Conductive elastic material for electrolytic cells

Abstract

To provide a conductive elastic material for an electrolytic cell that can suppress voltage rise during operation of the electrolytic cell. [Solution] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion are provided, and each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wavy curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell is provided, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conductive elastomer for an electrolytic cell.

Background Art

[0002] An electrolytic cell is a cell for performing electrolysis and includes at least an anode and a cathode. For example, a cell in which electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution is performed can produce chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide, and is used for the production of raw materials that are the basis of the chemical industry. In such an electrolytic cell, a diaphragm such as an ion exchange membrane is often further provided to avoid mixing of the substances generated at the anode and the substances generated at the cathode. The process of performing electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution using an ion exchange membrane is also referred to as "ion exchange membrane method sodium chloride electrolysis".

[0003] In the field of ion exchange membrane method sodium chloride electrolysis, there are various types of electrolytic cells, and among them, the zero-gap type is becoming the mainstream. In a zero-gap type electrolytic cell, the anode, the diaphragm, and the cathode are brought into close contact with each other to reduce the electrode distance and the resistance of the electrolytic solution. Therefore, the use of such an electrolytic cell leads to a reduction in power consumption.

[0004] In the above "zero-gap" electrolytic cell, one electrode can have a rigid structure with little deformation even when pressed against the diaphragm by increasing its rigidity, and the other electrode can have a flexible and flexible structure that can absorb irregularities due to deformation such as an electrode support frame. In this case, a conductive elastomer can be provided on the back side of the flexible electrode, and the pressure required for the close contact between the cathode, the diaphragm, and the anode can be provided by the elastic force of the conductive elastomer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The inventors of this application have newly discovered that there are areas where the above-mentioned zero-gap electrolytic cell can be further improved. Specifically, in a zero-gap electrolytic cell, where a conductive elastic material and an electrode (e.g., cathode) are in partial contact, if a region with a locally high current density occurs at the contact point between the two, the DC resistance increases, which may result in a voltage increase.

[0007] In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell that can suppress voltage rise during operation of the electrolytic cell. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, in one embodiment of the present invention, It comprises a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell is provided, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

[0009] To achieve the above objective, in one embodiment of the present invention, A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body is provided in which, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, in one embodiment of the present invention, A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. At least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion, One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body is provided in which, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body.

[0011] To achieve the above objective, in one embodiment of the present invention, A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, In the combined state of the one conductive elastic body and the other conductive elastic body, the conductive elastic bodies are provided such that the peaks of the elastic portion of one conductive elastic body and the valleys of the elastic portion of the other conductive elastic body are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, in one embodiment of the present invention, It comprises a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell is provided, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the voltage rise during the driving of the electrolytic cell.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram for explaining an exemplary embodiment when using the conductive elastic body. [Figure 2] It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the combination of electrolytic cell units through an ion exchange membrane. [Figure 3] It is a schematic plan view of the conductive elastic body according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic plan view of the conductive elastic body according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic plan view showing an example of the combination mode of the conductive elastic body of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic plan view showing another example of the combination mode of the conductive elastic body of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic plan view showing still another example of the combination mode of the conductive elastic body of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic plan view showing still another example of the combination mode of the conductive elastic body of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic plan view showing still another example of the combination mode of the conductive elastic body of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, the conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell and the electrolytic cell according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Various elements in the drawings are only schematically and exemplarily shown for the understanding of the present invention, and the appearance, dimensional ratios, etc. may be different from the actual objects.

[0016] In this specification, the "electrolytic cell" refers to a cell for performing electrolysis. In a narrow sense, it refers to a cell that at least includes an anode, a cathode, and a diaphragm provided between these electrodes, represented by an electrolytic cell.

[0017] In this specification, the "up and down" directions, whether directly or indirectly described, are primarily based on the direction in which the elastic force acts, particularly in descriptions specific to conductive elastic electrolytic cells. More specifically, when a conductive elastic body is placed on a plane and its fixing part (the axis or main frame, described later) is in contact with the plane, the direction away from the plane corresponds to the "up direction," and the opposite direction corresponds to the "down direction." Since a conductive elastic body can be installed with its axis vertical in an electrolytic cell, descriptions related to electrolytic cells are based on directions derived from such usage. In other words, in descriptions specific to electrolytic cells, vertically upward corresponds to the "up direction," and the opposite direction corresponds to the "down direction."

[0018] The various numerical ranges referred to herein are intended to include the lower and upper numerical values ​​themselves. That is, for example, a numerical range of 1 to 10 is interpreted as including both the lower limit value of "1" and the upper limit value of "10".

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the use of a conductive elastic material. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the combination of electrolytic cell units via an ion exchange membrane.

[0020] The electrolytic cell 500 comprises an anode 230, a cathode 260, a diaphragm 300 (e.g., an ion exchange membrane) placed between these electrodes, and a conductive elastic body 100 (see Figures 1 and 2). In the electrolytic cell 500, the conductive elastic body 100 contributes to current flow between the electrodes through its conductivity and can apply pressing force to the electrodes through its elasticity.

[0021] Specifically, one electrode (e.g., anode 230) has a rigid structure that deforms little even when pressed against the diaphragm, while the other electrode (e.g., cathode 260) has a flexible structure that can absorb irregularities caused by deformation of the electrode support frame, etc. In this case, the conductive elastic body 100 is provided on the back side of the flexible electrode. In one example, multiple conductive elastic bodies 100 are provided, and multiple conductive elastic bodies 100 can be combined with each other.

[0022] The electrodes are preferably made of a conductive substrate that allows liquid to pass through. Specifically, it is preferable that at least one of the anode and cathode has mesh openings. For example, at least one of the anode and cathode may be made of expanded metal, wire mesh (plain weave mesh, twill weave mesh), or perforated metal. From the viewpoint of exhibiting corrosion resistance, each of the substrates for the anode and cathode may be expanded metal made of at least one selected from the group consisting of titanium, nickel, stainless steel, tantalum, zirconium, and niobium. Similarly, although not particularly limited, the opening ratio of such a conductive porous substrate may be about 20% to 90%, for example, 30% to 80%, 40% to 75%, or 50% to 75%.

[0023] To obtain a larger quantity of the desired electrolytic product, a larger electrolytic cell is used, but the main electrode surfaces (especially the main surfaces where the anode and cathode face each other) also become larger accordingly. A large zero-gap type salt electrolytic cell is preferably composed of multiple electrolytic cell units, each of which has large electrode main surfaces on both opposing sides. For example, in a so-called "bipolar" salt electrolytic cell, an anode (e.g., an anode 230 made of expanded metal) is provided on one of the opposing sides of the electrolytic cell unit 200. On the other side of the same side, a cathode (e.g., a cathode 260 made of expanded metal) is provided. In a sodium chloride electrolytic cell, multiple such electrolytic cell units are connected to each other so as to overlap via a diaphragm 300 (particularly a cation exchange membrane), but in adjacent electrolytic cell units, the anode 230 of one electrolytic cell unit 200A and the cathode 260 of the other electrolytic cell unit 200B are stacked facing each other (see Figure 2).

[0024] In this configuration, the conductive elastic body 100 acts to apply a pressing force from one electrode to the other, thereby enabling the cathode, diaphragm, and anode to be brought into close contact with each other. As a result, the electrolytic cell 500 can function suitably as a "zero-gap" type electrolytic cell.

[0025] Specifically, since the elastic body 100 itself is conductive, an electric current flows through the contact point between the conductive elastic body 100 and the electrode. This current flow causes an electrode reaction, and the desired electrolytic product is obtained. For example, in an electrolytic cell for salt electrolysis, chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and caustic soda can be obtained by the electrode reaction accompanying the current flow.

[0026] Furthermore, the conductive elastic body 100 may be made of metal from the viewpoint of "elastically deformable structure" and "conductivity." For example, the conductive elastic body may be composed of a base material made of at least one selected from the group consisting of titanium, nickel, stainless steel, iron, and copper, and their alloys. Note that the material of the conductive elastic body is not limited to metal, but may also be carbon, and therefore, the conductive elastic body may be made of carbon in addition to or instead of metal. In addition, an electrolytic reaction catalyst may be added to such a base material. For example, if the electrolytic cell is a sodium chloride electrolytic cell, the base material may be coated with a platinum group metal, and the conductive elastic body may be given a hydrogen generation catalyst function.

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a conductive elastic body according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of a conductive elastic body according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The conductive elastic body 100 has a fixed portion 10 and a plurality of elastic portions 20 that extend from the fixed portion 10 in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 10. In the conductive elastic body 100, the fixed portion 10 forms the core or axis of the component, while the elastic portions 20 branch off from it to form the overall framework.

[0029] The fixing portion 10 is a long, rectangular member and does not have a curved shape. On the other hand, each of the multiple elastic portions 20 may have a wavy curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys along the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20. That is, each elastic portion 20 extends in a different direction from the longitudinal direction of the fixing portion 10, which has a planar shape, and is curved. In one example, the curved elastic portion 20 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the non-curved fixing portion 10. That is, the longitudinal direction of the fixing portion 10 and the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20 intersect, or in one example, are perpendicular to each other.

[0030] In this specification, "fixed part" refers to the main skeletal part that serves as the axis or base of the component. On the other hand, "elastic part" refers to a sub-skeletal part that extends from or branches off from the axis or base part. In view of the overall shape of the conductive elastic body 100, the fixed part 10 may be the main body member, and the elastic part 20 may be the branch member.

[0031] The wavy curvature of the elastic portion 20 contributes to the spring properties of the conductive elastic body 100. When an external force is applied to the elastic portion 20, the shape of the wavy curvature changes, allowing the elastic portion 20 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby providing the spring properties of the conductive elastic body 100. Specifically, when the elastic portion 20 is deformed by an external force such that the wavy curvature is reduced or flattened, a stress acts to return it to its original shape, providing the spring properties.

[0032] Under the above configuration, the present invention is characterized in that at least one elastic portion 20 has a slit portion 21 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20.

[0033] Specifically, the elastic portion 20 has a body portion 22 and a slit portion 21, and the body portion 22 of the elastic portion 20 is separated from each other and faces each other along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 10 via the slit portion 21. In other words, the body portion 22 of the elastic portion 20 sandwiches the slit portion 21 along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 10. The slit portion 21 may also be positioned on the peak portion of the elastic portion 20. For example, the slit portion 21 may be a through space (see Figures 3 and 4). Alternatively, the slit portion 21 may be a space with an open end (see Figures 5 to 8 described later).

[0034] From another perspective, the body portion 22 of the elastic portion 20 surrounds at least a part of the slit portion 21. That is, the slit portion 21 can partially divide the elastic portion 20 in its longitudinal direction.

[0035] According to the above features, compared to the case without a slit portion, the elastic portion 20 can be partially divided in its longitudinal direction by the slit portion 21, which allows for a larger number of body portions 22 of the elastic portion 20 that can come into contact with an electrode (e.g., cathode) on a single elastic portion 20. In other words, the number of contact points between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the body portion 22 of a single elastic portion 20 can be increased. Due to the large number of such contact points (corresponding to the black dots (black circles) in Figures 5 to 8), the gas generation points due to electrode reactions near the contact points are dispersed, thereby suppressing localized and excessive resistance increases due to gas generation. As a result, the rise in electrolysis voltage can be suppressed. Furthermore, when multiple elastic portions 20 have the above-mentioned slit portion 21, the uneven distribution of contact points between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the elastic portion 20 can be suitably avoided. As a result, it becomes easier to provide a uniform current distribution in the conductive elastic body 100 during the operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0036] Furthermore, if the elastic portion 20 does not have peaks and valleys in its longitudinal direction, and the above-mentioned slit portion is provided, the number of contact points between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the body portion 22 of the elastic portion 20 can be increased. Therefore, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved.

[0037] A single elastic portion 20 can have multiple slit portions 21 at predetermined intervals. In this case, the voltage rise described above can be further suppressed, and a more uniform current distribution can be provided in the conductive elastic body 100 during the operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing an example of a combination of conductive elastic materials according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a combination of conductive elastic materials according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing yet another example of a combination of conductive elastic materials according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing yet another example of a combination of conductive elastic materials according to the present invention.

[0039] Furthermore, in the electrolytic cell 500, multiple conductive elastic bodies 100 can be combined with each other as described above. Specifically, in the present invention, in a plan view, one conductive elastic body 100 adjacent to another is arranged to locally overlap with the other conductive elastic body 100. Although Figures 5 to 8 illustrate an embodiment in which the elastic part 20 has a slit portion 21, the invention is not limited to this, and the elastic part 20 does not need to have a slit portion 21 as long as local overlap between one conductive elastic body 100 and the other conductive elastic body 100 is ensured in a plan view.

[0040] This local overlapping arrangement allows the elastic portion 20 of one conductive elastic body 100 and the electrode (cathode in one example) to come into contact with each other at the local overlapping point between adjacent conductive elastic bodies 100. This makes it possible to more effectively avoid uneven distribution of contact points between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the elastic portion 20. As a result, it becomes easier to provide a uniform current distribution in the conductive elastic body 100 during the operation of the electrolytic cell. Furthermore, it is possible to have a large number of contact points between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the elastic portion 20. As a result, the gas generation points due to electrode reactions are dispersed, thereby suppressing localized and excessive resistance increases due to gas generation.

[0041] As an example of local overlap arrangement, assuming that a portion of one conductive elastic body 100I and a portion of the other conductive elastic body 100II (e.g., a fixed portion) overlap, as shown in Figure 5, the elastic portion 20II of the other conductive elastic body 100II can be positioned in a plan view along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, between a plurality of adjacent elastic portions 20I of the one conductive elastic body 100I.

[0042] In another example, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, in a plan view, one end of at least one elastic portion 20IV of one conductive elastic body 100IV can protrude onto the fixed portion 10III of the other conductive elastic body 100III in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. In this case, in a plan view, one end of the elastic portion 20IV of one conductive elastic body 100IV and the fixed portion 10III of the other conductive elastic body 100III overlap. In the configuration shown in Figures 6 to 8, for example, taking Figure 6 as an example, in the combination of one conductive elastic body 100IV and the other conductive elastic body 100III, in a plan view, the length L4 of the elastic portion 20IV of one conductive elastic body may be longer than the separation distance L3 between the fixed portion 10IV of one conductive elastic body 100IV and the fixed portion 10III of the other conductive elastic body 100III in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20IV. From another perspective, in a plan view, the fixed portion 10III of the other conductive elastic body is positioned so as to traverse one end of each of the multiple elastic portions 20IV of the one conductive elastic body. With this configuration, one end of the elastic portion 20IV of the one conductive elastic body 100IV can contact the fixed portion 10III of the other conductive elastic body 100III.

[0043] Preferably, the ratio of the width W2 of the slit portion 21 to the total width W1 of the elastic portion 20 along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 10 is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less (see Figure 5, the same applies to the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8). Within this ratio range, it is possible to suppress the voltage rise caused by the presence of the slit portion 21 along the entire width direction of the elastic portion 20, and to ensure the elastic function and resistance to external forces of the elastic portion 20 (the body portion 22) itself.

[0044] From a similar viewpoint, preferably, the ratio of the length L2 of the slit portion 21 to the total length L1 of the elastic portion 20 in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20 is 0.5 or more and 0.9 or less (see Figure 5, the same applies to the embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 8). Within this ratio range, it is possible to suppress the voltage rise caused by the presence of the slit portion 21 in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20, and to ensure the elastic function and resistance to external forces of the elastic portion 20 (the body portion 22) itself.

[0045] In this invention, a configuration of the conductive elastic body 100 that includes the features of the slit portion 21 described above and the features of the local overlap arrangement of the conductive elastic bodies 100 is preferred. The combination of these two features makes it possible to more effectively suppress the voltage rise due to the structural resistance of the cathode and to provide a uniform current distribution of the conductive elastic body 100 during the operation of the electrolytic cell.

[0046] Preferably, the wavy curvatures of the multiple elastic parts 20 are arranged alternately and staggered along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part 10. Specifically, the peaks resulting from the wavy curvature are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part 10, with one elastic part 20 in between. That is, along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part 10, peaks resulting from the wavy curvature appear every other time.

[0047] The valleys caused by the wavy curvature are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part 10, with one elastic part 20 in between each valley. That is, along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part 10, valleys caused by the wavy curvature appear every other valley. As a result, peaks and valleys caused by the wavy curvature appear alternately. In a plan view of the conductive elastic body 100, the peaks caused by the wavy curvature are arranged in a staggered pattern, and the valleys caused by the wavy curvature can also be arranged in a staggered pattern. As a result, the contact points between the conductive elastic body 100 and the electrodes can easily form a staggered pattern, and the gas generation points due to the electrode reaction during operation of the electrolytic cell are dispersed, thereby suppressing localized and excessive resistance increases due to gas generation, and consequently suppressing the rise in electrolytic voltage.

[0048] The above explanation is based on a local overlap configuration of multiple elastic bodies 100 in a plan view, but if it is possible to have a large number of contact points between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the body portion 22 of a single elastic part 20, then the above overlap arrangement is not essential.

[0049] As an example, as shown in Figure 9, in the combined state of one conductive elastic body 100IX and the other conductive elastic body 100X, a configuration can be adopted in which the peaks 24IX of the elastic portion 20IX of one conductive elastic body 100IX and the valleys 23X of the elastic portion 20X of the other conductive elastic body 100X are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 10IX.

[0050] With this configuration, the elastic portion 20X of the other conductive elastic body 100X is positioned between two adjacent elastic portions 20IX of one conductive elastic body 100IX, and one end 25X in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20X of the other conductive elastic body 100X can be positioned adjacent to (or close to) the fixed portion 10IX of the conductive elastic body 100IX. From another perspective, one end 25X in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20X of the conductive elastic body 100X may be positioned away from the fixed portion 10IX of the mating conductive elastic body 100IX. From yet another perspective, one end 25X in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20X of the conductive elastic body 100X does not need to overlap with the fixed portion 10IX of the mating conductive elastic body 100IX.

[0051] With the above arrangement, compared to the case where one end 25X of the elastic portion 20X of the conductive elastic body 100X is located distally to the mating fixed portion 10IX, the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the elastic portion 20X of the conductive elastic body 100X can be suitably brought into contact even near the fixed portion 10IX of the mating conductive elastic body 100IX, that is, even at a location located proximal to the mating fixed portion 10IX.

[0052] Similarly, when the elastic portion 20IX of the other conductive elastic body 100IX is positioned between two adjacent elastic portions 20X of the conductive elastic body 100X, and one end 25IX in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion 20IX of the conductive elastic body 100IX is positioned adjacent to (or near) the fixed portion 10X of the conductive elastic body 100X, the same effects as described above can be achieved. As a whole, a large number of contact points can be secured between the electrode (e.g., cathode) and the elastic portions 20IX and 20X of the conductive elastic bodies 100IX and 100X.

[0053] Furthermore, the conductive elastic body 100 may be provided with elastic portions 20 extending from the fixed portion 10 in pairs. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, multiple elastic portions 20 can be paired so as to extend in opposite directions from multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion 10. This "paired" configuration allows the conductive elastic body 100 to provide reaction force over a wider area. In other words, the conductive elastic body with paired elastic portions functions to press from one electrode to the other in the electrolytic cell, bringing the electrode assembly into close contact, and in doing so, can exert a pressing force over a wider area of ​​the electrodes. This feature is advantageous when the electrolytic cell is large and the main surface size of the electrodes requiring pressing due to zero gap is large.

[0054] In such a configuration of paired elastic parts, it is preferable that the overall arrangement of the wave-like curvature is symmetrical. For example, in a plan view of the conductive elastic body, the arrangement of peaks or valleys resulting from the wave-like curvature may be symmetrical with respect to the fixed part as the axis. For example, the peaks or valleys resulting from the wave-like curvature may be arranged so as to be line-symmetrical with respect to the fixed part. This allows for a wider range of reaction force, while the multiple contact points between the conductive elastic body and the electrode become symmetrical, making it easier to achieve a more uniform current distribution during the operation of the electrolytic cell. In other words, regularly aligned contacts, such as a "staggered" pattern, are created during the operation of the electrolytic cell, contributing to a reduction in the electrolytic voltage.

[0055] Since the conductive elastic body 100 is intended for use in an electrolytic cell, it is preferable that it has a structure suitable for installation in the cell. While methods such as attaching it with wire or screws, or welding, can be used, fasteners can be used to improve workability. For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a mounting opening 40 may be provided in the fixing part 10. That is, a mounting opening 40 may be provided in a portion of the conductive elastic body, such as a long fixing part 10, that can serve as the axial center. This opening 40 allows the conductive elastic body 100 to be attached to the electrolytic cell with a fastener.

[0056] Furthermore, the conductive elastic body 100 can be used for a salt electrolytic cell. Electrolytic cells include a variety of types, such as electrolytic cells for producing desired gases and other electrolytic solutions, as well as cells for fusion electrolysis, electrolytic refining, and electroplating. Among these various electrolytic cells, the conductive elastic body of the present invention may be a component for a salt electrolytic cell. Specifically, it may be a conductive elastic body for ion-exchange membrane salt electrolysis.

[0057] In particular, industrial salt electrolytic cells can be large, and the present invention may be a conductive elastic body for such large cells. Although this is merely an example, it is preferable that the elastic parts of the conductive elastic body are in the "paired configuration" described above. This is because a wider compressive force can be provided per single component. As for the number of elastic parts provided on a single conductive elastic body, a relatively large number is preferable, for example, several dozen or more, and more specifically, around 50 to 1000. In terms of the "paired configuration," it may be around 25 to 500 pairs.

[0058] While not bound by any particular theory, the elastic body 100 in this invention exhibits its effects in electrochemical reactors operated under particularly high current densities involving gas generation reactions, and such effects cannot be expected in products that do not meet these conditions (e.g., batteries).

[0059] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these only represent typical examples within the scope of application of the present invention. Therefore, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention. [Examples]

[0060] The following describes some examples.

[0061] Example 1: The electrolytic voltage was measured using an electrolytic cell in which conductive elastic materials 100I and 100II, as shown in Figure 5, were combined.

[0062] Furthermore, the following conditions were set for each component of the electrolytic cell. • Conductive elastic material: It has an alternating, staggered, wave-like curvature arrangement, possessing the characteristics of the slit portion described above and the characteristics of local overlapping arrangements of conductive elastic materials. • Anode: Rigid anode made of expanded metal (manufactured by Daiso Engineering Co., Ltd., model MD-52I) • Cathode: Flexible expanded metal cathode (manufactured by Daiso Engineering Co., Ltd., model MD-C50) • Cell voltage: 4kA / m for comparison of electrode voltages 2 , 80℃, 32% NaOH equivalent voltage • Ion exchange membrane: Cation exchange membrane (Manufactured by AGC Inc., Model F9010)

[0063] In Example 1, the number of contact points between the cathode and the conductive elastic material was 56. The electrolytic voltage (converted voltage) in that case was 2.822V.

[0064] Example 2: The electrolytic voltage was measured using an electrolytic cell in which conductive elastic materials 100III and 100IV, as shown in Figure 6, were combined. The conductive elastic materials used possessed the characteristics of the slit portion and the characteristics of local overlapping arrangement of conductive elastic materials as described above.

[0065] In Example 2, the number of contact points between the cathode and the conductive elastic material was 60. In that case, the electrolytic voltage (converted voltage) was 2.815V.

[0066] Example 3: The electrolytic voltage was measured using an electrolytic cell in which conductive elastic materials 100V and 100VI, as shown in Figure 7, were combined. The conductive elastic materials used possessed the characteristics of the slit portion and the characteristics of local overlapping arrangement of conductive elastic materials described above.

[0067] In Example 3, the number of contact points between the cathode and the conductive elastic material was 72. The electrolytic voltage (converted voltage) in that case was 2.819V.

[0068] Example 4: The electrolytic voltage was measured using an electrolytic cell in which conductive elastic materials 100VII and 100VIII, as shown in Figure 8, were combined. The conductive elastic materials used possessed the characteristics of the slit portion and the characteristics of local overlapping arrangement of conductive elastic materials as described above.

[0069] In Example 4, the number of contact points between the cathode and the conductive elastic material was 84. The electrolytic voltage (converted voltage) in that case was 2.814V.

[0070] Comparative Example 1: As the conductive elastic material, one was used that did not have the aforementioned slit portion or local overlap arrangement of conductive elastic materials.

[0071] In Comparative Example 1, the number of contact points between the cathode and the conductive elastic material was 36. In that case, the electrolytic voltage (converted voltage) was 2.832V.

[0072] (evaluation) Comparing Comparative Example 1 with Example 1, a voltage drop of 10 mV was observed. Comparing Comparative Example 1 with Example 2, a voltage drop of 17 mV was observed. Comparing Comparative Example 1 with Example 3, a voltage drop of 13 mV was observed. Comparing Comparative Example 1 with Example 4, a voltage drop of 18 mV was observed. From the above, it was found that by suppressing the localized and excessive increase in resistance due to gas generation, the voltage rise can be suppressed.

[0073] To confirm that the present invention as described above encompasses the following aspects, we state the following: <1> It comprises a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. <2> The slit portion partially divides the elastic portion in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. <1> The conductive elastic body described above. <3> The elastic portion has a body portion and a slit portion, and the body portion of the elastic portion faces each other and is separated from each other via the slit portion along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion. <1> or <2> The conductive elastic body described above. <4> The body portion of the elastic part sandwiches the slit portion along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part. <3> The conductive elastic body described above. <5> The body portion of the elastic part surrounds at least a part of the slit portion. <3> or <4> The conductive elastic body described above. <6> The aforementioned slit portion is a through-space portion. <1> ~ <5> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <7> The aforementioned slit portion is a space portion with an open end, <1> ~ <6> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <8> The elastic portion has a plurality of slit portions spaced at predetermined intervals. <1> ~ <7> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <9> The ratio of the width of the slit portion to the total width of the elastic portion along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less. <1> ~ <8> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <10> The ratio of the length of the slit portion to the total length of the elastic portion in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion is 0.5 or more and 0.9 or less. <1> ~ <9> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <11> One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, In a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body. <1> ~ <10> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <12> A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body in which, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body. <13> In the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion, at least one end of the elastic portion of one of the conductive elastic bodies is located on the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body. <12> The conductive elastic body described above. <14> One end of the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body is capable of contacting the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body. <12> or <13> The conductive elastic body described above. <15> In a plan view, one end of the elastic portion of one of the conductive elastic bodies and the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body overlap. <12> ~ <14> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <16> In the combined state of the one conductive elastic body and the other conductive elastic body, in a plan view, the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body is longer than the distance between the fixed portion of the one conductive elastic body and the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. <12> ~ <15> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <17> In a plan view, the fixing portion of the other conductive elastic body crosses each of the ends of the plurality of elastic portions of the one conductive elastic body. <12> ~ <16> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <18> In a plan view along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, the elastic portion of one conductive elastic body is positioned between two adjacent elastic portions of one conductive elastic body. <12> ~ <17> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <19> At least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. <12> ~ <18> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <20> A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. At least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion, One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body in which, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body. <21> Along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, the peaks and valleys of adjacent elastic portions are arranged alternately. <1> , <12> or <20> The conductive elastic body described above. <22> an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, and <1> , <12> or <20> The conductive elastic body described above is provided, An electrolytic cell in which the conductive elastic body is provided on the back side of one of the anode and the cathode such that one of the anode and the cathode is pressed against the other of the anode and the cathode. <23> One of the anode and the cathode is relatively flexible with respect to the other, and the other of the anode and the cathode is relatively rigid with respect to the other. <22> The electrolytic cell described above. <24> This is a zero-gap type salt electrolytic cell. <22> or <23> The electrolytic cell described above. <25> A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body in which, in a combined state of one conductive elastic body and the other conductive elastic body, the peaks of the elastic portion of one conductive elastic body and the valleys of the elastic portion of the other conductive elastic body are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion. <26> One end of the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction can be positioned adjacent to the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body. <25> The conductive elastic body described above. <27> One end of the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction is positioned at a distance from the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body. <25> or <26> The conductive elastic body described above. <28> In a plan view, one end of the elastic portion of one of the conductive elastic bodies in the longitudinal direction does not overlap with the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body. <25> ~ <27> A conductive elastic body as described in any of the following. <29> It comprises a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. [Industrial applicability]

[0074] The conductive elastic material of the present invention can be used in various electrolytic cells. In particular, since the reaction force provided by the conductive elastic material contributes to the close contact between the anode, diaphragm, and cathode, the conductive elastic material of the present invention can be more suitably used in zero-gap type electrolytic cells. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10~10X Fixed part 20~20X elastic part 21 Slit portion of the elastic part 22 Elastic body section 23. Valleys of the elastic section 24. The peak of the elastic part 25IX, 25X One end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic parts 20IX, 20X 40 Mounting opening 100 Conductive elastic material 200 Electrolytic Cell Units 230 Anode 260 Cathode 300 Diaphragm 500 electrolytic cell

Claims

1. It comprises a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

2. The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, wherein the slit portion partially divides the elastic portion in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

3. The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion has a body portion and a slit portion, and the body portion of the elastic portion is separated from and faces each other via the slit portion along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion.

4. The conductive elastic body according to claim 3, wherein the body portion of the elastic part sandwiches the slit portion along the longitudinal direction of the fixed part.

5. The conductive elastic body according to claim 3, wherein the body portion of the elastic part surrounds at least a part of the slit portion.

6. The conductive elastic body according to claim 5, wherein the slit portion is a through-space portion.

7. The conductive elastic body according to claim 5, which is the open end space portion of the slit portion.

8. The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, wherein the elastic portion has a plurality of slit portions spaced at predetermined intervals.

9. The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the width of the slit portion to the total width of the elastic portion along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion is 0.1 or more and 0.7 or less.

10. The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the slit portion to the total length of the elastic portion in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion is 0.5 or more and 0.9 or less.

11. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body.

12. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body in which, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body.

13. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein at least one end of one of the elastic parts of the one conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction of the elastic part is located on the fixed part of the other conductive elastic body.

14. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein one end of the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body is capable of contacting the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body.

15. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein, in a plan view, one end of the elastic portion of one of the conductive elastic bodies and the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body overlap.

16. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein, in a combined state of the one conductive elastic body and the other conductive elastic body, in a plan view, the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body is longer than the distance between the fixed portion of the one conductive elastic body and the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

17. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein, in a plan view, the fixing portion of the other conductive elastic body crosses one end of each of the plurality of elastic portions of the one conductive elastic body.

18. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein, in a plan view along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, the elastic portion of one conductive elastic body is positioned between two adjacent elastic portions of one conductive elastic body.

19. The conductive elastic body according to claim 12, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

20. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. At least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion, One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body in which, in a plan view, one of the conductive elastic bodies locally overlaps with the other conductive elastic body.

21. The conductive elastic body according to claim 1, 12, or 20, wherein the peaks of one elastic portion and the valleys of the other elastic portion are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion.

22. A comprising an anode, a cathode, an ion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a conductive elastic body according to claim 1, 12, or 20, An electrolytic cell in which the conductive elastic body is provided on the back side of one of the anode and the cathode such that one of the anode and the cathode is pressed against the other of the anode and the cathode.

23. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22, wherein one of the anode and the cathode is relatively flexible with respect to the other, and the other of the anode and the cathode is relatively rigid with respect to the other.

24. The electrolytic cell according to claim 22, which is a zero-gap type salt electrolytic cell.

25. A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, comprising a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, Each of the plurality of elastic portions has a wave-like curved shape composed of alternating peaks and valleys in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion. One of the conductive elastic bodies adjacent to each other is compatible with the other conductive elastic body, A conductive elastic body in which, in a combined state of one conductive elastic body and the other conductive elastic body, the peaks of the elastic portion of one conductive elastic body and the valleys of the elastic portion of the other conductive elastic body are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion.

26. The conductive elastic body according to claim 25, wherein one end of the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction can be positioned adjacent to the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body.

27. The conductive elastic body according to claim 25, wherein one end of the elastic portion of the one conductive elastic body in the longitudinal direction is disposed at a distance from the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body.

28. The conductive elastic body according to claim 25, wherein, in a plan view, one end of the elastic portion of one of the conductive elastic bodies in the longitudinal direction does not overlap with the fixed portion of the other conductive elastic body.

29. It comprises a fixed portion and a plurality of elastic portions extending from the fixed portion in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the fixed portion, A conductive elastic body for an electrolytic cell, wherein at least one elastic portion has a slit portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the elastic portion.

Images