Flow path plate for electrolytic cell and electrolytic cell including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell and an electrolytic cell including the same. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the present invention is a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell that faces an electrode that causes an electrochemical reaction, and includes a supply-side flow path section in which a plurality of branched flow paths that supply a raw material fluid are formed, and a channel section that is connected to the supply-side flow path section at one side and in which a plurality of channels through which the supplied raw material fluid moves are formed, and the supply-side flow path section is provided with a plurality of flow path blocks, and the branch flow paths are branched into a plurality of paths via the plurality of flow path blocks, and each of the branched flow paths has a uniform width.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0110644, filed September 1, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0115367, filed August 31, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell and an electrolytic cell including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] In cells that electrolyze carbon dioxide (CO2) and convert it into useful resources such as CO or ethylene, in order to scale up, it is necessary to secure a certain level of active area by not only stacking but also increasing the area. When designing a large-area cell, it is important to design a flow path structure that can supply CO2 gas and electrolyte uniformly to the entire active area.

[0004] Most of the research on conventional CO2 electrochemical conversion technology has focused on ensuring performance in small-scale cells, and if the structure of such small-scale cells is directly applied to increase the active area of ​​the cell, the efficiency of large-area cells may be lower than that of small-scale cells. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell that can improve mass transfer characteristics and cell performance efficiency, and an electrolytic cell including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention is a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell that faces an electrode that causes an electrochemical reaction, and the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell includes a supply-side flow path section in which a plurality of branched flow paths that supply raw material fluid are formed, and a channel section connected to the supply-side flow path section at one side and in which a plurality of channels through which the supplied raw material fluid moves are formed, and the supply-side flow path section is provided with a plurality of flow path blocks, and the branch flow paths are branched into a plurality of paths via the plurality of flow path blocks, and each of the branched flow paths may have a uniform width.

[0007] Moreover, an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention can include the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention described above, and an electrode facing the flow path plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, in a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell facing an electrode, in a supply side flow path section in which a plurality of branched flow paths for supplying raw material fluid are formed, the flow paths are branched via a plurality of flow path blocks so that the branch flow paths have uniform widths, thereby making it possible to supply the raw material fluid so that it flows uniformly to a plurality of channels in a channel section through which the raw material fluid moves.

[0009] This improves the flow of reactant fluids and the mass transfer properties required for electrochemical reactions, thereby optimizing performance efficiency, preventing localized degradation, and increasing durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of an exemplary electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a supply-side flow path section in the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a supply-side flow path section in an electrolytic cell flow path plate according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a supply-side flow path section in an electrolytic cell flow path plate according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in the electrolytic cell flow path plate of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 9] 1 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell in Production Example 1. [Figure 10] 1 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell in Production Example 2. [Figure 11] 1 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell in Production Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The objectives, particular advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, when referring to components in each drawing, the same components have been given the same numbers whenever possible, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0012] Flow path plate for electrolysis cell according to the first embodiment FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an example of an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an enlarged portion of a supply-side flow path section in the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] 1 to 3, the electrolytic cell flow path plate 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a flow path plate (Plate 100) for an electrolytic cell that faces an electrode E where an electrochemical reduction reaction occurs, and includes a supply-side flow path section 120 for supplying a raw material fluid, and a channel section 130 in which a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluid moves are formed. The electrolytic cell flow path plate 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention also includes a manifold inlet 110, a discharge-side flow path section 140, and a manifold outlet 150.

[0014] More specifically, in the electrolytic cell flow path plate 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the supply-side flow path section 120 may be formed with a plurality of branched flow paths 123 for supplying raw material fluids. Here, the raw material fluid may contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. In this case, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O).

[0015] The supply-side channel section 120 is provided with a plurality of channel blocks 121, and the branch channel 123 can branch into a plurality of channels via the plurality of channel blocks 121. That is, via the plurality of channel blocks 121, the branch channel 123 can be formed by branching a channel, which is a passage for supplying the raw material fluid, into a plurality of channels.

[0016] The widths W1 and W2 of the branched flow paths 123 may be uniform. Here, "uniform" means that the difference between the widths W1 and W2 of the branched flow paths 123 is constant. That is, the widths W1 and W2 of the branched flow paths 123 of the supply-side flow path section 120 may be the same. In particular, the width W1 of the branched flow paths 123 located on both sides of the supply-side flow path section 120 may be the same as the width W2 of the remaining branched flow paths 123 of the supply-side flow path section 120. Here, grooves 120a recessed inward are formed on both sides of the supply-side flow path section 120, so that the widths W1 of the branched flow paths 123 located on both sides of the supply-side flow path section 120 may be the same as the width W12 of the remaining branched flow paths 123 of the supply-side flow path section 120. In this case, the branched multiple branch flow paths 123 may be flow path portions facing the channel portion 130 .

[0017] On the other hand, in the supply-side channel section 120, the widths W1 and W2 of the branch channels 123 branched via the channel blocks 121 may be, for example, 0.25 to 1 mm.

[0018] The number of branched flow paths 123 branched from the supply-side flow path section 120 can correspond to the number of the channels 131 . The positions of the branched flow paths 123 of the supply-side flow path section 120 and the positions of the channels 131 of the channel section 130 can be provided to correspond to each other. That is, for example, referring to Fig. 2, the branched flow paths 123 and the channels 131 can be positioned on the same line in the vertical direction.

[0019] The plurality of flow path blocks 121 may be formed, for example, to have a circular or non-circular cross section. In this case, as a specific example, the plurality of flow path blocks 121 may be formed to have a circular cross section.

[0020] The channel unit 130 may be connected at one side to the supply-side flow path unit 120 to form a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluids, carbon dioxide and electrolyte, move.

[0021] The channel portion 130 faces the electrode E, and multiple channels 131 are formed on the surface of the channel portion 130 facing the electrode E, and the raw material fluid flowing through the multiple channels 131 comes into contact with the electrode E, causing an electrochemical reaction to occur at the electrode E.

[0022] The channel unit 130 may have a plurality of channels 131 formed linearly so that the raw material fluid moves in a linear direction from one side where the supply-side channel unit 120 is located to the other side.

[0023] In this case, the plurality of channel protrusions 131a are formed linearly, thereby forming a linear channel 131. That is, the channel protrusions 131a protrude in the direction of the electrode E, and referring to FIG. 2, it is possible to form the channel 131 which is a passageway through which a fluid moves in the vertical direction and extends in the vertical direction.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, the width WC1 of the channel 131 may be larger than the widths W1 and W2 of the branch channels 123 branched from the supply-side channel section 120. Furthermore, the width WC1 of the channel 131 may be, for example, 0.5 to 2 mm. On the other hand, the area of ​​the channel portion 130 is, for example, 100 cm 2 It may be more than that.

[0025] The manifold inlet 110 is connected to the supply-side channel unit 120 so that the raw material fluid can flow in. In this case, the supply-side channel unit 120 can supply the raw material fluid flowing in from the manifold inlet 110. The manifold inlet 110 may include one inlet hole.

[0026] The discharge-side flow path unit 140 may be connected to the other side of the channel unit 130 to form a plurality of flow paths through which reactants are discharged. Furthermore, the discharge-side channel section 140 may be provided with a discharge-side channel block 141 that branches the channel into multiple channels.

[0027] Furthermore, the discharge-side channel section 140 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the supply-side channel section 120. That is, the branching shape of the channel of the discharge-side channel section 140 may be the same as the branching channel shape of the supply-side channel section 120.

[0028] The manifold outlet 150 may be connected to the outlet channel portion 140 so that the reactants can be discharged. Here, the reactant may be carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C2H4), etc. The manifold outlet 150 may include one outlet hole.

[0029] The electrolytic cell channel plate 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, configured as described above, is a channel plate 100 for an electrolytic cell facing the electrode E, and in the supply-side channel section 120 in which a plurality of branched channel channels 123 for supplying raw fluids are formed, the branched channel channels 123 are formed to have a uniform channel width via a plurality of channel blocks 121, so that the raw fluid can be supplied so as to flow uniformly to a plurality of channels 131 in the channel section 130 through which the raw fluid moves. This improves the flow of reactant fluids and improves the mass transfer characteristics required for the electrochemical reaction, thereby optimizing performance efficiency, preventing localized deterioration, and improving durability.

[0030] Flow path plate for electrolysis cell according to the second embodiment A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of a supply-side flow path section in the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] 1, 4, and 5, a flow path plate 200 for an electrolytic cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention faces an electrode E where an electrochemical reduction reaction occurs, and includes a supply-side flow path section 220 for supplying a raw material fluid, and a channel section 130 in which a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluid moves are formed. The flow path plate 200 for an electrolytic cell according to the second embodiment of the present invention also includes a manifold inlet 110, a discharge-side flow path section 240, and a manifold outlet 150.

[0033] The electrolytic cell flow path plate 200 according to this embodiment of the present invention is different from the electrolytic cell flow path plate according to the first embodiment described above in that the branching shape of the flow paths in the supply-side flow path section 220 via the flow path blocks 221 and 222 is different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same content as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted or briefly described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0034] More specifically, in the electrolytic cell flow path plate 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the supply-side flow path section 220 may be formed with a plurality of branched flow paths 223 for supplying raw material fluids. Here, the raw material fluid may contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. In this case, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O).

[0035] The supply-side channel section 220 is provided with a plurality of channel blocks 221, 222, and the branch channel 223 can branch into a plurality of channels via the plurality of channel blocks 221, 222. In this case, the widths W23, W24 of the branched channel channels 223 may be uniform. That is, the widths W23, W24 of the branched channel channels 223 of the supply-side channel section 220 may be the same. Here, the branched channel channels 223 may be channel portions facing the channel section 130.

[0036] The plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 may be formed, for example, to have a circular or non-circular cross section. In this case, as a specific example, the plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 may be formed to have a circular cross section.

[0037] The plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 may be arranged in a plurality of rows. Here, the plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 arranged in a plurality of rows may be arranged with the rows offset from each other. As a result, the plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 are arranged in a plurality of rows, and the rows are offset from each other, so that the flow distribution of the fluid can be more easily performed.

[0038] In this case, the branched plurality of branch flow paths 223 may be branch flow paths 223 in which a flow is distributed by the flow path block 221 in the row adjacent to the channel unit 130 in the flow path blocks 221, 222 arranged in a plurality of rows. In other words, the branched branch flow path 223 may be a flow path that is finally distributed by the flow path block 221 located in the row that is closest to the channel unit 130, which is the last row among the plurality of rows. Meanwhile, for example, the number of branched plurality of branch flow paths 223 in the supply-side flow path unit 220 may be greater than the number of the plurality of channels 131, but the electrolytic cell flow path plate 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0039] The plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 arranged in a plurality of rows may be arranged in, for example, two rows. Here, the plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 arranged in two rows may be arranged in a zigzag pattern, with the rows being offset from each other.

[0040] Meanwhile, when the plurality of flow path blocks 221, 222 are arranged in two rows, with the row closer to the channel portion 130 as row 1 and the row closer to the manifold inlet 110 as row 2, the intervals between the plurality of flow path blocks 221 in row 1 can be the same, and the intervals between the plurality of flow path blocks 222 in row 2 can be the same. In this case, the intervals between the plurality of flow path blocks 221 in row 1 and the intervals between the plurality of flow path blocks 222 in row 2 can be the same. This makes it easier to uniformly distribute the flow of fluid.

[0041] In this case, the widths W21 and W22 of the channels 224 distributed by the two rows of the channel blocks 222 may be the same. In the channels 224 distributed by the two rows of the channel blocks 222, the width W21 of the channels located on both sides of the supply-side channel section 220 may be the same as the width W22 of the remaining channels.

[0042] The channel unit 130 may be connected at one side to the supply-side flow path unit 220 to form a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluids, carbon dioxide and electrolyte, move.

[0043] The channel portion 130 faces the electrode E, and multiple channels 131 are formed on the surface of the channel portion 130 facing the electrode E, and the raw material fluid flowing through the multiple channels 131 comes into contact with the electrode E, causing an electrochemical reaction to occur at the electrode E.

[0044] The channel unit 130 may have a plurality of channels 131 formed linearly so that the raw material fluid moves in a linear direction from one side where the supply-side channel unit 220 is located to the other side. Furthermore, for example, the width WC2 of the channel 131 may be larger than the widths W23 and W24 of the branch channels 223 branched from the supply-side channel section 220.

[0045] The manifold inlet 110 is connected to the supply-side channel unit 220 so that the raw material fluid can flow in. In this case, the supply-side channel unit 220 can supply the raw material fluid flowing in from the manifold inlet 110. The manifold inlet 110 may include one inlet hole.

[0046] The discharge-side flow path unit 240 may be connected to the other side of the channel unit 130 to form a plurality of flow paths through which reactants are discharged. The discharge-side channel section 240 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the supply-side channel section 220 .

[0047] The manifold outlet 150 may be connected to the outlet channel portion 240 so that the reactants can be discharged. Here, the reactant may be carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C2H4), etc. The manifold outlet 150 may include one outlet hole.

[0048] Flow path plate for electrolysis cell according to the third embodiment Hereinafter, a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating an example of a flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a portion of a supply-side flow path section in the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] 1, 6, and 7, the electrolytic cell flow path plate 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention faces the electrode E where an electrochemical reduction reaction occurs, and includes a supply-side flow path section 320 for supplying a raw material fluid, and a channel section 130 in which a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluid moves are formed. The electrolytic cell flow path plate 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention also includes a manifold inlet 110, a discharge-side flow path section 340, and a manifold outlet 150.

[0051] The electrolytic cell flow path plate 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the electrolytic cell flow path plates according to the first and second embodiments described above in that the branching shape of the flow paths in the supply side flow path section 320 via the flow path block 321 is different. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same content as in the above-described embodiments will be omitted or briefly described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0052] More specifically, in the electrolytic cell flow path plate 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the supply-side flow path section 320 may be formed with a plurality of branched flow paths 323 for supplying raw material fluids. Here, the raw material fluid may contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. In this case, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O).

[0053] The supply-side channel section 320 is provided with a plurality of channel blocks 321, and the branch channel 323 can branch into a plurality of channels via the plurality of channel blocks 321. In this case, the widths W31 and W32 of the branched channel sections 323 may be uniform. That is, the widths W31 and W32 of the branched channel sections 323 of the supply-side channel section 320 may be the same as each other. Here, inwardly recessed grooves 320a are formed on both sides of the supply-side channel section 320, and the widths W31 of the branch channel sections 323 located on both sides of the supply-side channel section 320 can be made the same as the widths W32 of the remaining branch channel sections 323 of the supply-side channel section 320. Here, the branched multiple branch flow paths 323 may be flow path portions facing the channel portion 130 .

[0054] The plurality of flow path blocks 321 may be formed, for example, to have a circular or non-circular cross section. In this case, the plurality of flow path blocks 321 may be formed, as a specific example, to have a diamond shape among non-circular shapes.

[0055] The channel unit 130 may be connected at one side to the supply-side flow path unit 320 to form a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluids, carbon dioxide and electrolyte, move.

[0056] Furthermore, the channel portion 130 faces the electrode E, and the multiple channels 131 are formed on the surface of the channel portion 130 facing the electrode E, so that the raw material fluid flowing through the multiple channels 131 comes into contact with the electrode E, and an electrochemical reaction occurs at the electrode E.

[0057] Furthermore, the channel unit 130 may be formed with a plurality of channels 131 in a straight line so that the raw material fluid moves in a straight line from one side where the supply-side channel unit 320 is located to the other side.

[0058] For example, the width WC3 of the channel 131 may be larger or smaller than the widths W31 and W32 of the branched flow paths 323 of the supply side flow path section 320, but the flow path plate 300 for an electrolytic cell according to the third embodiment of the present invention is not necessarily limited to this.

[0059] The manifold inlet 110 is connected to the supply-side channel unit 320 so that the raw material fluid can flow in. In this case, the supply-side channel unit 320 can supply the raw material fluid flowing in from the manifold inlet 110. The manifold inlet 110 may include one inlet hole.

[0060] The discharge-side flow path unit 340 may be connected to the other side of the channel unit 130 to form a plurality of flow paths through which reactants are discharged. Furthermore, the discharge-side channel section 340 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the supply-side channel section 320. That is, the discharge-side channel section 340 may have the same channel shape as the supply-side channel section 320.

[0061] The manifold outlet 150 may be connected to the outlet channel portion 340 so that the reactants can be discharged. Here, the reactant may be carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C2H4), etc. The manifold outlet 150 may include one outlet hole.

[0062] Electrolysis cell according to an embodiment An electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. 1 to 3, an electrolytic cell 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flow path plate 100 and an electrode E facing the flow path plate 100. Here, the flow path plate 100 is a flow path plate 100 for an electrolytic cell facing the electrode E where an electrochemical reduction reaction occurs, and includes a supply-side flow path section 120 for supplying a raw fluid and a channel section 130 in which a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw fluid moves are formed. The flow path plate 100 may also include a manifold inlet 110, a discharge-side flow path section 140, and a manifold outlet 150. Meanwhile, the electrolytic cell 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an ion exchange membrane I.

[0063] The electrolytic cell 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrolytic cell 1000 including the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the first to third embodiments described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, the same content as in the flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to the first to third embodiments described above will be omitted or briefly described, and the differences will be mainly described.

[0064] More specifically, the electrode E can cause an electrochemical reduction reaction by facing the flow path plate 100. In this case, the electrode E can electrolyze, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene (C2H4). Meanwhile, the electrodes E may include an anode A and a cathode C.

[0065] In the flow channel plate 100, the supply-side flow channel section 120 may be formed with a plurality of branched flow channels 123 for supplying a raw material fluid. Here, the raw material fluid may contain carbon dioxide (CO2) and an electrolyte. In this case, the electrolyte may contain water (H2O). A plurality of flow channel blocks 121 may be provided in the supply-side flow channel section 120, and the branch flow channel 123 may branch into a plurality of branches via the plurality of flow channel blocks 121. In this case, the widths W1 and W2 of the branched flow channels 123 may be uniform. That is, the widths W1 and W2 of the branched flow channels 123 of the supply-side flow channel section 120 may be the same. Here, the branched flow channels 123 may be flow channel portions facing the channel section 130.

[0066] The channel unit 130 has one side connected to the supply-side flow path unit 120, and can form a plurality of channels 131 through which the supplied raw material fluid, carbon dioxide and electrolyte, move. The channel unit 130 faces the electrode E, and the plurality of channels 131 are formed on the surface of the channel unit 130 facing the electrode E. The raw material fluid flowing through the plurality of channels 131 comes into contact with the electrode E, causing an electrochemical reaction at the electrode E.

[0067] On the other hand, the area of ​​the channel portion 130 is, for example, 100 cm 2 Therefore, the electrolytic cell 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a capacity of 100 cm 2 The active area can be greater than or equal to 100 nm.

[0068] A plurality of flow path plates 100 are provided, each facing the anode A and the cathode C. The plurality of flow plates 100 may include a first flow plate P1 facing the anode A and a second flow plate P2 facing the cathode C.

[0069] Here, the electrolytic cell flow path plates 100, 200, 300 according to the first to third embodiments described above may be composed of at least one of the first flow path plate P1 or the second flow path plate P2. In this case, as a specific example, the electrolytic cell flow path plates 100, 200, 300 according to the first to third embodiments described above may be the first flow path plate P1, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and may be the second flow path plate P2, or the first flow path plate P1 and the second flow path plate P2 (see FIGS. 2, 4, and 6).

[0070] An ion exchange membrane I (IEM) may be located between the anode A and the cathode C. Here, the ion exchange membrane I allows ions to move between the anode A and the cathode C.

[0071] Meanwhile, the electrolytic cell 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be formed by stacking the first flow path plate P1, the anode A, the ion exchange membrane I, the cathode C, and the second flow path plate P2 in this order.

[0072] <Production Example 1> A flow path plate for an electrolysis cell that electrolyzes carbon dioxide (CO2) through an electrochemical reduction reaction was manufactured and placed facing the electrode where the electrochemical reduction reaction occurs.

[0073] The flow path plate was manufactured to include a supply-side flow path section in which a flow path for supplying carbon dioxide and electrolyte solution branches into multiple branch flow paths via multiple flow path blocks, and a channel section connected to one side of the supply-side flow path section and having multiple channels through which the supplied carbon dioxide and electrolyte solution move. In this case, the widths of the multiple branch flow paths were uniform.

[0074] The flow path plate was manufactured to further include a manifold inlet connected to the supply-side flow path portion and through which carbon dioxide and the electrolyte flow in, a discharge-side flow path portion connected to the other side of the channel portion and having a plurality of branched flow paths through which reactants are discharged, and a manifold outlet connected to the discharge-side flow path portion.

[0075] On the other hand, the cross section of the flow path block was formed to be circular, and the number and positions of the branched flow paths in the supply side flow path section were manufactured to correspond to the number and positions of the channels in the channel section.

[0076] <Production Example 2> A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that a plurality of flow path blocks were arranged in two rows, but the flow path blocks located between the rows were arranged staggered relative to each other, and the number of branch flow paths in the supply side flow path section was made greater than the number of channels in the channel section.

[0077] <Production Example 3> A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that the cross section of the flow path block was rhombic, the number of branch flow paths in the supply-side flow path section was formed to be less than the number of channels in the channel section, and inwardly recessed grooves were formed on both sides of the supply-side flow path section so that the widths of the branch flow paths located on both sides of the supply-side flow path section were made the same as the widths of the remaining branch flow paths in the supply-side flow path section.

[0078] <Comparative Example 1> A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell was manufactured in the same manner as in Manufacturing Example 1, except that the cross section of the flow path block was rhombic, the number of branch flow paths in the supply-side flow path section was formed to be less than the number of channels in the channel section, the widths of the branch flow paths branched into multiple paths were uneven, and the widths of the branch flow paths located on both sides of the supply-side flow path section were formed to be larger than the widths of the remaining branch flow paths in the supply-side flow path section.

[0079] <Experimental Example 1> FIG. 8 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in the electrolytic cell flow path plate of Comparative Example 1, FIG. 9 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in the electrolytic cell flow path plate of Production Example 1, FIG. 10 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in the electrolytic cell flow path plate of Production Example 2, and FIG. 11 is an image showing the flow velocity distribution in the electrolytic cell flow path plate of Production Example 3.

[0080] Carbon dioxide and electrolyte fluids were introduced into the manifold inlets of the flow path plates for the electrolysis cells of Comparative Example 1 and Production Examples 1 to 3, and the flow velocity distribution of the fluids up to the process of being discharged from the discharge outlet is shown in images in Figures 8 to 11. The flow rate deviation of the fluid in the channel portion measured in Experimental Example 1 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0081] [Table 1]

[0082] The flow velocity distribution image of the channel portion of the flow path plate of Comparative Example 1 shown in Figure 8 shows that the flow velocity on both sides is significantly faster, indicated by the hatched areas, and the flow velocity in the remaining areas is relatively slower, indicated by the dark gray areas. This indicates that the flow velocity between the channels in the channel portion is significantly non-uniform in Comparative Example 1. In contrast, the flow velocity distribution images of the channel portion of the flow path plate of Manufacturing Example 1 shown in Figure 9, the flow path plate of Manufacturing Example 2 shown in Figure 10, and the flow path plate of Manufacturing Example 3 shown in Figure 11 show that the flow velocity is uniform in both sides and the remaining areas, indicated by the light gray areas. This indicates that the flow velocity between the channels in the channel portion is significantly uniform in Manufacturing Examples 1 to 3. Therefore, it can be seen that in Comparative Example 1, the shape and arrangement of the flow path blocks that branch the flow paths are non-uniform, resulting in a biased flow rate in some of the channels located at both edges. However, in Manufacturing Examples 1 to 3, the shape and arrangement of the flow path blocks that branch the flow paths are uniform, resulting in a uniform flow rate in all channels without a biased flow rate in some of the channels.

[0083] Furthermore, referring to Table 1, the flow rate deviation (%) was 8.45 in Comparative Example 1, which is a large deviation, whereas it was 2.99 in Production Example 1, 2.96 in Production Example 2, and 4.40 in Production Example 3, which shows that the deviation was significantly smaller.

[0084] Therefore, it can be seen that in Manufacturing Examples 1 and 2, the flow rate deviation between channels can be reduced by 74% compared to Comparative Example 1, and in Manufacturing Example 3, it can be improved by 48%.

[0085] In short, it can be seen that the flow path plates for electrolytic cells of Production Examples 1 to 3 have significantly improved flow distribution of reactants and products required for the electrolysis of carbon dioxide compared to the flow path plate for electrolytic cells of Comparative Example 1.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments, these are merely for the purpose of specifically explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It can be said that various implementations are possible by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Moreover, the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100, 200, 300, 500: Flow path plate 110: Manifold inlet 120, 220, 320: Supply side flow path section 121, 221, 222, 321: Flow path block 123, 223, 323: Branching channels 130: Channel section 131:Channel 131a: Channel protrusion 140, 240, 340: Discharge side flow path section 141, 341: Discharge side flow path block 150: Manifold outlet 320a: Groove 1000: Electrolysis cell A: Anode C: Cathode E: Electrode I: Ion exchange membrane P1: First flow path plate P2: Second flow path plate

Claims

1. A flow path plate for an electrolysis cell facing an electrode where an electrochemical reaction occurs, a supply-side flow path section in which a plurality of branched flow paths for supplying the raw material fluid are formed; a channel unit, one side of which is connected to the supply-side flow path unit and has a plurality of channels through which the supplied raw material fluid moves; Including, The supply-side flow path section is provided with a plurality of flow path blocks, The branch flow path branches into a plurality of paths via a plurality of the flow path blocks, A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell, wherein the widths of the branched flow paths are uniform.

2. 2. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the channel portion faces the electrode, the plurality of channels are formed on a surface of the channel portion facing the electrode, the raw material fluid flowing through the plurality of channels comes into contact with the electrode, and an electrochemical reaction occurs at the electrode.

3. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the branch flow paths branched from the supply-side flow path portion corresponds to the number of the channels.

4. 2. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, wherein the positions of the branched flow paths of the supply-side flow path section correspond to the positions of the channels of the channel section.

5. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flow path blocks are formed to have a circular cross section.

6. The plurality of flow path blocks are arranged in a plurality of rows, The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of flow path blocks arranged in a plurality of rows are arranged so that the rows are offset from one another.

7. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of flow path blocks are formed to have a non-circular cross section.

8. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , wherein widths of the branch flow paths located on both sides of the supply-side flow path portion are formed to be the same as widths of the remaining branch flow paths of the supply-side flow path portion.

9. a manifold inlet connected to the supply-side channel portion and into which the raw material fluid flows, The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , wherein the supply-side flow path section supplies the raw material fluid flowing in from the manifold inlet.

10. a discharge-side flow path portion connected to the other side of the channel portion and having a plurality of branch flow paths formed therein through which reactants are discharged; The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , further comprising: a manifold outlet connected to the discharge-side flow path portion.

11. The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 10 , wherein the discharge-side flow path section is formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of the supply-side flow path section.

12. The channel portion is The flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of channels are formed linearly so that the raw material fluid moves linearly from one side where the supply-side flow path portion is located to the other side.

13. the raw material fluid includes an electrolyte solution containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (HO), 2. The flow path plate for an electrolysis cell according to claim 1, wherein the carbon dioxide is electrolyzed at the electrodes by an electrochemical reduction reaction.

14. A flow path plate for an electrolytic cell according to any one of claims 1 to 13; the electrode facing the flow path plate; an electrolysis cell comprising:

15. The electrodes include an anode and a cathode, a plurality of flow path plates are provided, each facing the anode and the cathode; 15. The electrolysis cell of claim 14, further comprising an ion exchange membrane (IEM) located between the anode and the cathode.

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