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 together. This can improve the processing efficiency of the flow guide and at the same time ensure the bonding stability of the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200 are formed separately and then connected together by lamination bonding. This allows for separate control of the finished products of the first conductive layer 100 and the second conductive layer 200, which helps reduce processing losses.

[0056] In one embodiment, the second conductive layer 200 is formed by milling the flow channel 210. This ensures that the second conductive layer 200 has a uniform structure along its extension direction, thereby helping to ensure the uniformity of electrolyte flow and the structural stability of the flow guide. Of course, in other embodiments, the flow channel 210 can also be formed by stamping.

[0057] In one embodiment, the foamed metal material is resistant to alkaline corrosion. Thus, the flow guide can be used in alkaline electrolytic cells. Preferably, the foamed metal material used in the flow guide is nickel foam, nickel foam alloy, titanium foam, or titanium foam alloy. Of course, the material of the foamed metal can be adapted to other materials depending on the application scenario of the flow guide.

[0058] This application also proposes an electrolytic cell comprising an electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a flow guide. The specific structure of the flow guide is as described in the above embodiments. Since this electrolytic cell adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here. The flow guide is disposed between the electrode plate and the diaphragm, the first conductive layer 100 abuts against the diaphragm, and the second conductive layer 200 abuts against the electrode plate.

[0059] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A flow guide, characterized in that, The flow guide includes a first conductive layer (100) and a second conductive layer (200) stacked together. A flow channel groove (210) is formed on the side of the second conductive layer (200) away from the first conductive layer (100). Both the first conductive layer (100) and the second conductive layer (200) are made of foam metal material. The pore structure parameters of the first conductive layer (100) and the second conductive layer (200) are different, so that the surface area of ​​the side of the first conductive layer (100) away from the second conductive layer (200) is greater than the surface area of ​​the second conductive layer (200) away from the first conductive layer (100).

2. The flow guide as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The foamed metal material is formed using a template method; And / or, the second conductive layer (200) is formed by milling the flow channel groove (210).

3. The flow guide as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The foamed metal material is resistant to alkali corrosion.

4. The flow guide as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The foamed metal material is foamed nickel or foamed nickel alloy or foamed titanium or foamed titanium alloy.

5. The flow guide as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aperture of the first conductive layer (100) is smaller than the aperture of the second conductive layer (200); And / or, the pore density of the first conductive layer (100) is greater than the pore density of the second conductive layer (200); And / or, the porosity of the first conductive layer (100) is greater than the porosity of the second conductive layer (200).

6. The flow guide as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The PPI of the first conductive layer (100) is 25 to 35; and / or the PPI of the second conductive layer (200) is 10 to 20. And / or, the aperture of the first conductive layer (100) is 1 mm to 5 mm; and / or, the aperture of the second conductive layer (200) is 5 mm to 10 mm.

7. The flow guide as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A catalyst layer is provided on the side of the first conductive layer (100) opposite to the second conductive layer (200).

8. The flow guide as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The catalyst layer is formed on the first conductive layer (100) by electrodeposition.

9. The flow guide as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first conductive layer (100) and the second conductive layer (200) are integrally formed; Alternatively, the first conductive layer (100) and the second conductive layer (200) can be formed separately and then connected together by layer welding.

10. An electrolytic cell, characterized in that, It includes an electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a flow guide as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the flow guide being disposed between the electrode plate and the diaphragm, the first conductive layer (100) abutting against the diaphragm, and the second conductive layer (200) abutting against the electrode plate.

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