Electrochemical cell

Abstract

An electrolysis cell (10) comprises: a support (11); a hydrogen electrode active layer (12); an electrolyte layer (13); and an oxygen electrode layer (15). The support (11) comprises: a hydrogen electrode collector layer (20); beam structures (30) embedded in the hydrogen electrode collector layer (20); and through holes (50) that penetrate from a first principal surface (P1) to a second principal surface (P2) in the direction of stacking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electrode-supported type electrochemical cell (electrolytic cell, fuel cell cell, etc.) including an electrolyte layer disposed between two electrode layers and one of the electrode layers functioning as a support is known.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an anode-supported type fuel cell cell in which the thickness of the anode among the anode, cathode, and electrolyte is the largest and the anode functions as a support.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, even if the thickness of the electrode layer functioning as a support is increased, it is difficult to obtain sufficient rigidity because the electrode layer is porous. Therefore, the electrochemical cell may be warped as the temperature rises and falls during the reduction treatment or operation.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrochemical cell capable of suppressing warping.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electrochemical cell according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a support, a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is disposed on the support. The electrolyte layer is disposed on the first electrode layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the opposite side of the first electrode layer with respect to the electrolyte layer. The support has a current collecting layer, a beam portion embedded in the current collecting layer, and a through hole that penetrates along the stacking direction from a first main surface on the opposite side of the first electrode layer to a second main surface on the first electrode layer side.

[0008] The electrochemical cell according to the second aspect of the present invention pertains to the first aspect, and the first surface of the beam portion on the side opposite to the first electrode layer is covered by the current collecting layer.

[0009] The electrochemical cell according to the third aspect of the present invention pertains to the first or second aspect, and the second surface of the beam portion on the first electrode layer side is covered by the current collecting layer.

[0010] The electrochemical cell according to the fourth aspect of the present invention pertains to any one of the first to third aspects, and the support has a frame body that surrounds the side circumference of the current collecting layer and to which the beam portions are connected.

[0011] The electrochemical cell according to the fifth aspect of the present invention pertains to any one of the first to fourth aspects, and the support has a beam structure formed by a plurality of beam portions.

[0012] The electrochemical cell according to the sixth aspect of the present invention pertains to the fifth aspect, and the beam structure has a lattice structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electrochemical cell capable of suppressing warping.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] (Configuration of the electrolytic cell 10) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electrolytic cell 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the support 11 according to the embodiment. The electrolytic cell 10 is an example of the “electrochemical cell” according to the present invention.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrolytic cell 10 includes a support 11, a hydrogen electrode active layer 12, an electrolyte layer 13, a reaction prevention layer 14, and an oxygen electrode layer 15. The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is an example of the “first electrode layer” according to the present invention. The oxygen electrode layer 15 is an example of the “second electrode layer” according to the present invention.

[0017] In the electrolytic cell 10, the support 11, the hydrogen electrode active layer 12, the electrolyte layer 13, and the oxygen electrode layer 15 are essential components, and the reaction prevention layer 14 is an optional component.

[0018] The support 11, the hydrogen electrode active layer 12, the electrolyte layer 13, the reaction prevention layer 14, and the oxygen electrode layer 15 are laminated in this order in the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is an example of the “lamination direction” according to the present invention.

[0019] [Support 11] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support 11 is formed in a plate shape. The support 11 has a first main surface P1, a second main surface P2, and a side surface P3. The first main surface P1 is electrically connected to a separator (not shown). The first main surface P1 faces the hydrogen electrode side space S1 to which the raw material gas is supplied. The second main surface P2 is provided on the opposite side of the first main surface P1 in the Z-axis direction. The second main surface P2 is connected to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. The side surface P3 is continuous with the first main surface P1 and the second main surface P2. The side surface P3 may be perpendicular to the first main surface P1 and the second main surface P2, or may be inclined with respect to the first main surface P1 and the second main surface P2.

[0020] The thickness of the support 11 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 150 μm or more and 1000 μm or less. In the Z-axis direction, the thickness of the support 11 may be greater than the thicknesses of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12, the electrolyte layer 13, the reaction prevention layer 14, and the oxygen electrode layer 15, respectively.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support 11 has a hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20, a beam structure 30, a frame body 40, and a through hole 50. The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is an example of the "current collector layer" according to the present invention.

[0022] [Hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20] The beam structure 30 is embedded in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. In the present embodiment, the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is partitioned into cells by the beam structure 30.

[0023] The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is supported by the beam structure 30. In the present embodiment, the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is also supported by the frame body 40. The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20, together with the beam structure 30 and the frame body 40, functions as a support for the electrolytic cell 10. The electrolytic cell 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called electrode-supported type electrochemical cell.

[0024] The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 has a current collecting function. The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 has electronic conductivity. The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 contains nickel (Ni). In the case of co-electrolysis, Ni functions as an electronic conductive material and also functions as a thermal catalyst that promotes the thermal reaction between H2 generated in the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and CO2 contained in the raw material gas to maintain a gas composition suitable for methanation, Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis, etc. The Ni contained in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 basically exists in the state of metallic Ni during the operation of the electrolytic cell 10, but a part thereof may exist in the state of nickel oxide (NiO).

[0025] The hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 contains a ceramic in addition to nickel (Ni). The ceramic may have ionic conductivity. Examples of the ceramic include yttria (Y2O3), magnesia (MgO), iron oxide (Fe2O3), zirconia (ZrO2, including partially stabilized zirconia), yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), calcia-stabilized zirconia (CSZ), scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ), gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC), samarium-doped ceria (SDC), and a mixed material obtained by combining two or more of these.

[0026] The porosity of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 5% or more and 40% or less.

[0027] When the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 has a high porosity (for example, 25% or more), a gas diffusion function can be imparted to the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. Specifically, the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 diffuses the raw material gas from the hydrogen electrode side space S1 to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and diffuses the product gas from the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 to the hydrogen electrode side space S1. When the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 has such a gas diffusion function, in combination with the gas flow function of the through hole 50 described later, the gas permeability of the support 11 can be improved.

[0028] In addition, when the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 has a gas diffusion function, Ni contained in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 also functions as a heat catalyst that promotes the thermal reaction between H2 generated in the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and CO2 contained in the raw material gas to maintain an appropriate gas composition.

[0029] When the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 has a low porosity (for example, 10% or less), the rigidity of the entire support 11 can be improved by improving the strength of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20.

[0030] The method for forming the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is not particularly limited, and tape casting, screen printing, casting molding, dry pressing method, etc. can be used.

[0031] [Beam structure 30] The beam structure 30 supports the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. The beam structure 30 functions as a support for the electrolytic cell 10 together with the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the frame body 40.

[0032] The beam structure 30 is embedded in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. In the present embodiment, the beam structure 30 being embedded in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 means that at least a part of the beam structure 30 is buried in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20.

[0033] The beam structure 30 has a first surface Q1 and a second surface Q2.

[0034] The first surface Q1 is the surface of the beam structure 30 on the side opposite to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. Specifically, the first surface Q1 is the surface of the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32, which will be described later, on the side opposite to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. The first surface Q1 is not covered by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. That is, the first surface Q1 is exposed from the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first surface Q1 forms a part of the first main surface P1 of the support 11.

[0035] The second surface Q2 is the surface of the beam structure 30 on the side of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. Specifically, the second surface Q2 is the surface of the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32, which will be described later, on the side of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. The second surface Q2 is not covered by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. That is, the second surface Q2 is exposed from the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second surface Q2 forms a part of the second main surface P2 of the support 11.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the beam structure 30 has a lattice structure in which a plurality of beam portions are arranged in a lattice pattern in the plane direction in a plan view from the Z-axis direction. The lattice structure is a structure in which a plurality of beam portions are arranged periodically in a plan view from the Z-axis direction. By having the lattice structure in the beam structure 30, the rigidity of the entire support 11 can be improved.

[0037] Note that the beam structure 30 according to the present embodiment has a square lattice structure, but the form of the lattice structure is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a vertical lattice structure, a horizontal lattice structure, a hexagonal lattice structure, or the like.

[0038] The beam structure 30 can be composed of forsterite (Mg2SiO4), magnesium silicate (MgSiO3), zirconia (including ZrO2 and partially stabilized zirconia), magnesia (MgO), spinel (MgAl2O4, NiAl2O4), yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), calcia-stabilized zirconia (CSZ), nickel (Ni), nickel oxide (NiO), alumina (Al2O3), nickel oxide-magnesia solid solution (Mg x Ni (1-x) NiO [0 < x < 1]) and a mixed material obtained by combining two or more of these.

[0039] The porosity of the beam structure 30 may be lower than the porosity of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. The porosity of the beam structure 30 can be, for example, 0.1% or more and 15% or less. The porosity of the beam structure 30 is preferably 5% or less. Thereby, by improving the strength of the beam structure 30, the rigidity of the entire support 11 can be improved.

[0040] The electronic conductivity of the beam structure 30 may be lower than that of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. The beam structure 30 may have electron insulation. Although the electron conductivity of the beam structure 30 is not particularly limited, it can be 10 -1 S / m or less.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the beam structure 30 is composed of a plurality of beam portions. In the present embodiment, the beam structure 30 is composed of four first beam portions 31 and four second beam portions 32.

[0042] Each of the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32 is embedded in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. In the present embodiment, that the first beam portion 31 is embedded in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 means that at least a part of the first beam portion 31 is buried in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. Similarly, that the second beam portion 32 is embedded in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 means that at least a part of the second beam portion 32 is buried in the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20.

[0043] Each of the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32 is formed in a columnar shape. Each of the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32 extends along a plane direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction (lamination direction). In the present embodiment, the first beam portion 31 extends along the Y-axis direction, and the second beam portion 32 extends along the X-axis direction. Therefore, in a plan view from the Z-axis direction, the angle formed by the second beam portion 32 with respect to the first beam portion 31 is 90 degrees. However, the angle formed by the second beam portion 32 with respect to the first beam portion 31 may be less than 90 degrees.

[0044] Both ends of the first beam portion 31 in the Y-axis direction are connected to the frame body 40. The first beam portion 31 may be integrally formed with the frame body 40. Both ends of the second beam portion 32 in the X-axis direction are connected to the frame body 40. The second beam portion 32 may be integrally formed with the frame body 40.

[0045] Note that the beam structure 30 according to the present embodiment has four of each of the first beam portions 31 and the second beam portions 32, but the number of each of the first beam portions 31 and the second beam portions 32 is not particularly limited and may be one or more. Further, the beam structure 30 may have only one of the first beam portions 31 and the second beam portions 32.

[0046] The method for forming the beam structure 30 is not particularly limited, and an extrusion molding method, a tape molding method, a printing lamination method, a casting method, a dry pressing method, or the like can be used.

[0047] [Frame body 40] The frame body 40 is formed in a frame shape. The frame body 40 surrounds the side circumferences of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the beam structure 30. The side circumferences of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the beam structure 30 mean the circumferences of the side surfaces formed along the thickness direction of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the beam structure 30. The frame body 40 functions as a support of the electrolytic cell 10 together with the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the beam structure 30. In the present embodiment, the frame body 40 covers the entire side surface of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20.

[0048] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the planar shape of the frame body 40 is rectangular, but it may be circular, elliptical, a polygon with three or more sides, or the like according to the planar shape of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20.

[0049] The frame body 40 is connected to the beam structure 30. The frame body 40 may be integrally formed with the beam structure 30.

[0050] The frame body 40 can be made of forsterite (Mg2SiO4), magnesium silicate (MgSiO3), zirconia (including ZrO2 and partially stabilized zirconia), magnesia (MgO), spinel (MgAl2O4, NiAl2O4), yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), calcia-stabilized zirconia (CSZ), nickel (Ni), nickel oxide (NiO), alumina (Al2O3), nickel oxide-magnesia solid solution (Mg x Ni (1-x) NiO [0 <x <1]) and a mixed material formed by combining two or more of these.

[0051] The porosity of the frame body 40 may be lower than that of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. The porosity of the frame body 40 can be, for example, 0.1% or more and 15% or less. The porosity of the frame body 40 is preferably 5% or less. By this, gas sealing property can be imparted to the frame body 40, so that it is possible to suppress the raw material gas going from the hydrogen electrode side space S1 toward the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 from passing through the frame body 40 and returning to the hydrogen electrode side space S1. Therefore, the gas supply efficiency from the hydrogen electrode side space S1 to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 can be improved.

[0052] The electron conductivity of the frame body 40 may be lower than that of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. The frame body 40 may have electron insulation property. The electron conductivity of the frame body 40 is not particularly limited, but can be -1 10 S / m or less.

[0053] The forming method of the frame body 40 is not particularly limited, and an extrusion molding method, a tape molding method, a printing lamination method, a casting method, a dry pressing method, etc. can be used.

[0054] [Through-hole 50] As shown in FIG. 1, the through-hole 50 penetrates the support 11 along the Z-axis direction. The through-hole 50 penetrates the support 11 from the first main surface P1 to the second main surface P2. The inside of the through-hole 50 is a cavity. The through-hole 50 opens to each of the first main surface P1 and the second main surface P2.

[0055] The through-hole 50 imparts a gas circulation function to the support 11. Specifically, the through-hole 50 can guide the raw material gas from the hydrogen electrode side space S1 to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and guide the product gas from the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 to the hydrogen electrode side space S1.

[0056] The through-hole 50 imparts a stress relaxation function to the support 11. Specifically, by the through-hole 50 deforming according to the thermal stress generated inside the support 11 with the temperature increase and decrease during the reduction treatment or operation, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of warping in the support 11. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of warping in the electrolytic cell 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the through-hole 50 is surrounded by the beam structure 30. Specifically, the through-hole 50 is a gap between the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32. The size of the through-hole 50 can be adjusted according to the interval between the first beam portion 31 and the second beam portion 32. The position and number of the through-holes 50 can be changed as appropriate.

[0058] [Hydrogen electrode active layer 12] The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 functions as a cathode. The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is disposed on the support 11. The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is covered by the electrolyte layer 13.

[0059] The raw material gas is supplied to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 through the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the through-hole 50. In this embodiment, the raw material gas contains at least H2O.

[0060] When the raw material gas contains only H2O, the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 generates H2 from the raw material gas according to the electrochemical reaction of water electrolysis shown in the following formula (1). ·Hydrogen electrode active layer 12: H2O + 2e - →H2 + O 2- ···(1)

[0061] When the raw material gas contains CO2 in addition to H2O, the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 generates H2, CO, and O from the raw material gas according to the electrochemical reactions of co-electrolysis shown in the following formulas (2), (3), and (4). 2- are generated. ·Hydrogen electrode active layer 12: CO2 + H2O + 4e - →CO + H2 + 2O 2- ···(2) ·Electrochemical reaction of H2O: H2O + 2e - →H2 + O 2- ···(3) ·Electrochemical reaction of CO2: CO2 + 2e - →CO + O 2- ···(4)

[0062] The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is a porous body having electron conductivity. The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 may have ion conductivity. The hydrogen electrode active layer 12 can be composed of, for example, YSZ, CSZ, ScSZ, GDC, (SDC), (La,Sr)(Cr,Mn)O3, (La,Sr)TiO3, Sr2(Fe,Mo)2O6, (La,Sr)VO3, (La,Sr)FeO3, and a mixed material formed by combining two or more of these, or a composite of one or more of these and NiO.

[0063] The porosity of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 20% or more and 40% or less. The thickness of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0064] The method for forming the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 is not particularly limited, and tape casting, screen printing, casting molding, dry pressing method, etc. can be used.

[0065] [Electrolyte layer 13] The electrolyte layer 13 is disposed between the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and the oxygen electrode layer 15. In this embodiment, since the reaction prevention layer 14 is disposed between the electrolyte layer 13 and the oxygen electrode layer 15, the electrolyte layer 13 is disposed between the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and the reaction prevention layer 14 and is connected to each of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and the reaction prevention layer 14.

[0066] The electrolyte layer 13 covers the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the electrolyte layer 13 covers the entire surface of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. The outer peripheral portion of the electrolyte layer 13 is connected to the frame body 40.

[0067] The electrolyte layer 13 has a function of transmitting O 2- generated in the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 to the oxygen electrode layer 15 side. The electrolyte layer 13 is a dense body having ion conductivity and no electron conductivity. The electrolyte layer 13 can be composed of, for example, YSZ, GDC, ScSZ, SDC, lanthanum gallate (LSGM), etc.

[0068] The porosity of the electrolyte layer 13 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 0.1% or more and 7% or less. The thickness of the electrolyte layer 13 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0069] The method for forming the electrolyte layer 13 is not particularly limited, and tape casting, screen printing, casting molding, dry pressing method, etc. can be used.

[0070] [Reaction prevention layer 14] The reaction prevention layer 14 is disposed between the electrolyte layer 13 and the oxygen electrode layer 15. The reaction prevention layer 14 is disposed on the opposite side of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 with respect to the electrolyte layer 13. The reaction prevention layer 14 suppresses the formation of a layer with high electrical resistance due to the reaction between the constituent elements of the electrolyte layer 13 and the constituent elements of the oxygen electrode layer 15.

[0071] The reaction prevention layer 14 is composed of an ion conductive material. The reaction prevention layer 14 can be composed of GDC, SDC, etc.

[0072] The porosity of the reaction prevention layer 14 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 0.1% or more and 50% or less. The thickness of the reaction prevention layer 14 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less.

[0073] The method for forming the reaction prevention layer 14 is not particularly limited, and tape casting, screen printing, casting molding, dry pressing method, etc. can be used.

[0074] [Oxygen electrode layer 15] The oxygen electrode layer 15 functions as an anode. The oxygen electrode layer 15 is disposed on the opposite side of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 with respect to the electrolyte layer 13. In the present embodiment, since the reaction prevention layer 14 is disposed between the electrolyte layer 13 and the oxygen electrode layer 15, the oxygen electrode layer 15 is connected to the reaction prevention layer 14. When the reaction prevention layer 14 is not disposed between the electrolyte layer 13 and the oxygen electrode layer 15, the oxygen electrode layer 15 is connected to the electrolyte layer 13.

[0075] The oxygen electrode layer 15 generates O2 from O transmitted from the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 through the electrolyte layer 13 according to the chemical reaction of the following formula (5). The O2 generated in the oxygen electrode layer 15 is released into the oxygen electrode side space S2. 2- The oxygen electrode layer 15 generates O2 from O transmitted from the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 through the electrolyte layer 13 according to the chemical reaction of the following formula (5). The O2 generated in the oxygen electrode layer 15 is released into the oxygen electrode side space S2. · Oxygen electrode layer 15: 2O 2- → O2 + 4e - ···(5)

[0076] The oxygen electrode layer 15 is a porous body having ion conductivity and electron conductivity. The oxygen electrode layer 15 can be composed of a composite material of, for example, one or more of (La, Sr)(Co, Fe)O3, (La, Sr)FeO3, La(Ni, Fe)O3, (La, Sr)CoO3, and (Sm, Sr)CoO3 and an ion conductive material (such as GDC).

[0077] The porosity of the oxygen electrode layer 15 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 20% or more and 60% or less. The thickness of the oxygen electrode layer 15 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0078] The method for forming the oxygen electrode layer 15 is not particularly limited, and tape forming, screen printing, casting molding, dry pressing method, etc. can be used.

[0079] (Modification of the embodiment) As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0080] [Modification 1] In the above embodiment, although the first surface Q1 of the beam structure 30 (specifically, the first and second beam portions 31 and 32) is not covered by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20, as shown in FIG. 3, it may be covered by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. As a result, an outer layer portion 20a in which a part of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is formed in a layer shape is formed on the side opposite to the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 with reference to the beam structure 30. Thus, it is possible to suppress the flow of electrons between the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the separator from being inhibited by the beam structure 30.

[0081] [Modification Example 2] In the above embodiment, although the second surface Q2 of the beam structure 30 (specifically, the first and second beam portions 31 and 32) is not covered by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20, as shown in FIG. 4, it may be covered by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. As a result, an inner layer portion 20b in which a part of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 is formed in a layer shape is formed between the beam structure 30 and the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. Therefore, the gas diffusion function of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 can be further improved.

[0082] [Modification Example 3] In the above embodiment, although the through hole 50 is surrounded by the beam structure 30, as shown in FIG. 5, it may be surrounded by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20. In this case, since the through hole 50 can be formed by processing (for example, perforating) the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20, the size of the through hole 50 can be easily adjusted. In addition, since the volume of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 can be increased, the current collecting function of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 can be further improved. In FIG. 5, although the entire through hole 50 is surrounded by the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20, a part of the beam structure 30 may be exposed in the through hole 50.

[0083] [Modification Example 4] In the above embodiment, although the frame body 40 surrounds the side circumferences of the hydrogen electrode current collector layer 20 and the beam structure 30, it may surround the side circumference of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12, or may further surround the side circumference of the electrolyte layer 13.

[0084] [Modification Example 5] In the above embodiment, the support 11 has the frame body 40, but it may not have the frame body 40. In this case, the hydrogen electrode current collecting layer 20 and the beam structure 30 function as the support of the electrolytic cell 10.

[0085] [Modification Example 6] In the above embodiment, the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 functions as a cathode and the oxygen electrode layer 15 functions as an anode. However, the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 may function as an anode and the oxygen electrode layer 15 may function as a cathode. In this case, the constituent materials of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12 and the oxygen electrode layer 15 are interchanged, and the source gas is passed over the outer surface of the hydrogen electrode active layer 12. Note that the hydrogen electrode current collecting layer 20 functions as an oxygen electrode current collecting layer, and the configuration and function of the oxygen electrode current collecting layer are the same as those of the hydrogen electrode current collecting layer 20 described in the above embodiment.

[0086] [Modification Example 7] In the above embodiment, the electrolytic cell 10 has been described as an example of an electrochemical cell. However, the electrochemical cell is not limited to the electrolytic cell. An electrochemical cell is a general term for an element in which a pair of electrodes are arranged so that an electromotive force is generated from an overall oxidation-reduction reaction in order to convert electrical energy into chemical energy, and an element for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Therefore, the electrochemical cell includes, for example, a fuel cell that uses oxide ions or protons as carriers.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 10 Electrolytic cell 11 Support 12 Hydrogen electrode active layer 13 Electrolyte layer 14 Reaction prevention layer 15 Oxygen electrode layer 20 Hydrogen electrode current collecting layer 30 Beam structure 40 Frame body 50 Through hole P1 First main surface of the support P2 Second main surface of the support The first surface of the beam portion Q1 The second surface of the beam portion Q2

Claims

1. A support, a first electrode layer disposed on the support, an electrolyte layer disposed on the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer disposed on the opposite side of the first electrode layer with respect to the electrolyte layer, comprising: the support having a current collecting layer, a beam portion embedded in the current collecting layer, and a through hole penetrating along the stacking direction from a first main surface on the opposite side of the first electrode layer to a second main surface on the first electrode layer side; an electrochemical cell.

2. A first surface of the beam portion on the opposite side of the first electrode layer is covered by the current collecting layer. The electrochemical cell according to Claim 1.

3. A second surface of the beam portion on the first electrode layer side is covered by the current collecting layer. The electrochemical cell according to Claim 1.

4. The support has a frame body that surrounds the side periphery of the current collecting layer and to which the beam portion is connected. The electrochemical cell according to Claim 1.

5. The support has a beam structure body constituted by a plurality of the beam portions. The electrochemical cell according to Claim 1.

6. The beam structure body has a lattice structure. The electrochemical cell according to Claim 5.

Images