Method and apparatus for manufacturing electrode for water electrolysis

Abstract

To provide a method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of producing an electrode for water electrolysis having less variation in a state related to electrode performance than before.SOLUTION: In the method for producing electrodes for water electrolysis, a stock solution L1 for forming electrodes for water electrolysis on at least one conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state and the second installation state is circulated through a vessel 11 in which at least one conductive substrate 21 is disposed. The orientation of the at least one conductive base material 21 in the second installation state coincides with the orientation of the at least one conductive base material 21 when the at least one conductive base material 21 in the first installation state is half-rotated about a predetermined straight line as a rotation axis. The predetermined straight line is a straight line on the main surface of at least one conductive substrate 21 or a straight line intersecting the main surface of at least one conductive substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for producing electrodes for water electrolysis. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Techniques for flowing a liquid over a given article for plating or cleaning are known in the art.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an electroless plating method. This electroless plating method includes a cassette insertion step and a plating layer formation step. In the cassette insertion step, a cassette containing multiple thin flat plates arranged in parallel at appropriate intervals is inserted into a plating tank so that the flat plates are perpendicular to the surface of the chemical solution. In the plating layer formation step, the flow of the chemical solution supplied from the piping into the plating tank is rectified by passing the chemical solution through the opening of a predetermined rectification means, and the cassette is immersed in the chemical solution to form a plating layer on the flat plates.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a cleaning tank. In this cleaning tank, a cleaning liquid supply chamber is provided on one side of the tank body, and a cleaning liquid drain chamber is provided on the other side of the tank body. The object to be cleaned is accommodated in the tank body. This cleaning tank is controlled so that the liquid pressure in the liquid supply chamber and the liquid drain chamber are approximately constant.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a chemical plating tank. This chemical plating tank includes a plating tank, an overflow chamber, a plating solution discharge pipe, a perforated straightening plate, an air discharge pipe, a circulation pipe, a circulation pump, a filter, and an air pump. The perforated straightening plate has many plating solution flow holes to ensure uniform flow rate and dispersion of the plating solution.

[0006] Patent Document 4 describes a substrate processing apparatus equipped with a rotation mechanism that holds and rotates multiple substrates in a processing solution in a processing tank. The substrate processing apparatus is an electroless plating apparatus that uses a plating solution as the processing solution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-42832 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-144645 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-179976 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-57593 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The techniques described in the above patent documents need to be reconsidered from the viewpoint of producing water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in conditions related to electrode performance than conventional ones. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a method for producing water electrolysis electrodes that is advantageous from the viewpoint of producing water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in conditions related to electrode performance than conventional ones. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present disclosure provides: circulating a raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on at least one conductive substrate in a first installation state through a first container in which the at least one conductive substrate is placed; circulating the raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate in a second installation state through a second container in which the at least one conductive substrate is placed; an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate in the second installation state coincides with an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate when the at least one conductive substrate in the first installation state is rotated halfway around a rotation axis that is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate or a straight line intersecting the main surface of the at least one conductive substrate; A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to the present disclosure is advantageous from the viewpoint of producing an electrode for water electrolysis with less variation in the state related to the electrode performance than conventional methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating yet another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating yet another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating yet another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment.

[0012] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) In recent years, hydrogen has been attracting attention as a clean alternative energy source to fossil fuels due to environmental issues such as global warming and energy issues such as the depletion of oil resources. When hydrogen is burned, it basically only produces water. As a result, it does not emit carbon dioxide, which causes global warming, nor nitrogen oxides. For this reason, hydrogen is expected to be a clean energy source. Furthermore, there is a demand for green hydrogen, which is produced by electrolysis of water, rather than gray hydrogen, which is produced using fossil fuels as a raw material.

[0013] Fuel cells are an example of a device that uses hydrogen as a fuel with high efficiency. Fuel cells are being developed and widely used for automotive power sources and home power generation. In the coming hydrogen society, it is expected that hydrogen production will be able to produce clean hydrogen at low cost in order to ensure a stable supply.

[0014] Therefore, it is desirable to increase the amount of hydrogen produced per water electrolysis electrode. For example, a process has been studied for producing highly active water electrolysis electrodes by immersing a substrate in a raw material solution to form a highly active layer on the surface of the substrate. According to the studies of the present inventors, in order to improve the performance of water electrolysis electrodes, it is important to minimize the variation in the state related to the electrode performance of the water electrolysis electrodes. For example, it is important to uniformly form a highly active layer on the surface of the substrate. Therefore, the present inventors hypothesized that if the substrate is immersed in a flow of raw material solution, a highly active layer can be uniformly formed on the surface of the substrate, and the variation in the state related to the electrode performance of the water electrolysis electrodes would be reduced compared to conventional methods.

[0015] For example, in the electroless plating method described in Patent Document 1, multiple thin plates are arranged parallel to each other at an appropriate interval and inserted into a plating tank perpendicular to the surface of the chemical solution. The sidewall of the plating tank is provided with a chemical solution supply port and a chemical solution drain port. The chemical solution is supplied into the plating tank from the chemical solution supply port by a pump, flows parallel to the thin plates, and drains from the chemical solution drain port. The chemical solution discharged from the chemical solution drain port is adjusted as required, and the chemical solution is again supplied into the plating tank from the chemical solution supply port by the pump. In other words, the chemical solution circulates through the plating tank. The techniques described in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3 use a rectifying element. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a buffer plate to ensure a uniform laminar flow of the chemical solution from the chemical solution supply port to the chemical solution drain port. In the technique described in Patent Document 4, the rotation mechanism is understood to rotate multiple substrates around a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the direction of the plating solution flow.

[0016] On the other hand, according to the inventors' studies, when reacting a substrate and a raw solution inside a container, it is extremely difficult to achieve a uniform laminar flow of the raw solution. There are several factors that can disrupt the flow of the raw solution, such as the difference in pressure between the supply inlet and the outlet of the raw solution, the container not being completely sealed, and components for placing the substrate inside the container. If the flow of the raw solution is a uniform laminar flow and the cross-sectional areas of the supply inlet and the outlet are the same, the average flow velocity of the raw solution passing through the substrate will be equal on the supply inlet side and the outlet side. However, if the flow of the raw solution is turbulent, the average flow velocity downstream of the raw solution flow may be lower than the average flow velocity upstream of the raw solution flow. This may result in differences in the average residence time of the raw solution between the upstream and downstream sides of the raw solution flow, which may cause variations in the amount of product produced on the substrate due to the reaction of the raw solution. As a result, a highly active layer may not be formed uniformly on the surface of the substrate.

[0017] When a substrate and a raw solution are reacted inside a container, solid matter may be generated in the raw solution due to the raw solution. If this solid matter adheres to the substrate, contact between the substrate and the raw solution is hindered, making it difficult for the substrate and the raw solution to react, and making it difficult for a highly active layer to form on the surface of the substrate. This solid matter settles due to the influence of gravity. Therefore, the closer to the bottom of the container, the more likely the solid matter is to adhere to the substrate, which can cause variations in the amount of product produced on the substrate by the reaction of the raw solution. As a result, a highly active layer may not be formed uniformly on the surface of the substrate.

[0018] Taking these circumstances into consideration, the inventors have conducted further studies and have newly discovered that by adjusting the installation state of the base material, it is possible to reduce the variation in the state related to the electrode performance of the water electrolysis electrodes compared to conventional methods. Based on this new finding, the inventors have completed the method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to the present disclosure.

[0019] (Embodiments of the present disclosure) Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, and the arrangement and connection of the components shown below are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure unless otherwise stated in the claims. Furthermore, among the following components, components not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of this embodiment are described as optional components. Furthermore, in the drawings, descriptions of components with the same reference numerals may be omitted. To facilitate understanding of the drawings, each component is shown schematically, and the shape, dimensional ratio, and the like may not be accurately depicted. In the accompanying drawings, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the negative direction of the Z-axis is the direction of gravity.

[0020] (First embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 4 are plan views schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for producing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are side views schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for producing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the production apparatus 1a includes a container 11, a circulator 25, and a controller 30. At least one conductive substrate 21 is disposed in the container 11. The circulator 25 is a device for circulating, via the container 11, a raw material solution L1 for forming a water electrolysis electrode on the at least one conductive substrate 21. The raw material solution L1 is circulated between the inside and outside of the container 11 via the container 11, for example, by the circulator 25. The controller 30 controls the circulator 25 to circulate the raw material solution L1 via the container 11 and over the at least one conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state and the second installation state. Therefore, the production apparatus 1a can provide a method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis, which includes the following (I) and (II). The orientation of at least one conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state coincides with the orientation of at least one conductive substrate 21 when the at least one conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state is rotated halfway around a predetermined line as a rotation axis. In other words, the at least one conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state and the at least one conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state are in a relationship of being rotated halfway around the predetermined line as a rotation axis. The predetermined line is a line on the main surface of at least one conductive substrate 21 or a line intersecting the main surface of at least one conductive substrate 21. The predetermined line may be a line on the side surface of the container 11 parallel to the flow direction of the raw material solution L1 or a line perpendicular to the side surface. The orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is invariant with translational motion but varies with rotational motion. A half rotation means a 180-degree rotation around the rotation axis. (I) In a first installation state, a raw material solution L1 for forming water electrolysis electrodes on at least one conductive substrate 21 is circulated through a container 11 in which at least one conductive substrate 21 is placed. (II) In the second installation state, the raw material solution L1 for forming water electrolysis electrodes on at least one conductive substrate 21 is circulated through the container 11 in which at least one conductive substrate 21 is placed.

[0021] As described above, in the production of a water electrolysis electrode, the raw solution L1 is circulated through the container 11 in which at least one conductive substrate 21 is placed in the first installation state and the second installation state. Therefore, for example, an end of the conductive substrate 21 that is located upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in the first installation state may be located downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in the second installation state. Furthermore, an end that is the upper end of the conductive substrate 21 in the direction of gravity in the first installation state may become the lower end of the conductive substrate 21 in the direction of gravity in the second installation state. Therefore, the average residence time of the raw solution L1 is less likely to vary depending on the position of the conductive substrate 21, compared to when the raw solution L1 is circulated through the container 11 only in the first installation state. As a result, there is less variation in the amount of product produced on the conductive substrate 21 by the reaction of the raw solution L1, and water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in conditions related to electrode performance than conventional electrodes can be produced. Additionally, compared to when the raw solution L1 is circulated via the container 11 only in the first installation state, the likelihood of solid matter produced in the raw solution L1 adhering to the conductive substrate 21 is less likely to vary depending on the position on the conductive substrate 21. As a result, there is less variation in the amount of product produced on the substrate by the reaction of the raw solution, and water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in conditions related to electrode performance than conventional electrodes can be easily manufactured.

[0022] The container 11 in the first installation state and the container 11 in the second installation state may be the same container or different containers. In other words, the container 11 used in (I) above and the container 11 used in (II) above may be the same container or different containers.

[0023] The rotation axis is, for example, a straight line on the main surface of at least one conductive substrate 21 that is perpendicular to the direction of flow of the raw solution L1 inside the container 11 in the first installation state. In this case, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 can be adjusted so that the end of the conductive substrate 21 that was located upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in the first installation state is located downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in the second installation state. The rotation axis extends, for example, in the direction of gravity (Z-axis direction).

[0024] The rotation axis is, for example, a straight line on the main surface of at least one conductive substrate 21 that is parallel to the direction of flow of the raw solution L1 inside the container 11 in the first installation state. In this case, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is adjusted so that the end of the conductive substrate 21 that was located upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in the first installation state is positioned downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in the second installation state. In addition, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 can be adjusted so that the end that was the upper end of the conductive substrate 21 in the direction of gravity in the first installation state becomes the lower end of the conductive substrate 21 in the direction of gravity in the second installation state. The rotation axis may extend on the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 or may intersect with the main surface of the conductive substrate 21. When the rotation axis intersects with the main surface of the conductive substrate 21, the rotation axis may be perpendicular to the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 or may be inclined with respect to a line perpendicular to the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 and intersect with the main surface. The rotation axis may extend, for example, horizontally (in the Y-axis direction or the X-axis direction).

[0025] The conductive substrate 21 is not limited to a specific conductive substrate as long as it allows the production of a water electrolysis electrode. The conductive substrate 21 may contain, for example, a predetermined metal or a resin. The entire conductive substrate 21 may be made of metal. The conductive substrate 21 may have a configuration in which a metal-containing surface layer is formed on a resin member such as polypropylene or polyethylene. In this case, the metal-containing surface layer may be a plated film or a sputtered film. The metal contained in the conductive substrate 21 may be a pure metal such as nickel, or an alloy such as stainless steel or Inconel. Inconel is a registered trademark.

[0026] The surface of the conductive substrate 21 preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel and nickel oxide. In this case, the conductive substrate 21 is likely to have high alkali resistance. When the surface of the conductive substrate 21 contains at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel and nickel oxide, the entire conductive substrate 21 may be made of nickel. The conductive substrate 21 may have a surface layer containing at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel and nickel oxide. The surface layer is, for example, a sputtered film or a plated film.

[0027] The shape of the conductive substrate 21 is not limited to a specific shape. The conductive substrate 21 is, for example, plate-shaped. The conductive substrate 21 may have a non-porous structure or a porous structure such as a mesh, foam, or nonwoven fabric. The conductive substrate 21 preferably has a porous structure. In this case, the surface area of ​​the conductive portion of the conductive substrate 21 tends to be large, and the water electrolysis electrode tends to have high electrode activity. In addition, it is easy to prevent gas generated during the water electrolysis reaction from escaping.

[0028] The thickness of the conductive substrate 21 is not limited to a specific value. The thickness of the conductive substrate 21 is, for example, 0.02 mm or more. In this case, the conductive substrate 21 tends to be easy to handle. The thickness of the conductive substrate 21 is, for example, 10 mm or less.

[0029] The raw material solution L1 is not limited to a specific solution as long as it can produce a water electrolysis electrode. The raw material solution L1 is, for example, a solution that can form a layer containing hydroxide on the conductive substrate 21. The raw material solution L1 may be, for example, a solution that can form a layer containing layered double hydroxide (LDH) on the conductive substrate 21. The raw material solution L1 may be prepared by adding iron(III) chloride and nickel(II) chloride to a predetermined solvent such as water, and optionally adding a chelating agent such as acetylacetone (ACAC).

[0030] 2, the circulator 25 is, for example, a pump. The controller 30 is, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and stores a program for controlling the circulator 25.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the manufacturing apparatus 1a has, for example, a first port 12 and a second port 13. A circulator 25 is connected to the first port 12 and the second port 13 by a pipe 24. The first port 12 and the second port 13 are arranged, for example, on opposite sides of the side wall of the container 11. The raw solution L1 sent by the operation of the circulator 25 passes through the inside of the pipe 24 and is introduced into the inside of the container 11. Additionally, the raw solution L1 flows from the first port 12 toward the second port 13 inside the container 11 and is introduced to the outside of the container 11. Inside the container 11, the raw solution L1 flows, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the side wall of the container 11 (the X-axis direction). The raw solution L1 discharged from the container 11 passes through the inside of the pipe 24 and is again sent toward the container 11 by the circulator 25. For example, in this manner, the raw solution L1 is circulated through the container 11.

[0032] The manufacturing apparatus 1a includes, for example, a first nozzle 16 and a second nozzle 17. The first nozzle 16 is connected to the first port 12. The second nozzle 17 is connected to the second port 13. The first nozzle 16 has a plurality of first openings 18, which are provided at predetermined intervals, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. The sum of the opening areas of the plurality of first openings 18 is preferably the same as or close to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the first port 12, for example, 95% to 105% of the cross-sectional area. The second nozzle 17 has a plurality of second openings 19, which are provided at predetermined intervals, for example, in a plane perpendicular to the X-axis. The sum of the opening areas of the plurality of second openings 19 is preferably the same as or close to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path formed by the first port 12, for example, 95% to 105% of the cross-sectional area. In addition, the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of first openings 18 is desirably the same as or close to the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of second openings 19, for example, the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of first openings 18 is 95% to 105% of the sum of the opening areas of the plurality of second openings 19. The plurality of first openings 18 and the plurality of second openings 19 open in opposite directions to each other. A liquid level of the raw material solution L1 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the plurality of first openings 18 are provided in the first nozzle 16 and the plane in which the plurality of second openings 19 are provided in the second nozzle 17.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , the manufacturing apparatus 1a includes, for example, a storage member 40. The storage member 40 is disposed inside the container 11 between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. At least one conductive substrate 21 is disposed in the storage member 40. By disposing the storage member 40 in the container 11, the at least one conductive substrate 21 is disposed in the container 11. The storage member 40 is a member for supporting the at least one conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11.

[0034] 1 and 3, the manufacturing apparatus 1a further includes, for example, an adjustment mechanism 50. The adjustment mechanism 50 adjusts the orientation of at least one conductive substrate 21 to a first installation state or a second installation state.

[0035] The adjustment mechanism 50 is coupled to, for example, the storage member 40. As shown in FIG. 3 , the adjustment mechanism 50 includes, for example, a drive unit 50a, a first shaft 51, a second shaft 52, and a third shaft 53. The first shaft 51 extends in the X-axis direction. The second shaft 52 extends in the Z-axis direction. The third shaft 53 extends in the Y-axis direction. The drive unit 50a rotates the first shaft 51 around a straight line parallel to the X-axis. The drive unit 50a rotates the second shaft 52 around a straight line parallel to the Z-axis. The drive unit 50a rotates the third shaft 53 around a straight line parallel to the Y-axis.

[0036] 3, the manufacturing apparatus 1a further includes, for example, a linear motion device 54. The linear motion device 54 is connected to the adjustment mechanism 50 and is capable of linear motion in a direction parallel to the Y axis.

[0037] For example, when at least one conductive substrate 21 is in the first installation state, the drive unit 50a causes the first shaft 51 to rotate half a revolution around a line parallel to the X-axis. As a result, the storage member 40 moves to a position retracted from the space between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. Next, the linear motion device 54 moves the adjustment mechanism 50 in the negative direction of the Y-axis, and the storage member 40 returns to the space between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. In this manner, at least one conductive substrate 21 enters the second installation state. In this case, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state coincides with the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 when rotated half a revolution around a line on the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 that is parallel to the direction of flow of the raw material solution L1 inside the container 11 in the first installation state. In other words, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state coincides with the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 when rotated half a revolution around a horizontal line in the first installation state. The flow direction of the raw material solution L1 is the flow direction of the raw material solution L1 shown in FIG. 1, more specifically, the direction in which the X axis extends.

[0038] For example, when at least one conductive substrate 21 is in the first installation state, the linear motion device 54 moves the adjustment mechanism 50 in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the storage member 40 moves to a position retracted from the space between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. Thereafter, the second shaft 52 rotates half a turn about a line parallel to the Z axis. Next, the linear motion device 54 moves the adjustment mechanism 50 in the negative direction of the Y axis, and the storage member 40 returns to the space between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. In this manner, at least one conductive substrate 21 reaches the second installation state. In this case, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state coincides with the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 when the conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state is rotated half a turn about a line on the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 that is perpendicular to the direction of flow of the raw material solution L1 inside the container 11. In other words, the orientation coincides with the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 when the conductive substrate 21 is rotated half a turn about a line in the direction of gravity.

[0039] For example, when at least one conductive substrate 21 is in the first installation state, the linear motion device 54 moves the adjustment mechanism 50 in the positive direction of the Y axis, and the storage member 40 moves to a position retracted from the space between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. Thereafter, the third shaft 53 rotates half a turn about a line parallel to the Y axis. Next, the linear motion device 54 moves the adjustment mechanism 50 in the negative direction of the Y axis, and the storage member 40 returns to the space between the first nozzle 16 and the second nozzle 17. In this manner, at least one conductive substrate 21 reaches the second installation state. In this case, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state matches the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 when the conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state is rotated half a turn about a line perpendicular to the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 as the rotation axis.

[0040] As described above, the production apparatus 1a allows the orientation of at least one conductive substrate 21 to be changed inside the container 11, which tends to increase the efficiency of production of water electrolysis electrodes.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, the storage member 40 includes a protective plate 45a, a pair of guides 45b, and a pair of side plates 45c. The pair of guides 45b are arranged at both ends of the storage member 40 in the X-axis direction. One of the pair of guides 45b is arranged near the first nozzle 16. The other of the pair of guides 45b is arranged near the second nozzle 17. The pair of side plates 45c are arranged at both ends of the storage member 40 in the Y-axis direction. The adjustment mechanism 50 is attached to, for example, one of the pair of side plates 45c. The protective plate 45a can serve as a bottom plate of the storage member 40. The storage member 40 may include a pair of protective plates 45a. The pair of protective plates 45a can be arranged at both ends of the storage member 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0042] The guide 45b has a groove 45m, and the width of the groove 45m is greater than the thickness of the conductive substrate 21. The end of the conductive substrate 21 is received in this groove 45m, and the conductive substrate 21 is supported.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1 , the production apparatus 1a further includes, for example, a flow path 14. The flow path 14 has a flow path cross-sectional area that changes in the flow direction (X-axis direction) of the raw solution L1 as the raw solution L1 flows over the conductive substrate. The circulator 25 generates a flow of the raw solution L1 such that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1. When the flow of the raw solution L1 is generated in this state, and the flow rate in the flow path 14 does not change, the average flow velocity downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 may increase according to the fluid continuity equation. Therefore, even if the flow of the raw solution L1 is disturbed, the average flow velocity is unlikely to decrease downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1. Therefore, there is little variation in the amount of product produced on the conductive substrate 21 by the reaction of the raw solution. As a result, water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in electrode performance than conventional methods can be easily produced.

[0044] As described above, since the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is adjusted to the first installation state and the second installation state, the flow of the raw solution L1 does not necessarily occur in the above state throughout the entire period of production of the water electrolysis electrode. The production of the water electrolysis electrode may include a period during which the raw solution L1 flows in the above state. The production of the water electrolysis electrode may include a period during which the raw solution L1 flows in a state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1.

[0045] The plurality of first openings 18 and the plurality of second openings 19 are arranged, for example, in a row in a direction perpendicular to the liquid surface of the raw solution L1 (Z-axis direction). For example, the distance from the first opening 18 or the second opening 19 to the conductive substrate 21 is substantially the same at multiple positions in the direction perpendicular to the liquid surface of the raw solution L1. This makes it difficult for the flow resistance from the first opening 18 or the second opening 19 to the conductive substrate 21 to vary in the Z-axis direction, and makes it easier to uniform the average flow velocity of the raw solution L1 on the upstream side in the flow channel 14.

[0046] The production apparatus 1a includes, for example, a plurality of rectifying plates 20. The flow path 14 is partitioned, for example, by the plurality of rectifying plates 20. The plurality of rectifying plates 20 are disposed inside the container 11. In the production of a water electrolysis electrode, for example, a conductive substrate 21 is disposed between the plurality of adjacent rectifying plates 20. The adjacent plurality of rectifying plates 20 are disposed non-parallel when viewed in the flow direction (X-axis direction) of the raw solution L1. With this configuration, the plurality of rectifying plates 20 can generate a flow of the raw solution L1 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1.

[0047] The conductive base material 21 is disposed, for example, near the center of a space defined by a pair of adjacent current plates 20 .

[0048] A plurality of conductive substrates 21 may be arranged in the container 11. In this case, the manufacturing apparatus 1a includes, for example, a plurality of flow paths 14. Furthermore, the guide 45b has a plurality of grooves 45m, and a plurality of conductive substrates 21 can be arranged along the plurality of grooves 45m.

[0049] 4, in the manufacturing apparatus 1a, it is possible to arrange a plurality of adjacent conductive base materials 21 in parallel. With such a configuration, the work of arranging the plurality of conductive base materials 21 tends to be easy.

[0050] 1 , adjacent rectifier plates 20 are arranged non-parallel when viewed in the flow direction of the raw solution L1. In addition, adjacent rectifier plates 20 sandwiching a non-parallel rectifier plate 20 are arranged parallel when viewed in the flow direction of the raw solution L1. This configuration makes it easy to reduce the volume required to form the multiple flow paths 14 inside the container 11, and tends to improve the productivity of water electrolysis electrodes.

[0051] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. First, in step S101, the conductive substrate 21 is placed in a first installation state inside the container 11. For example, the conductive substrate 21 is placed by inserting ends of the conductive substrate 21 into the grooves 45m of the pair of guides 45b of the storage member 40.

[0052] Next, in step S102, circulation of the raw solution L1 through the container 11 is initiated. For example, the controller 30 transmits a control signal to the circulator 25 to operate the circulator 25. As a result, the raw solution L1 passes through the inside of the pipe 24 and the first port 12, and is discharged from the first opening 18 of the first nozzle 16 toward the flow path 14. This causes a flow of the raw solution L1 in the positive direction of the X axis. The raw solution L1 passes through the flow path 14 while contacting the conductive substrate 21. As a result, a predetermined layer is formed on the conductive substrate 21 through a reaction involving the raw solution L1 and the conductive substrate 21. The raw solution L1 that has passed through the flow path 14 is sucked into the second opening 19 of the second nozzle 17 and discharged to the outside of the container 11 through the second port 13. The raw solution L1 then passes through the inside of the pipe 24 and is guided to the circulator 25, where it is sent again toward the container 11.

[0053] Next, the process proceeds to step S103, where it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed, and the process of step S102 is continued until the result of this determination becomes affirmative.

[0054] If the result of the determination in step S103 becomes positive, the process proceeds to step S104, where the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 is changed. For example, the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 is changed to a second installation state by the adjustment mechanism 50. In step S104, the circulator 25 may be temporarily stopped. In this case, the operation of the circulator 25 is resumed after the change in the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 is completed. This causes the raw material solution L1 to flow in the positive direction of the X axis, as described in step S102.

[0055] Next, the process proceeds to step S105, where a determination is made as to whether the formation of the water electrolysis electrodes is complete. For example, the controller 30 acquires data indicative of the state of the conductive substrate 21, and determines whether the formation of the water electrolysis electrodes is complete based on the data. Examples of the data indicative of the state of the conductive substrate 21 include image data and optical measurement data of the conductive substrate 21. A determination as to whether the formation of the water electrolysis electrodes is complete may also be made based on data indicative of the state of the raw material solution L1. Examples of the data indicative of the state of the raw material solution L1 include concentration data and optical measurement data of a specific component.

[0056] If the result of the determination in step S105 is negative, the process proceeds to step S108, where it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If this determination is positive, the process proceeds to step S104, where the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 is changed again. For example, the installation state may be returned from the second installation state to the first installation state. In this way, for example, the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 is changed every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0057] If the result of the determination in step S105 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S106, where the circulation of the raw material solution L1 is stopped. For example, the controller 30 transmits a control signal to the circulator 25 to stop the circulator 25. Next, the process proceeds to step S107, where the water electrolysis electrodes are removed from the container 11, thereby completing the production of water electrolysis electrodes.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1 , there may also be a conductive substrate 21 disposed in a flow path 14 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path downstream of the raw solution L1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the raw solution L1. In this case, the average flow velocity of the flow path 14 decreases toward the downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1. As described above, the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 is changed in step S104. For example, the end of the conductive substrate 21 that was located upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 in this flow path 14 may be positioned downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1. In this case, the average flow velocity of the flow path 14 downstream is greater than the average flow velocity of the flow of the raw solution L1 upstream. Thus, at a certain point in time, there may be a mixture of flow paths 14 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the raw solution L1, and flow paths 14 in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the raw solution L1. In this case, as described above, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 may be changed. The end of the conductive substrate 21 that was located upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 may be positioned downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1. Therefore, in all of the multiple flow paths 14, there may be a period in which the average flow velocity downstream of the flow of the raw material solution L1 is greater than the average flow velocity upstream.

[0059] For example, bubbles may accumulate in the groove 45m of the guide 45b on the downstream side of the storage member 40, which corresponds to the flow path 14 where the average flow velocity of the raw solution L1 decreases downstream. The accumulated bubbles may bond together and grow larger, increasing in size over time. If such bubbles come into contact with the upper surface of the conductive substrate 21, a layer necessary for exhibiting electrode performance may not be sufficiently formed at the contact point of the bubbles. As described above, changing the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 causes the accumulated bubbles downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 to move. This can prevent the bubbles from growing or remaining in a specific location for a long period of time.

[0060] Solid matter generated in raw solution L1 due to the raw solution L1 may accumulate in groove 45m of guide 45b on the downstream side of storage member 40, which corresponds to flow path 14 where the average flow velocity of raw solution L1 decreases downstream. If solid matter adheres to the surface of conductive substrate 21, the raw solution L1 may be prevented from contacting the surface of conductive substrate 21, which may cause variations in the amount of product generated on conductive substrate 21 due to the reaction of raw solution L1. However, by changing the installation state of conductive substrate 21 inside container 11, the possibility of solid matter generated in raw solution L1 accumulating in groove 45m is reduced, and variations in the amount of product generated on conductive substrate 21 due to the reaction of raw solution L1 are less likely to occur.

[0061] In the above-described manufacturing method, the change of the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 is triggered by the passage of a predetermined time. Alternatively, whether or not to change the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 may be determined based on the measurement results of the concentration of the specific component of the raw material solution L1 inside the container 11. For example, the change of the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 may be triggered by the difference between the maximum and minimum concentrations of the specific component at multiple locations inside the container 11 becoming equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Additionally, the controller 30 may change the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 when it receives a predetermined signal indicating an instruction from an operator. Alternatively, the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 inside the container 11 may be manually changed by an operator.

[0062] In the above-described production method, multiple types of raw material solutions L1 may be used, or a predetermined additive may be added during the production of the water electrolysis electrode. An example of the additive is a pH-increasing agent. An example of the pH-increasing agent is propylene oxide (POX).

[0063] (Second embodiment) Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 1b shown in Fig. 6 has the same configuration as the manufacturing apparatus 1a, except for the parts that will be particularly described. The explanation for the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the manufacturing apparatus 1b further includes, for example, an elevator device 53. The elevator device 53 raises and lowers the adjustment mechanism 50 and the storage member 40. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 50 can be moved in a direction parallel to the Z axis by the elevator device 53. For example, after the adjustment mechanism 50 and the storage member 40 are moved to the outside of the container 11, the installation state of the conductive substrate 21 is changed by the adjustment mechanism 50, and then the storage member 40 is returned to the inside of the container 11. According to the manufacturing apparatus 1b, the orientation of at least one conductive substrate 21 can be changed outside the container 11, which makes it easy to reduce the size of the container 11 and the amount of raw material solution L1 used.

[0065] (Third embodiment) Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 1c shown in Fig. 7 has the same configuration as the manufacturing apparatus 1a, except for parts that will be particularly described. The explanation for the first embodiment also applies to the third embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0066] 7, the manufacturing apparatus 1c further includes, for example, an elevator device 53. The elevator device 53 raises and lowers the adjustment mechanism 50 and the storage member 40. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 50 can be moved in a direction parallel to the Z axis by the elevator device 53. In addition, the adjustment mechanism 50 includes only a second shaft 52 as a shaft, and the second shaft 52 is attached to a horizontally extending surface of the storage member 40.

[0067] For example, when at least one conductive substrate 21 is in the first installation state, the lifting device 53 moves the storage member 40 to the outside of the container 11. Next, the drive unit 50a rotates the second shaft 52 half a turn around a line parallel to the Z axis. Next, the lifting device 53 returns the storage member 40 to the inside of the container 11. In this manner, the at least one conductive substrate 21 is in the second installation state. In this case, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 in the second installation state matches the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 when the conductive substrate 21 in the first installation state is rotated half a turn around a line extending in the direction of gravity on the main surface of the conductive substrate 21 as the rotation axis.

[0068] The manufacturing apparatus 1c has a simple configuration, which tends to reduce the manufacturing cost of electrodes for water electrolysis.

[0069] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 1d shown in Fig. 8 has the same configuration as the manufacturing apparatus 1a, except for parts that will be particularly described. The explanation for the first embodiment also applies to the fourth embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0070] 8, in the production apparatus 1d, a plurality of conductive substrates 21 can be placed inside the container 11. When the plurality of conductive substrates 21 are viewed in the flow direction of the raw material solution L1, the plurality of conductive substrates 21 can be placed so as to be adjacent to each other but not parallel to each other.

[0071] According to the production apparatus 1d, the flow path 14 can be formed by a plurality of conductive substrates 21 that are adjacent to each other and not parallel to each other. This allows the flow of the raw solution L1 to be generated in a state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 14 upstream of the flow of the raw solution L1. Therefore, even if the flow of the raw solution L1 is turbulent, the average flow velocity of the raw solution L1 is less likely to decrease downstream of the flow of the raw solution L1, and the amount of product produced on the conductive substrates 21 by the reaction of the raw solution L1 is less likely to vary. As a result, water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in conditions related to electrode performance than conventional electrodes can be easily produced.

[0072] According to the production apparatus 1b, the current plate 20 is not required to form the flow path 14, so the volume of the container 11 can be reduced, which tends to increase the productivity of water electrolysis electrodes.

[0073] In the manufacturing apparatus 1b, a pair of guides 45b are provided at both ends of the storage member 40, and the guides 45b have grooves 45m, and the width of the grooves 45m is greater than the thickness of the conductive substrate 21. The ends of the conductive substrate 21 are received in the grooves 45m, and the conductive substrate 21 is supported.

[0074] The plurality of conductive substrates 21 may be arranged, for example, such that conductive substrates 21 belonging to a first group consisting of a plurality of conductive substrates 21 arranged parallel to one another and conductive substrates 21 belonging to a second group consisting of a plurality of conductive substrates 21 arranged parallel to one another are alternately arranged. When the plurality of conductive substrates 21 are viewed in the flow direction of the raw material solution L1, the conductive substrates 21 belonging to the first group and the conductive substrates 21 belonging to the second group may be arranged so as to be adjacent to one another but not parallel to one another.

[0075] (Fifth embodiment) Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to an embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus 1e shown in Fig. 9 has the same configuration as the manufacturing apparatus 1a, except for the parts that will be particularly described. The explanation for the first embodiment also applies to the fifth embodiment, unless there is a technical contradiction.

[0076] 9, the production apparatus 1e does not include a flow straightening plate 20, and adjacent conductive substrates 21 can be arranged in parallel. In the production apparatus 1e, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the raw material solution L1 flowing on the conductive substrates 21 is constant in the flow direction of the raw material solution L1.

[0077] In the production apparatus 1e, the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is also adjusted to the first installation state and the second installation state. Therefore, the average residence time of the raw material solution L1 is less likely to vary depending on the position of the conductive substrate 21, compared to when the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is constant. Alternatively, the likelihood of solid matter produced in the raw material solution L1 adhering to the conductive substrate 21 is less likely to vary depending on the position of the conductive substrate 21. As a result, the amount of product produced on the conductive substrate 21 by the reaction of the raw material solution L1 is less likely to vary, making it easier to produce water electrolysis electrodes with less variation in the state related to electrode performance than conventional methods. Additionally, the production apparatus 1e does not require a rectifying plate 20 to form the flow path 14, which allows the volume of the container 11 to be reduced, thereby increasing the productivity of water electrolysis electrodes.

[0078] Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure. Details of the structure and / or function thereof may be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in the manufacturing apparatuses 1a to 1e, when the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is adjusted to the first installation state and the second installation state, the conductive substrate 21 is disposed in the storage member 40 and rotates together with the storage member 40. On the other hand, when the orientation of the conductive substrate 21 is adjusted to the first installation state and the second installation state, the conductive substrate 21 may be removed from the storage member 40 and rotated.

[0079] (Addendum) From the above description, the following techniques are disclosed. (Technology 1) circulating a raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on at least one conductive substrate in a first installation state through a first container in which the at least one conductive substrate is placed; circulating the raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate in a second installation state through a second container in which the at least one conductive substrate is placed; an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate in the second installation state coincides with an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate when the at least one conductive substrate in the first installation state is rotated halfway around a rotation axis that is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate or a straight line intersecting the main surface of the at least one conductive substrate; A method for manufacturing an electrode for water electrolysis. (Technology 2) the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is perpendicular to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to the first aspect of the present invention. (Technology 3) the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is parallel to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to the first aspect of the present invention. (Technology 4) the raw material solution passes through at least one flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area that changes in a flow direction of the raw material solution when the raw material solution flows over the at least one conductive substrate; The production method includes generating a flow of the raw material solution in a state in which a cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one flow path downstream of the flow of the raw material solution is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the flow of the raw material solution. 4. A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Technology 5) and disposing the at least one conductive substrate between a plurality of adjacent current plates provided inside the first container or the second container; The adjacent flow plates are arranged non-parallel. A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 4. (Technology 6) the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; The adjacent conductive substrates are arranged in parallel. A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 5. (Technology 7) The adjacent flow plates are arranged non-parallel, The plurality of rectifying plates adjacent to each other across the non-parallel rectifying plate are arranged in parallel. A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 5. (Technology 8) the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; disposing the plurality of conductive substrates inside the first container or the second container; The adjacent conductive substrates are arranged non-parallel. A method for producing an electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 4. (Technology 9) a first container and a second container in which at least one conductive substrate is disposed; a circulator for circulating a raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate via the first container or the second container; and a controller that controls the circulator to circulate the raw material solutions for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate through the first container and the second container in a first installation state and a second installation state, respectively; an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate in the second installation state coincides with an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate when the at least one conductive substrate in the first installation state is rotated halfway around a rotation axis that is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate or a straight line intersecting the main surface of the at least one conductive substrate; Water electrolysis electrode manufacturing equipment. (Technology 10) Further provided is an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the orientation of the at least one conductive substrate to the first installation state or the second installation state. The apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to the present invention. (Technology 11) the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is perpendicular to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; 11. The apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to claim 9 or 10. (Technology 12) the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is parallel to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; 11. The apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for water electrolysis according to claim 9 or 10. (Technology 13) a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path of the raw material solution flowing on the at least one conductive substrate changes in a flow direction of the raw material solution; the circulator generates a flow of the raw solution in a state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path downstream of the flow of the raw solution is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the flow of the raw solution. 13. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for water electrolysis according to any one of claims 10 to 12. (Technology 14) a plurality of flow straightening plates are disposed inside the first container and the second container; the at least one conductive substrate can be disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of current plates; The adjacent plurality of rectifying plates are arranged non-parallel. 14. A manufacturing apparatus for electrodes for water electrolysis according to claim 13. (Technology 15) the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; The adjacent conductive substrates can be arranged in parallel. 15. A manufacturing apparatus for electrodes for water electrolysis according to claim 14. (Technology 16) The adjacent flow plates are arranged non-parallel, The plurality of adjacent current plates sandwiching the non-parallelly arranged current plate therebetween are arranged in parallel. 15. A manufacturing apparatus for electrodes for water electrolysis according to claim 14. (Technology 17) the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; The adjacent conductive substrates may be arranged non-parallel. 14. A manufacturing apparatus for electrodes for water electrolysis according to claim 13. [Industrial Applicability]

[0080] The present disclosure can be used to manufacture electrodes for water electrolysis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e manufacturing equipment 11 Container 14 Flow path 20 Rectifier plate 21 Conductive substrate 25 Circulatory system 30 Controller 50 Adjustment mechanism L1 raw material solution

Claims

1. circulating a raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on at least one conductive substrate in a first installation state through a first container in which the at least one conductive substrate is disposed; circulating the raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate in a second installation state through a second container in which the at least one conductive substrate is placed; an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate in the second installation state coincides with an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate when the at least one conductive substrate in the first installation state is rotated halfway around a rotation axis that is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate or a straight line intersecting the main surface of the at least one conductive substrate; A method for manufacturing an electrode for water electrolysis.

2. the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is perpendicular to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; The method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to claim 1.

3. the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is parallel to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; The method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to claim 1.

4. the raw material solution passes through at least one flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area that changes in a flow direction of the raw material solution when the raw material solution flows over the at least one conductive substrate; the production method includes causing a flow of the raw material solution in a state in which a cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one flow path downstream of the flow of the raw material solution is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the flow of the raw material solution, The method for producing the electrode for water electrolysis according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. and disposing the at least one conductive substrate between a plurality of adjacent current plates provided inside the first container or the second container; The adjacent flow plates are arranged non-parallel. The method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to claim 4.

6. the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; The adjacent conductive substrates are arranged in parallel. The method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to claim 5 .

7. The adjacent flow plates are arranged non-parallel, The plurality of rectifying plates adjacent to each other across the non-parallel rectifying plate are arranged in parallel. The method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to claim 5 .

8. the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; disposing the plurality of conductive substrates inside the first container or the second container; The adjacent conductive substrates are arranged non-parallel. The method for producing the water electrolysis electrode according to claim 4.

9. a first container and a second container in which at least one conductive substrate is disposed; a circulator for circulating a raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate via the first container or the second container; and a controller that controls the circulator to circulate a raw material solution for forming water electrolysis electrodes on the at least one conductive substrate through the first container and the second container in a first installation state and a second installation state, respectively; an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate in the second installation state coincides with an orientation of the at least one conductive substrate when the at least one conductive substrate in the first installation state is rotated halfway around a rotation axis that is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate or a straight line intersecting the main surface of the at least one conductive substrate; Manufacturing equipment for water electrolysis electrodes.

10. The device further includes an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the orientation of the at least one conductive substrate to the first installation state or the second installation state. The apparatus for manufacturing the electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 9.

11. the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is perpendicular to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 9 or 10.

12. the rotation axis is a straight line on a main surface of the at least one conductive substrate that is parallel to a flow direction of the raw material solution inside the first container; The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 9 or 10.

13. a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path of the raw material solution flowing on the at least one conductive substrate changes in a flow direction of the raw material solution; the circulator generates a flow of the raw solution in a state in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path downstream of the flow of the raw solution is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path upstream of the flow of the raw solution. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode for water electrolysis according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. a plurality of flow straightening plates are disposed inside the first container and the second container; the at least one conductive substrate can be disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of current plates; The adjacent plurality of rectifying plates are arranged non-parallel. The apparatus for manufacturing the electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 13.

15. the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; The adjacent conductive substrates can be arranged in parallel. The apparatus for manufacturing the electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 14.

16. The adjacent flow plates are arranged non-parallel, The plurality of adjacent current plates sandwiching the non-parallelly arranged current plate therebetween are arranged in parallel. The apparatus for manufacturing the electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 14.

17. the at least one conductive substrate is a plurality of the conductive substrates; The adjacent conductive substrates may be arranged non-parallel. The apparatus for manufacturing the electrode for water electrolysis according to claim 13.

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