Electrolytic synthesis device

Abstract

To provide a compact electrolytic synthesis apparatus.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises an electrolytic section for electrolyzing a first fluid to generate a predetermined gas, and a synthesis section comprising a catalyst layer which is a catalyst layer containing a catalyst for promoting a chemical reaction between a second fluid and a predetermined gas and through which the predetermined gas can pass, wherein the electrolytic section and the synthesis section are adjacent to each other so that the catalyst layer and the part where the predetermined gas is generated in the electrolytic section are adjacent to each other or in the same region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrolytic synthesis apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a system for producing a hydrogen carrier, a hydrogen carrier production system including a hydrogen production apparatus and a hydrogen carrier production apparatus has been known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this hydrogen carrier production system, the hydrogen production apparatus is, for example, an apparatus that produces hydrogen by an electrolysis method or the like, and the carrier production apparatus is an apparatus that produces ammonia or an organic hydride (methylcyclohexane) as a hydrogen carrier. When this hydrogen carrier production apparatus produces an organic hydride (methylcyclohexane: MCH) as a hydrogen carrier, for example, it is produced by adding hydrogen to a hydrocarbon compound (for example, toluene).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above hydrogen carrier production system, the apparatus for producing hydrogen (hydrogen production apparatus) and the apparatus for producing a hydrogen carrier using the produced hydrogen (hydrogen carrier production apparatus) are separate apparatuses, and since these apparatuses are connected by piping or the like to form a production system, the entire production system becomes large-sized.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a compact electrolytic synthesis apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electrolytic synthesis device of the present invention includes an electrolysis unit that electrolyzes a first fluid to generate a predetermined gas, a synthesis unit including a catalyst layer that promotes a chemical reaction between the predetermined gas and a second fluid and having a catalyst layer through which the predetermined gas can pass, and the electrolysis unit and the synthesis unit are adjacent to each other such that a site where the predetermined gas is generated in the electrolysis unit and the catalyst layer are adjacent to each other or located in the same region.

[0008] In this way, by arranging the electrolysis unit and the synthesis unit adjacent to each other such that the site where the predetermined gas is generated and the catalyst layer are adjacent to each other or located in the same region, a compact electrolytic synthesis device can be obtained.

[0009] For example, in the electrolytic synthesis device, the electrolysis unit includes a first plate and a second plate that each extend in a plane direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the electrolysis unit and the synthesis unit and are overlapped in the arrangement direction, includes a solid polymer exchange membrane, and an exchange membrane plate that extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and is disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the synthesis unit includes the second plate, and a third plate that extends in a plane direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and is overlapped with the second plate on the side opposite to the first plate in the arrangement direction, the first plate forms a first flow path through which the first fluid can flow between the first plate and the exchange membrane plate in the arrangement direction, the second plate includes a porous plate portion having conductivity and carrying the catalyst, constitutes the electrode plate of the electrolysis unit, and constitutes the catalyst layer of the synthesis unit, the third plate may form a second flow path through which the second fluid can flow between the third plate and the second plate in the arrangement direction.

[0010] According to such a configuration, by flowing a first fluid through a first flow path and a second fluid through a second flow path, a desired substance (i.e., a substance (fluid) obtained by a chemical reaction between a predetermined gas generated by electrolysis of the first fluid and the second fluid) can be obtained. Moreover, by adopting a configuration in which the second plate includes a porous plate portion having conductivity and carrying a catalyst, and sharing the second plate between the electrolysis section and the synthesis section, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be made compact.

[0011] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, a fourth plate that is overlapped with the first plate from the side opposite to the side of the second plate in the arrangement direction, and a fifth plate that is overlapped with the third plate from the side opposite to the side of the second plate in the arrangement direction, are provided, the first plate and the third plate are each made of metal, the fourth plate forms a first temperature control flow path through which a third fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the fourth plate and the first plate in the arrangement direction, the fifth plate may form a second temperature control flow path through which a fourth fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the fifth plate and the third plate in the arrangement direction.

[0012] Thus, since the first plate and the third plate are each made of metal, the first fluid and the third fluid can exchange heat, and the second fluid and the fourth fluid can exchange heat. Therefore, according to the above configuration, by respectively controlling the temperatures of the third fluid supplied to the first temperature control flow path and the fourth fluid supplied to the second temperature control flow path, the temperature of the first fluid in the electrolysis section and the temperature of the second fluid in the synthesis section can be respectively adjusted (controlled).

[0013] Further, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus may include a connection flow path that connects the first temperature control flow path and the second temperature control flow path in series.

[0014] According to such a configuration, by using the third fluid and the fourth fluid as a common fluid (temperature control fluid) and supplying the temperature control fluid so as to flow from the second temperature control flow path side to the first temperature control flow path through the connection flow path, the heat (catalytic reaction heat) generated by the catalytic reaction that promotes the chemical reaction in the synthesis unit is gradually heated (cooled) from the second fluid, and the heat obtained by the supply fluid due to the gradual heating in this synthesis unit is used to raise the temperature (heat) of the first fluid in the electrolysis unit, thereby improving the efficiency of electrolysis.

[0015] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, the electrolysis unit has a pair of electrode plates, the first plate has conductivity, The first plate and the second plate may constitute the pair of electrode plates.

[0016] In this way, by using the plate that forms the flow path through which the first fluid and the second fluid flow and the electrode plate for electrolyzing the first fluid in common, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0017] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, A circulation system may be provided that is connected to one end and the other end of the second flow path in the flow direction of the second fluid to form a circulation path for the second fluid.

[0018] According to such a configuration, by circulating the second fluid, all of the second fluid can be chemically reacted with a predetermined gas generated by the electrolysis unit.

[0019] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, Each of the first plate, the exchange membrane plate, the second plate, and the third plate may be removably arranged.

[0020] According to such a configuration, since each plate is removably arranged, maintenance such as replacement of a damaged plate and cleaning of the plate becomes easy.

[0021] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, At least one of the first plate and the third plate may have at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion on a surface that defines the first flow path or the second flow path.

[0022] According to such a configuration, turbulence such as turbulent flow is generated in the fluid flowing through at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path, so that the contact between the first fluid and the solid polymer exchange membrane and the contact between the second fluid and the catalyst layer increase, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus.

[0023] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, The electrolytic synthesis apparatus includes a plurality of plate sets each including plates from the first plate to the third plate that are overlapped in the alignment direction, The plurality of plate sets may be removably arranged in a row in the alignment direction.

[0024] According to such a configuration, the number of plate sets can be increased or decreased according to the throughput.

[0025] In this case, Each plate set is arranged such that the order of arrangement of the plates between adjacent plate sets in the alignment direction is reversed, The first plate and the third plate of each plate set are each made of metal, Adjacent plate sets with the first plates facing each other form a first temperature control flow path through which a third fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the first plates, Adjacent plate sets with the third plates facing each other may form a second temperature control flow path through which a fourth fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the third plates.

[0026] According to such a configuration, by respectively controlling the temperature of the third fluid supplied to the first temperature control flow path and the fourth fluid supplied to the second temperature control flow path, the temperature of the first fluid in the electrolysis section and the temperature of the second fluid in the synthesis section in each plate set can be respectively adjusted (controlled). Moreover, since each plate set is arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates of adjacent plate sets in the arrangement direction is reversed, a first temperature control flow path or a second temperature control flow path is formed between adjacent plate sets, so that while enabling the temperature adjustment (control) of the first fluid and the second fluid, the number of plates in the entire apparatus can be suppressed.

[0027] Also, for example, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus, the electrolysis section has a first plate that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrolysis section and the synthesis section, and a partition plate that includes a membrane electrode assembly that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and is overlapped with the first plate in the arrangement direction. The synthesis section has the catalyst layer, and a third plate that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and is overlapped with the catalyst layer on the side opposite to the first plate in the arrangement direction. The first plate forms a first flow path through which the first fluid can flow between the membrane electrode assembly in the arrangement direction. The membrane electrode assemblies each include an anode, a polymer exchange membrane, and a cathode that extend in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and are arranged in order from the first plate toward the third plate. The catalyst layer is configured by being adjacent to the membrane electrode assembly or having the catalyst supported on the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly. The third plate may form a second flow path through which the second fluid can flow between the catalyst layer in the arrangement direction.

[0028] Even with such a configuration, by flowing the first fluid through the first flow path and the second fluid through the second flow path, a desired fluid (i.e., a fluid in which a predetermined gas generated by electrolysis of the first fluid and the second fluid have undergone a chemical reaction) can be obtained. Moreover, by arranging the membrane electrode assembly and the catalyst layer adjacent to each other, or by configuring the catalyst layer with the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be made compact.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] As described above, according to the present invention, a compact electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] (1) The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrolytic part that electrolyzes a first fluid to generate a predetermined gas, a synthesis part having a catalyst layer containing a catalyst that promotes a chemical reaction between the predetermined gas and a second fluid and through which the predetermined gas can pass, wherein the electrolytic part and the synthesis part are adjacent to each other such that a site where the predetermined gas is generated in the electrolytic part and the catalyst layer are adjacent to each other or located in the same region.

[0032] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrolytic part and the synthesis part are adjacent to each other such that a site where a predetermined gas is generated and the catalyst layer are adjacent to each other or located in the same region, whereby a compact electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be obtained.

[0033] (2) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (1) above, the electrolytic part has a first plate and a second plate that each extend in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrolytic part and the synthesis part and are overlapped in the arrangement direction, and includes a solid polymer exchange membrane and an exchange membrane plate that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and is disposed between the first plate and the second plate, the synthesis part has the second plate, and a third plate that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and is overlapped with the second plate on the side opposite to the first plate in the arrangement direction, the first plate forms a first flow path through which the first fluid can flow between the first plate and the exchange membrane plate in the arrangement direction, The second plate includes a porous plate portion that has conductivity and supports the catalyst, constitutes the electrode plate of the electrolysis section, and constitutes the catalyst layer of the synthesis section. The third plate may form a second flow path through which the second fluid can flow between the third plate and the second plate in the arrangement direction.

[0034] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (2) above, by flowing the first fluid through the first flow path and the second fluid through the second flow path, a desired substance (that is, a substance (fluid) obtained by a chemical reaction between a predetermined gas generated by electrolysis of the first fluid and the second fluid) can be obtained. Moreover, in this electrolytic synthesis apparatus, the second plate includes a porous plate portion that has conductivity and supports the catalyst, and by adopting a configuration in which the second plate is shared by the electrolysis section and the synthesis section, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be made compact.

[0035] (3) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (1) or (2) above, a fourth plate that is overlapped with the first plate from the side opposite to the side of the second plate in the arrangement direction, a fifth plate that is overlapped with the third plate from the side opposite to the side of the second plate in the arrangement direction, and the first plate and the third plate are each made of metal, the fourth plate forms a first temperature control flow path through which a third fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the fourth plate and the first plate in the arrangement direction, the fifth plate may form a second temperature control flow path through which a fourth fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the fifth plate and the third plate in the arrangement direction.

[0036] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (3), since the first plate and the third plate are made of metal, the first fluid and the third fluid can exchange heat, and the second fluid and the fourth fluid can exchange heat. Therefore, according to this electrolytic synthesis apparatus, by respectively controlling the temperatures of the third fluid supplied to the first temperature control flow path and the fourth fluid supplied to the second temperature control flow path, the temperature of the first fluid in the electrolysis section and the temperature of the second fluid in the synthesis section can be respectively adjusted (controlled).

[0037] (4) The electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (3) may be provided with a connection flow path that connects the first temperature control flow path and the second temperature control flow path in series.

[0038] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (4), by using the third fluid and the fourth fluid as a common fluid (temperature control fluid) and supplying the temperature control fluid so that it flows from the second temperature control flow path side through the connection flow path to the first temperature control flow path, the heat (catalytic reaction heat) generated by the catalytic reaction that promotes the chemical reaction in the synthesis section is gradually heated (cooled) from the second fluid, and by the heat obtained by the temperature control fluid due to the gradual heating in this synthesis section, the temperature of the first fluid in the electrolysis section can be raised (heated) to improve the efficiency of electrolysis.

[0039] (5) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in any one of the above (2) to (4), the electrolysis section has a pair of electrode plates, the first plate has conductivity, the first plate and the second plate may constitute the pair of electrode plates.

[0040] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (5), by using the plate that forms the flow path through which the first fluid and the second fluid flow and the electrode plate for electrolyzing the first fluid in common, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0041] (6) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in any one of the above (2) to (5), A circulation system may be provided that is connected to one end and the other end of the second flow path in the flow direction of the second fluid to form a circulation path for the second fluid.

[0042] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (6) above, by circulating the second fluid, all of the second fluid can be caused to chemically react with a predetermined gas generated by the electrolytic unit.

[0043] (7) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to any one of (2) to (6) above, each of the first plate, the exchange membrane plate, the second plate, and the third plate may be removably arranged.

[0044] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (7) above, since each plate is removably arranged, maintenance such as replacement of a damaged plate and cleaning of the plate becomes easy.

[0045] (8) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to any one of (2) to (7) above, at least one of the first plate and the third plate may have at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion on a surface that defines the first flow path or the second flow path.

[0046] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (8) above, since turbulence such as a turbulent flow occurs in the fluid flowing through at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path, the contact between the first fluid and the solid polymer exchange membrane and the contact between the second fluid and the catalyst layer increase, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus.

[0047] (9) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to any one of (2) to (8) above, a plurality of plate sets including each plate from the first plate to the third plate that are overlapped in the arrangement direction are provided, and the plurality of plate sets may be removably arranged in a row in the arrangement direction.

[0048] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (9), the number of plate sets can be increased or decreased according to the throughput.

[0049] (10) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (9), each plate set is arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates between adjacent plate sets in the arrangement direction is reversed, the first plate and the third plate of each plate set are each made of metal, adjacent plate sets with the first plates facing each other form a first temperature control flow path through which a third fluid for temperature control can flow between the first plates, adjacent plate sets with the third plates facing each other may form a second temperature control flow path through which a fourth fluid for temperature control can flow between the third plates.

[0050] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (10), by respectively controlling the temperature of the third fluid supplied to the first temperature control flow path and the fourth fluid supplied to the second temperature control flow path, the temperature of the first fluid in the electrolysis section and the temperature of the second fluid in the synthesis section in each plate set can be respectively adjusted (controlled). Moreover, since each plate set is arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates between adjacent plate sets in the arrangement direction is reversed, a first temperature control flow path or a second temperature control flow path is formed between adjacent plate sets, so that the temperature of the first fluid and the second fluid can be adjusted (controlled), and the number of plates in the entire apparatus can be suppressed.

[0051] (11) In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in the above (1), the electrolysis section has a first plate extending in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrolysis section and the synthesis section, and a partition plate including a membrane electrode assembly extending in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and overlapping the first plate in the arrangement direction. The synthesis section has the catalyst layer, A third plate that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the alignment direction and is overlapped with the catalyst layer on the side opposite to the first plate in the alignment direction. The first plate forms a first flow path through which the first fluid can flow between the membrane electrode assembly in the alignment direction. The membrane electrode assembly includes an anode, a polymer exchange membrane, and a cathode, each of which extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the alignment direction and is arranged in order from the first plate toward the third plate. The catalyst layer is formed by being adjacent to the membrane electrode assembly or by the catalyst being supported on the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly. The third plate may form a second flow path through which the second fluid can flow between the catalyst layer in the alignment direction.

[0052] Also by the electrolytic synthesis apparatus described in (11) above, by flowing the first fluid through the first flow path and the second fluid through the second flow path, a desired substance (that is, a substance (fluid) obtained by a chemical reaction between a predetermined gas generated by electrolysis of the first fluid and the second fluid) can be obtained. Moreover, by making the membrane electrode assembly and the catalyst layer adjacent to each other, or by configuring the catalyst layer by the cathode of the membrane electrode assembly, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be made compact.

[0053] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0054] The electrolytic synthesis apparatus of the present embodiment produces methylcyclohexane (MCH), which is one of the hydrogen carriers, from water (first fluid) and toluene (second fluid). Specifically, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus electrolyzes water to generate hydrogen (predetermined gas), and uses a catalyst to cause a chemical reaction between hydrogen and toluene to synthesize (produce) MCH.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 includes an electrolysis section A in which water is electrolyzed to generate hydrogen, and a synthesis section B in which MCH is synthesized by a chemical reaction between hydrogen and toluene. This synthesis section B has a catalyst layer CL that contains a catalyst for promoting the chemical reaction between hydrogen and toluene and through which hydrogen can pass.

[0056] In this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, the electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B are adjacent to each other such that the site where hydrogen is generated in the electrolysis section A and the catalyst layer CL of the synthesis section B are adjacent to or located in the same region.

[0057] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B are configured by stacking a plurality of plates 20, and one plate 24 included in the plurality of plates 20 is shared. Each of these plurality of plates 20 is a vertically long rectangular shape and has engaging portions 20E at the upper end and the lower end (see FIG. 2). The engaging portion 20E of the present embodiment is a notch that is recessed toward the inside of the plate 20 and is a site that engages with a holding portion 3 described later.

[0058] Hereinafter, the arrangement direction of the electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B is defined as the X-axis direction in a rectangular coordinate system, the width direction of the plate 20 is defined as the Y-axis direction in the rectangular coordinate system, and the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction in the rectangular coordinate system.

[0059] Specifically, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 includes a plate group 2 having a plurality of plates 20 stacked in the X-axis direction, and a holding portion 3 that holds the plate group 2.

[0060] The plate group 2 has a plurality of plates 20 each of which extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and is stacked in the X-axis direction, and a plurality of gaskets 5 sandwiched between the respective plates 20. These plurality of plates 20 are removably stacked on each other. Also, the gaskets 5 are each removably sandwiched between the respective plates 20.

[0061] Each of the plurality of plates 20 has the same contour when viewed from the X-axis direction. Specifically, each of the plurality of plates 20 is a rectangular plate that is long in the Z-axis direction, and has a plurality (the number corresponding to the number (types) of fluids supplied to the electrolytic synthesizer 1, and in the example of this embodiment, four) of through-holes 20a to 20d at each of the upper end portion and the lower end portion. These plurality of through-holes 20a to 20d are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] The plurality of plates 20 of this embodiment include a first plate (fourth plate) 21, a second plate (first plate) 22, a third plate (exchange membrane plate) 23, a fourth plate (second plate) 24, a fifth plate (third plate) 25, and a sixth plate (fifth plate) 26.

[0063] Among these plurality of plates 20, the first plate 21, the second plate 22, the fifth plate 25, and the sixth plate 26 are, for example, metal plates (metal plates) such as titanium. Each of these metal plates 21, 22, 25, 26 has conductivity and has at least one convex portion 201 and at least one concave portion 202. Among the metal plates 21, 22, 25, 26 of this embodiment, the second plate 22 constitutes the electrode plate (anode) in the electrolytic section A. Also, the metal plates 21, 22, 25, 26 each have a plurality of convex portions 201 and a plurality of concave portions 202.

[0064] Each of these plurality of convex portions 201 and plurality of concave portions 202 is formed by press working. A concave portion 202 is formed on the back side (the other side) of the convex portion 201 formed on one surface of the metal plates 21, 22, 25, 26, and a convex portion 201 is formed on the back side (the other side) of the concave portion 202 formed on one surface.

[0065] The convex portions 201 and concave portions 202 of this embodiment are arranged in a so-called herringbone shape, and the opposing convex portions 201 of adjacent metal plates 21, 22, 25, 26 are in contact with each other in a state where they intersect when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0066] The third plate 23 includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231 and is disposed between the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24. The third plate 23 of the present embodiment has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231 and a frame portion 232 surrounding the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231.

[0067] The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231 allows hydrogen ions (H + ) generated when water is electrolyzed in the electrolysis section A to permeate, while not allowing water and oxygen generated by the electrolysis of the water to permeate. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231 of the present embodiment is a membrane composed of a copolymer of PFSA and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or the like. This solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231 is a rectangular membrane disposed at the central portion of the third plate 23 and has a size corresponding to the first flow path Ch1 formed between the second plate 22 and the third plate 23.

[0068] The frame portion 232 is a frame-shaped portion surrounding the solid polymer electrolyte membrane 231 and is composed of titanium or the like, similar to the metal plates 21, 22, 25, and 26. The frame portion 232 of the present embodiment has through holes 20a to 20d at each of one end and the other end in the Z-axis direction.

[0069] The fourth plate 24 includes a porous plate portion 241 having conductivity and carrying a catalyst. The fourth plate 24 of the present embodiment has a porous plate portion 241 and a frame portion 242 surrounding the porous plate portion 241.

[0070] This fourth plate 24 constitutes the electrode plate (cathode) in the electrolysis section A by having conductivity. Further, the porous plate portion 241 of the fourth plate 24 constitutes the catalyst layer CL of the synthesis section B by carrying a catalyst. That is, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the site where hydrogen is generated in the electrolysis section A and the catalyst layer CL of the synthesis section B are located in the same region.

[0071] The porous plate portion 241 of the present embodiment allows hydrogen to permeate but does not allow water and toluene to permeate. This porous plate portion 241 is in the shape of a rectangular plate disposed at the central portion of the fourth plate 24 and has a size corresponding to the second flow path Ch2 formed between the fourth plate 24 and the fifth plate 25. Further, the catalyst supported by the porous plate portion 241 is a substance that promotes the chemical reaction between the gas generated in the electrolysis section A (hydrogen in the example of the present embodiment) and the fluid supplied to the synthesis section B (toluene in the example of the present embodiment). The catalyst of the present embodiment is, for example, Ni / SiO 2 or Pt / Al 2 O 3 and the like.

[0072] Each of the plurality of gaskets 5 forms a predetermined flow path (flow path space) between the plates 20 by being sandwiched between the plates 20 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. Each gasket 5 has at least one closed-shaped portion that surrounds the flow path when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0073] The plurality of gaskets 5 of the present embodiment includes a first gasket 51, a second gasket 52, a third gasket 53, a fourth gasket 54, and a fifth gasket 55.

[0074] The first gasket 51 forms a first temperature control flow path Ch3 through which a first temperature control fluid (third fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 by being sandwiched between the first plate 21 and the second plate 22. This first temperature control fluid is a fluid for adjusting (controlling) the temperature of the water electrolyzed in the electrolysis section A, and the first temperature control fluid of the present embodiment is water at a predetermined temperature.

[0075] The second gasket 52 forms a first flow path Ch1 through which water (the fluid to be electrolyzed in the electrolysis section A) can flow between the second plate 22 and the third plate 23 by being sandwiched between the second plate 22 and the third plate 23.

[0076] The third gasket 53 is sandwiched between the third plate 23 and the fourth plate 24 to prevent hydrogen leakage from between the third plate 23 and the fourth plate 24 in the plane direction along the plates 23 and 24. This hydrogen is a gas generated by electrolyzing water flowing through the first flow path Ch1 in the electrolysis section A.

[0077] The fourth gasket 54 is sandwiched between the fourth plate 24 and the fifth plate 25 to form a second flow path Ch2 through which toluene can flow between the fourth plate 24 and the fifth plate 25.

[0078] The fifth gasket 55 is sandwiched between the fifth plate 25 and the sixth plate 26 to form a second temperature control flow path Ch4 through which a second temperature control fluid (fourth fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow between the fifth plate 25 and the sixth plate 26. This second temperature control fluid is a fluid for adjusting (controlling) the temperature of toluene that chemically reacts with hydrogen in the synthesis section B. In this embodiment, the second temperature control fluid is water at a predetermined temperature. The temperature of this second temperature control fluid is lower than the temperature of the first temperature control fluid. Specifically, the second temperature control fluid is at a temperature (second temperature) such that the temperature of toluene that chemically reacts with hydrogen in the synthesis section B is about 90°C to 110°C, and the first temperature control fluid is at a temperature (first temperature) such that the temperature of water electrolyzed in the electrolysis section A is about 70°C to 90°C. Incidentally, the water supplied to the first flow path Ch1 is at normal temperature (room temperature), and the first temperature is higher than the temperature of the water flowing through the first flow path Ch1.

[0079] Also, by sandwiching the gasket 5 between each plate 20 in the plate group 2, a flow path (flow path space) extending in the X-axis direction is formed inside the plate group 2 at positions corresponding to the through holes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d of each plate 20.

[0080] Specifically, in the plate group 2, a first inflow channel Ch1a is formed at a position corresponding to the other through-hole 20b of each plate 20, and a first outflow channel Ch1b is formed at a position corresponding to one through-hole 20b. The first inflow channel Ch1a and the first outflow channel Ch1b communicate with the first flow channel Ch1.

[0081] Also, in the plate group 2, a second inflow channel Ch2a is formed at a position corresponding to one through-hole 20c of each plate 20, and a second outflow channel Ch2b is formed at a position corresponding to the other through-hole 20c. The second inflow channel Ch2a and the second outflow channel Ch2b communicate with the second flow channel Ch2.

[0082] Also, in the plate group 2, a first temperature control inflow channel Ch3a is formed at a position corresponding to one through-hole 20a of each plate 20, and a first temperature control outflow channel Ch3b is formed at a position corresponding to the other through-hole 20a. The first temperature control inflow channel Ch3a and the first temperature control outflow channel Ch3b communicate with the first temperature control flow channel Ch3.

[0083] Also, in the plate group 2, a second temperature control inflow channel Ch4a is formed at a position corresponding to one through-hole 20d of each plate 20, and a second temperature control outflow channel Ch4b is formed at a position corresponding to the other through-hole 20d. The second temperature control inflow channel Ch4a and the second temperature control outflow channel Ch4b communicate with the second temperature control flow channel Ch4.

[0084] In the plate group 2 (electrolytic synthesis device 1) configured as described above, the electrolysis unit A is composed of members in the range from the first plate 21 to the fourth plate 24 in the X-axis direction. The synthesis unit B is composed of members in the range from the fourth plate 24 to the sixth plate 26 in the X-axis direction. That is, in the electrolytic synthesis device 1 of the present embodiment, the electrolysis unit A and the synthesis unit B share the fourth plate 24 (see FIG. 3).

[0085] This electrolysis unit A has a pair of electrode plates for electrolyzing water. In this electrolysis unit A, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 respectively, they function as a pair of electrode plates for electrolyzing water. That is, the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 constitute a pair of electrode plates in the electrolysis unit A.

[0086] The holding part 3 removably holds the plate group 2. This holding part 3 includes a pair of clamping parts 31, 32 arranged on both sides of the plate group 2 in the X-axis direction, a support part 33 that supports the pair of clamping parts 31, 32 so that the interval in the X-axis direction between the pair of clamping parts 31, 32 can be changed, and a plurality of interval adjustment parts 35 that change the interval in the X-axis direction between the pair of clamping parts 31, 32.

[0087] Each of the pair of clamping parts 31, 32 is a thick plate-shaped member that extends in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction. Each clamping part 31, 32 in this embodiment is rectangular in shape with a size corresponding to each plate 20 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0088] Specifically, one of the pair of clamping parts 31, 32, namely the clamping part 31, is a rectangular thick plate that is long in the Z-axis direction, and at positions corresponding to the through holes 20a - 20d of each plate 20 (in other words, positions corresponding to the first inflow channel Ch1a, the first outflow channel Ch1b, the second inflow channel Ch2a, the second outflow channel Ch2b, the first temperature control inflow channel Ch3a, the first temperature control outflow channel Ch3b, the second temperature control inflow channel Ch4a, and the second temperature control outflow channel Ch4b), it has a plurality (the number corresponding to the number of through holes 20a - 20d of each plate 20: in the example of this embodiment, eight) of through holes 31a - 31d that penetrate in the X-axis direction.

[0089] Also, one of the clamping parts 31 has a plurality of engaging parts 315 arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Each of these plurality of engaging parts 315 engages with the interval adjustment part 35. Each engaging part 315 in this embodiment is a notch that is recessed inward in the Y-axis direction at the edge of one clamping part 31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0090] Further, the other clamping portion 32 of the pair of clamping portions 31 and 32 is also a rectangular thick plate shape that is long in the Z-axis direction, similar to the one clamping portion 31. This other clamping portion 32 has a guided portion 321 that engages with the support portion 33 so as to be relatively movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the one clamping portion 31. Further, the other clamping portion 32 has a plurality of engaging portions 325 that are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] The guided portion 321 is arranged at both ends in the Z-axis direction of the other clamping portion 32. The guided portion 321 of the present embodiment is a notch that is recessed inward in the Z-axis direction at the edge in the Z-axis direction, and a part of the support portion 33 fits into this notch to engage with the support portion 33.

[0092] Each of the plurality of engaging portions 325 engages with the gap adjusting portion 35. Each engaging portion 325 of the present embodiment is a notch that is recessed inward in the Y-axis direction at the edge in the Y-axis direction of the other clamping portion 32. Each of these plurality of engaging portions 325 is arranged at a position that overlaps with each engaging portion 315 of the one clamping portion 31 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0093] The support portion 33 has a pair of guide bars 331 that each extend in the X-axis direction. The support portion 33 also has a support member 332 that maintains the interval between the pair of guide bars 331.

[0094] The pair of guide bars 331 extend parallel to each other from both ends in the Z-axis direction of the one clamping portion 31. The pair of guide bars 331 fit into the guided portion (notch) of the other clamping portion 32 to guide the other clamping portion 32 to be separable (relatively movable) in the X-axis direction in a state (posture) parallel to the one clamping portion 31. Further, each of the pair of guide bars 331 engages with the engaging portions 20E at both ends in the Z-axis direction of each plate 20 to guide each plate 20 to the arranged position. The engaging portion 20E of the present embodiment is a notch as described above, and each of the pair of guide bars 331 fits into the notches (engaging portions) 20E formed at both ends in the Z-axis direction of each plate 20 to guide each plate 20 to the arranged position.

[0095] The support member 332 extends in the Z-axis direction and connects the ends of the pair of guide bars 331 (the ends on the side opposite to the side connected to one of the clamping portions 32), thereby maintaining the interval in the Z-axis direction between the ends.

[0096] Each of the plurality of gap adjusting parts 35 applies a force to one clamping part 31 and the other clamping part 32 in a direction in which the gap between the pair of clamping parts 31, 32 becomes smaller. The gap adjusting part 35 of the present embodiment has a bolt 351 extending in the X-axis direction and a nut 352 screwed with the bolt 351.

[0097] Each gap adjusting part 35 clamps the pair of clamping parts 31, 32 in a direction in which the interval in the X-axis direction becomes smaller in a state of being fitted into the corresponding (overlapping when viewed from the X-axis direction) engaging parts 315, 325 of the pair of clamping parts 31, 32. By clamping (pinching) the pair of clamping parts 31, 32 by the plurality of gap adjusting parts 35, the gasket 5 disposed between the respective plates 20 is pinched with sufficient force, whereby the respective flow paths Ch1 to Ch4, Ch1a to Ch4a, Ch1b to Ch4b formed between the respective plates 20 become liquid-tight and air-tight at the position of the gasket 5.

[0098] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 configured as described above, during use, as also shown in FIG. 4, a first system 6 for supplying water to the electrolysis section A, a power source Ps for applying a voltage to the electrolysis section A, and a second system 7 for supplying toluene to the synthesis section B are connected. Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a third system 8 for supplying a first temperature-controlled fluid to the electrolysis section A and a fourth system 9 for supplying a second temperature-controlled fluid to the synthesis section B are connected.

[0099] Specifically, the first system 6 includes a first tank T1 that stores the electrolysis-side fluid (water in the example of this embodiment) to be electrolyzed, and a first pump P1, and has a first inflow piping system 61 that guides the electrolysis-side fluid from the first tank T1 to the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the electrolysis unit A). Further, the first system 6 has a second tank T2 that stores the electrolysis-side fluid flowing out from the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the electrolysis unit A), and a first outflow piping system 62 that guides the electrolysis-side fluid flowing out from the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 to the second tank T2. In the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the electrolysis-side fluid flowing out from the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 contains water and oxygen generated by electrolysis of water.

[0100] The first inflow piping system 61 connects the first tank T1 and a through hole (through hole corresponding to the first inflow path Ch1a) 31b disposed at the lower end of one clamping portion 31 in the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1, and supplies the electrolysis-side fluid from the first tank T1 to the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the electrolysis unit A).

[0101] The first outflow piping system 62 connects a through hole (through hole corresponding to the first outflow path Ch1b) 31b disposed at the upper end of one clamping portion 31 in the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 and the second tank T2, and guides the electrolysis-side fluid flowing out from the electrolysis synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the electrolysis unit A) to the second tank T2.

[0102] In this first system 6, when the first pump P1 is driven, the electrolysis-side fluid in the first tank T1 is supplied to the electrolysis unit A (specifically, the first flow path Ch1 through the first inflow path Ch1a) by the first inflow piping system 61. Then, as the supplied electrolysis-side fluid flows through the first flow path Ch1 of the electrolysis unit A, a part of it is electrolyzed. Then, the remaining electrolysis-side fluid that has not been electrolyzed and the gas generated by electrolysis (oxygen in the example of this embodiment) flow out from the electrolysis unit A (specifically, through the first outflow path Ch1b) into the first outflow piping system 62, and are guided to the second tank T2 by the first outflow piping system 62. Then, the gas that has flowed into the second tank T2 together with the electrolysis-side fluid is discharged or collected outside the second tank T2, for example, at the upper part of the second tank T2.

[0103] The second system 7 includes a third tank T3 that stores the synthesis-side fluid supplied to the synthesis unit B, and a second pump P2, and has a second inflow piping system 71 that guides the synthesis-side fluid from the third tank T3 to the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B). The second system 7 also has a second outflow piping system 72 that guides the synthesis-side fluid flowing out from the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B) to the third tank T3.

[0104] The second inflow piping system 71 connects the third tank T3 and a through-hole (a through-hole corresponding to the second inflow path Ch2a) 31c disposed at the upper end of one of the sandwiching portions 31 in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, and supplies the synthesis-side fluid from the third tank T3 to the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B).

[0105] The second outflow piping system 72 connects a through-hole (a through-hole corresponding to the second outflow path Ch2b) 31c disposed at the lower end of one of the sandwiching portions 31 in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 and the third tank T3, and guides the synthesis-side fluid flowing out from the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B) to the third tank T3.

[0106] In this way, the second system 7 supplies the synthesis-side fluid from the third tank T3 to the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, and returns the synthesis-side fluid that has passed through the inside (synthesis unit B) of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 and flowed out to the outside to the third tank T3, thereby jointly constituting a circulation path for the synthesis-side fluid with the synthesis unit B (specifically, the second inflow path Ch2a, the second flow path Ch2, and the second outflow path Ch2b).

[0107] The synthesis-side fluid in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is toluene when the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 starts operating, but the proportion of MCH increases as it circulates through the circulation path (that is, as time elapses since the start of operation of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1).

[0108] The third system 8 includes a first temperature adjuster Tc1 that adjusts the first temperature control fluid to a first temperature (a predetermined temperature), and has a third inflow piping system 81 that guides the first temperature control fluid to the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the electrolysis unit A), and a third outflow piping system 82 that guides the first temperature control fluid flowing out from the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the electrolysis unit A). Here, the first temperature is a temperature at which electrolysis of the supply-side fluid (water) in the electrolysis unit A is efficiently performed.

[0109] The third inflow piping system 81 connects the first temperature adjuster Tc1 and a through hole (a through hole corresponding to the first temperature control inflow path Ch3a) 31a disposed at the upper end of one of the clamping portions 31 in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, and supplies the first temperature control fluid adjusted to the first temperature by the first temperature adjuster Tc1.

[0110] The third outflow piping system 82 is connected to a through hole (a through hole corresponding to the first temperature control outflow path Ch3b) 31a disposed at the lower end of one of the clamping portions 31 in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, and guides the first temperature control fluid flowing out from the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B) to a predetermined position (such as a tank, the first temperature adjuster Tc1, etc.).

[0111] The fourth system 9 includes a second temperature adjuster Tc2 that adjusts the second temperature control fluid to a second temperature (a predetermined temperature), and has a fourth inflow piping system 91 that guides the second temperature control fluid to the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B), and a fourth outflow piping system 92 that guides the second temperature control fluid flowing out from the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis unit B). Here, the second temperature is a temperature at which the heat generated during the chemical reaction in the synthesis unit B can be preheated, and is lower than the first temperature.

[0112] The fourth inflow piping system 91 connects the second temperature adjuster Tc2 and a through hole (a through hole corresponding to the second temperature control inflow path Ch4a) 31d disposed at the upper end of one of the clamping portions 31 in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, and supplies the second temperature control fluid adjusted to the second temperature by the second temperature adjuster Tc2.

[0113] The fourth outflow piping system 92 is connected to a through hole (through hole corresponding to the second temperature-controlled outflow passage Ch4b) 31d disposed at the lower end of one of the clamping portions 31 in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, and guides the second temperature-controlled fluid flowing out from the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (specifically, the synthesis portion B) to a predetermined position (tank, second temperature control portion Tc2, etc.).

[0114] The power supply Ps applies a voltage to the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 of the electrolysis section A. Specifically, the power supply Ps applies a voltage to each of the plates 22 and 24 so that the second plate 22 becomes the cathode and the fourth plate 24 becomes the anode in the electrolysis section A so that electrolysis of the electrolytic fluid (water) is performed.

[0115] Next, the production of MCH (hydrogen carrier) in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 will be described.

[0116] The electrolytic fluid W1 and the first temperature-controlled fluid W3 are supplied to the electrolysis section A, and a voltage is applied to the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24. Further, the synthesis fluid W2 and the second temperature-controlled fluid W4 are supplied to the synthesis section B. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0117] On the electrolysis section A side, the first system 6 supplies the electrolytic fluid W1 from the first tank T1 to the first flow passage Ch1 of the electrolysis section A through the first inflow piping system 61, and the third system 8 supplies the first temperature-controlled fluid W3 at the first temperature to the first temperature-controlled flow passage Ch3 of the electrolysis section A through the third inflow piping system 81. Further, the power supply Ps applies a predetermined voltage for electrolysis to the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24. In the present embodiment, the electrolytic fluid W1 supplied to the electrolysis section A is water.

[0118] Thereby, the electrolytic fluid (water) W1 flowing through the first flow passage Ch1 and the first temperature-controlled fluid W3 flowing through the first temperature-controlled flow passage Ch3 exchange heat through the second plate 22, so that the electrolytic fluid (water) W1 is heated to a temperature suitable for electrolysis. In this state, a predetermined voltage is applied to the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24, so that the electrolytic fluid (water) W1 flowing through the first flow passage Ch1 is efficiently electrolyzed.

[0119] The hydrogen ions generated by this electrolysis permeate through the solid polymer exchange membrane 231 of the third plate 23 and move to the fourth plate 24 side, and receive electrons from the fourth plate 24 to become hydrogen (hydrogen molecules).

[0120] In addition, the oxygen generated by electrolysis flows out of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (electrolysis section A) through the first outflow passage Ch1b together with the electrolytic side fluid that remained without being electrolyzed, and is guided to the second tank T2 by the third outflow piping system 82. The electrolytic side fluid W1 discharged from this electrolysis section A contains water that remained without being electrolyzed and oxygen generated by electrolysis.

[0121] On the other hand, on the synthesis section B side, the second system 7 supplies the synthesis side fluid W2 from the third tank T3 to the second flow path Ch2 of the synthesis section B through the second inflow piping system 71, and the fourth system 9 supplies the second temperature-controlled fluid W4 at the second temperature to the second temperature-controlled flow path Ch4 of the synthesis section B through the fourth inflow piping system 91. Incidentally, when the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 is in operation, the synthesis side fluid W2 stored in the third tank T3 is toluene.

[0122] As a result, the hydrogen generated in the electrolysis section A (the hydrogen generated by permeating through the solid polymer exchange membrane 231 and moving to the fourth plate 24 side and receiving electrons from the fourth plate 24) permeates through the porous plate portion 241 of the fourth plate 24 and flows into the second flow path Ch2. As a result, hydrogen and toluene contained in the synthesis side fluid W2 flowing through the second flow path Ch2 chemically react to produce (synthesize) MCH.

[0123] At this time, the chemical reaction between hydrogen and toluene is promoted by the catalyst supported by the porous plate portion 241. Further, the heat generated by this chemical reaction is transferred to the second temperature-controlled fluid W4 by heat exchange between the synthesis side fluid W2 flowing through the second flow path Ch2 and the second temperature-controlled fluid W4 flowing through the second temperature-controlled flow path Ch4 via the fifth plate 25, that is, the synthesis side fluid W2 is preheated.

[0124] After that, the synthesized-side fluid W2 after being preheated flows out of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 (synthesis section B) through the second outflow passage Ch2b, and is guided to the third tank T3 by the second outflow piping system 72.

[0125] At this time, just by flowing through the second flow path Ch2 once, not all of the toluene has chemically reacted with hydrogen to become MCH. Therefore, the synthesized-side fluid W2 flowing out of the synthesis section B contains MCH synthesized in the synthesis section B and toluene that did not fully react with hydrogen when passing through the second flow path Ch2.

[0126] Then, the synthesized-side fluid W2 returned to the third tank T3 is supplied to the synthesis section B by the second system 7. In this way, the synthesized-side fluid W2 circulates through a circulation path constituted by the second system 7 and the synthesis section B (specifically, the second inflow passage Ch2a, the second flow path Ch2, and the second outflow passage Ch2b), that is, by passing through the synthesis section B multiple times, the proportion of MCH in the synthesized-side fluid W2 increases. And when all of the toluene has chemically reacted with hydrogen to become MCH by this circulation, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 stops.

[0127] The above electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 includes an electrolysis section A that electrolyzes water (first fluid) to generate hydrogen (predetermined gas), and a synthesis section B having a catalyst layer CL containing a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction between hydrogen (predetermined gas) and toluene (second fluid), and the catalyst layer CL through which hydrogen can pass. And the electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B are adjacent to each other such that the site where hydrogen is generated in the electrolysis section A and the catalyst layer CL are located in the same region. In this way, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, by integrating the electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B adjacent to each other such that the site where hydrogen is generated and the catalyst layer CL are located in the same region, a compact electrolytic synthesis apparatus can be obtained.

[0128] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the electrolysis unit A includes a second plate (first plate) 22 and a fourth plate (second plate) 24 that each extend in a plane direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction (the arrangement direction of the electrolysis unit A and the synthesis unit B) and overlap in the X-axis direction, and a third plate (exchange membrane plate) 23 that includes a solid polymer exchange membrane 231 and extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and is disposed between the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24. The synthesis unit B includes the fourth plate 24 and a fifth plate (third plate) 25 that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and overlaps the fourth plate 24 on the side opposite to the second plate 22 in the X-axis direction. The second plate 22 forms a first flow path Ch1 through which water can flow between the second plate 22 and the third plate 23 in the X-axis direction. The fourth plate 24 includes a porous plate portion 241 that has conductivity and supports a catalyst, constitutes the electrode plate of the electrolysis unit A, and constitutes the catalyst layer CL of the synthesis unit B. The fifth plate 25 forms a second flow path Ch2 through which toluene can flow between the fifth plate 25 and the fourth plate 24 in the X-axis direction.

[0129] According to such a configuration, by flowing water through the first flow path Ch1 and flowing toluene through the second flow path Ch2, MCH, which is a desired substance (i.e., a substance (fluid) obtained by a chemical reaction between hydrogen generated by electrolysis of water and toluene), can be obtained. Moreover, in this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, the fourth plate 24 includes the porous plate portion 241 that has conductivity and supports a catalyst, and by sharing the fourth plate 24 between the electrolysis unit A and the synthesis unit B, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 can be made compact.

[0130] Further, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a first plate (fourth plate) 21 that is superposed on the second plate 22 from the side opposite to the side of the fourth plate 24 in the X-axis direction, and a sixth plate (fifth plate) 26 that is superposed on the fifth plate 25 from the side opposite to the side of the fourth plate 24 in the X-axis direction. Also, the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 are each made of metal. And the first plate 21 forms a first temperature control flow path Ch3 through which a first temperature control fluid (third fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow between the second plate 22 in the X-axis direction, and the sixth plate 26 forms a second temperature control flow path Ch4 through which a second temperature control fluid (fourth fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow between the fifth plate 25 in the X-axis direction.

[0131] In this way, since the second plate 22 and the fifth plate 25 are made of metal, water and the first temperature control fluid can exchange heat, and toluene and the second temperature control fluid can exchange heat. Therefore, according to this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1, by controlling the temperatures of the first temperature control fluid supplied to the first temperature control flow path Ch3 and the second temperature control fluid supplied to the second temperature control flow path Ch4 respectively, the temperature of water in the electrolysis section A and the temperature of toluene in the synthesis section B can be adjusted (controlled) respectively.

[0132] Also, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the electrolysis section A has a pair of electrode plates, the second plate 22 has conductivity, and the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 constitute the pair of electrode plates. In this way, by using the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 that form the flow paths Ch1 and Ch2 through which water, toluene, etc. flow, and the pair of electrode plates for electrolyzing water in common, the number of parts of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 can be reduced.

[0133] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a second system (circulation system) 7 that is directly or indirectly connected to one end and the other end of the second flow path Ch2 in the flow direction of toluene (synthesis-side fluid) to form a circulation path for the toluene is provided. By circulating toluene in the circulation path configured in this way, all of the toluene can be chemically reacted with hydrogen (hydrogen generated by the electrolysis unit A).

[0134] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, each of the second plate 22, the third plate 23, the fourth plate 24, and the fifth plate 25 is removably arranged. Since each of the plates 22, 23, 24, 25 is removably arranged in this way, maintenance such as replacement of the damaged plates 22, 23, 24, 25 and cleaning of the plates 22, 23, 24, 25 becomes easy. In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first plate 21, the sixth plate 26, and each gasket 5 are also removably arranged.

[0135] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 has at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion on the surface that defines the first flow path Ch1 or the second flow path Ch2. For this reason, turbulence such as turbulent flow occurs in the fluid (water, toluene) flowing through at least one of the first flow path Ch1 and the second flow path Ch2, whereby the contact between the water and the solid polymer exchange membrane 231 and the contact between the toluene and the catalyst layer CL (porous plate portion 241) increase. As a result, the processing efficiency of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 is improved.

[0136] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. The same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as those of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, and the configurations different from those of the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A of the present embodiment includes a plurality of plate sets S in which a plurality of plates 20 are stacked. The electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A also includes a holding unit 3 that holds the plurality of plate sets S. The electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A further includes at least one inter-set gasket 56 sandwiched between the plate sets S.

[0138] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A, the plurality of plate sets S are each removably arranged in a row in the X-axis direction. In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A of the present embodiment, the plurality of plate sets S are each removably held by the holding unit 3.

[0139] As also shown in FIG. 7, each plate set S includes an electrolysis part A and a synthesis part B respectively. Specifically, each plate set S includes each plate from the second plate 22 to the fifth plate 25 that are stacked in the X-axis direction in the plate group 2 of the first embodiment. Each plate set S also includes a plurality of gaskets 5 sandwiched between the plates 22 to 25. That is, each plate set S has a second plate 22, a third plate 23, a fourth plate 24, and a fifth plate 25 respectively, and also has a second gasket 52, a third gasket 53, and a fourth gasket 54 respectively.

[0140] Each of the plates 22 to 25 is a rectangular shape that is long in the Z-axis direction, similar to the corresponding plate of the first embodiment, and has an engaging portion 20E at the upper end and the lower end. The second plate 22 and the fifth plate 25 are made of metal, the third plate 23 has a solid polymer exchange membrane 231, and the fourth plate 24 has a porous plate portion 241 (catalyst layer CL) that supports a catalyst.

[0141] These plurality of plate sets S are each arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates 20 of adjacent plate sets S in the X-axis direction is reversed (see FIG. 8).

[0142] Specifically, when focusing on a predetermined plate set S1 and S2 adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction among a plurality of plate sets S arranged in the X-axis direction, for example, in one plate set S1, in order toward one side in the X-axis direction (the right side in FIG. 8), the second plate 22, the second gasket 52, the third plate 23, the third gasket 53, the fourth plate 24, the fourth gasket 54, and the fifth plate 25 are arranged. In the other plate set S2, in order toward one side in the X-axis direction (the right side in FIG. 8), the fifth plate 25, the fourth gasket 54, the fourth plate 24, the third gasket 53, the third plate 23, the second gasket 52, and the second plate 22 are arranged.

[0143] In these plurality of plate sets S arranged in the X-axis direction, the adjacent plate sets S with the second plates 22 facing each other form a first temperature control flow path Ch3 through which a first temperature control fluid (third fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow between the second plates 22 by sandwiching an inter-set gasket 56 between the plate sets S (that is, between the opposing second plates 22) (see FIG. 8).

[0144] Also, in these plurality of plate sets S arranged in the X-axis direction, the adjacent plate sets S with the fifth plates facing each other form a second temperature control flow path Ch4 through which a second temperature control fluid (fourth fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow between the fifth plates 25 by sandwiching an inter-set gasket 56 between the plate sets S (that is, between the opposing fifth plates 25) (see FIG. 8).

[0145] In these plurality of plate sets S arranged in the X-axis direction, the first inflow channel Ch1a and the first outflow channel Ch1b extend from the plate set S on the outermost other side in the X-axis direction to the plate set S on the outermost one side, and communicate with the first flow channel Ch1 of each plate set S respectively. Also, the second inflow channel Ch2a and the second outflow channel Ch2b extend from the plate set S on the outermost other side in the X-axis direction to the plate set S on the outermost one side, and communicate with the second flow channel Ch2 of each plate set S respectively. Also, the first temperature control inflow channel Ch3a and the first temperature control outflow channel Ch3b extend from the plate set S on the outermost other side in the X-axis direction to the plate set S on the outermost one side, and communicate with the first temperature control flow channel Ch3 of each plate set S respectively. Also, the second temperature control inflow channel Ch4a and the second temperature control outflow channel Ch4b extend from the plate set S on the outermost other side in the X-axis direction to the plate set S on the outermost one side, and communicate with the second temperature control flow channel Ch4 of each plate set S respectively.

[0146] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A configured as described above, a voltage for electrolysis is applied to the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 of each plate set S respectively, and water is supplied to the first flow channel Ch1 of each plate set S and toluene is supplied to the second flow channel Ch2, whereby MCH is produced in each plate set S.

[0147] At this time, a first temperature control fluid and a second temperature control fluid are supplied to the first temperature control flow channel Ch3 and the second temperature control flow channel Ch4 formed between the respective plate sets S, whereby the temperature of the water in the first flow channel Ch1 and the temperature of the toluene in the second flow channel Ch2 are adjusted.

[0148] The electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A of the present embodiment includes a plurality of plate sets S including the respective plates 22 to 25 from the second plate (first plate) 22 to the fifth plate (third plate) 25 that are overlapped in the X-axis direction. And the plurality of plate sets S are each removably arranged in a row in the X-axis direction. Thus, by arranging the plurality of plate sets S removably, the number of plate sets S can be increased or decreased according to the throughput.

[0149] Further, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1A of the present embodiment, each plate set S is arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates 20 of the plate sets S adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction is reversed (see FIG. 8). And, the second plate 22 and the fifth plate 25 of each plate set S are each made of metal, and for the plate sets S adjacent to each other with the second plates 22 facing each other, a first temperature control flow path Ch3 through which a first temperature control fluid (third fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow is formed between the second plates 22, and for the plate sets S adjacent to each other with the fifth plates 25 facing each other, a second temperature control flow path Ch4 through which a second temperature control fluid (fourth fluid) for temperature adjustment can flow is formed between the fifth plates 25.

[0150] According to such a configuration, by respectively controlling the temperature of the first temperature control fluid supplied to the first temperature control flow path Ch3 and the temperature of the second temperature control fluid supplied to the second temperature control flow path Ch4, the temperature of water (first fluid) in the electrolysis section A and the temperature of toluene (second fluid) in the synthesis section B in each plate set S can be respectively adjusted (controlled). Moreover, since each plate set S is arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates 20 of the plate sets S adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction is reversed, the first temperature control flow path Ch3 or the second temperature control flow path Ch4 is formed between the adjacent plate sets S, and thereby, while enabling the temperature adjustment (control) of water and toluene, the number of plates 20 in the entire electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 can be suppressed.

[0151] Note that the electrolytic synthesis apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of a certain embodiment, and a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Further, a part of the configuration of a certain embodiment can be deleted.

[0152] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the above-described first and second embodiments, the fluid (first fluid) electrolyzed in the electrolysis section A is water, and the fluid (second fluid) that chemically reacts with the gas generated by the electrolysis in the electrolysis section A in the synthesis section B is toluene, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second fluid may be nitrogen gas (N 2 ), etc. In this case, what is produced by the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A is N 2 +H 2 , and ammonia (NH 3 ). Further, in this case, the catalyst supported by the porous plate portion 241 of the fourth plate 24 is iron (Fe) or ruthenium (Ru).

[0153] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the above-described first and second embodiments, the electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B are adjacent to each other in a state where a part of the configuration (the fourth plate 24) is shared, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The electrolysis section A and the synthesis section B may be adjacent to each other such that the site where gas is generated by electrolysis in the electrolysis section A is adjacent to the catalyst layer CL of the synthesis section B.

[0154] The electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the first embodiment do not include the first to fourth systems 6 to 9, that is, the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A do not include the first to fourth systems 6 to 9, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A may include at least one of the first to fourth systems 6 to 9.

[0155] In the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the above-described first and second embodiments, a first temperature control flow path Ch3 through which a fluid (first temperature control fluid) for adjusting the temperature of the fluid to be electrolyzed (water in the examples of the above-described first and second embodiments) can flow, and a second temperature control flow path Ch4 through which a fluid (second temperature control fluid) for adjusting the temperature of the fluid that chemically reacts with the gas generated by electrolysis (toluene in the examples of the above-described first and second embodiments) can flow are respectively formed, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A, only one of the first temperature control flow path Ch3 and the second temperature control flow path Ch4 may be formed, or a configuration in which neither the first temperature control flow path Ch3 nor the second temperature control flow path Ch4 is formed may also be adopted

[0156] Also, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments, although the first temperature control flow path Ch3 and the second temperature control flow path Ch4 are independent, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1 may include a connection flow path Ch5 that connects the first temperature control flow path Ch3 and the second temperature control flow path Ch4 in series. In this way, by using the first temperature control fluid (third fluid) and the second temperature control fluid (fourth fluid) as a common fluid (temperature control fluid) and supplying the temperature control fluid so that it flows from the second temperature control flow path Ch4 side through the connection flow path Ch5 to the first temperature control flow path Ch3, the heat (catalytic reaction heat) generated by the catalytic reaction that promotes the chemical reaction in the synthesis unit B is gradually heated (cooled) from toluene or the like (the fluid flowing through the second flow path Ch2), and the temperature control fluid is heated by the heat obtained by the gradual heating in the synthesis unit B, so that water (the fluid flowing through the first flow path Ch1) can be heated (heated) in the electrolysis unit A to improve the efficiency of electrolysis.

[0157] Also, the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments include the second plate 22 and the fourth plate 24 as a pair of electrode plates for electrolysis separately from the solid polymer exchange membrane 231 (third plate 23), but the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

[0158] Also, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments, the third plate (exchange membrane plate) 23 has the solid polymer exchange membrane 231 and the frame portion 232, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The third plate 23 may be constituted only by the solid polymer exchange membrane 231.

[0159] Also, in the electrolytic synthesis apparatuses 1 and 1A of the first and second embodiments of the above embodiments, the fourth plate (second plate) 24 has the porous plate portion 241 and the frame portion 242, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The fourth plate 24 may be constituted only by the porous plate portion 241.

[0160] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B may be configured to include a partition plate 28 including a membrane electrode assembly 280. Specifically, this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B includes a second plate (first plate) 22, a partition plate 28, a fourth plate (third plate) 24, and a plurality of gaskets 5 sandwiched between the plates 22, 28, and 24. A first flow path Ch1 is formed between the second plate 22 and the partition plate 28 (membrane electrode assembly 280), and a second flow path Ch2 is formed between the partition plate 28 (membrane electrode assembly 280) and the fourth plate 24. In the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B, the partition plate 28 may be constituted only by the membrane electrode assembly 280.

[0161] The membrane electrode assembly 280 includes an anode, a polymer exchange membrane, and a cathode, each of which extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and is arranged in order from the second plate 22 toward the fourth plate 24. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the membrane electrode assembly 280 is a so-called MEA (Membrane Electrode Assembly) used in a PEM (Polymer Elctrolyte Membrane) type water electrolysis apparatus or the like, and a first gas diffusion layer 281, an anode catalyst layer (anode) 282, a polymer exchange membrane 283, a cathode catalyst layer (cathode) 284, and a second gas diffusion layer 285 are laminated.

[0162] The first gas diffusion layer 281 is porous, and a gas (for example, oxygen) generated on the anode catalyst layer 282 side of the polymer exchange membrane 283 permeates while diffusing due to the electrolysis of a fluid (for example, water) flowing through the first flow path Ch1.

[0163] The second gas diffusion layer 285 is porous, and allows the gas (e.g., hydrogen) generated on the cathode catalyst layer 284 side of the polymer electrolyte membrane 283 by electrolysis of the fluid (e.g., water) flowing through the first flow channel Ch1 to diffuse and permeate therethrough. Further, the second gas diffusion layer 285 supports a catalyst that promotes the chemical reaction between the gas (e.g., hydrogen) generated by electrolysis of the fluid flowing through the first flow channel Ch1 and the fluid (e.g., toluene) flowing through the second flow channel Ch2, and constitutes a catalyst layer CL. Note that the catalyst layer CL may be arranged (formed) so as to be adjacent to the second gas diffusion layer 285 from the outside in the stacking direction.

[0164] In this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B, the electrolysis section A is in the range from the second plate 22 in the X-axis direction to the cathode catalyst layer 284 of the membrane electrode assembly 280, and the synthesis section B is in the range from the second gas diffusion layer 285 to the fourth plate 24 in the X-axis direction. Further, the pair of electrode plates in the electrolysis section A are constituted by the anode catalyst layer (anode) 282 and the cathode catalyst layer (cathode) included in the membrane electrode assembly 280. Further, when this electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B is in use, a voltage for electrolysis of the fluid (e.g., water) flowing through the first flow channel Ch1 is applied to the anode catalyst layer (anode) 282 and the cathode catalyst layer (cathode) 284.

[0165] Also with the above-described electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B, by flowing the first fluid (e.g., water) through the first flow channel Ch1 and flowing the second fluid (e.g., toluene) through the second flow channel Ch2, a desired fluid (i.e., a fluid in which a predetermined gas (e.g., hydrogen) generated by electrolysis of the first fluid and the second fluid have undergone a chemical reaction (e.g., MCH)) can be obtained. Moreover, in the membrane electrode assembly 280, since the cathode catalyst layer (cathode) 284 included in the electrolysis section A and the second gas diffusion layer 285 (catalyst layer CL) included in the synthesis section B are adjacent to each other, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus 1B can be made compact.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0166] 1, 1A, 1B... Electrolytic synthesis device, 2... Plate group, 20... Plate, 20E... Engagement part, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d... Through holes, 201... Protrusion, 202... Recess, 21... First plate (Fourth plate, metal plate), 22... Second plate (First plate, metal plate), 23... Third plate (Exchange membrane plate), 231... Solid polymer exchange membrane, 232... Frame part, 24... Fourth plate (Second plate), 241... Porous plate part, 242... Frame part, 25... Fifth plate (Third plate, metal plate), 26... Sixth plate (Fifth plate, metal plate), 28... Partition plate, 280... Membrane electrode assembly (MEA), 281... First gas diffusion layer, 282... Anode catalyst layer (Anode), 283... Polymer exchange membrane, 284... Cathode catalyst layer (Cathode), 285... Second gas diffusion layer, 3... Holding part, 31... One clamping part, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d... Through holes, 315... Engagement part, 32... The other clamping part, 321... Guided part, 325... Engagement part, 33... Support part, 331... Guide bar, 332... Support member, 35... Spacing adjustment part, 351... Bolt, 352... Nut, 5... Gasket, 51... First gasket, 52... Second gasket, 53... Third gasket, 54... Fourth gasket, 55... Fifth gasket, 56... Inter-set gasket, 6... First system, 61... First inflow piping system, 62... First outflow piping system, 7... Second system (Circulation system), 71... Second inflow piping system, 72... Second outflow piping system, 8... Third system, 81... Third inflow piping system, 82... Third outflow piping system, 9... Fourth system, 91... Fourth inflow piping system, 92... Fourth outflow piping system, A... Electrolysis part, B... Synthesis part, Ch1... First flow path, Ch1a... First inflow path, Ch1b... First outflow path, Ch2... Second flow path, Ch2a... Second inflow path, Ch2b... Second outflow path, Ch3... First temperature control flow path, Ch3a... First temperature control inflow path, Ch3b... First temperature control outflow path, Ch4... Second temperature control flow path, Ch4a... Second temperature control inflow path, Ch4b... Second temperature control outflow path, Ch5... Connection flow path, CL... Catalyst layer, P1... First pump, P2... Second pump, Ps... Power source, S, S1, S2... Plate set, T1... First tank, T2... Second tank, T3... Third tank, Tc1... First temperature adjustment part, Tc2... Second temperature adjustment part

Claims

1. An electrolysis unit that electrolyzes a first fluid to generate a predetermined gas; A synthesis unit including a catalyst layer containing a catalyst that promotes a chemical reaction between the predetermined gas and a second fluid, the synthesis unit having a catalyst layer through which the predetermined gas can pass; and the electrolysis unit and the synthesis unit are adjacent to each other such that a site where the predetermined gas is generated in the electrolysis unit and the catalyst layer are adjacent to or located in the same region. The electrolysis unit includes: A first plate and a second plate that each extend in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrolysis unit and the synthesis unit and are overlapped in the arrangement direction; An exchange membrane plate that includes a solid polymer exchange membrane, extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, and is disposed between the first plate and the second plate; The synthesis unit includes: The second plate; A third plate that extends in a plane direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and is overlapped with the second plate on the side opposite to the first plate in the arrangement direction; The first plate forms a first flow path through which the first fluid can flow between the first plate and the exchange membrane plate in the arrangement direction; The second plate includes a porous plate portion having conductivity and carrying the catalyst, constitutes an electrode plate of the electrolysis unit, and constitutes the catalyst layer of the synthesis unit; The third plate forms a second flow path through which the second fluid can flow between the third plate and the second plate in the arrangement direction, an electrolytic synthesis apparatus.

2. A fourth plate that is overlapped with the first plate from the side opposite to the side of the second plate in the arrangement direction; A fifth plate that is overlapped with the third plate from the side opposite to the side of the second plate in the arrangement direction; and the first plate and the third plate are each made of metal. The fourth plate forms a first temperature control flow path through which a third fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the fourth plate and the first plate in the arrangement direction; The fifth plate forms a second temperature control flow path through which a fourth fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the fifth plate and the third plate in the arrangement direction, the electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 1.

3. An electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a connection flow path that connects the first temperature control flow path and the second temperature control flow path in series, and the third fluid and the fourth fluid are a common fluid.

4. The electrolysis unit has a pair of electrode plates, and the first plate has conductivity. The first plate has conductivity. ​ ​ ​ The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first plate and the second plate constitute the pair of electrode plates.

5. The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation system connected to one end and the other end of the second flow path in the flow direction of the second fluid to form a circulation path for the second fluid.

6. The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the first plate, the exchange membrane plate, the second plate, and the third plate is removably arranged.

7. The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the first plate and the third plate has at least one of a convex portion and a concave portion on a surface defining the first flow path or the second flow path.

8. Comprising a plurality of plate sets including the plates from the first plate to the third plate superposed in the juxtaposed direction, The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of plate sets are each removably arranged in a row in the juxtaposed direction.

9. Each plate set is arranged such that the arrangement order of the plates of adjacent plate sets in the juxtaposed direction is reversed, The first plate and the third plate of each plate set are each made of metal, Adjacent plate sets with the first plates facing each other form a first temperature control flow path through which a third fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the first plates, The electrolytic synthesis apparatus according to claim 8, wherein adjacent plate sets with the third plates facing each other form a second temperature control flow path through which a fourth fluid for temperature adjustment can flow between the third plates.

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