Organic hydride production apparatus and organic hydride production apparatus complex

Abstract

The present invention provides an organic hydride production apparatus that can improve the efficiency of organic hydride production. [Solution] One embodiment of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises an electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a diffusion layer provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, an anode-side plate member, a cathode-side plate member having a flat portion facing the diffusion layer and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion, a sealing member that seals the gap between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, an elastic member provided on the side of the first protrusion opposite to the sealing member, and a pressing member provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member opposite to the diffusion layer, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an organic hydride production apparatus and a composite of organic hydride production apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] As a method for producing an organic hydride required for storing and transporting hydrogen, for example, an organic hydride production apparatus that electrochemically hydrogenates an aromatic hydrocarbon compound such as toluene to produce an organic hydride has been studied.

[0003] For example, it includes an anode that generates protons from water, a cathode having a cathode catalyst layer that hydrogenates an organic compound (substrate for hydrogenation) having an unsaturated bond, an electrolyte membrane that separates the anode and the cathode, and a pair of end plates. An organic hydride production apparatus has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the organic hydride production apparatus, water is supplied to the anode, the substrate for hydrogenation is supplied to the cathode, and a voltage is applied between the anode and the cathode, so that protons (H + ) generated by the oxidation reaction of water react with the substrate for hydrogenation to hydrogenate the substrate for hydrogenation. As a result, an organic hydride in which hydrogen is added to the substrate for hydrogenation is obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In organic hydride manufacturing equipment, reducing the contact resistance between the electrolyte membrane and the anode and cathode electrodes is necessary to improve the efficiency of organic hydride production. Therefore, one approach is to press the end plates in a direction that brings the electrolyte membrane into close contact with the anode and cathode electrodes. However, especially when the organic hydride manufacturing equipment is enlarged, it is difficult to apply uniform pressure to the center and periphery of the end plates. This can lead to uneven pressure distribution, causing the end plates to warp, potentially resulting in leaks or equipment damage.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide an organic hydride production apparatus that can improve the efficiency of organic hydride production. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the organic hydride production apparatus according to the present invention includes a proton-conducting electrolyte membrane, an anode electrode provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generating protons, a cathode electrode provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane and hydrogenating a hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, a diffusion layer provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane and allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through, an anode-side plate member provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, and a member provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and facing the diffusion layer. The cathode-side plate member has a flat portion and first protrusions provided at both ends of the flat portion in one direction and protruding toward the opposite side of the diffusion layer; a sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member; an elastic member provided on the side of the first protrusion opposite to the sealing member; and a pressing member provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member opposite to the diffusion layer, which presses the flat portion and presses the first protrusion via the elastic member, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] One embodiment of the organic hydride production apparatus according to the present invention can improve the efficiency of organic hydride production. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an organic hydride production apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the organic hydride production apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view II in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the organic hydride production apparatus complex according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view II in Figure 1 of an organic hydride production apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view II in Figure 1 of an organic hydride production apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the organic hydride production apparatus complex according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the organic hydride production apparatus and pressurization section according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals are used for identical components in each drawing, and redundant explanations are omitted. In this specification, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) is used. The Z-axis direction is defined as the direction along one plane of the planar portion of the cathode-side plate member, the X-axis direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, and the Y-axis direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to one plane of the planar portion of the cathode-side plate member. The Y-axis direction is the stacking direction of the electrolyte membrane, anode electrode, cathode electrode, etc. Furthermore, with respect to the Y-axis direction, the pressing member side is defined as the +Y direction, and the anode-side plate member side is defined as the -Y direction. In this specification, the "~" indicating a numerical range means that the values ​​before and after it are included as the lower and upper limits, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

[0012] <First Embodiment> [Organic Hydride Production Equipment] Figure 1 is a front view of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of section II of Figure 1. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an electrolyte membrane 2, an anode electrode 3, a cathode electrode 4, a diffusion layer 6, an anode-side plate member 7, a cathode-side plate member 8, a sealing member 9, an elastic member 10, and a pressing member 11, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 may further include a porous transport layer 5.

[0013] The electrolyte membrane 2 is proton conductive and is placed between the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4. As the electrolyte membrane 2, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane such as a fluorine-based ion exchange membrane having sulfonic acid groups can be used. The electrolyte membrane 2 selectively conducts protons while suppressing the mixing or diffusion of substances between the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4.

[0014] The thickness of the electrolyte membrane 2 is preferably 5 μm to 300 μm, more preferably 10 μm to 150 μm, and even more preferably 20 μm to 100 μm. When the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 2 is 5 μm or more, the barrier property of the electrolyte membrane 2 can be maintained and the amount of cross leakage can be reduced. Also, when the thickness of the electrolyte membrane 2 is 300 μm or less, it is possible to suppress the excessive increase in ion migration resistance.

[0015] The area resistance of the electrolyte membrane 2, that is, the ion migration resistance per geometric area, is 2000 mΩ·cm 2 or less is preferable, 1000 mΩ·cm 2 or less is more preferable, 500 mΩ·cm 2 or less is most preferable. If the contact resistance of the electrolyte membrane 2 is higher than 2000 mΩ·cm 2 proton conductivity will be insufficient.

[0016] As the material having proton conductivity, a cation-exchange type material having proton conductivity (cation-exchange type ionomer), etc. are used. Examples of the cation-exchange type ionomer include perfluorosulfonic acid polymers such as Nafion (registered trademark) and Flemion (registered trademark). The ion exchange capacity (IEC) of the cation-exchange type ionomer is preferably 0.7 meq / g to 2 meq / g, and more preferably 1 meq / g to 1.2 meq / g. If the ion exchange capacity of the cation-exchange type ionomer is 0.7 meq / g or more, the electrolyte membrane 2 has sufficient ion conductivity. On the other hand, if the ion exchange capacity of the cation-exchange type ionomer is 2 meq / g or less, an increase in the solubility of the cation-exchange type ionomer in water can be suppressed, so the electrolyte membrane 2 has sufficiently high strength. <日

[0017] The anode electrode 3 is provided on one side (-Y direction side) of the electrolyte membrane 2 and oxidizes water to generate protons. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the anode electrode 3 is in contact with one main surface of the electrolyte membrane 2. The anode electrode 3 may contain an anode catalyst that promotes the oxidation reaction of water.

[0018] As anode catalysts, metals such as Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Sn, W, Re, Pb, and Bi, or their metal oxides, can be used. Among these, Ir, Ru, Pt, or their metal oxides are preferred because they improve the electrode reaction of the anode electrode 3 and efficiently hydrogenate the hydride. Examples of these metal oxides include RuO2 and IrO2.

[0019] The anode catalyst may be dispersed and supported or coated on an electronically conductive substrate. The substrate may be composed of, for example, metals such as Ti, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta, W, or oxides thereof, or materials mainly composed of metals such as stainless steel (SUS). Examples of substrate forms include wires, woven or nonwoven sheets, meshes, porous materials, and foams.

[0020] In particular, when RuO2 and IrO2 are used as anode catalysts, since RuO2 and IrO2 are expensive, it is preferable to use them dispersed or coated on a substrate to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0021] When the anode electrode 3 has a structure in which the anode catalyst is dispersed and supported or coated on a substrate, the thickness of the anode electrode 3, including the anode catalyst and substrate, is, for example, 0.05 mm to 1 mm. By making the thickness of the anode electrode 3 0.05 mm or more, the amount of catalyst required for the electrolytic reaction can be obtained more reliably. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the anode electrode 3 1 mm or less, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the diffusibility of the anode solution.

[0022] The cathode electrode 4 is located on the other side (+Y direction side) of the electrolyte membrane 2 and hydrogenates the substance to be hydrogenated with protons to produce an organic hydride. In the example shown in Figure 3, the cathode electrode 4 is in contact with the main surface on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 2. The cathode electrode 4 may contain a cathode catalyst that promotes the hydrogenation of the substance to be hydrogenated.

[0023] For example, platinum (Pt) and ruthenium (Ru) can be used as the cathode catalyst. The cathode electrode 4 may also contain other metals or metal compounds.

[0024] The cathode electrode 4 may contain a porous catalyst support that holds the cathode catalyst. The catalyst support is composed of an electronically conductive material such as porous carbon, porous metal, or porous metal oxide.

[0025] When the cathode electrode 4 contains a cathode catalyst, the thickness of the cathode electrode 4 is, for example, 20 μm to 50 μm. By making the thickness of the cathode electrode 4 20 μm or more, the amount of catalyst required for the electrolytic reaction can be obtained more reliably. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the cathode electrode 4 50 μm or less, it is possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the diffusibility of the hydride.

[0026] The porous transport layer 5 is located on the side of the anode electrode 3 opposite to the electrolyte membrane 2 (the -Y direction side) and allows the anode solution to pass through. In the example shown in Figure 3, the porous transport layer 5 is in contact with the main surface of the anode electrode 3 opposite to the electrolyte membrane 2. The porous transport layer 5 plays a role in more uniformly diffusing the anode solution into the anode electrode 3. The porous transport layer 5 also plays a role in transporting electrons generated by the electrolysis of water.

[0027] The porous transport layer 5 is a porous material. Examples of porous materials include fibrous materials, aggregates, and foamed molded materials. Examples of materials constituting the porous transport layer 5 include conductive materials such as carbon and metals. Examples of metals include Pt, Au, Ag, Cu, and Ti. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more. For example, a metallic material in which the surface of a mesh formed of Pt or Au is coated with Ti may be used.

[0028] The fibrous material may be manufactured by either a dry or wet process. The fibrous material may be formed as a compressed fiber body. The fibrous material may be formed as a woven or nonwoven fabric.

[0029] Examples of fibers constituting the fibrous material include carbon fibers, metal fibers formed from metal fibers, conductive fibers in which metal or graphite is uniformly dispersed within synthetic fibers, conductive fibers in which the surface of synthetic fibers is coated with metal, and conductive fibers in which the surface of synthetic fibers is coated with a resin containing a conductive substance. Among these conductive fibers, carbon fibers or metal fibers are preferred in terms of ease of manufacture and manufacturing cost. Examples of synthetic fibers used in conductive fibers include inorganic fibers and organic fibers.

[0030] Inorganic fibers are not particularly limited, but examples include silica fibers, glass fibers, alumina fibers, silica-alumina fibers, silica-alumina-magnesia fibers, biosoluble inorganic fibers, glass fibers, zirconia fibers, alkaline earth metal salt silicate fibers, alkali earth silicate (AES) wool, glass wool, rock wool, and basalt fibers. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0031] The organic fibers are not particularly limited, but examples include aramid fibers, polyester fibers, polyethylene fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyvinyl chloride fibers, fluororesin fibers, nylon fibers, rayon fibers, acrylic fibers, and polyolefin fibers. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0032] When the porous transport layer 5 is made of fibers, the average fiber diameter is preferably 20 μm to 100 μm, more preferably 20 μm to 50 μm, and even more preferably 20 μm to 30 μm. If the average fiber diameter is 20 μm to 100 μm, even if the porous transport layer 5 is compressed at a high compression ratio, each fiber can maintain its independence and its shape can be suppressed. In addition, the contact area between the fibers and the anode liquid can be maintained.

[0033] The average fiber diameter refers to the diameter of the equivalent circle of the cross-section along the direction perpendicular to the fiber's length (fiber axis). The number of fibers is not particularly limited and may be one or more.

[0034] The thickness of the porous transport layer 5 is, for example, 200 μm to 700 μm. By making the thickness of the porous transport layer 5 200 μm or more, the diffusivity of the anode liquid can be more reliably improved. On the other hand, by making the thickness of the porous transport layer 5 700 μm or less, it is possible to suppress excessive electrical resistance.

[0035] The diffusion layer 6 is located on the side of the cathode electrode 4 opposite to the electrolyte membrane 2 (the +Y direction side) and allows the hydride (cathode solution containing the hydride) and organic hydride to pass through. In the example shown in Figure 3, the diffusion layer 6 is in contact with the main surface of the cathode electrode 4 opposite to the electrolyte membrane 2. The diffusion layer 6 plays the role of relatively uniform diffusion of the cathode solution containing the hydride. The diffusion layer 6 also allows the organic hydride generated at the cathode electrode 4 to be discharged to the outside of the cathode electrode 4.

[0036] The materials that make up the diffusion layer 6 include conductive materials such as carbon and metal. The diffusion layer 6 is also a porous material such as a sintered body of fibers or particles, or a foamed molded body. More specific examples of materials that make up the diffusion layer 6 include woven carbon fabric (carbon cloth), nonwoven carbon fabric, and carbon paper.

[0037] The thickness of the diffusion layer 6 is, for example, 200 μm to 700 μm. By making the thickness of the diffusion layer 6 200 μm or more, the diffusivity of the hydride can be more reliably improved. On the other hand, by making the thickness of the diffusion layer 6 700 μm or less, it is possible to suppress excessive electrical resistance.

[0038] The anode-side plate member 7 is provided on the side of the porous transport layer 5 opposite to the anode electrode 3 (the -Y direction side). In the example shown in Figure 3, the anode-side plate member 7 is in contact with the main surface of the porous transport layer 5 opposite to the anode electrode 3.

[0039] The anode chamber, which houses the anode electrode 3 and the porous transport layer 5, is defined by the anode-side plate member 7, the electrolyte membrane 2, and the sealing member 9, which will be described later. The anode liquid is a liquid containing water that is supplied to the anode chamber. Examples of anode liquids include aqueous sulfuric acid solution, aqueous nitric acid solution, aqueous hydrochloric acid solution, pure water, and deionized water. The organic hydride production apparatus 1 may also have an elastic body such as a spring, which is housed in the anode chamber and positioned on the opposite side of the porous transport layer 5 from the anode electrode 3, and which presses the anode electrode 3 against the electrolyte membrane 2 via the porous transport layer 5. This allows the organic hydride production apparatus 1 to reduce the contact resistance between the electrolyte membrane 2 and the anode electrode 3.

[0040] The anode-side plate member 7 may have a flat portion 71 facing the porous transport layer 5. Examples of materials that make up the anode-side plate member 7 include metals such as stainless steel (SUS) and titanium (Ti).

[0041] The cathode-side plate member 8 is provided on the side of the diffusion layer 6 opposite to the cathode electrode 4. In the example shown in Figure 3, the cathode-side plate member 8 is in contact with the main surface of the diffusion layer 6 opposite to the cathode electrode 4. The cathode-side plate member 8 has a flat portion 81 facing the diffusion layer 6, and first protrusions 82 provided at both ends of the flat portion 81 in one direction (Z-axis direction) and projecting toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer 6. The material constituting the cathode-side plate member 8 is the same as that of the anode-side plate member 7.

[0042] A cathode chamber containing the cathode electrode 4 and diffusion layer 6 is defined by the cathode-side plate member 8, the electrolyte membrane 2, and the sealing member 9, which will be described later. The cathode liquid is a mixture of the hydride and an organic hydride supplied to the cathode chamber. Examples of cathode liquids include toluene, benzyltoluene, and dibenzyltoluene.

[0043] The hydrogenated substance and organic hydride used in this embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they are organic compounds that can be reversibly subjected to hydrogenation / dehydrogenation reactions to add / remove hydrogen, and can be broadly used such as acetone-isopropanol systems, benzoquinone-hydroquinone systems, and aromatic hydrocarbon systems. Among these, aromatic hydrocarbon systems, such as toluene-methylcyclohexane systems, are preferred from the viewpoint of transportability during energy transport.

[0044] Aromatic hydrocarbon compounds used as hydrogenates are compounds containing at least one aromatic ring, such as benzene, alkylbenzene, naphthalene, alkylnaphthalene, anthracene, and diphenylethane. Alkylbenzenes include compounds in which the 1st to 4th hydrogen atoms of the aromatic ring are substituted with a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group, such as toluene, xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, and diethylbenzene. Alkylnaphthalenes include compounds in which the 1st to 4th hydrogen atoms of the aromatic ring are substituted with a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or a branched alkyl group, such as methylnaphthalene. These may be used individually or in combination.

[0045] The anode liquid and cathode liquid are supplied to the anode chamber and cathode chamber, respectively, from a supply pipe (not shown) via a supply hose (not shown). The supplied anode liquid, cathode liquid, and the generated organic hydride are then recovered from a recovery pipe (not shown), for example.

[0046] The sealing member 9 seals the gap at the periphery between the anode-side plate member 7 and the cathode-side plate member 8. The sealing member 9 prevents the cathode fluid and anode fluid from leaking out of the cathode chamber or anode chamber. Specifically, it is provided between the flat portion 71 and the first projection 82, and between the flat portions 71 and 81.

[0047] The elastic modulus of the sealing member 9 is, for example, 0.1 MPa to 10 MPa. The sealing member 9 may have an annular shape, and an O-ring can be used as the sealing member 9.

[0048] The elastic member 10 is provided on the side of the first protrusion 82 opposite to the sealing member 9. That is, the elastic member 10 is in contact with the side of the first protrusion 82 opposite to the sealing member 9. The elastic member 10 may have a sheet-like shape, and in this case, the thickness of the elastic member 10 is preferably 0.1 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0049] The elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9. The elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is preferably 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa, and more preferably 3 MPa to 10 MPa.

[0050] The elastic member 10 may be a spring, rubber, or an elastic porous body.

[0051] The pressing member 11 is provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member 8 opposite to the diffusion layer 6, and presses the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 via the elastic member 10. The pressing member 11 is conductive.

[0052] The pressing member 11 may have a second projection 111 that protrudes toward the flat portion 81 and faces the flat portion 81, and flange portions 112 provided at both ends of the second projection 111 in one direction (Z-axis direction) and facing the elastic member 10.

[0053] Examples of materials that make up the pressing member 11 include SUS304 and SUS316.

[0054] The pressing member 11 may be hollow or filled inside. If the pressing member 11 is hollow, it may have a passage for circulating a cooling medium inside the housing. That is, the pressing member 11 may be a cooling jacket.

[0055] [Organic Hydride Production Equipment Complex] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the organic hydride production apparatus complex according to the first embodiment. The organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000 according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of organic hydride production apparatuses 1, as shown in Figure 4. The organic hydride production apparatuses 1 are arranged so that the pressing member 11 of one adjacent organic hydride production apparatus 1 faces the anode-side plate member 7 of the other organic hydride production apparatus 1. The number of organic hydride production apparatuses 1 can be, for example, several tens to several hundred.

[0056] The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1000 is located opposite to the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1, which is the one-end of the plurality of organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 1, and includes an application unit 13 that applies pressure to the pressing member 11 of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion 81 and toward the anode-side plate member 7 (-Y direction).

[0057] The organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000 has an end member 122 facing the organic hydride production apparatus 1 located at the far end of the plurality of organic hydride production apparatuses 1. The plurality of organic hydride production apparatuses 1 are arranged between the application section 13 and the end member 122. In the direction perpendicular to the planar portion 81 of the pressing member 11 of the organic hydride production apparatus 1 (Y-axis direction), it is preferable that the outer shape of the end member 122 is larger than the outer shape of the organic hydride production apparatus 1.

[0058] The application unit 13 is slidably positioned in a direction perpendicular to the terminal member 122 (Y-axis direction). Pressure can be applied to the application unit 13, for example, by hydraulic pressure.

[0059] The application unit 13 applies pressure to the pressing member 11 of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 located at the furthest end, in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion 81 and toward the anode-side plate member 7. As a result, multiple organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 1 are pressed against the terminal member 122.

[0060] Thus, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 comprises an electrolyte membrane 2, an anode electrode 3, a cathode electrode 4, a diffusion layer 6, an anode-side plate member 7, a cathode-side plate member 8, a sealing member 9, an elastic member 10, and a pressing member 11, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9. The surface of the cathode-side plate member 8 facing the pressing member 11 has an uneven shape due to a flat portion 81 and a first protrusion 82, making it difficult to press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with equal pressure. In particular, when the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 is enlarged, the dimensional tolerance on the opposing surface also increases, making the cathode-side plate member 8 more susceptible to deformation when pressed by the pressing member 11.

[0061] According to this embodiment, since the elastic member 10 absorbs the strain of the cathode-side plate member 8, even if the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 is enlarged, the pressing member 11 can press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 while suppressing the strain of the cathode-side plate member 8. Furthermore, since the elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 can sufficiently transmit the pressure received from the pressing member 11 to the anode-side plate member 7 via the elastic member 10, the first protrusion 82, and the sealing member 9. For this reason, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 can apply sufficient pressure to the electrolyte membrane 2, anode electrode 3, and cathode electrode 4, which are positioned between the cathode-side plate member 8 and the anode-side plate member 7.

[0062] Therefore, with the organic hydride production apparatus 1, the electrolyte membrane 2 can be brought into close contact with the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving the efficiency of organic hydride production.

[0063] Furthermore, since the elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 can sufficiently transmit the pressure received from the pressing member 11 to the sealing member 9 via the elastic member 10 and the first protrusion 82, thereby crushing the sealing member 9. As a result, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 can sufficiently seal the gap at the periphery between the anode-side plate member 7 and the cathode-side plate member 8, and maintain a state in which leakage of cathode liquid and anode liquid to the outside of the anode chamber is prevented.

[0064] The elastic member 10 has a sheet-like shape, and its thickness can be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. With this configuration, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 can press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0065] The elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 can be set to 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa. This allows the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 to press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing the deformation of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0066] The elastic member 10 can be a spring, rubber, or an elastic porous body. This allows the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 to press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0067] The organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000 comprises multiple organic hydride production apparatuses 1. Furthermore, the multiple organic hydride production apparatuses 1 are arranged so that the pressing member 11 of one adjacent organic hydride production apparatus faces the anode-side plate member 7 of the other organic hydride production apparatus 1. This configuration allows the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000, having the organic hydride production apparatuses 1 of this embodiment, to bring the electrolyte membrane 2 into close contact with the anode electrode 3 and cathode electrode 4, thereby reducing contact resistance. Therefore, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000 can improve the efficiency of organic hydride production.

[0068] <Second Embodiment> Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment, shown as II in Figure 1. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment differs from the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that the arrangement of the elastic member 10 and the elastic modulus are different. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the points mentioned above, so a detailed explanation may be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 10 is provided on the surface of the flat portion 81 opposite to the diffusion layer 6 (the +Y direction side). That is, the elastic member 10 is in contact with the main surface of the flat portion 81 opposite to the diffusion layer 6.

[0070] The elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9. The elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is preferably 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa, and more preferably 3 MPa to 15 MPa.

[0071] The pressing member 11 is provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member 8 opposite to the diffusion layer 6, and presses the first projection 82 and the flat portion 81 via the elastic member 10. The pressing member 11 is electrically conductive.

[0072] The pressing member 11 may have a second projection 111 that protrudes toward the elastic member 10 and faces the elastic member 10, and flanges 112 provided at both ends in one direction of the second projection 111 and facing the first projection 82. The shape of the pressing member 11 and the material constituting the pressing member 11 can be the same as that of the pressing member 11 in the first embodiment.

[0073] The height L1 of the second projection 111 from the flange portion 112 may be lower than the height L2 of the first projection 82 from the flat portion 81. Here, height L1 means the distance between the surface of the flange portion 112 facing the first projection 82 and the surface of the second projection 111 facing the elastic member 10. Height L2 means the distance between the surface of the flat portion 81 facing the elastic member 10 and the surface of the first projection 82 facing the flange portion 112.

[0074] The pressing member 11 may be hollow or filled inside. If the pressing member 11 is hollow, it may have a passage for circulating a cooling medium inside the housing. That is, the pressing member 11 may be a cooling jacket.

[0075] Thus, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 comprises an electrolyte membrane 2, an anode electrode 3, a cathode electrode 4, a diffusion layer 6, an anode-side plate member 7, a cathode-side plate member 8, a sealing member 9, an elastic member 10, and a pressing member 11, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9. In the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101, because the elastic member 10 absorbs the strain of the cathode-side plate member 8, even if the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 is enlarged, the pressing member 11 can press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 while suppressing the strain of the cathode-side plate member 8. Furthermore, because the elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 is greater than that of the sealing member 9, the pressure received from the pressing member 11 is suppressed from concentrating on the flat portion 81, and the pressing member 11 can press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with relatively uniform pressure.

[0076] Therefore, with the organic hydride production apparatus 101, the electrolyte membrane 2 can be brought into close contact with the anode electrode 3 and the cathode electrode 4, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving the efficiency of organic hydride production.

[0077] The pressing member 11 has a second projection 111 and a flange 112, and the height of the second projection 111 from the flange 112 can be configured to be lower than the height of the first projection 82 from the flat portion 81. With this configuration, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 can further suppress the concentration of pressure received from the pressing member 11 on the flat portion 81. Therefore, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 can press the flat portion 81 and the first projection 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0078] The elastic member 10 has a sheet-like shape, and its thickness can be 0.1 mm to 10 mm. With this configuration, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 can press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0079] The elastic modulus of the elastic member 10 can be set to 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa. This allows the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 to press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing the deformation of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0080] The elastic member 10 can be a spring, rubber, or an elastic porous body. This allows the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 101 to press the flat portion 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0081] <Third Embodiment> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of II in Figure 1 of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment differs from the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have an elastic member 10 and the pressing member 11 has an elastic part E. Except for the above points, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, so a description may be omitted.

[0082] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 does not have an elastic member 10. Therefore, the pressing member 11 is provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member 8 opposite to the diffusion layer 6 and directly presses the first protrusion 82 and the flat portion 81.

[0083] The pressing member 11 has a second projection 111 that protrudes toward the flat portion 81 and faces the flat portion 81, and flange portions 112 provided at both ends of the second projection 111 in one direction (Z-axis direction) and facing the first projection 82. Furthermore, at least one of the portions of the flange portion 112 facing the first projection 82 and the portions of the second projection 111 facing the flat portion 81 has an elastic portion E that can be elastically deformed in one direction (Z-axis direction). The elastic portion E has the function of absorbing the strain of the cathode-side plate member 8 caused by being pressed by the pressing member 11 by elastically deforming in one direction.

[0084] In the example shown in Figure 6, only the portion of the flange 112 facing the first projection 82 has the elastic portion E, but only the portion of the second projection 111 facing the flat portion 81 may have the elastic portion E, or both the portion of the flange 112 facing the first projection 82 and the portion of the second projection 111 facing the flat portion 81 may have the elastic portion E.

[0085] The pressing member 11 may have a hollow housing 110. If the pressing member 11 has a hollow housing 110, the elastic portion E is provided in at least one of the portion of the housing 110 facing the first protrusion 82 and the portion facing the flat portion 81. The elastic portion E may constitute at least one of the portion of the housing 110 facing the first protrusion 82 and the portion facing the flat portion 81.

[0086] The shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the planar portion 81 of the elastic portion E can be, for example, a wave-shaped cross-section as shown in Figure 6.

[0087] The thickness of the elastic portion E is preferably 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0088] The elastic modulus of the elastic part E can be set to a value greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member 9. The elastic modulus of the elastic part E is preferably 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa, and more preferably 3 MPa to 10 MPa.

[0089] The pressing member 11 may have a passage for circulating a cooling medium inside the housing 110. In other words, the pressing member 11 may be a cooling jacket.

[0090] Thus, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 comprises an electrolyte membrane 2, an anode electrode 3, a cathode electrode 4, a diffusion layer 6, an anode-side plate member 7, a cathode-side plate member 8, and a pressing member 11. The pressing member 11 has a second projection 111 and a flange 112, and at least one of the portion of the flange 112 facing the first projection 82 and the portion of the second projection 111 facing the flat portion 81 has an elastic portion E. According to this embodiment, since the contact portion of the pressing member 11 with the cathode-side plate member 8 has an elastic portion E, the elastic deformation of the elastic portion E can absorb the strain generated in the cathode-side plate member 8. Therefore, even if the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 is enlarged, the pressing member 11 can press the flat portion 81 and the first projection 82 while suppressing the distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0091] As described above, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 can bring the electrolyte membrane 2 into close contact with the anode electrode 3 and cathode electrode 4, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving the efficiency of organic hydride production. Furthermore, since the pressing member 11 itself has an elastic part E, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 can reduce the number of parts compared to a case where a separate elastic member is provided.

[0092] The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 is equipped with a sealing member 9, and the elastic modulus of the elastic part E can be configured to be greater than the elasticity of the sealing member 9. With this configuration, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 can sufficiently transmit the pressure received from the pressing member 11 to the anode-side plate member 7 via the elastic part E, the first protrusion 82, and the sealing member 9, and can apply sufficient pressure to the electrolyte membrane 2, anode electrode 3, and cathode electrode 4, which are positioned between the cathode-side plate member 8 and the anode-side plate member 7.

[0093] The pressing member 11 has a hollow housing 110, and the elastic part E can constitute at least one of the portion of the housing 110 facing the first protrusion 82 and the portion facing the flat portion 81. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the elastic part E perpendicular to the flat portion 81 can be a wave shape. With this configuration, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 can better absorb the strain generated in the cathode-side plate member 8 by the elastic deformation of the elastic part E.

[0094] The thickness of the elastic part E can be set to 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. This allows the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 to better absorb the strain generated in the cathode-side plate member 8 through the elastic deformation of the elastic part E.

[0095] The elastic modulus of the elastic part E can be set to 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa. This allows the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 102 to press the flat part 81 and the first protrusion 82 with the pressing member 11 while further suppressing the distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0096] In the second and third embodiments described above, an organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex comprising multiple organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 101 and 102 can also be provided. That is, in the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1000 according to the first embodiment, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment can be replaced with any of the organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 101 and 102 according to the second and third embodiments. In the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex comprising multiple organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 101 and 102 according to the second and third embodiments, the multiple organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 101 and 102 are arranged so that the pressing member 11 of one adjacent organic hydride manufacturing apparatus faces the anode-side plate member 7 of the other organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0097] In the organic hydride production apparatus complex comprising multiple organic hydride production apparatuses 101 and 102 according to the second and third embodiments, the electrolyte membrane 2 can be brought into close contact with the anode electrode 3 and cathode electrode 4, respectively, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving the efficiency of organic hydride production.

[0098] <Fourth Embodiment> Figure 7 is a perspective view of the organic hydride production apparatus complex according to the fourth embodiment, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the organic hydride production apparatus and pressurizing section according to the fourth embodiment. The organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000 according to the first embodiment in that it does not have an elastic member 10, the shape of the pressing member 11 is different, and the shape of the application section 13 is different. Except for the above points, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1000 according to the first embodiment, so the explanation may be omitted.

[0099] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 comprises a plurality of organic hydride production apparatuses 104, a first application unit 131, and a second application unit 132.

[0100] In the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104, the pressing member 11 is provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member 8 opposite to the diffusion layer 6 and presses against the flat portion 81. Since the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104 does not have an elastic member 10, the pressing member 11 directly presses against the flat portion 81. Since the pressing member 11 does not have a flange portion 112, it does not press against the first projection portion 82. The pressing member 11 has a shape that fits, for example, into a recess formed by the first projection portion 82 and the flat portion 81 of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0101] The application section 13 in the fourth embodiment differs from the application section 13 in the first embodiment in that it has a three-part shape. The application section 13 in the fourth embodiment has a first application section 131 and a second application section 132 arranged around the outer circumference of the first application section 131. In the example shown in Figure 7, the second application section 132 has a frame shape. The application section 13 may also have two pairs of second application sections 132 arranged to sandwich the first application section 131 from above and below (in the Z-axis direction) and from left and right (in the X-axis direction).

[0102] The first application unit 131 applies pressure to the pressing member 11 in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion 81 and toward the anode-side plate member 7, and the second application unit 132 applies pressure to the first protruding portion 82 in a direction perpendicular to the flat portion 81 and toward the anode-side plate member 7.

[0103] The first application section 131 and the second application section 132 are slidably arranged in a direction perpendicular to the terminal member 122 (Y-axis direction). That is, multiple organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 104 are arranged between the first application section 131 and the second application section 132 and the terminal member 122. The first application section 131 and the second application section 132 can be pressure-applied, for example, by hydraulic pressure. The first application section 131 and the second application section 132 may apply different pressures or the same pressure to the pressing member 11 and the first projection 82, respectively.

[0104] An example of a method for manufacturing the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1001 in this embodiment will be described. The method for manufacturing the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1001 includes the steps of: arranging a plurality of organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses 104 such that the pressing member 11 of one adjacent organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104 faces the anode-side plate member 7 of the other organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104; applying pressure to the pressing member 11 with a first application unit 131 in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion 81 and toward the anode-side plate member 7; and applying pressure to the first protruding portion 82 with a second application unit 132 in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion 81 and toward the anode-side plate member 7. The pressure applied by the first application unit 131 may be different from the pressure applied by the second application unit 132.

[0105] The steps of applying pressure using the first pressure application unit 131 and applying pressure using the second pressure application unit 132 may be performed simultaneously, or one of the steps may be performed first. In each step, the magnitude of the applied pressure may be increased in stages or decreased in stages.

[0106] An example of a method for replacing the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104 in the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1001 of this embodiment will be described. The method for replacing the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104 can be applied when performing maintenance on the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1001. The method for replacing the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus 104 includes the steps of removing the pressure applied to the pressing member 11 by the first application unit 131 and removing the pressure applied to the first protruding part 82 by the second application unit 132. The pressure removed by the first application unit 131 may be different from the pressure removed by the second application unit 132.

[0107] The steps of removing pressure using the first pressure application unit 131 and removing pressure using the second pressure application unit 132 may be performed simultaneously, or one of the steps may be performed first. In each step, the amount of pressure to be removed may be increased or decreased in stages.

[0108] Thus, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 comprises a plurality of organic hydride production apparatuses 104, each having an electrolyte membrane 2, an anode electrode 3, a cathode electrode 4, a diffusion layer 6, an anode-side plate member 7, a cathode-side plate member 8, and a pressing member 11. Furthermore, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 includes a first application unit 131 and a second application unit 132. With this configuration, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 can individually apply pressures to the pressing member 11 and the first protrusion 82, for example, pressure magnitude, timing of pressure application, etc., using the first application unit 131 and the second application unit 132. Therefore, the organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex 1001 allows for individual adjustment of the pressure applied to the pressing member 11 and the first protrusion 82 by the first application section 131 and the second application section 132. As a result, the pressing member 11 can press the flat section 81 and the first protrusion 82 while suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0109] As described above, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 allows for close contact between the electrolyte membrane 2 and the anode electrode 3 and cathode electrode 4, thereby reducing contact resistance and improving the efficiency of organic hydride production.

[0110] Furthermore, even when replacing the organic hydride production apparatus 104 in the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001, the organic hydride production apparatus complex 1001 allows for individual adjustment of the pressure to be removed from the pressure applied to the pressing member 11 and the first protrusion 82 by the first application section 131 and the second application section 132. Therefore, the pressing member 11 can release the pressure on the flat section 81 and the first protrusion 82 while suppressing distortion of the cathode-side plate member 8.

[0111] The embodiments of the present invention are, for example, as follows. <Aspect 1> An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, A sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, An elastic member provided on the side of the first protrusion opposite to the sealing member, The cathode-side plate member is provided on the side opposite to the diffusion layer, and includes a pressing member that presses the flat portion and presses the first protrusion via the elastic member, An organic hydride manufacturing apparatus in which the elastic modulus of the elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member. <Aspect 2> An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, A sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, An elastic member provided on the surface of the planar portion opposite to the diffusion layer, The cathode-side plate member is provided on the side opposite to the diffusion layer, and includes a pressing member that presses the first protrusion and presses the flat portion via the elastic member, An organic hydride manufacturing apparatus in which the elastic modulus of the elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member. <Aspect 3> The pressing member has a second projection that protrudes toward the elastic member and faces the elastic member, and flanges provided at both ends of the second projection in one direction and facing the first projection. The organic hydride production apparatus according to embodiment 2, wherein the height of the second projection from the flange is lower than the height of the first projection from the flat surface. <Aspect 4> The elastic member has a sheet-like shape, The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the elastic member is 0.1 mm to 10 mm. <Aspect 5> The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member is 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa. <Aspect 6> The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the elastic member is a spring, rubber, or an elastic porous body. <Aspect 7> An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the side of the electrolyte membrane opposite to the aforementioned side, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to generate an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, The cathode-side plate member is provided on the side opposite to the diffusion layer and includes a pressing member that presses against the first protrusion and the flat portion, The pressing member has a second projection that protrudes toward the flat portion and faces the flat portion, and flanges provided at both ends of the second projection in one direction and facing the first projection. An organic hydride manufacturing apparatus wherein at least one of the portion of the flange facing the first projection and the portion of the second projection facing the flat portion has an elastic portion that can be elastically deformed in one direction. <Aspect 8> The pressing member has a hollow housing, The elastic portion constitutes at least one of the portion of the housing facing the first protrusion and the portion facing the flat portion. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 7, wherein the shape of the cross-section perpendicular to the planar portion of the elastic portion is corrugated. <Pattern 9> The system includes a sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic part is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member. <Aspect 10> The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to any one of embodiments 7 to 9, wherein the thickness of the elastic part is 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm. <Aspect 11> The organic hydride production apparatus according to any one of embodiments 7 to 10, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic part is 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa. <Aspect 12> The apparatus comprises multiple organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 11. The plurality of organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses are arranged in an organic hydride manufacturing apparatus complex in which the pressing member of one adjacent organic hydride manufacturing apparatus and the anode-side plate of the other organic hydride manufacturing apparatus face each other. <Aspect 13> An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, A plurality of organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses comprising a pressing member provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member opposite to the diffusion layer and pressing the flat portion thereof, A first application unit applies pressure to the planar portion in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion and toward the anode-side plate member, A composite organic hydride manufacturing apparatus comprising a first protruding portion and a second application portion that applies pressure to the first protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion and toward the anode-side plate member.

[0112] As described above, embodiments have been explained, but these embodiments are presented as examples only, and the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1, 101, 102, 104 Organic Hydride Manufacturing Equipment 2 Electrolyte membrane 3 Anode electrodes 4 Cathode electrodes 5 Porous transport layer 6. Diffusion layer 7 Anode-side plate member 8. Cathode-side plate member 81 Plane section 82 1st protrusion 9 Sealing member 10 Elastic members 11 Pressing member 110 cabinets 111 Second protrusion 112 Guard section 13 Application section 131 First application section 132 Second application section 1000, 1001 Organic Hydride Manufacturing Equipment Complex E Elastic part

Claims

1. An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, A sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, An elastic member provided on the side of the first protrusion opposite to the sealing member, The cathode-side plate member is provided on the side opposite to the diffusion layer, and includes a pressing member that presses the flat portion and presses the first protrusion via the elastic member, An organic hydride manufacturing apparatus in which the elastic modulus of the elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member.

2. An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, A sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, An elastic member provided on the surface of the planar portion opposite to the diffusion layer, The cathode-side plate member is provided on the side opposite to the diffusion layer, and includes a pressing member that presses the first protrusion and presses the flat portion via the elastic member, An organic hydride manufacturing apparatus in which the elastic modulus of the elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member.

3. The pressing member has a second projection that protrudes toward the elastic member and faces the elastic member, and flanges provided at both ends of the second projection in one direction and facing the first projection. The organic hydride production apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the height of the second projection from the flange is lower than the height of the first projection from the flat surface.

4. The elastic member has a sheet-like shape, The organic hydride production apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the elastic member is 0.1 mm to 10 mm.

5. The organic hydride production apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic member is 0.1 MPa to 20 MPa.

6. The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic member is a spring, rubber, or an elastic porous body.

7. An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the side of the electrolyte membrane opposite to the aforementioned side, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to generate an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, The cathode-side plate member is provided on the side opposite to the diffusion layer and includes a pressing member that presses against the first protrusion and the flat portion, The pressing member has a second projection that protrudes toward the flat portion and faces the flat portion, and flanges provided at both ends of the second projection in one direction and facing the first projection. An organic hydride manufacturing apparatus wherein at least one of the portions of the flange facing the first projection and the portion of the second projection facing the flat portion has an elastic portion that can be elastically deformed in one direction.

8. The pressing member has a hollow housing, The elastic portion constitutes at least one of the portion of the housing facing the first protrusion and the portion facing the flat portion. The organic hydride production apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the planar portion of the elastic portion is corrugated.

9. The system includes a sealing member that seals the gap at the peripheral edge between the cathode-side plate member and the anode-side plate member, The organic hydride manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elastic modulus of the elastic part is greater than the elastic modulus of the sealing member.

10. An electrolyte membrane having proton conductivity, An anode electrode is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and generates protons, A cathode electrode is provided on the other side of the electrolyte membrane, which hydrogenates the hydride with protons to produce an organic hydride, A diffusion layer is provided on the side of the cathode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, allowing the hydride and the organic hydride to pass through. An anode-side plate member is provided on the side of the anode electrode opposite to the electrolyte membrane, A cathode-side plate member is provided on the side of the diffusion layer opposite to the cathode electrode and has a flat portion facing the diffusion layer, and first protrusions provided at both ends in one direction of the flat portion and protruding toward the side opposite to the diffusion layer, A plurality of organic hydride manufacturing apparatuses comprising a pressing member provided on the side of the cathode-side plate member opposite to the diffusion layer and pressing the flat portion thereof, A first application unit applies pressure to the planar portion in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion and toward the anode-side plate member, A composite organic hydride manufacturing apparatus comprising a first protruding portion and a second application portion that applies pressure to the first protruding portion in a direction perpendicular to the planar portion and toward the anode-side plate member.

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