Electrochemical cell and electrochemical device

Abstract

An electrochemical cell and an electrochemical device that are easy to manufacture and can be retrofitted. [Solution] The electrochemical cell includes a first plate and a second plate, each of which has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber formed on its inner surface, and a seal portion provided between the first plate and the second plate, and the seal portion includes a plurality of frame bodies arranged at intervals from the inside to the outside, and a plurality of seal materials arranged between the frame bodies and in a compressed state between the first plate and the second plate. Also, an electrochemical device includes the electrochemical cell described above.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical device having a seal structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a seal structure that separates the inside and outside of an electrolytic cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-166092 A [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-286572 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the seal structures of Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is necessary to provide grooves on the electrode plates for arranging the seal material, which makes distortion likely to occur and makes precise machining difficult. Also, in the seal structures of Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to remachine the grooves on the electrode plates, making it difficult to perform retrofitting to improve the sealing performance, and even if it were possible, there was a problem of high machining costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical device that have a seal structure that is easy to manufacture and that allows retrofitting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electrochemical cell of the present invention is an electrochemical cell comprising a first plate and a second plate each having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber formed on the opposing inner sides thereof, and a seal portion provided between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the seal portion has a plurality of frame bodies arranged at intervals from the inside to the outside, and a plurality of sealing materials arranged between the plurality of frame bodies and in a compressed state between the first plate and the second plate.

[0007] The electrochemical device of the present invention includes the above-mentioned electrochemical cell.

[0008] Furthermore, according to the electrochemical cell and electrochemical device of the present invention, the hermeticity of the electrochemical cell 1 can be maintained even under high pressure operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the electrochemical cell and electrochemical device of the present invention enable differential pressure operation under high pressure operation, making it possible to operate the electrochemical device efficiently according to its purpose.

[0010] In the electrochemical cell and electrochemical device of the present invention, the multiple frame bodies are formed separately from the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The multiple frame bodies are formed at intervals from each other. This allows retrofitting, including replacement and manufacturing of a part or all of the multiple frame bodies.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, in each of the plurality of frames, one or both of a surface facing the first plate and a surface facing the second plate are formed of an insulator.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the first plate and the second plate from being electrically short-circuited via the frame.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, one or both of the first plate and the second plate have a locking portion that regulates a relative position of the seal portion with respect to the first plate and the second plate.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the frame from moving due to pressure or the like.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of frame bodies is constituted by a plurality of frame body members, part of which in the extending direction of the wall portion is separated so as to be connectable and disconnectable.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily replace a part of the frame member.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of frame members has a connecting portion that regulates the relative position of each of the frame members.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the hermeticity of the seal portion 50 can be maintained, so that a stable electrochemical reaction can be carried out in the electrochemical cell. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical device having a seal structure that is easy to manufacture and allows retrofitting. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view that illustrates a schematic example of an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a sealing portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing another example of the frame according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic overall view of an electrochemical device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the positional relationship between the seal portion and the diaphragm in region A of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the positional relationship between the seal portion and the diaphragm. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the positional relationship between the seal portion and the diaphragm. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a locking portion that regulates the relative position of the seal portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an electrochemical cell in a comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration for performing high-pressure operation of the electrochemical device of this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a system configuration for performing high-pressure operation of the electrochemical device of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] An electrochemical device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the following drawings, the same members or parts, or members or parts having the same functions, are denoted by the same reference numerals or the reference numerals are omitted.

[0022] 1 shows a schematic exploded view of the electrochemical device 100 in the X-axis direction (the direction in which the first plate and the second plate face each other). The electrochemical device 100 is formed as an electrolyzer or an electrochemical cell.

[0023] An electrolyzer is a device that chemically decomposes compounds using electrical energy, and is also called an electrolysis device, electrolysis cell, or electrolytic cell. Electrolyzers are used in many industrial applications, such as producing hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water, producing chlorine gas, caustic soda, or hydrogen by electrolysis of salt, and recovering resources from waste liquids by two-chamber or three-chamber electrolysis. For example, electrolyzers used for electrolysis of water include, but are not limited to, alkaline water electrolytic cells or solid polymer water electrolytic cells. An alkaline water electrolytic cell is a device that produces hydrogen and oxygen by supplying electrical energy to a strongly alkaline aqueous solution such as an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. A solid polymer water electrolytic cell is a device that produces hydrogen and oxygen by supplying electrical energy to pure water.

[0024] An electrochemical cell is a device that converts energy generated by a chemical reaction into electrical energy. An electrochemical cell is formed, for example, as a fuel cell. A fuel cell is a power generating device that can continuously extract electricity generated by an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. For example, the fuel cell is, but is not limited to, a solid polymer fuel cell or a phosphoric acid fuel cell. A solid polymer fuel cell is a fuel cell that uses, as an electrolyte, a solid polymer such as a fluoropolymer having a sulfonic acid group or a porous polyimide. A phosphoric acid fuel cell is a fuel cell that uses an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as an electrolyte.

[0025] In the following, for the purpose of specifically explaining the configuration of the electrochemical device 100, an "alkaline water electrolytic cell" may be described as an example of an electrolysis device, and a "solid polymer fuel cell" may be described as an example of an electrochemical cell. However, it should be noted that these descriptions are not intended to limit the configuration of the electrochemical device 100 to either an "alkaline water electrolytic cell" or a "solid polymer fuel cell."

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrochemical device 100 has an anode end frame 10 and a cathode end frame 15 at both ends of the electrochemical device 100. The anode end frame 10 and the cathode end frame 15 form part of the outer shell of the electrochemical device 100. The anode end frame 10 and the cathode end frame 15 are formed of an inexpensive steel material such as SS400. The anode end frame 10 has a plurality of through holes 10a. The cathode end frame 15 has a plurality of through holes 15a corresponding to the plurality of through holes 10a of the anode end frame 10. The anode end frame 10 and the cathode end frame 15 are connected to each other via the through holes 10a of the anode end frame 10 and the through holes 15b of the cathode end frame 15 by fastening members 18 (see FIG. 5) including, for example, long bolts and nuts.

[0027] The anode end frame 10 has an anolyte supply pipe 10b, a catholyte supply pipe 10c, an anolyte discharge pipe 10d, and a catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The anolyte supply pipe 10b supplies anolyte to the anode side of the electrochemical cell 1 described later. The catholyte supply pipe 10c supplies catholyte to the cathode side of the electrochemical cell 1 described later. The anolyte discharge pipe 10d discharges anode gas or a mixture of anolyte and anode gas from the anode side of the electrochemical cell 1 described later. The catholyte discharge pipe 10e discharges cathode gas or a mixture of catholyte and cathode gas from the cathode side of the electrochemical cell 1 described later. Note that some or all of the anolyte supply pipe 10b, the catholyte supply pipe 10c, the anolyte discharge pipe 10d, and the catholyte discharge pipe 10e may be provided in the cathode end frame 15. 1, the anolyte supply pipe 10b and the anolyte discharge pipe 10d, and the catholyte supply pipe 10c and the catholyte discharge pipe 10e are aligned in the Y-axis direction (horizontal direction), but this is not limited thereto. For example, the anolyte supply pipe 10b and the catholyte discharge pipe 10e, and the catholyte supply pipe 10c and the anolyte discharge pipe 10d may be aligned in the Y-axis direction.

[0028] Here, the terms "anode side", "cathode side", "anolyte", "anode gas", "catholyte", and "cathode gas" mentioned above will be explained.

[0029] The "anode side" refers to the side of the electrochemical device 100 where current flows from the outside to the inside of the electrochemical device 100, i.e., the side where electrons flow from the inside to the outside of the electrochemical device 100. Therefore, an oxidation reaction takes place on the anode side of the electrochemical device 100.

[0030] The "cathode side" refers to the side of the electrochemical device 100 where current flows from the inside to the outside of the electrochemical device 100, i.e., the side where electrons flow from the outside to the inside of the electrochemical device 100. Therefore, a reduction reaction takes place on the cathode side of the electrochemical device 100.

[0031] "Anolyte" refers to an electrolyte that is one of the compounds supplied to the anode side of the electrochemical device 100. For example, when the electrochemical device 100 is an alkaline water electrolytic cell, the anolyte is an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. When the electrochemical device 100 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the compound supplied to the anode side of the electrochemical device 100 is hydrogen gas.

[0032] The "anode gas" refers to a gaseous compound discharged from the anode side of the electrochemical device 100. For example, when the electrochemical device 100 is an alkaline water electrolytic cell, the anode gas is oxygen gas generated by an oxidation reaction of hydroxide ions. When the electrochemical device 100 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the anode gas is surplus hydrogen gas that has not undergone the oxidation reaction.

[0033] "Catholite" refers to an electrolyte, which is one of the compounds supplied to the cathode side of the electrochemical device 100. For example, when the electrochemical device 100 is an alkaline water electrolytic cell, the catholyte is an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. When the electrochemical device 100 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the compound supplied to the cathode side of the electrochemical device 100 is air containing oxygen.

[0034] The term "cathode gas" refers to a gaseous compound discharged from the cathode side of the electrochemical device 100. For example, when the electrochemical device 100 is an alkaline water electrolytic cell, the cathode gas is hydrogen gas generated by a reduction reaction of hydrogen ions. When the electrochemical device 100 is a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, the cathode gas is air containing excess oxygen gas that has not undergone the reduction reaction, and water vapor generated by the reduction of oxygen gas.

[0035] The electrochemical device 100 includes an anode spacer 20a and an anode bus bar 25a.

[0036] The anode spacer 20a and the anode bus bar 25a are disposed between the anode end frame 10 and the cathode end frame 15. The anode spacer 20a is disposed between the anode end frame 10 and the anode bus bar 25a, and abuts against the anode end frame 10. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the anode bus bar 25a is housed in a recess provided in the anode spacer 20a (see FIG. 5). By housing the anode bus bar 25a in the recess of the anode spacer 20a, the electrochemical device 100 can be made smaller in size.

[0037] The anode bus bar 25a is an anode side terminal connected to an external electric circuit, and is made of, but not limited to, copper. An end portion 25a1 of the anode bus bar 25a is exposed to the outside from the electrochemical device 100, and forms an interface for connecting to an external electric circuit.

[0038] The anode spacer 20a provides electrical insulation between the anode end frame 10 and the anode bus bar 25a. The anode spacer 20a is formed of an insulator and a metal body, for example, a rubber lining that coats the surface of a steel material such as SS400 with rubber. By providing the anode spacer 20a between the anode end frame 10 and the anode bus bar 25a, it is possible to prevent a user from getting an electric shock due to a current in the electrochemical device 100, thereby improving safety.

[0039] The anode spacer 20a has a communication hole 20a1 that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte supply pipe 10b. The anode spacer 20a has a communication hole 20a2 that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte supply pipe 10c. The anode spacer 20a has a communication hole 20a3 that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte discharge pipe 10d. The anode spacer 20a has a communication hole 20a4 that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The anode spacer 20a has an O-ring that surrounds the communication holes 20a1, 20a2, 20a3, and 20a4 and is arranged to abut against the anode end frame 10. The O-ring is made of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). By arranging the O-ring, the adhesion between the anode spacer 20a and the anode end frame 10 can be improved. By improving the adhesion between the anode spacer 20a and the anode end frame 10, leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, and cathode gas from between the anode spacer 20a and the anode end frame 10 can be prevented.

[0040] The electrochemical device 100 includes a cathode spacer 20b and a cathode bus bar 25b.

[0041] The cathode spacer 20b and the cathode bus bar 25b are disposed between the anode end frame 10 and the cathode end frame 15. The cathode spacer 20b is disposed between the cathode end frame 15 and the cathode bus bar 25b, and abuts against the cathode end frame 15. The cathode bus bar 25b is accommodated in a recess 20b1 provided in the cathode spacer 20b. By accommodating the cathode bus bar 25b in the recess 20b1 of the cathode spacer 20b, the electrochemical device 100 can be made smaller.

[0042] The cathode bus bar 25b is a cathode side terminal connected to an external electric circuit, and is made of, but not limited to, copper. An end portion 25b1 of the cathode bus bar 25b is exposed to the outside from the electrochemical device 100, and forms an interface for connecting to an external electric circuit.

[0043] The cathode spacer 20b provides electrical insulation between the cathode end frame 15 and the cathode bus bar 25b. The cathode spacer 20b is formed of an insulator and a metal body, for example, a rubber lining that coats the surface of a steel material such as SS400 with rubber. By providing the cathode spacer 20b between the cathode end frame 15 and the cathode bus bar 25b, it is possible to prevent a user from getting an electric shock due to a current in the electrochemical device 100, and thus improve safety.

[0044] The electrochemical device 100 includes an anode endplate 30 and a cathode endplate 35 .

[0045] The anode end plate 30 abuts against the anode spacer 20 a and the anode bus bar 25 a, and is electrically connected to the anode bus bar 25 a. The anode end plate 30 is made of any material having high corrosion resistance, such as nickel, a nickel alloy, or a titanium alloy.

[0046] The anode end plate 30 has a communication hole 30a that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte supply pipe 10b. The anode end plate 30 has a communication hole 30b that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte supply pipe 10c. The anode end plate 30 has a communication hole 30c that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte discharge pipe 10d. The anode end plate 30 has a communication hole 30d that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The anode end plate 30 has an O-ring that surrounds the communication holes 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d and is arranged to abut against the anode spacer 20a. The O-ring is made of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). By arranging the O-ring, the adhesion between the anode end plate 30 and the anode spacer 20a can be improved. By improving the adhesion between the anode end plate 30 and the anode spacer 20a, it is possible to prevent leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, and cathode gas from between the anode end plate 30 and the anode spacer 20a.

[0047] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the anode endplate 30 has a rectangular recess in the center of the surface that abuts against the anode busbar 25a and the inverted surface (see Fig. 5). The anode endplate 30 also has a flow path that connects the recess to communication hole 30a and a flow path that connects the recess to communication hole 30c (see Fig. 5). With this configuration, anolyte is supplied from anolyte supply pipe 10b to the recess in the anode endplate 30, and anode gas or a mixture of anolyte and anode gas is discharged from the recess in the anode endplate 30 to anolyte discharge pipe 10d.

[0048] The cathode end plate 35 abuts against the cathode spacer 20b and the cathode bus bar 25b, and is electrically connected to the cathode spacer 20b. The cathode end plate 35 is made of any material having high corrosion resistance, such as nickel, a nickel alloy, or a titanium alloy.

[0049] The cathode end plate 35 has a communication hole 35a that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte supply pipe 10b. The cathode end plate 35 has a communication hole 35b that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte supply pipe 10c. The cathode end plate 35 has a communication hole 35c that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte discharge pipe 10d. The cathode end plate 35 has a communication hole 35d that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The cathode end plate 35 has an O-ring that surrounds the communication holes 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d and is arranged to abut against the seal portion 50 described later. The O-ring is made of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). By arranging the O-ring, the adhesion between the cathode end plate 35 and the seal portion 70 can be improved. By improving the adhesion between the cathode end plate 35 and the seal portion 70, leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, and cathode gas from between the cathode end plate 35 and the seal portion 70 can be prevented.

[0050] The cathode end plate 35 has a rectangular recess 35e in the center of the surface inverted from the surface that abuts against the cathode bus bar 25b. Although not shown, the cathode end plate 35 also has a flow path that connects the recess 35e to the communication hole 35b and a flow path that connects the recess 35e to the communication hole 35d. With this configuration, catholyte is supplied from the catholyte supply pipe 10c to the recess 35e, and a cathode gas or a mixture of catholyte and cathode gas is discharged from the recess 35e to the catholyte discharge pipe 10e.

[0051] The electrochemical device 100 includes a bipolar plate 38 .

[0052] The bipolar plate 38 is disposed between the anode end plate 30 and the cathode end plate 35. The bipolar plate 38 is a current-carrying plate having a cathode side surface (the negative side of the X-axis in FIG. 1) and an anode side surface (the positive side of the X-axis in FIG. 1), with the cathode side surface and the anode side surface being electrically connected in series. In the bipolar plate 38, current flows from the cathode side to the anode side, and electrons flow from the anode side to the cathode side.

[0053] The bipolar plate 38 also functions as a partition between the cathode side and the anode side of the bipolar plate 38. The bipolar plate 38 physically blocks the inflow of catholyte or cathode gas from the cathode side of the bipolar plate 38 to the anode side, and physically blocks the inflow of anolyte or anode gas from the anode side of the bipolar plate 38 to the cathode side.

[0054] The bipolar plate 38 is made of any material having high corrosion resistance, but may be made of nickel, a nickel alloy, a titanium alloy, or the like.

[0055] The bipolar plate 38 has a communication hole 38a that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte supply pipe 10b. The bipolar plate 38 has a communication hole 38b that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte supply pipe 10c. The bipolar plate 38 has a communication hole 38c that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte discharge pipe 10d. The bipolar plate 38 has a communication hole 38d that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The bipolar plate 38 has an O-ring that surrounds the communication holes 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d and is arranged to abut against the seal portion 50 described later. The O-ring is made of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). By arranging the O-ring, the adhesion between the bipolar plate 38 and the seal portion 50 can be improved. By improving the adhesion between the bipolar plate 38 and the seal portion 50, leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, and cathode gas from between the bipolar plate 38 and the seal portion 50 can be prevented.

[0056] The bipolar plate 38 has a rectangular recess 38e in the center of the cathode side surface. Although not shown, the bipolar plate 38 also has a flow path that connects the recess 38e to the communication hole 38b and a flow path that connects the recess 38e to the communication hole 38d. With this configuration, catholyte is supplied from the catholyte supply pipe 10c to the recess 38e, and a cathode gas or a mixture of catholyte and cathode gas is discharged from the recess 38e to the catholyte discharge pipe 10e.

[0057] Although not shown in Fig. 1, bipolar plate 38 has a rectangular recess in the center of the anode-side surface (see Fig. 5). Bipolar plate 38 also has a flow path that connects the recess to communication hole 30a and a flow path that connects the recess to communication hole 30c (see Fig. 5). With this configuration, anolyte is supplied from anolyte supply pipe 10b to the recess on the anode side of bipolar plate 38, and anode gas or a mixture of anolyte and anode gas is discharged from the recess on the anode side of bipolar plate 38 to anolyte discharge pipe 10d.

[0058] 1 illustrates an electrochemical device 100 having one bipolar plate 38, but is not limited to this. The electrochemical device 100 may include multiple bipolar plates 38, or may not include a bipolar plate 38.

[0059] Next, the configuration of the electrochemical cell 1 in the electrochemical device 100 will be described.

[0060] In the electrochemical device 100, the configuration between the anode endplate 30 and the cathode side of the bipolar plate 38 is the same as the configuration between the anode side of the bipolar plate 38 and the cathode endplate 35. That is, in the electrochemical device 100, the same unitary units are repeatedly formed. In other words, in the electrochemical device 100, the same unitary units are stacked. The unitary units are referred to as electrochemical cells 1.

[0061] In the following description, the anode endplate 30 or bipolar plate 38 on the anode side of the electrochemical cell 1 is referred to as the first plate 3a. Also, the cathode endplate 35 or bipolar plate 38 on the cathode side of the electrochemical cell 1 is referred to as the second plate 3b.

[0062] That is, when an electrochemical cell 1 is formed between the anode endplate 30 and the cathode side of a bipolar plate 38, the anode endplate 30 is referred to as the first plate 3a, and the bipolar plate 38 is referred to as the second plate 3b. When an electrochemical cell 1 is formed between the anode side of the bipolar plate 38 and the cathode endplate 35, the bipolar plate 38 is referred to as the first plate 3a, and the cathode endplate 35 is referred to as the second plate 3b.

[0063] 5 (i.e., three or more electrochemical cells 1 are stacked), an additional electrochemical cell 1 is formed between the anode side of the bipolar plate 38 and the cathode side of the bipolar plate 38. In this case, the bipolar plate 38 on the anode side is referred to as the first plate 3a, and the bipolar plate 38 on the cathode side is referred to as the second plate 3b.

[0064] It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the bipolar plate 38 is referred to as the first plate 3a when it is on the anode side of the electrochemical cell 1, and as the second plate 3b when it is on the cathode side of the electrochemical cell 1. That is, the bipolar plate 38 can be interpreted as either the first plate 3a or the second plate 3b depending on its relationship to the opposing plate.

[0065] If the electrochemical device 100 does not have a bipolar plate 38, the electrochemical cell 1 is formed only between the anode endplate 30 and the cathode endplate 35. In this case, the anode endplate 30 is referred to as the first plate 3a, and the cathode endplate 35 is referred to as the second plate 3b.

[0066] The electrochemical cell 1 comprises an anode 40 and a cathode 45 .

[0067] The anode 40 is an electrode disposed in a recess in the first plate 3a and in contact with the first plate 3a. As a result, the anode 40 is electrically connected to the anode side of the bipolar plate 38 or the anode end plate 30. A detailed configuration of the anode 40 will be described later.

[0068] The cathode 45 is an electrode disposed in the recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b and in contact with the bipolar plate 38. As a result, the cathode 45 is electrically connected to the cathode side of the bipolar plate 38 or the cathode end plate 35. A detailed configuration of the cathode 45 will be described later.

[0069] The electrochemical cell 1 includes a diaphragm 48 and a seal portion 50 .

[0070] The diaphragm 48 is disposed between the anode 40 and the cathode 45. As will be described later with reference to Figs. 6 to 8, in the electrochemical cell 1, the diaphragm 48 separates the anode chamber 1a from the cathode chamber 1b.

[0071] The diaphragm 48 is preferably an ion exchange membrane or a porous membrane. The ion exchange membrane is preferably either a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane. By using either a cation exchange membrane or an anion exchange membrane as the ion exchange membrane, it is possible to improve electrical conductivity and improve the reaction efficiency of the electrochemical reaction.

[0072] The seal portion 50 is disposed between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. As will be described later with reference to Figures 6 to 8, the seal portion 50 seals the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. Note that, although the seal portion 50 is disposed between the diaphragm 48 and the second plate 3b in Figure 1, it may be disposed between the first plate 3a and the diaphragm 48 as shown in Figure 5.

[0073] Next, a specific configuration of the seal portion 50 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] The seal portion 50 has a plurality of frames 51 and a plurality of seal materials 53 .

[0075] 2, the multiple frames 51 are plate-like members formed in a rectangular and flat shape, and include, for example, a first frame 51a, a second frame 51b, and a third frame 51c. The second frame 51b is located on the outer periphery side of the first frame 51a and is disposed at a distance from the first frame 51a. The third frame 51c is located on the outer periphery side of the second frame 51b and is disposed at a distance from the second frame 51b.

[0076] The multiple frame bodies 51 serve as a reference for determining the arrangement positions of the multiple seal materials 53. In addition, the multiple frame bodies 51 regulate the relative movement of the multiple seal materials 53 with respect to the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b when the multiple seal materials 53 are compressed between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b.

[0077] In the following description, the first frame body 51a, the second frame body 51b, and the third frame body 51c will be collectively referred to as the frame body 51 unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0078] The multiple frame bodies 51 are formed as separate frame bodies 51 from each other. Also, the multiple frame bodies 51 are formed as separate bodies from the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. By forming one frame body 51 as a separate body from the other frame bodies 51, the first plate 3a, and the second plate 3b, retrofitting including replacement of part or all of the multiple frame bodies 51 becomes easy.

[0079] The plurality of frame bodies 51 may be two frame bodies 51 or four or more frame bodies 51.

[0080] Furthermore, a rectangular through-hole 50a is formed on the inside of the first frame 51a which is the innermost part of the seal portion 50. As described later in FIG. 6, when the diaphragm 48 is disposed between the second plate 3b and the seal portion 50, the rectangular through-hole 50a communicates with the recess of the first plate 3a and forms the anode chamber 1a together with the recess of the first plate 3a. As described later in FIG. 7, when the diaphragm 48 is disposed between the first plate 3a and the seal portion 50, the rectangular through-hole 50a communicates with the recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b and forms the cathode chamber 1b together with the recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b.

[0081] The plurality of seal materials 53 are disposed between adjacent frame bodies 51 among the plurality of frame bodies 51. In the example of Fig. 2, the plurality of seal materials 53 include a first seal material 53a disposed between the first frame body 51a and the second frame body 51b, and a second seal material 53b disposed between the second frame body 51b and the third frame body 51c. The plurality of seal materials 53 seal between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b, and regulate the relative position of the frame body 51 with respect to the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b.

[0082] In the direction from the first plate 3a to the second plate 3b, the width of the first seal material 53a is formed to be larger than the width of the first frame body 51a and the second frame body 51b. The first seal material 53a may or may not be in contact with the first frame body 51a or the second frame body 51b. Furthermore, a plurality of first seal materials 53a may be provided between the first frame body 51a and the second frame body 51b. Furthermore, when a plurality of first seal materials 53a are provided between the first frame body 51a and the second frame body 51b, the plurality of first seal materials 53a may or may not be in contact with each other.

[0083] In the direction from the first plate 3a to the second plate 3b, the width of the second seal material 53b is formed to be larger than the width of the second frame body 51b and the third frame body 51c. The second seal material 53b may or may not be in contact with the second frame body 51b or the third frame body 51c. Furthermore, a plurality of second seal materials 53b may be provided between the second frame body 51b and the third frame body 51c. Furthermore, when a plurality of second seal materials 53b are provided between the second frame body 51b and the third frame body 51c, the plurality of second seal materials 53b may or may not be in contact with each other.

[0084] The first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b are formed, for example, as an O-ring having a rectangular shape in a plan view, but are not limited thereto. The first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b are formed of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), fluororubber, or silicone rubber, but are not limited thereto. The materials of the multiple seal materials 53 forming the seal portion 50 may be the same as each other or different from each other.

[0085] In the following description, the first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b will be collectively referred to as the seal material 53 unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0086] The seal portion 50 has a first flow path plate 55a and a second flow path plate 55b. The first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b form a pair of ends of the seal portion 50. The first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b regulate the relative position of the frame 51 with respect to the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b between the first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b.

[0087] The first flow path plate 55a has a communication hole 55a1 that communicates with the internal flow path of the anolyte supply pipe 10b. The first flow path plate 55a has a communication hole 55a3 that communicates with the internal flow path of the catholyte supply pipe 10c. The first flow path plate 55a has an O-ring 55a2 that surrounds the communication hole 55a1 and is arranged to abut against the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The first flow path plate 55a has an O-ring 55a4 that surrounds the communication hole 55a3 and is arranged to abut against the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The O-rings 55a2 and 55a4 are formed of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). By arranging the O-rings 55a2 and 55a4, the adhesion between the first plate 3a and the first flow path plate 55a and the adhesion between the first flow path plate 55a and the second plate 3b can be improved. By improving the adhesion, it is possible to prevent leakage of anolyte and catholyte from between the first plate 3a and the first flow path plate 55a and between the first flow path plate 55a and the second plate 3b.

[0088] The second flow path plate 55b has a communication hole 55b1 communicating with the internal flow path of the anolyte discharge pipe 10d. The second flow path plate 55b has a communication hole 55b3 communicating with the internal flow path of the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The second flow path plate 55b has an O-ring 55a2 surrounding the communication hole 55b1 and arranged to abut against the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The first flow path plate 55a has an O-ring 55a4 surrounding the communication hole 55a3 and arranged to abut against the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The O-rings 55b2 and 55b4 are formed of an elastic material such as ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM). By arranging the O-rings 55b2 and 55b4, it is possible to improve the adhesion between the first plate 3a and the second flow path plate 55b and between the second flow path plate 55b and the second plate 3b. By improving the adhesion, leakage of anolyte, catholyte, anode gas, or cathode gas from between the first plate 3a and the second flow path plate 55b and between the second flow path plate 55b and the second plate 3b can be prevented.

[0089] 2, the first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b are formed as separate bodies from the frame body 51, but this is not limited thereto. For example, one or both of the first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b may be formed integrally with the outermost frame body 51 (the third frame body 51c in FIG. 2) among the multiple frame bodies 51.

[0090] Furthermore, the first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b are not particularly limited in material as long as they are electrically insulated from the surface facing the first plate 3a or the surface facing the second plate 3b. More specifically, the first flow path plate 55a and the second flow path plate 55b are not particularly limited in material as long as an insulator such as a plastic synthetic resin is formed on one of the surface facing the first plate 3a or the surface facing the second plate 3b.

[0091] Next, a more specific configuration of the frame 51 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0092] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the frame 51. In Fig. 3, the right side of the paper indicates the inner circumferential direction of the frame 51 (i.e., the direction of the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b in Figs. 6 to 8), and the left side of the paper indicates the outer circumferential direction of the frame 51. In Fig. 3, the upper side of the paper indicates either the direction of the first plate 3a or the direction of the second plate 3b.

[0093] 3(a) to 3(e), the frame body 51 is formed of a metal body 5a and an insulator 5b. In Fig. 3(f), the entire frame body 51 is formed of the insulator 5b.

[0094] In the frame body 51 of Figures 3(a) and 3(c), an insulator 5b is formed on one of the surface facing the first plate 3a and the surface facing the second plate 3b. In the frame body 51 of Figures 3(b) and 3(d), an insulator 5b is formed on both the surface facing the first plate 3a and the surface facing the second plate 3b. According to the configuration of Figures 3(a) to 3(d), it is possible to prevent an electrical short circuit due to contact between the metal body 5a of the frame body 51 and the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b.

[0095] 3(c) and 3(d), the inner peripheral end of the frame 51 may be covered with an insulator 5b. By covering the inner peripheral direction of the frame 51 with the insulator 5b, corrosion of the metal body 5a due to contact with anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas can be prevented.

[0096] Also, as shown in Fig. 3(e), the entire surface of the metal body 5a may be covered with the insulator 5b, or as shown in Fig. 3(f), the frame body 51 may be formed only with the insulator 5b. In Fig. 3(e) and Fig. 3(f), the insulator 5b is formed on both the surface facing the first plate 3a and the surface facing the second plate 3b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent electrical short circuit due to contact between the metal body 5a of the frame body 51 and the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b.

[0097] In addition, in Figures 3(e) and 3(f), the inner peripheral end of the frame 51 is covered with an insulator 5b, which prevents corrosion of the metal body 5a due to contact with anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas.

[0098] Furthermore, the materials of the multiple frames 51 forming the seal portion 50 may be the same or different.

[0099] The metal body 5a of the frame 51 is formed of, for example, stainless steel such as SUS304, but is not limited thereto. When the surface of the metal body 5a is covered partially or entirely with the insulator 5b as shown in Figs. 3(a) to 3(e), the insulator 5b may be formed of synthetic resin such as plastic, or the surface of the metal body 5a may be covered with a tape or film made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) resin or polyimide. When the metal body 5a is covered partially or entirely with the insulator 5b as shown in Figs. 3(a) to 3(e), a rubber lining may be performed in which rubber is directly vulcanized and bonded to the surface of the metal body 5a to cover the surface. When the frame 51 is entirely formed of an insulator as shown in Fig. 3(f), the insulator 5b may be formed of synthetic resin such as plastic.

[0100] Although the cross-sectional shape of the frame body 51 is rectangular in Fig. 3, it is not limited thereto as long as the surface facing the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b is a flat surface parallel to the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. For example, in the cross-sectional shape of the frame body 51, the width of the surface facing the first plate 3a may be the same as or different from the width of the surface facing the second plate 3b. In addition, in the cross-sectional shape of the frame body 51, the shape of the surface extending from the surface facing the first plate 3a to the surface facing the second plate 3b may be flat or curved.

[0101] Moreover, each of the frame bodies 51 may be integrally formed as shown in Fig. 2, or may have a plurality of frame body members 5c as shown in Fig. 4. The plurality of frame body members 5c are formed by dividing a flat surface of the frame body 51, i.e., a part of the direction in which the wall of the frame body 51 extends, so that the frame body members 5c can be detachably connected to each other. By forming the frame body 51 as a plurality of frame body members 5c, it is possible to easily replace a part of the frame body members 5c.

[0102] 4, the frame 51 is divided into four frame members 5c, but is not limited thereto. The frame 51 may be divided into two or three frame members 5c, or may be divided into five or more frame members 5c.

[0103] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the frame member 5c may have a connecting portion 5d. The connecting portion 5d is formed to regulate the relative positions of the frame members 5c. For example, the connecting portion 5d is formed as a protrusion protruding from the edge of the frame member 5c, or by cutting out the edge of the frame member 5c, and is formed as a locking portion capable of locking the protrusion. For example, the width of the end of the protrusion is formed to be larger than the width of the beginning of the protrusion, and is formed so that the protrusion does not come off the locking portion due to movement along the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. By each of the frame members 5c having the connecting portion 5d that regulates the relative positions of the frame members 5c, the movement of the frame members 5c along the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b is regulated so that it cannot be displaced, and the shape of the frame 51 can be prevented from being distorted. Therefore, by each of the frame members 5c having the connecting portion 5d that regulates the relative positions of the frame members 5c, the sealing property of the seal portion 50 can be maintained, and a stable electrochemical reaction can be performed in the electrochemical cell 1.

[0104] As shown in the example of FIG. 5, the electrochemical device 100 typically has a plurality of first plates 3a and a plurality of second plates 3b. As described in FIG. 2 above, the diaphragm 48 and the seal portion 50 are disposed between the adjacent first plates 3a and second plates 3b among the plurality of first plates 3a and the plurality of second plates 3b. As described in FIG. 2 above, an electrochemical cell 1 is formed between the adjacent first plates 3a and second plates 3b. Each component of each electrochemical device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is fastened and fixed via a through hole 10a of the anode end frame 10 and a through hole 15b of the cathode end frame 15 shown in FIG. 1 by a fastening member 18 including, for example, a long bolt and a nut. As a result, each seal material (such as an O-ring) constituting a seal portion that seals between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b is compressed in the direction in which the two plates face each other. In this way, each seal material is disposed in a compressed state between the two plates, thereby sealing between the two plates (described in detail later).

[0105] Next, the positional relationship between the seal portion and the diaphragm in the electrochemical cell 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0106] Fig. 6 shows the structure in region A in Fig. 5. The structure in region A is a part of the structure between adjacent first plate 3a and second plate 3b, and corresponds to a part of the structure of electrochemical cell 1.

[0107] The electrochemical cell 1 has an anode chamber 1a and a cathode chamber 1b. A diaphragm 48 separates the anode chamber 1a from the cathode chamber 1b. At the outer peripheral end 48a of the diaphragm 48, the first plate 3a is provided on the anode chamber 1a side. At the outer peripheral end 48a of the diaphragm 48, the second plate 3b is provided on the cathode chamber 1b side. The anode chamber 1a is formed between the surface of the diaphragm 48 facing the first plate 3a and the surface of the first plate 3a having the recess. The cathode chamber 1b is formed between the surface of the diaphragm 48 facing the second plate 3b and the surface of the second plate 3b having the recess 35e or 38c.

[0108] The seal portion 50 is sandwiched between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The seal portion 50 seals the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b.

[0109] In Fig. 6, the seal part 50 is disposed between the diaphragm 48 and the second plate 3b. The through-hole 50a (see Fig. 3) of the seal part 50 communicates with the recess of the first plate 3a and forms the anode chamber 1a together with the recess of the first plate 3a. The recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b forms the cathode chamber 1b.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 7, the seal portion 50 may be disposed between the diaphragm 48 and the second plate 3b. In this case, the through hole 50a (see Fig. 3) of the seal portion 50 communicates with the recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b, and forms the cathode chamber 1b together with the recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b. The recess of the first plate 3a forms the anode chamber 1a.

[0111] The multiple frame bodies 51 are disposed between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The multiple frame bodies 51 are disposed at intervals from the outer peripheral end 48a of the diaphragm 48 toward the outside of the outer peripheral end 48a of the diaphragm 48. That is, as described above in FIG. 2, the second frame body 51b is located on the outer peripheral side of the first frame body 51a and is disposed at an interval from the first frame body 51a. The third frame body 51c is located on the outer peripheral side of the second frame body 51b and is disposed at an interval from the second frame body 51b.

[0112] The plurality of seal materials 53 are disposed between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. The plurality of seal materials 53 are disposed between adjacent frame bodies 51 in the plurality of frame bodies 51. For example, as described above in FIG. 2, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first seal material 53a is disposed between the first frame body 51a and the second frame body 51b. The second seal material 53b is disposed between the second frame body 51b and the third frame body 51c.

[0113] 6 and 7, the cross-sectional shape of the sealant 53 is shown as a circle or an ellipse, but is not limited thereto as long as the sealability can be ensured. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the sealant 53 may be a rectangle or a polygon.

[0114] 6 and 7, the outer peripheral end 48a of the diaphragm 48 is located inside the second sealing material 53b, which is the outermost sealing material 53 among the multiple sealing materials 53, and is located outside the first sealing material 53a, which is the innermost sealing material 53.

[0115] 6, the first seal material 53a located on the innermost side among the multiple seal materials 53 is disposed in a compressed state between the first plate 3a and the outer peripheral end 48a of the partition membrane 48. Also, in FIG. 7, the first seal material 53a located on the innermost side among the multiple seal materials 53 is disposed in a compressed state between the second plate 3b and the outer peripheral end 48a of the partition membrane 48. That is, one seal material 53 among the multiple seal materials 53, for example, the first seal material 53a, is disposed in a compressed state between one of the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b and the outer peripheral end 48a of the partition membrane 48.

[0116] 6 and 7, the second seal material 53b located at the outermost position among the multiple seal materials 53 is disposed outside the outer peripheral end portion 48a of the partition membrane 48. The second seal material 53b is disposed in a compressed state between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. That is, among the multiple seal materials 53, another seal material 53, for example, the second seal material 53b, is disposed in a compressed state outside the outer peripheral end portion 48a of the partition membrane 48 between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b.

[0117] When the diaphragm 48 is either an anion exchange membrane or a cation exchange membrane, which are ion exchange membranes, or a porous membrane, the anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas may leak through the diaphragm 48. If the anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas leaks through the diaphragm 48 and leaks to the outside of the electrochemical cell 1, the leakage of the anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas may contaminate the surrounding environment or expose the user to the gas.

[0118] In particular, when the ion exchange membrane is a diaphragm 48 reinforced with reinforcing threads, minute gaps are formed between the surface irregularities caused by the reinforcing threads and the first seal material 53a, and a small amount of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas may leak through the gap. In addition, in the case of an ion exchange membrane having a sacrificial core material, after the core material is dissolved, a small amount of liquid anolyte or catholyte may pass through the area where the core material was present, leak out to the outer peripheral edge 48a of the ion exchange membrane, and crystals may be precipitated.

[0119] Furthermore, when the diaphragm 48 is a porous film, a small amount of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas may leak to the outer periphery of the first sealant 53a through the pores. In particular, when the leaked anolyte or catholyte is liquid, it may leak to the outer periphery edge 48a of the porous film and precipitate as crystals.

[0120] However, in the above-described configuration, one of the multiple sealing materials 53, for example, the second sealing material 53b, is disposed in a compressed state between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b outside the outer circumferential end portion 48a of the dividing sheet 48. That is, the outer circumferential end portion 48a of the dividing sheet 48 is located at least inside the second sealing material 53b, which is the outermost sealing material 53 among the multiple sealing materials 53.

[0121] Therefore, in the above-described configuration, even if a small amount of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas leaks through the diaphragm 48 to the outer periphery side of the first seal material 53a, it is possible to prevent further leakage to the outer periphery side of another seal material 53. Therefore, it is possible to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment or exposure to the user due to leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas, and it is possible to ensure the reliability of the electrochemical cell 1.

[0122] The seal portion 50 between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b may be configured to have a single layer as shown in Figures 6 and 7, or may be configured to have multiple layers as shown in Figure 8.

[0123] In Fig. 8, the diaphragm 48 is disposed between the layers of the seal portion 50, and therefore the through-holes 50a (see Fig. 3) of the seal portion 50 are disposed on both the side of the diaphragm 48 facing the first plate 3a and the side facing the second plate 3b. The through-hole 50a on the side of the diaphragm 48 facing the first plate 3a communicates with the recess in the first plate 3a, and forms the anode chamber 1a together with the recess in the first plate 3a. The through-hole 50a on the side of the diaphragm 48 facing the second plate 3b communicates with the recess 35e or 38e in the second plate 3b, and forms the cathode chamber 1b together with the recess 35e or 38e in the second plate 3b.

[0124] In the electrochemical cell 1 of FIG. 8, a fourth frame 51d is disposed between the first frame 51a and the first seal material 53a and the second plate 3b as one of the multiple frames 51. A fifth frame 51e is disposed between the third frame 51c and the second seal material 53b and the second plate 3b as one of the multiple frames 51. The fifth frame 51e is disposed on the outer periphery side of the fourth frame 51d. The fifth frame 51e is disposed at a distance from the fourth frame 51d. In FIG. 8, the outer periphery end of the fourth frame 51d and the inner periphery end of the fifth frame 51e are disposed between the second frame 51b and the second plate 3b, but this is not limited thereto. One or both of the outer periphery end of the fourth frame 51d and the inner periphery end of the fifth frame 51e may not be disposed between the second frame 51b and the second plate 3b.

[0125] Between the fourth frame 51d and the fifth frame 51e, a third seal material 53c is disposed as one of the plurality of seal materials 53. The third seal material 53c is disposed between the second frame 51b and the second plate 3b. In FIG. 8, the third seal material 53c is disposed in a compressed state between the second plate 3b and the diaphragm 48, but is not limited thereto. The third seal material 53c may be disposed in a compressed state between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b outside the outer peripheral end portion 48a of the diaphragm 48.

[0126] Other configurations of the electrochemical cell 1 in FIG. 8 are the same as those of the electrochemical cell 1 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In Figure 8, as in Figures 6 and 7, the outer peripheral end 48a of the diaphragm 48 is located inside the second seal material 53b, which is the outermost seal material 53 among the multiple seal materials 53, and is located outside the first seal material 53a, which is the innermost seal material 53.

[0128] 8, at least one of the multiple seal materials 53, for example the first seal material 53a, is disposed in a compressed state between one of the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b and the outer circumferential end 48a of the partition membrane 48. Another of the multiple seal materials 53, for example the second seal material 53b, is disposed in a compressed state between the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b outside the outer circumferential end 48a of the partition membrane 48.

[0129] 8, even if a small amount of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas leaks through the diaphragm 48 to the outer periphery side of the first seal material 53a, it is possible to prevent further leakage to the outer periphery side of another seal material 53. This makes it possible to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment or exposure to the user due to leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas, and ensure the reliability of the electrochemical cell 1.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the configuration of the seal portion 50 of this embodiment, the hermeticity of the electrochemical cell 1 can be maintained even under high pressure operation. This effect will be described later.

[0131] 9, one or both of the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b may have a locking portion 58 that regulates the relative position of the seal portion 50 with respect to the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b. As described above, the relative position of the frame 51 with respect to the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b is regulated within a certain range by the seal material 53, the first flow path plate 55a, and the second flow path plate 55b, so that the relative position of the seal portion 50 is regulated within a certain range overall.

[0132] However, by providing the locking portion 58 on the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b, the frame body 51 and the seal material 53 can be positioned more accurately. Furthermore, the frame body 51 and the seal material 53 can be restricted from being displaced by fastening the electrochemical device 100 with the fastening member 18 (see FIG. 5). Furthermore, the frame body 51 can be prevented from being displaced by the pressure applied to the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b during the operation of the electrochemical device 100. The locking portion 58 may be, but is not limited to, a guide or pin having a protrusion or plate shape as shown in FIG. 9(a), or an insulating adhesive such as an adhesive tape as shown in FIG. 9(b). Furthermore, the locking portion 58 may be a protrusion formed by welding, or may be a surface of the first plate 3a and the second plate 3b that has been embossed. Furthermore, when an insulating adhesive as shown in FIG. 9(b) is used as the locking portion, insulation can be achieved between the first plate 3a or the second plate 3b and the frame body 51.

[0133] Next, the configurations of the anode 40 and the cathode 45 in the electrochemical cell 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0134] As described above, the anode 40 is an electrode disposed in a recess in the first plate 3a and in contact with the first plate 3a. This allows the anode 40 to be electrically connected to the anode side of the bipolar plate 38 or the anode end plate 30. The anode 40 is made of a material that is permeable to anolyte or anode gas.

[0135] The anode 40 has an anode catalyst layer 40a, an anode substrate 40b, and an anode current collector 40c. The anode catalyst layer 40a, the anode substrate 40b, and the anode current collector 40c may be partially or entirely formed integrally, or may be formed as separate bodies.

[0136] The anode catalyst layer 40a is formed, for example, on one surface of the anode substrate 40b. The anode catalyst layer 40a is formed by applying an anode catalyst selected from metals such as iridium, ruthenium, and platinum, and oxides of the metals, to the anode substrate 40b, depending on the type of anolyte or anode gas. The anode catalyst layer 40a may have an anode catalyst carrier that supports the anode catalyst. As the anode catalyst carrier, for example, an electron conductive material such as a porous metal or a porous metal oxide is used.

[0137] The anode substrate 40b is formed between the anode catalyst layer 40a and the anode current collector 40c. The anode substrate 40b depends on the type of anolyte or anode gas, but is formed as, for example, a titanium, nickel, or stainless steel mesh material, a nonwoven or woven sheet material, a foam, or a fiber material.

[0138] The anode current collector 40c is a conductor that collects electricity, and is in contact with the first plate 3a in a recess in the first plate 3a. The anode current collector 40c may be made of a mattress, cushion, or sintered fiber body made of a metal such as titanium, or a foamed metal, depending on the type of anolyte or anode gas, or may be made of carbon paper or carbon cloth.

[0139] The anode catalyst layer 40a is preferably in close contact with the diaphragm 48, although this is not limited thereto. By bringing the anode catalyst layer 40a into contact with the diaphragm 48, a gap between the anode catalyst layer 40a and the diaphragm 48 can be eliminated, thereby preventing a decrease in conductivity due to the gap and improving the performance of the electrochemical cell 1. When the anode catalyst layer 40a is in contact with the diaphragm 48, the anode substrate 40b may be omitted, and the anode catalyst layer 40a may be supported by the anode current collector 40c. By supporting the anode catalyst layer 40a by the anode current collector 40c, the anode catalyst layer 40a can be more reliably brought into close contact with the diaphragm 48, and the conductivity between the anode catalyst layer 40a and the diaphragm 48 can be ensured.

[0140] 6 to 9, the anode catalyst layer 40a is formed on one surface of the anode substrate 40b, but is not limited thereto. For example, the anode catalyst layer 40a may be formed by directly applying an anode catalyst to the membrane 48 and drying it. When the anode catalyst layer 40a is formed on the membrane 48, it is preferable to omit the anode substrate 40b and directly contact the anode current collector 40c with the anode catalyst layer 40a. By directly contacting the anode current collector 40c with the anode catalyst layer 40a, electrical conductivity between the anode catalyst layer 40a and the first plate 3a can be ensured.

[0141] As described above, the cathode 45 is an electrode disposed in the recess 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b and in contact with the second plate 3b. This allows the cathode 45 to be electrically connected to the cathode side of the bipolar plate 38 or the cathode end plate 35. The cathode 45 is made of catholyte or a material that is permeable to a cathode gas.

[0142] The cathode 45 has a cathode catalyst layer 45a, a cathode substrate 45b, and a cathode current collector 45c. The cathode catalyst layer 45a, the cathode substrate 45b, and the cathode current collector 45c may be partially or entirely formed integrally, or may be formed as separate bodies.

[0143] The cathode catalyst layer 45a is formed, for example, on one surface of the cathode substrate 45b. The cathode catalyst layer 45a is formed by applying a cathode catalyst selected from metals such as ruthenium and platinum and oxides of the metals, for example, to the cathode substrate 45b, depending on the type of catholyte or cathode gas. The cathode catalyst layer 45a may have a cathode catalyst carrier that supports the cathode catalyst. As the cathode catalyst carrier, for example, an electron conductive material such as porous carbon, porous metal, or porous metal oxide is used.

[0144] The cathode substrate 45b is formed between the cathode catalyst layer 45a and the cathode current collector 45c. The cathode substrate 45b depends on the type of catholyte or cathode gas, but is formed as, for example, a mesh material, a nonwoven or woven sheet material, a foam, or a fiber material made of titanium, nickel, or stainless steel.

[0145] The cathode current collector 45c is a conductor that collects electricity, and is in contact with the second plate 3b at the depression 35e or 38e of the second plate 3b. The cathode current collector 45c may be made of a mattress, cushion, or sintered fiber body made of a metal such as titanium, or a foamed metal, depending on the type of catholyte or cathode gas, or may be made of carbon paper or carbon cloth.

[0146] Although not limited thereto, it is preferable that the cathode catalyst layer 45a be in close contact with the diaphragm 48. By abutting the cathode catalyst layer 45a against the diaphragm 48, a gap between the cathode catalyst layer 45a and the diaphragm 48 can be eliminated, thereby preventing a decrease in conductivity due to the gap and improving the performance of the electrochemical cell 1. When the cathode catalyst layer 45a is in contact with the diaphragm 48, the cathode substrate 45b may be omitted and the cathode catalyst layer 45a may be supported by the cathode current collector 45c. By supporting the cathode catalyst layer 45a by the cathode current collector 45c, the cathode catalyst layer 45a can be more reliably brought into close contact with the diaphragm 48, and the conductivity between the cathode catalyst layer 45a and the diaphragm 48 can be ensured.

[0147] 6 to 8, the cathode catalyst layer 45a is formed on one surface of the cathode substrate 45b, but this is not limiting. For example, the cathode catalyst layer 45a may be formed by directly applying a cathode catalyst to the membrane 48 and drying it. When the cathode catalyst layer 45a is formed on the membrane 48, it is preferable to omit the cathode substrate 45b and directly contact the cathode current collector 45c with the cathode catalyst layer 45a. By directly contacting the cathode current collector 45c with the cathode catalyst layer 45a, electrical conductivity between the cathode catalyst layer 45a and the second plate 3b can be ensured.

[0148] In the electrochemical cell 1, it is preferable that one or both of the anode catalyst layer 40a and the cathode catalyst layer 45a be in contact with the diaphragm 48 or be formed by directly applying the layer to the diaphragm 48 and drying.

[0149] Next, the effects obtained by adopting the configuration of the seal portion 50 of this embodiment will be described.

[0150] [Example] The structure of the electrochemical cell 1 is shown in FIG. 6. The electrolytic area is 110 cm. 2 The first plate 3a and the second plate 3b were titanium anode end plates. The anode catalyst layer 40a and the anode substrate 40b were DSA (registered trademark) (De Nora Permelec Co., Ltd.). The anode current collector 40c was a titanium leaf spring. The cathode catalyst layer 45a and the cathode substrate 45b were E-TEK (registered trademark) (product number P1110W, Industrie De Nora Co., Ltd.). The cathode current collector 45c was KUREKA CLOTH (product number B-300, KUREHA CORPORATION).

[0151] The first frame 51a, the second frame 51b, and the third frame 51c were made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or stainless steel (SUS3049a) with PTFE tape attached. The width of the first frame 51a, the second frame 51b, and the third frame 51c in the direction from the second plate 3b to the first plate 3a was all 3.0 mm.

[0152] As the first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b, O-rings made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) and having a cross-sectional diameter of 4.0 mm were used.

[0153] An ion exchange membrane (product number Sx-1811WN, AGC Corporation) was used as the diaphragm 48. The ion exchange membrane was converted from sodium type to proton type by immersing in 1% sulfuric acid at room temperature for 24 hours. Thereafter, the ion exchange membrane was immersed in pure water at room temperature for 4 hours or more before assembling the electrochemical cell 1 in order to prevent damage due to pressure. The ion exchange membrane was cut so that the outer peripheral end 48a of the ion exchange membrane was located between the first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b, and the second seal material 53b was located outside the outer peripheral end 48a of the ion exchange membrane. The first seal material 53a was abutted against the first plate 3a. The ion exchange membrane was sandwiched between the first seal material 53a and the second plate 3b.

[0154] The electrochemical cell 1 was compressed and formed by fastening the fastening members 18 (see FIG. 5). The width of the first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b after compression in the direction from the second plate 3b to the first plate 3a was calculated from the gap distance between the third frame 51c and the second plate 3b after fastening the fastening members 18. The width of the first seal material 53a and the second seal material 53b after compression was 3.3 mm.

[0155] [Comparative Example] As a comparative example, an electrochemical cell 1X in FIG. 10 was used. In the electrochemical cell 1X of the comparative example, a gasket 50X made of ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) was used instead of the frame 51 and the sealing material 53. The gasket 50X was abutted against the first plate 3a. The ion exchange membrane was sandwiched between the gasket 50X and the second plate 3b. The other configurations of the electrochemical cell 1X of the comparative example were the same as those of the electrochemical cell 1 of the example.

[0156] [Experimental Example 1] In Experimental Example 1, the first frame 51a, the second frame 51b, and the third frame 51c of the electrochemical cell 1 of the embodiment were made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and a pressure test was performed. The anolyte discharge pipe 10d and the catholyte discharge pipe 10e (see FIG. 1) were closed with plugs, and the anolyte supply pipe 10b and the catholyte supply pipe 10c (see FIG. 1) were connected to a supply pipe of a nitrogen gas source. The supply pipe of the nitrogen gas source was connected to a pressure gauge. The anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b in the electrochemical cell 1 of the embodiment and the electrochemical cell 1X of the comparative example were pressurized to the same pressure by nitrogen gas supplied from the supply pipe of the nitrogen gas source. After the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b were pressurized to a certain pressure, the valve on the primary side of the pressure gauge was closed. The presence or absence of leakage of nitrogen gas was confirmed by checking the pressure change of the pressure gauge after closing. The pressure test was performed by gradually increasing the gas pressure. The pressurization time at the same pressure was 15 minutes.

[0157] In the electrochemical cell 1 of Experimental Example 1, no leakage of nitrogen gas was observed even after the pressure in the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b reached 300 kPaG. On the other hand, in the electrochemical cell 1X of the comparative example, leakage of nitrogen gas was observed when the pressure reached 80 kPaG.

[0158] Furthermore, when the electrochemical cell 1 of the example was disassembled and observed after the experiment, deformation of the third frame 51c due to a slight protrusion in the outer circumferential direction was confirmed.

[0159] [Experimental Example 2] In the experimental example 2, the first frame 51a, the second frame 51b, and the third frame 51c of the electrochemical cell 1 of the embodiment were formed by attaching PTFE tape to stainless steel (SUS304), and a pressure test was performed. The other experimental conditions were the same as those of the experimental example 1.

[0160] In the electrochemical cell 1 of Experimental Example 2, no leakage of nitrogen gas was observed even after the pressure in the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b reached 450 kPaG.

[0161] Furthermore, when the electrochemical cell 1 of the example was disassembled and observed after the experiment, no deformation of the third frame 51c due to protrusion in the outer periphery direction was confirmed.

[0162] [Considerations of Experimental Examples 1 and 2] In the electrochemical cell 1X of the comparative example, leakage of nitrogen gas was confirmed when the pressure in the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b reached 80 kPaG. In contrast, in the electrochemical cell 1 of the example, leakage of nitrogen gas was not confirmed even when the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b were pressurized to a pressure 3.5 times or more that of the electrochemical cell 1X of the comparative example. Therefore, in Experimental Example 1 and Experimental Example 2, it is suggested that the configuration of the seal portion 50 of this embodiment can sufficiently maintain the airtightness of the electrochemical cell 1 even under high pressure operation. In this way, in both experimental examples, multiple O-rings or frames can be arranged without performing conventional additional processing such as groove formation on the first plate 3a or the second plate 3b, so that a highly airtight seal structure can be easily provided.

[0163] For example, in an electrochemical device 100 (electrolysis device) intended for hydrogen production, high-pressure operation at several tens of kPa or more, preferably several MPa, may be required in consideration of the supply or storage of hydrogen. However, according to the configuration of the seal portion 50 of this embodiment, the hermeticity of the electrochemical cell 1 can be maintained even under high-pressure operation, and therefore the stability of the electrochemical cell 1 can be ensured.

[0164] Moreover, in Experimental Example 1, a frame 51 made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) was used, and in this case, deformation of the third frame 51c due to pressure was observed. In contrast, in Experimental Example 2, a frame 51 made of stainless steel (SUS304) was used, and in this case, deformation of the third frame 51c due to pressure was not observed. Therefore, Experimental Examples 1 and 2 suggest that a frame 51 partially including a metal body (see FIGS. 3(a) to 3(e)) is more preferable under high-pressure operation than a frame 51 made only of an insulator (see FIG. 3(f)).

[0165] Next, a system for performing high-pressure operation of the electrochemical device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 11, a first pressure measuring device 60a and a first pressure adjusting device 60b are disposed in the anolyte discharge pipe 10d of the electrochemical device 100. The first pressure measuring device 60a is formed as a pressure monitoring device including, but not limited to, a pressure gauge or a pressure sensor. The first pressure adjusting device 60b is formed as a valve device capable of adjusting the degree of opening inside in stages. The first pressure adjusting device 60b is formed as, for example, a needle valve. The first pressure measuring device 60a and the first pressure adjusting device 60b may be disposed in a pipe outside the electrochemical device 100 that communicates with the anolyte discharge pipe 10d. The first pressure adjusting device 60b may also measure the pressure of an internal flow path of the electrochemical device 100 that communicates with the anolyte discharge pipe 10d.

[0167] A second pressure measuring device 65a and a second pressure adjusting device 65b are disposed in the catholyte discharge pipe 10e of the electrochemical device 100. The second pressure measuring device 65a is formed as a pressure gauge. The second pressure adjusting device 65b is formed as a valve device capable of adjusting the degree of opening inside in stages. The second pressure adjusting device 65b is formed as, for example, a needle valve. The second pressure measuring device 65a and the second pressure adjusting device 65b may be disposed in a pipe outside the electrochemical device 100 that communicates with the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The first pressure adjusting device 60b may measure the pressure of an internal flow path of the electrochemical device 100 that communicates with the anolyte discharge pipe 10d.

[0168] The opening degree of the first pressure adjustment device 60b is adjusted manually or automatically in response to the pressure measured by the first pressure measurement device 60a, and the opening degree of the second pressure adjustment device 65b is adjusted manually or automatically in response to the pressure measured by the second pressure measurement device 65a.

[0169] The pressure measured by the first pressure measuring device 60a and the pressure measured by the second pressure measuring device 65a are suitably selected depending on the structure of the electrochemical device 100 and the type of electrochemical reaction taking place inside the electrochemical device 100.

[0170] For example, in alkaline water electrolysis using a porous membrane as the diaphragm 48, as the pressure difference between the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b increases, the movement of liquid due to the pressure difference between the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b becomes excessive, increasing the possibility of damaging the diaphragm 48. Therefore, in alkaline water electrolysis using a porous diaphragm 48, it is preferable to reduce the pressure difference between the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b.

[0171] On the other hand, in the electrolysis of water using an ion exchange membrane as the diaphragm 48, it may be preferable to use hydrogen gas generated in the cathode chamber 1b after pressurization or to fill and transport it. If the entire electrochemical device 100 is designed to be pressurizable, it is necessary to change the piping connected to the electrochemical device 100 (e.g., the anolyte supply pipe 10b, the catholyte supply pipe 10c, the anolyte discharge pipe 10d, and the catholyte discharge pipe 10e) to a high-pressure resistant specification. However, if only the cathode chamber 1b is designed to be pressurizable, it is only necessary to change the components related to the cathode chamber 1b, for example, the catholyte supply pipe 10c and the catholyte discharge pipe 10e to a high-pressure resistant specification, which enables cost reduction.

[0172] On the other hand, it is preferable that the oxygen gas generated in the anode chamber 1a be safely discharged to the outside of the electrochemical device 100.

[0173] Therefore, in the electrolysis of water using an ion exchange membrane as the diaphragm 48, it may be preferable to increase the pressure difference between the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b within the range of the durability of the ion exchange membrane or the like.

[0174] For example, when hydrogen gas is used at increased pressure, the opening degree of the first pressure regulating device 60b and the second pressure regulating device 65b is adjusted so that the pressure measured by the second pressure measuring device 65a is higher than the pressure measured by the first pressure measuring device 60a.

[0175] 12, a system for performing high-pressure operation of the electrochemical device 100 of this embodiment may include a first gas-liquid separator 60c connected to the anolyte discharge pipe 10d and a second gas-liquid separator 65c connected to the catholyte discharge pipe 10e. The first gas-liquid separator 60c and the second gas-liquid separator 65c are containers having a gas-liquid separation function that separates liquid and gas from a gas-liquid two-phase fluid by utilizing the density difference between the gas and liquid.

[0176] As described above, a mixture of anolyte and anode gas may be discharged from the anolyte discharge pipe 10d, and a mixture of catholyte and cathode gas may be discharged from the catholyte discharge pipe 10e.

[0177] As shown in Fig. 12, the first gas-liquid separation device 60c is formed to return liquid anolyte to the anode chamber 1a via the anolyte supply pipe 10b. The second gas-liquid separation device 65c is formed to return liquid catholyte to the cathode chamber 1b via the catholyte supply pipe 10c. Therefore, the system for performing high pressure operation of the electrochemical device 100 of this embodiment has the first gas-liquid separation device 60c and the second gas-liquid separation device 65c, thereby making it possible to improve the efficiency of the electrochemical reaction in the electrochemical device 100.

[0178] A pump for promoting reflux may be provided in one or both of the anolyte supply pipe 10b and the catholyte supply pipe 10c. By providing a pump, when electrolysis is performed in the electrochemical device 100, the discharge of gas can be promoted and the concentration distribution of the solution inside the electrochemical cell 1 can be reduced.

[0179] Finally, an experimental example using a system for performing high-pressure operation of the electrochemical device 100 of this embodiment will be described below.

[0180] [Experimental Example 3] In Experimental Example 3, similarly to the above-mentioned Experimental Example 2, the first frame 51a, the second frame 51b, and the third frame 51c of the electrochemical cell 1 of the embodiment were formed by attaching PTFE tape to stainless steel (SUS304). In addition, as a system for performing high-pressure operation, a configuration having a first gas-liquid separator 60c and a second gas-liquid separator 65c in FIG. 12 was adopted. As the first pressure adjustment device 60b and the second pressure adjustment device 65b, needle valves made of Teflon (registered trademark) were used. As the first pressure measurement device 60a and the second pressure measurement device 65a, pressure gauges were used. The other configurations were the same as those of Experimental Example 1 and Experimental Example 2 described above.

[0181] In Experimental Example 3, an electrolysis test was carried out in the above-mentioned configuration. The anolyte supplied to the anode chamber 1a was a 1 mol / L sulfuric acid solution. The catholyte supplied to the cathode chamber 1b was pure water. In the electrochemical device 100, a current of 1 A / cm 2 The electrolysis was carried out at a current density of 150 kPaG. The openings of the first pressure adjusting device 60b and the second pressure adjusting device 65b were adjusted so that the pressure difference between the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b was 150 kPaG. The electrolysis was carried out for 1 hour.

[0182] As a result, no leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas from the electrochemical device 100 was confirmed.

[0183] Next, the opening degree of the second pressure adjustment device 65b was fully opened, and the opening degree of the first pressure adjustment device 60b was adjusted to adjust the pressure difference between the anode chamber 1a and the cathode chamber 1b to 150 kPaG, and electrolysis was performed for another hour.

[0184] As a result, no leakage of anolyte, anode gas, catholyte, or cathode gas from the electrochemical device 100 was confirmed.

[0185] The above results suggest that the sealing portion 50 of this embodiment enables differential pressure operation of the electrochemical device 100 under high pressure operation, thereby enabling efficient operation of the electrochemical device 100 according to its purpose.

[0186] In the above embodiment, an O-ring is used as the sealing material of the present invention, but the sealing material of the present invention is not limited thereto. Generally, an O-ring is an elastic body that is annular as a whole and has a circular or elliptical cross section (thickness cross section), and seals between two parts by being compressed between the two parts. In addition, an O-ring is generally considered to be a type of gasket, but any type of gasket may be used as the sealing material of the present invention as long as it is applicable. In other words, when implementing the present invention, the overall shape, cross-sectional shape, material, etc. of the sealing material may be selected according to the required sealing performance, and are not limited to the examples in this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0187] 1 electrochemical cell, 1a anode chamber, 1b cathode chamber, 1X comparative electrochemical cell, 3a first plate, 3b second plate, 5a metal body, 5b insulator, 5c frame member, 5d connecting portion, 10 anode end frame, 10a through hole, 10b anolyte supply pipe, 10c catholyte supply pipe, 10d anolyte discharge pipe, 10e catholyte discharge pipe, 15 cathode end frame, 15a through hole, 18 fastening member, 20a anode spacer, 20a1 communication hole, 20a2 communication hole, 20a3 communication hole, 20a4 communication hole, 20b cathode spacer, 25a anode bus bar, 25a1 end portion, 25b cathode bus bar, 25b1 end portion, 30 anode end plate, 30a communication hole, 30b Communication hole, 30c communication hole, 30d communication hole, 35 cathode end plate, 35a communication hole, 35b communication hole, 35c communication hole, 35d communication hole, 38 bipolar plate, 38a communication hole, 38b communication hole, 38c communication hole, 38d communication hole, 40 anode, 40a anode catalyst layer, 40b anode substrate, 40c anode current collector, 45 cathode, 45a cathode catalyst layer, 45b cathode substrate, 45c cathode current collector, 48 diaphragm, 48a outer peripheral end, 50 seal portion, 50a through hole, 50X gasket of comparative example, 51 frame, 51a first frame, 51b second frame, 51c third frame, 51d fourth frame, 51e fifth frame, 53 Sealing material, 53a first sealing material, 53b second sealing material, 53c third sealing material, 55a first flow path plate, 55a1 communication hole, 55a2 O-ring, 55a3 communication hole, 55a4 O-ring, 55b second flow path plate, 55b1 communication hole, 55b2 O-ring, 55b3 communication hole, 55b4 O-ring, 58 engagement portion, 60a first pressure measuring device, 60b first pressure adjusting device, 60c first gas-liquid separation device, 65a second pressure measuring device, 65b second pressure adjusting device, 65c second gas-liquid separation device, 70 sealing portion, 100 electrochemical device.

Claims

1. a first plate and a second plate each having an anode chamber and a cathode chamber formed on an inner surface thereof facing each other; a seal portion provided between the first plate and the second plate for sealing the anode chamber and the cathode chamber; An electrochemical cell comprising: The seal portion is A plurality of frame bodies arranged at intervals from the inside to the outside, the frame body on the inner periphery side and the frame body on the outer periphery side being formed as separate bodies; a plurality of sealing materials disposed between the plurality of frames and disposed in a compressed state between the first plate and the second plate; have Electrochemical cell.

2. In each of the plurality of frames, one or both of a surface facing the first plate and a surface facing the second plate are formed of an insulator.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

3. One or both of the first plate and the second plate has a locking portion that regulates a relative position of the seal portion with respect to the first plate and the second plate.

3. An electrochemical cell according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the plurality of frames is composed of a plurality of frame members, the portions of which in the extending direction of the walls of which are separated so as to be able to be brought into contact with and separated from each other.

3. An electrochemical cell according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Each of the plurality of frame members has a connecting portion that regulates the relative position of each of the frame members.

5. The electrochemical cell of claim 4.

6. An electrochemical device comprising the electrochemical cell according to claim 1 or 2.

Images