Electrochemical electrode structure, electrochemical cell, bipolar electrode assembly, electrochemical cell arrangement, and method for attaching electrode elements to support elements of the electrochemical electrode structure of an electrochemical cell.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochemical electrode structure comprising at least one electrode element and a support element. Each electrode element is a two-dimensionally stretched conductive element having an open structure and having a first edge portion. The support element has an elastic region that extends planarly in the plane of the main stretch portion of the elastic region. The elastic region is fitted to push at least one electrode member away from the support element in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main stretch portion of the elastic region. The support element has a first tongue region positioned at the edge of the support element. The first edge portion of at least one electrode element is bent around the first tongue region of the support element, thereby attaching at least one electrode element to the support element. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell, a bipolar electrode assembly each comprising such electrode elements, an electrochemical cell arrangement having a plurality of such bipolar electrode assemblies, and a method for attaching electrode elements to a support element of such an electrochemical electrode structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of electrochemical cells, particularly the so-called "zero-gap electrolytic cell". The present invention relates to an electrochemical electrode structure comprising at least one electrode element and a support element, each electrode element being a two-dimensionally extended conductive element having an open structure and having a first edge portion, and the support element having an elastic region extending planar in the plane of the main extension of the elastic region, the elastic region being adapted to push at least one electrode member away from the support element in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main extension of the elastic region. Further, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and a separator, the separator being a two-dimensionally extended partially permeable element arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, the two-dimensionally extended partially permeable element having two surface sides, the electrochemical cell, and a bipolar electrode assembly comprising a first compartment, a second compartment and a cell partitioning element, the cell partitioning element physically separating the first compartment from the second compartment and being arranged between the first compartment and the second compartment, the bipolar electrode assembly, and an electrochemical cell arrangement comprising a plurality of such bipolar electrode assemblies. The present invention further relates to a method for attaching an electrode element to a support element of an electrochemical electrode structure for an electrochemical cell.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, interest in using hydrogen as a secondary energy carrier has increased significantly. This increased interest is particularly based on the following advantages of hydrogen: it can be readily produced from water using renewable primary energy; it is a non-toxic substance with a relatively high energy density relative to its mass; and the chemical energy stored in hydrogen can be readily converted into electrical energy without releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. In addition, hydrogen can also be used as a starting material in various chemical processes. One important method of producing hydrogen is through the electrolysis of water, i.e., the process by which hydrogen is produced in the cathode section of an electrolytic cell from alkaline, acidic, or neutral aqueous solutions. The cathode and anode sections are typically separated from each other by a separator such as a membrane or diaphragm. In many applications, alkaline water electrolysis, in particular, has proven to be the most promising process.

[0003] Conventionally, the efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis devices has been limited, as high internal ohmic resistance causes a significant voltage drop across the electrolyte, meaning such devices could only operate at relatively low current densities. Therefore, "zero-gap" electrolytic cells have been established to minimize the voltage drop across the electrolyte, thereby enabling the achievement of higher current densities. In zero-gap designs, electrodes with an open structure (such as perforated or porous electrodes) are employed as anodes and cathodes that are in direct contact with the surface of the membrane with little or no gap, in order to reduce the gap between electrodes and thus the width of the voltage drop between the two electrodes.

[0004] Mechanical damage to the thin film often occurs as a result of direct contact between the outer edge of the metal electrode and the upper surface of the film. In particular, such damage can be caused by friction when electrodes with open structures in close contact with the film move at a microscopic level during electrolyte flow and gaseous product generation. To avoid such friction, electrodes with open structures are firmly attached to a rigid backing structure such as a current collector or cell partition wall. In this regard, European Patent No. 1845173 suggests fixing the electrode across its region by using several coupling members attached to the electrode coupler, although the electrode coupler is connected to a leaf spring retaining member bonded to the electrode chamber partition. Such coupling members have a pin-like design that pierces the electrode, extends into the coupling hole of the electrode coupler within it, and holds the electrode with its flared head. With such a design, the electrode is deformed concave at the fixing point, resulting in local deviations from the zero-gap shape at those spots. Furthermore, the electrolyte flow through the open structure of the electrode may be affected as the flared head covers the electrode region within those spots. Both aspects can negatively impact the overall efficiency of the electrolytic cell.

[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, European Patent No. 3819401 discloses mounting electrodes to the surface of a current collector (connected to a cell partition wall) by clamping the electrodes using separate elements such as electrode fixing members or gaskets. Unfortunately, fixing electrodes with separate elements is undesirable because it requires an additional step when assembling or mounting each electrode. Furthermore, depending on the design and location of such additional elements, fixing electrodes with separate elements may reduce the efficiency and stability of the cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1845173 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 3819401 [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and provide an electrochemical electrode structure for a zero-gap electrolytic cell in which electrode elements are directly attached to a support element, while enabling the highest possible yield. Another object is to provide an electrolytic cell having the same as described above, a bipolar electrode assembly having such an electrochemical electrode structure, an electrolytic cell arrangement having a plurality of such bipolar electrode assemblies, and a method for attaching electrode elements to a support element of an electrochemical electrode structure for an electrochemical cell.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrochemical electrode structure is provided. The electrochemical electrode structure comprises at least one electrode element and a support element, each electrode element being a two-dimensionally stretched conductive element having an open structure and having a first edge portion, the support element having an elastic region stretching planarly in the plane of the main stretch portion of the elastic region, the elastic region being adapted to push at least one electrode member away from the support element in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main stretch portion of the elastic region, the support element having a first tongue region positioned at the edge of the support element, the first edge portion of at least one electrode element being bent around the first tongue region of the support element, thereby attaching at least one electrode element to the support element. According to the electrochemical electrode structure of the present invention, in contrast to the prior art designs proposed in European Patent No. 1845173 or European Patent No. 3819401, no additional elements are required to attach the electrode element to the support element. Thus, the aforementioned drawbacks in these prior art designs can be solved. More specifically, no local deviations from the zero-gap shape occur. These characteristics can have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of the electrochemical cell.

[0009] If each electrode element has a second edge portion, and the first and second edge portions are positioned on the edges on both sides of the electrode element, and the support element has a second tongue region positioned on the edge of the support element opposite to the edge of the first tongue region, then the electrode element can be held more stably and firmly within the support element. The second edge portion of at least one electrode element is bent around the second tongue region of the support element, thereby fixing at least one electrode element to the support element.

[0010] In the exemplary support element, at least one tongue region may project beyond individual edges with respect to the plane of the main extension of the elastic region. The at least one tongue region projecting beyond the edges may be formed within the plane of the main extension of the elastic region of the support element. Alternatively, the at least one tongue region projecting beyond the edges may be an outwardly inclined element that projects beyond the plane of the main extension of the elastic region of the support element.

[0011] If each edge portion of at least one electrode element bent around the individual tongue regions of the support element has a width in the range of 3 mm to 40 mm, the electrode element can be held more stably and firmly within the support element.

[0012] In an exemplary support element, the elastic region of the support element may have a leaf spring arrangement, particularly a leaf spring arrangement comprising parallel rows of fitted spring strips alternately projecting laterally from the plane of the main extension portion of the elastic region. Other elastic elements, such as coil springs, are also applicable.

[0013] In a preferred example, at least one electrode element is a grid element or an expanded mesh element. Gas generated on the side of the electrode element facing the separator can be removed on the rear side of the electrode element through an opening in the grid element or expanded mesh element.

[0014] Damage to the separator can be prevented if, at the edge of the support element having a tongue region, at least one electrode element has an inclined rim that is bent and tilted so that the strip portion of the electrode separates from the rest.

[0015] In one example, an electrochemical electrode structure may comprise multiple electrode elements as segments. Electrode elements from the multiple electrode elements may be arranged such that the edges of adjacent electrode elements overlap each other, or that the edges of adjacent electrode elements are joined together.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode element, a second electrode element, and a separator, the separator being a two-dimensionally stretched partially permeable element positioned between the first electrode element and the second electrode element, the two-dimensionally stretched partially permeable element having two surface sides. Either the first electrode element or the second electrode element, or both the first and second electrode elements, is an electrochemical electrode structure according to any of the above aspects. Each electrode element is positioned next to one of the two surface sides of the separator.

[0017] An electrochemical cell may comprise a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment housing a first electrode element, the second compartment housing a second electrode element, and a separator positioned between the first and second compartments to separate them, the separator having a first surface side and a second surface side, the first surface side in contact with the first compartment, and the second surface side in contact with the second compartment to electrochemically interconnect the first and second compartments.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a bipolar electrode assembly is provided. The bipolar electrode assembly comprises a first compartment, a second compartment, and a cell partition element, the cell partition element physically separating the first compartment from the second compartment and positioned between the first and second compartments, and at least one of the first and second compartments comprises an electrochemical electrode structure according to any of the above aspects.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electrochemical cell arrangement is provided. The electrochemical cell arrangement comprises a plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies, each being a bipolar electrode assembly according to the above aspect, and a plurality of separators, wherein the plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies and the plurality of separators are alternately stacked such that a first electrode element of a bipolar electrode assembly is electrochemically connected to a second electrode element of an adjacent bipolar electrode assembly via a separator placed between them, particularly via an ion exchange membrane or porous diaphragm placed between them.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an electrochemical electrode structure for an electrochemical cell, and more particularly a method for attaching an electrode element to a support element of an electrochemical electrode structure according to any of the above aspects, is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing an electrode element which is a two-dimensionally stretched conductive element having an open structure and having a first edge portion; providing a support element which has an elastic region that extends planarly on the plane of the main stretch portion of the elastic region and a first tongue region positioned on the edge of the support element; positioning the electrode element on the elastic region of the support element such that the first edge portion of the electrode element extends at least partially beyond the first tongue region of the support element; and bending the first edge portion of at least one electrode element around the first tongue region of the support element, thereby attaching at least one electrode element to the support element by a lap joint. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an electrochemical cell arrangement having multiple bipolar electrode assemblies according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the electrochemical cell according to the present invention is shown. [Figure 3] The diagram shown follows the AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-section along BB. [Figure 5] Another example of a cross-section along BB is shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6]Shows a perspective view of an exemplary support element within an electrochemical cell. [Figure 7] Shows a perspective view of another exemplary support element within an electrochemical cell. [Figure 8] Shows a perspective view of another exemplary support element within an electrochemical cell. [Figure 9] Shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary support element within an electrochemical cell. [Figure 10] Shows the attachment of an electrode element to the support element of FIG. 6. [Figure 11] Shows a view along C-C in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] Shows a cross-section along D-D in FIG. 10. [Figure 13] Shows another cross-sectional view similar to the view along C-C of another exemplary support element having two tongue regions at its upper and lower edges.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] One exemplary electrolytic cell to which the present invention can be applied is a bipolar electrolytic cell such as an ion-exchange membrane process electrolytic cell, in which a plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies are arranged in series, and an ion-exchange membrane or a porous diaphragm as a separator is arranged between adjacent bipolar electrode assemblies (FIG. 1). Filter press technology can be utilized to join adjacent bipolar electrode assemblies so that there is substantially no gap between the electrode elements on both sides of the separator. However, the electrolytic cell may be a monopolar electrolytic cell in which each cell unit has either a cathode electrode element or an anode electrode element (not shown).

[0023] The electrochemical cell of the present invention can be used for chlor-alkali electrolysis. In another example, the electrochemical cell of the present invention can be used for alkaline water electrolysis (AWE). More generally, the electrochemical cell of the present invention can be applicable to any electrolysis process that uses a first electrode element, a second electrode element, and a separator arranged between the first electrode element and the second electrode element.

[0024] As described herein, an electrochemical electrode structure may be defined as comprising at least one electrode element and a support element, the at least one electrode element being a two-dimensionally extending conductive element having an open structure and having a first edge portion. "Open structure" means a structure having one or more openings that penetrate from one side to the other side of the electrode element. The first edge portion may be the upper edge portion or the lower edge portion of the electrode element, or the first edge portion may be one of the side edge portions.

[0025] In addition, the electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode element, a second electrode element, and a separator, the separator being a two-dimensionally stretched partially permeable element positioned between the first electrode element and the second electrode element, and the two-dimensionally stretched partially permeable element can be defined as having two surface sides.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 1 in light of the above definitions, one electrochemical cell 10 may thus comprise a first electrode element 12A (e.g., cathode) of a bipolar electrode assembly 14, a second electrode element 12B (e.g., anode) of another bipolar electrode assembly 14 adjacent to the first bipolar electrode assembly 14, and a separator 16 positioned between these electrode elements 12A, 12B. In other words, one electrochemical cell 10 may consist of two adjacent bipolar electrode assemblies 14, 14. Thus, as should be noted, electrochemical cell and bipolar electrode assembly are not necessarily synonymous in this specification.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the electrochemical cell 10 may comprise a first casing 18A defining a first compartment 20A internally, a second casing 18B defining a second compartment 20B internally, current collectors 22A and 22B, a first electrode element 12A, a second electrode element 12B, and a separator 16. The current collectors 22A and 22B may also be referred to as part of the electrode structure. The first and second casings 18A and 18B may include a rear wall or cell partition elements 24A and 24B. The cell partition elements 24A and 24B face the separator 16 across the first and second compartments 20A and 20B, and together with the separator 16 define these compartments 20A and 20B.

[0028] The separator 16 has a first surface side and a second surface side, the first surface side in contact with the first compartment 20A, and the second surface side in contact with the second compartment 20B to electrochemically interconnect the first compartment 20A and the second compartment 20B. The separator 16 may be an ion exchange membrane. Alternatively, the separator 16 may be a porous diaphragm, particularly an ion-permeable diaphragm. An ion-permeable diaphragm has an ion exchange function but does not allow gases produced by electrochemical reactions to permeate. The separator 16 may be a polymer porous membrane, an inorganic porous membrane, a woven or nonwoven fabric, or the same.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3, a diagram aligned with AA in Figure 2 can be seen. Each electrochemical cell 10 may be connected to a discharge header and a supply header. Preferably, for each compartment 20A, 20B within the electrochemical cell 10, the liquid to be electrochemically treated is supplied from the bottom of the cell 10 and discharged from the top of the cell 10. For example, in Figure 3, the liquid for the first compartment 20A may be supplied from the bottom inlet 26a on the left side and discharged from the top outlet 26b, which is diagonally opposite to the bottom inlet 26a. Similarly, the liquid for the second compartment 20B may be supplied from the bottom inlet 28a on the right side and discharged from the top outlet 28b, which is diagonally opposite to the bottom inlet 28a.

[0030] In Figure 3, the first electrode element 12A may extend over substantially the entire area of ​​the first compartment 20A, leaving a small space around the first electrode element 12A relative to the first casing 18A. Similarly, although not shown in Figure 3, the second electrode element 12B may extend over substantially the entire area of ​​the second compartment 20B, leaving a small space around the second electrode element 12B relative to the second casing 18B. To increase the surface area used for the electrochemical reaction and to efficiently remove gases generated from the surface of the electrode element 12 during the electrochemical reaction, the electrode element 12 may include one or more openings (open structures). In particular, the electrode element 12 may be a perforated electrode or a porous electrode. Such open structures are advantageous in a zero-gap electrochemical cell because gases generated on the side of the electrode element 12 facing the separator 16 can be removed through the opening toward the other side of the electrode element 12. Examples of such electrode elements 12 include woven mesh, knitted mesh, punched metal, grid elements, expanded metal, metal foam, or the same. More preferably, the electrode element is made from a grid element or expanded metal. The thickness of the expanded mesh may be 0.5 mm or less. The width of the expanded mesh may be 0.1 m to 1.5 m. The electrode element 12 may also have a highly reactive catalyst layer on the surface of its substrate. The material of the substrate is not limited, but may be steel, stainless steel, nickel, or nickel-based alloy. The width of one example electrode element is 0.1 m to 1.5 m. In one example electrode element, the effective area of ​​the electrode element is 1.0 m wide × 0.5 m high or more.

[0031] The first electrode element 12A may comprise multiple electrode elements 12a as segments, as shown in Figure 3. Similarly, the second electrode element 12B may also comprise multiple electrode elements as segments (not shown).

[0032] Referring to Figure 4, a cross-section along BB in Figure 3 can be seen. If the electrode element 12 has multiple electrode elements 12a, these elements 12a may be arranged to partially overlap each other. Preferably, the width of the overlapping portion is in the range of 1% to 10%, more preferably 3% to 8%, of the width of the individual electrode elements 12a.

[0033] In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the electrode elements 12a do not necessarily have to overlap. The electrode elements 12a may be arranged so that the edges of adjacent electrode elements 12a are joined together. In other words, adjacent electrode elements 12a are arranged so that they are in contact with or close to each other in the width direction of the electrochemical cell 10. This arrangement is expected to have a flatter electrode surface.

[0034] Referring here to Figure 6, an exemplary support element suitable for direct mounting of the electrode element 12 is shown. The support element 30 includes an elastic region 32 that extends planarly into the plane of the main extension of the elastic region 32, and the elastic region 32 is adapted to push the electrode member 12 away from the support element 30 in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main extension of the elastic region 32. In one example, the elastic region 32 of the support element 30 may have a leaf spring arrangement, in particular a leaf spring arrangement having parallel rows of fitted spring strips 34 that alternately project laterally from the plane of the main extension of the elastic region 32. In other examples, the elastic region 32 of the support element 30 may include thinner and more numerous spring strips 34 as shown in Figure 7, or one or more coil springs 40 as shown in Figure 8.

[0035] The support element 30 further includes a first tongue region 36 positioned at the edge of the support element, and the corresponding edge portion of the electrode element 12 is bent around the first tongue region 36 of the support element 30, thereby attaching the electrode element 12 to the support element 30. In contrast to the prior art designs proposed in European Patent No. 1845173 or European Patent No. 3819401, no additional elements are required to attach the electrode element 12 to the support element 30. Thus, the aforementioned drawbacks in these prior art designs can be resolved. More specifically, no local deviation from the zero-gap shape occurs. Furthermore, since the attached electrode element 12 remains substantially flat, the flow of electrolyte through the open structure of the electrode element may not be affected. These embodiments may have a positive impact on the overall efficiency of the electrochemical cell 10.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 6, the first tongue region 36 is positioned on the upper edge of the support element 30. However, as will be described later, the first tongue region 36 may be positioned on the lower edge of the support element 30, or on both the upper and lower edges of the support element 30. Alternatively, although not shown, the first tongue region 36 may be positioned on the lateral edge of the support element 30.

[0037] The first tongue region 36 may have a size and shape that allows it to hook and secure the corresponding edge of the electrode element 12. The first tongue region 36 may have a front side 36a facing the electrode element 12 and a rear side 36b (Figure 10) facing away from the electrode element 12. The first tongue region 36 may protrude beyond its individual edges relative to the plane of the main extension of the elastic region 32. The first tongue region 36 may be an outwardly inclined element that protrudes beyond the plane of the main extension of the elastic region 32 of the support element 30. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, the first tongue region 36 may be formed within the plane of the main extension of the elastic region 32 of the support element 30.

[0038] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the electrode element 12 is attached to the support element 30 by a first tongue region 36. The corresponding edge portion of the electrode element 12 (in this example, the upper edge portion) is bent around the first tongue region 36 and engages with the rear side 36b of the first tongue region 36. The edge portion of the electrode element 12 bent around the individual tongue regions 36 of the support element 30 may have a width ranging from 3 mm to 40 mm. A bend may be formed in the corresponding edge portion before attachment from the electrode element 12 to the support element 30. The electrode element 12 can be attached to the support element 30 by engaging the bend with the tongue edge 36. The bend may be L-shaped.

[0039] At the edge of the support element 30 having a tongue region 36, the electrode element 12 may have an inclined rim 42 that is inclined and bent toward the first tongue region 36, such that the strip portion 42a of the electrode element 12 moves away from the separator 16, i.e., toward the first tongue region 36. This helps to avoid damage to the separator 16. Preferably, the inclined rim 42 is convex toward the separator 16. For this purpose, the height of the elastic region 32 from the base surface 38 of the support element 30 can be adjusted. Specifically, around the support element 30 near the first tongue region 36, the height of the spring strip 34 from the base surface 38 can be gradually reduced toward the first tongue region 36.

[0040] Referring to Figure 12, a cross-section along DD in Figure 11 is shown. A hemming rim 44 formed on the side edge of the electrode element 12 or 12a can be seen. The electrode element 12 no longer has a sharp edge. This prevents damage to the separator 16 caused by the sharp edge of the electrode element.

[0041] For more reliable damage prevention, the hemming rim 44 may have a bending angle between 170° and 180°, particularly between 175° and 180°, and more specifically between 177° and 180°. In the example shown in Figure 12, the bending angle of the hemming rim is 180°. The strip portion 44a of the electrode element 12 in the hemming rim 44 is preferably in the range of 3 mm to 50 mm.

[0042] Referring to Figure 13, another exemplary electrochemical electrode structure according to the present invention is shown. In this example, the electrode element 12 has a second edge portion (e.g., a lower edge portion), and the first and second edge portions are located on the edges on both sides of the electrode element 12. Furthermore, the support element 30 in this example has a second tongue region 36' located on the edge of the support element 30 opposite to the edge of the first tongue region 36 (e.g., the lower edge), and the second edge portion of the electrode element 12 is bent around the second tongue region 36' of the support element 30, thereby fixing the electrode element 12 to the support element 30. The electrode element 12 may also have a second inclined rim 42' on the edge corresponding to the second tongue region 36'. The above description of the first tongue region 36 and the first inclined rim 42 also applies to the second tongue region 36' and the second inclined rim 42'.

[0043] According to one embodiment, an electrochemical cell arrangement is provided comprising a plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies as described above. The electrochemical cell arrangement 14 may include a plurality of separators 16 as described above. The plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies 14 and the plurality of separators 16 can be alternately stacked such that the first electrode element 12A of the bipolar electrode assembly 14 is electrochemically connected to the second electrode element 12B of an adjacent bipolar electrode assembly 14 via a separator 16 placed between them, particularly via an ion exchange membrane.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for attaching an electrode element to a support element of an electrochemical electrode structure for an electrochemical cell. The method includes providing an electrode element 12 as described above, providing a support element 30 as described above, with an elastic region 32 and a first tongue region 36 positioned on the edge of the support element 30, positioning the electrode element 12 on the elastic region 32 of the support element 30 such that a corresponding edge portion of the electrode element 12 extends at least partially beyond the first tongue region 36 of the support element 30, and bending the edge portion of the electrode element 12 around the first tongue region 36 of the support element 30, thereby lap-jointing the electrode element 12 to the support element 30. If the electrode element 12 includes two or more electrode elements 12a as shown in Figure 3, all electrode elements 12a may be attached to each first tongue region 36 of the support element 30 in the same manner, or only one or more electrode elements 12a may be attached to each first tongue region 36 of the support element 30. Alternatively, all electrode elements 12a may be attached to the first and second tongue regions 36, 36' of the support element 30 in the same manner, or only some electrode elements 12a may be attached to the first and second tongue regions 36, 36' of the support element 30. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 10 Electrochemical Cells 12A(12) First electrode element 12B(12) Second electrode element 12a Electrode element 14 Bipolar Electrode Assembly 16 Separators 18A First casing 18B Second casing 20A Section 1 20B Second Section 22A, 22B current collectors 24A, 24B Cell divider elements 30 Support elements 32 Elastic region 34 Spring Strips 36. First tongue region 36' Second tongue region 38 Base surface 40 coil springs 42 Inclined Rim 42a Strip portion 44 Hemingrim 44a Strip portion

Claims

1. It comprises at least one electrode element (12) and a support element (30), Each electrode element (12) is a two-dimensionally extended conductive element having an open structure, and has a first edge portion. The support element (30) has an elastic region (32) that extends in a planar manner in the plane of the main extension portion of the elastic region (32), The electrochemical electrode structure is such that the elastic region (32) is fitted to push at least one electrode element (12) away from the support element (30) in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main extension of the elastic region (32), The support element (30) has a first tongue region (36) positioned on its edge, and the first edge portion of the at least one electrode element (12) is bent around the first tongue region (36) of the support element (30), thereby attaching the at least one electrode element (12) to the support element (30). An electrochemical electrode structure characterized by the following features.

2. Each electrode element (12) has a second edge portion, and the first edge portion and the second edge portion are arranged on the edges on both sides of the electrode element. The support element (30) has a second tongue region (36') positioned on the edge opposite to the edge of the first tongue region (36) of the support element (30), The second edge portion of the at least one electrode element (12) is bent around the second tongue region (36') of the support element (30), thereby fixing the at least one electrode element (12) to the support element (30). The electrochemical electrode structure according to claim 1.

3. The electrochemical electrode structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one tongue region (36, 36') protrudes beyond the individual edges with respect to the plane of the main extension of the elastic region (32).

4. The electrochemical electrode structure according to claim 3, wherein the at least one tongue region (36, 36') protruding beyond the edge is formed in the plane of the main extension portion of the elastic region (32) of the support element (30).

5. The electrochemical electrode structure according to claim 3, wherein the at least one tongue region (36, 36') protruding beyond the edge is an outwardly inclined element that protrudes beyond the plane of the main extension of the elastic region (32) of the support element (30).

6. The electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each edge portion of the at least one electrode element (12) bent around the individual tongue regions (36, 36') of the support element (30) has a width in the range of 3 mm to 40 mm.

7. The electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic region (32) of the support element (30) comprises a leaf spring arrangement, in particular a leaf spring arrangement comprising parallel rows of fitted spring strips (34) that alternately protrude laterally from the plane of the main extension portion of the elastic region (32).

8. The electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one electrode element (12) is a grid element or an expanded mesh element.

9. The electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support element (30) has an edge having the tongue region, and at least one electrode element (12) has an inclined rim (42) that is bent and inclined so as to separate the strip portion (42a) of the electrode.

10. The electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a plurality of electrode elements (12a), wherein the electrode elements (12a) from the plurality of electrode elements are arranged such that the edges of adjacent electrode elements overlap each other, or the edges of adjacent electrode elements are joined together.

11. It comprises a first electrode element (12A), a second electrode element (12B), and a separator (16), The separator (16) is a two-dimensionally extending partially transparent element positioned between the first electrode element (12A) and the second electrode element (12B). The two-dimensionally stretched partially transparent element is an electrochemical cell (10) having two surface sides, Either the first electrode element (12A) or the second electrode element (12B), or both of the first and second electrode elements (12A, 12B), is an electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Each electrode element (12A, 12B) is positioned next to one of the two surfaces of the separator (16). An electrochemical cell (10) characterized by the following features.

12. The electrochemical cell (10) comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, - The first compartment houses the first electrode element, - The second compartment houses the second electrode element, - The separator (16) separates the first section and the second section and is placed between them. - The separator (16) has a first surface side and a second surface side, the first surface side contacts the first compartment, and the second surface side contacts the second compartment in order to electrochemically interconnect the first compartment and the second compartment. The electrochemical cell (10) according to claim 11.

13. A bipolar electrode assembly (14) comprising a first compartment (20A), a second compartment (20B), and cell partition elements (24A, 24B), wherein the cell partition elements (24A, 24B) physically separate the first compartment (20A) from the second compartment (20B) and are positioned between the first compartment (20A) and the second compartment (20B), and at least one of the first compartment (20A) and the second compartment (20B) comprises the electrochemical electrode structure according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. An electrochemical cell arrangement comprising a plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies (14), each of which is a bipolar electrode assembly according to claim 13, and a plurality of separators (16), wherein the plurality of bipolar electrode assemblies (14) and the plurality of separators (16) are alternately stacked, thereby electrochemically connecting the first electrode element (12A) of the bipolar electrode assembly (14) to the second electrode element (12B) of an adjacent bipolar electrode assembly via the separators (16) placed between them, particularly via an ion exchange membrane or porous diaphragm placed between them.

15. A method for attaching an electrode element (12) to a support element (30) of an electrochemical electrode structure for an electrochemical cell (10), particularly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, - A conductive element that is two-dimensionally extended and has an open structure, comprising the step of providing an electrode element (12) having a first edge portion, - A step of providing a support element (30) having an elastic region (32) that extends in a planar manner on the plane of the main stretched portion of the elastic region (32), and a first tongue region (36) arranged on the edge of the support element (30), - The step of positioning the electrode element (12) on the elastic region (32) of the support element (30) such that the first edge portion of the electrode element (12) extends at least partially beyond the first tongue region (36) of the support element (30), - The steps of bending the first edge portion of the at least one electrode element (12) around the first tongue region (36) of the support element (30), thereby attaching the at least one electrode element (12) to the support element (30) by a lap joint, Methods that include...

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