Separator and electrolytic device

Abstract

A separator according to the present disclosure comprises: a separator body having a first surface and a second surface; a first supply hole and a first discharge hole that are formed on one diagonal line of the separator body on the first surface and pass through the separator body; a plurality of first groove parts that are formed in a region between the first supply hole and the first discharge hole; a trapezoidal first diffusion flow path that spreads from the first supply hole to the first groove part and gradually expands in the width direction from the first supply hole toward the first groove part; a trapezoidal first convergence flow path that spreads from the first groove part to the first discharge part and gradually contracts in the width direction from the first groove part toward the first discharge hole; a first diffusion guide part that is provided in the first diffusion flow path and guides a fluid from the first supply hole to the first groove part; and a first convergence guide part that is provided in the first convergence flow path and guides the fluid from the first groove part to the first discharge hole.

Description

Separator and electrolytic device

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-186850, filed on October 31, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Known devices for generating hydrogen include water electrolysis devices (electrolysis devices). Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-149998) describes an example of this type of device. In this device, an electrolytic cell separated into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber by an ion exchange membrane is filled with water, and water is electrolyzed by supplying power to the cathode and anode. In the cathode chamber, hydrogen is generated by a reaction between water and electrons. Hydroxide ions generated by this reaction permeate the ion exchange membrane and reach the anode chamber. In the anode chamber, oxygen and water are generated from these hydroxide ions. It is believed that a large amount of hydrogen can be obtained by continuing this reaction.

[0003] Furthermore, in this type of device, a plurality of electrolytic cells are arranged to improve processing capacity. Plate-shaped members called separators are interposed between the electrolytic cells. Flow paths for flowing fluids such as water are formed on the surface of the separator. In the separator disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a triangular flow path is formed from the water supply hole to a recess (groove) in the longitudinal center.

[0004] Patent No. 4451954

[0005] However, when the flow path near the supply hole is triangular as described above, the fluid may not spread evenly across the entire groove, which may cause the electrolysis reaction to proceed unsmoothly and affect the amount of hydrogen produced.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a separator and an electrolysis device that are capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen more stably.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a separator according to the present disclosure includes a separator body having a rectangular plate shape and a first surface facing one side in a thickness direction and a second surface facing the other side; a first supply hole and a first discharge hole formed on one diagonal line of the separator body on the first surface and penetrating the separator body from the first surface to the second surface; a plurality of first grooves formed in a region between the first supply hole and the first discharge hole, extending in the longitudinal direction of the separator body and arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of first grooves extending between the first supply hole and the first groove and recessed from the first surface side to the second surface side. a trapezoidal first diffusion flow path whose width dimension gradually increases from the first supply hole toward the first groove portion as viewed from the first surface side; a trapezoidal first convergence flow path which extends from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole and is recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, and whose width dimension gradually decreases from the first groove portion toward the first discharge hole as viewed from the first surface side; a first diffusion guide portion which is provided in the first diffusion flow path and guides the fluid from the first supply hole to the first groove portion; and a first convergence guide portion which is provided in the first convergence flow path and guides the fluid from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole.

[0008] The electrolysis device according to the present disclosure comprises an electrolysis cell stack, an electrolyte solution supply unit that supplies an electrolyte solution to the electrolysis cell stack, and a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the electrolysis cell stack, wherein the electrolysis cell stack comprises separators according to any one of claims 1 to 7 that are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction, and a plurality of electrolysis cells that are arranged one by one between two adjacent separators.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a separator and an electrolysis device that are capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen more stably.

[0010] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an electrolysis device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an electrolysis cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an electrolysis cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of a separator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4; Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electrolysis cell stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electrolysis device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. In this specification, the term "opposing" means that two members overlap when viewed in a certain direction, and may also include the case where another member (e.g., another layer) exists between the two members.

[0012] First, with reference to FIG. 2 , the Z direction, X direction, and Y direction are defined. The Z direction is the direction from a first separator 11a to a second separator 11b (described later) (to the right in FIG. 2 ). The X direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the Z direction and is a direction from a center C of the electrolysis cell 12 to one end of the electrolysis cell 12 (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 2 ). The X direction is, for example, the vertical direction. The Y direction is a direction intersecting (e.g., perpendicular to) the Z direction and the X direction and is, for example, the depth direction of the paper in FIG. 2 . In this specification, the term "external size" refers to the external size when viewed in the Z direction.

[0013] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an electrolysis device 1 according to a first embodiment. The electrolysis device 1 is, for example, a device that generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water contained in an electrolyte solution. The electrolysis device 1 is, for example, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) type electrolysis device. However, the electrolysis device 1 is not limited to the above example, and may be a different type of electrolysis device, such as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) type electrolysis device or a device that electrolytically reduces carbon dioxide.

[0014] The electrolysis device 1 includes, for example, an electrolysis cell stack 10 , an electrolyte supply unit 20 , and a power supply unit 30 .

[0015] (Electrolysis Cell Stack) The electrolysis cell stack 10 electrolyzes an externally supplied electrolytic solution Es. The electrolysis cell stack 10 is an assembly of a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12. The electrolysis cell stack 10 is formed by arranging a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12 in one direction. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the electrolysis cell stack 10 is formed by arranging five separators 11 and four electrolysis cells 12 (see FIG. 6 ).

[0016] Hereinafter, the above-mentioned direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 6 ) in which the plurality of separators 11 and the plurality of electrolytic cells 12 are arranged will be referred to as the "first direction D1." Furthermore, one side of the first direction D1 (the left side in FIG. 6 ) will be simply referred to as the "one side dl," and the side opposite the one side dl will be referred to as the "other side dr." Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the five separators 11 will be referred to in order from the one side dl as the "first separator 11a," the "second separator 11b," the "third separator 11c," the "fourth separator 11d," and the "fifth separator 11e." Furthermore, the four electrolytic cells 12 will be referred to in order from the one side dl as the "first electrolytic cell 12a," the "second electrolytic cell 12b," the "third electrolytic cell 12c," and the "fourth electrolytic cell 12d."

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrolytic cell stack 10 includes a plurality of (four) electrolytic cells 12 that, together with separators 11, form a cathode chamber Sa and an anode chamber Sb; first flow path sections 13, 13′ (described later) that allow the electrolytic solution Es supplied from an electrolytic solution supply section 20 to flow toward the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb; and second flow path sections 14, 14′ (described later) that allow the electrolytic solution that has completed the reaction in the cathode chamber Sa and the anode chamber Sb to flow toward (return) the electrolytic solution supply section 20. The electrolytic cell stack 10 will be described in detail later. Note that the number of separators 11 and the number of electrolytic cells 12 are not limited to those described above. Each electrolytic cell 12 includes a cathode chamber Sa and an anode chamber Sb. The electrolytic cells 12 will also be described in detail later.

[0018] (Electrolyte Solution Supply Unit) The electrolyte solution supply unit 20 is a supply unit that supplies the electrolyte solution Es to each electrolytic cell 12. The electrolyte solution Es is, for example, pure water or an alkaline aqueous solution. The electrolyte solution supply unit 20 includes a cathode side supply unit 20 a and an anode side supply unit 20 b.

[0019] The cathode side supply unit 20a is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to the cathode chamber Sa of each electrolytic cell 12. The cathode side supply unit 20a includes, for example, a hydrogen gas-liquid separator 21, a first pump 22, a hydrogen recovery unit 23, a first electrolytic solution supply unit 24, and piping lines L1′ and L2′.

[0020] The hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 stores the electrolytic solution Es. A supply port of the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L1'. The first pump 22 is provided midway along the piping line L1' and sends the electrolytic solution Es stored in the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 toward the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12.

[0021] A return port of the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 is connected to the cathode chamber Sa of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L2'. Electrolyte solution Es containing hydrogen produced in the electrolytic cell 12 flows into the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 from the electrolytic cell 12. The hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 has a gas-liquid separation unit that separates the hydrogen contained in the electrolytic solution Es. The hydrogen separated from the electrolytic solution Es by the hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 is recovered by a hydrogen recovery unit 23. The hydrogen-gas-liquid separator 21 is replenished with electrolytic solution Es from a first electrolytic solution supply unit 24.

[0022] On the other hand, the anode side supply unit 20b is a supply unit that supplies the electrolytic solution Es to the anode chamber Sb of each electrolytic cell 12. The anode side supply unit 20b includes, for example, an oxygen gas-liquid separator 26, a second pump 27, an oxygen recovery unit 28, a second electrolytic solution supply unit 29, and piping lines L1 and L2.

[0023] The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 stores the electrolytic solution Es. A supply port of the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is connected to the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L1. A second pump 27 is provided in the piping line L1 and sends the electrolytic solution Es stored in the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 toward the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12.

[0024] A return port of the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is connected to the anode chamber Sb of the electrolytic cell 12 via a piping line L2. The oxygen-containing electrolytic solution Es produced in the electrolytic cell 12 flows into the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 from the electrolytic cell 12. The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 has a gas-liquid separation unit that separates the oxygen contained in the electrolytic solution Es. The oxygen separated from the electrolytic solution Es by the oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is recovered by an oxygen recovery unit 28. The oxygen-gas-liquid separator 26 is replenished with the electrolytic solution Es from a second electrolytic solution supply unit 29.

[0025] (Power Supply Unit) The power supply unit 30 is a DC power supply device that applies a voltage to each separator 11 of the electrolytic cell stack 10. The power supply unit 30 applies a voltage to each separator 11 in the first direction D1, thereby applying a DC voltage required for electrolysis of the electrolytic solution Es between the anode 122 and the cathode 121 of each electrolytic cell 12.

[0026] (Configuration of Electrolysis Cell Stack) Next, the electrolysis cell stack 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6. Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a part of the electrolysis cell stack 10. Fig. 2 focuses on the electrolysis cell 12 (first electrolysis cell 12a) arranged on the furthest side dl among the electrolysis cells 12 arranged in the first direction D1 (the left-right direction in Fig. 2 ).

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , the electrolysis cell stack 10 includes, for example, a plurality of separators 11 and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12 .

[0028] (Separator) The separator 11 is a member that defines the internal space S in which the electrolytic cell 12 is disposed. The internal space S is a space that includes a cathode chamber Sa and an anode chamber Sb, which will be described later. The separator 11 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape when viewed from the first direction D1, and is formed of a metal member or the like. The separators 11 are arranged at intervals from each other in the first direction D1.

[0029] The separator 11 has a first surface 201a facing one side in the thickness direction and a second surface 201b facing the other side. The configurations of the first surface 201a and the second surface 201b (described later) are point-symmetric with respect to the geometric center of gravity of the separator 11. The configuration of the first surface 201a side will be representatively described below with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0030] The separator 11 includes a rectangular plate-shaped separator body 201, a first supply hole 203, a first discharge hole 202, a first groove portion 204, a first diffusion flow path 206, a first convergence flow path 205, a first diffusion guide portion 208, a first convergence guide portion 207, a straight section 209, a second supply hole 211, a second discharge hole 210, and a second groove portion 212.

[0031] The first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202 are each arranged at a corner along one of two diagonal lines connecting the corners of the rectangular separator body 201. The first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202 are circular holes that penetrate the separator body 201 from the first surface side to the second surface side. The diameter of the first discharge hole 202 is set larger than the diameter of the first supply hole 203. In addition, a second supply hole 211 and a second discharge hole 210 are provided at each corner along the other of the two diagonal lines connecting the corners of the separator body 201.

[0032] The first groove portions 204, first diffusion channels 206, first convergence channels 205, first diffusion guide portions 208, and first convergence guide portions 207 are formed only on the first surface 201a. The first groove portions 204 are formed in the region between the first supply holes 203 and the first discharge holes 202. The first groove portions 204 extend in the longitudinal direction of the separator body 201 and are arranged at intervals in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first groove portions 204 have a rectangular cross section that is concave from the first surface 201a toward the second surface 201b.

[0033] The first diffusion channel 206 extends from the first supply hole 203 to the first groove 204 and forms a channel by being recessed from the first surface 201a toward the second surface 201b. When viewed from the first surface 201a, the first diffusion channel 206 has a trapezoidal shape whose width gradually increases from the first supply hole 203 toward the first groove 204. More specifically, the first diffusion channel 206 is defined by a first side 206a extending in the width direction from an edge of the first supply hole 203, a second side 206b extending in a direction perpendicular to the first side 206a (the longitudinal direction), and a hypotenuse 206c facing the second side 206b in the width direction. The hypotenuse 206c extends in a direction away from the first supply hole 203 from one longitudinal side to the other. The angle that the oblique side 206c forms with respect to the width direction is preferably 24° or more and 50° or less, more preferably 30° or more and 45° or less, and most preferably 35° or more and 40° or less.

[0034] A first diffusion guide portion 208 is provided in the first diffusion channel 206. The first diffusion guide portions 208 protrude from the first surface 201a and are provided in a radial pattern centered on the first supply hole 203. The angle formed by the first diffusion guide portions 208 with respect to the width direction decreases as the first diffusion guide portions 208 become farther away from the first supply hole 203. Furthermore, the longitudinal dimension of the first diffusion guide portions 208 increases as the first diffusion guide portions 208 become farther away from the first supply hole 203.

[0035] A straight section 209 is provided between the first convergence channel 205 and the first groove portion 204. The width dimension of the straight section 209 is constant over the entire length. The length dimension of the straight section 209 is preferably about 25 mm.

[0036] The first convergence channel 205 forms a channel by expanding from the first groove portion 204 to the first discharge hole 202 and recessing from the first surface 201 a side toward the second surface 201 b side. The first convergence channel 205 has a trapezoidal shape whose width dimension gradually increases from the first discharge hole 202 toward the first groove portion 204 when viewed from the first surface 201 a side.

[0037] A first converging and guiding section 207 is provided within the first converging channel 205. The first converging and guiding sections 207 protrude from the first surface 201a and are provided in a plurality of sections radially from the first discharge hole 202. The angle formed by the first converging and guiding section 207 with respect to the width direction decreases as the section becomes farther away from the first discharge hole 202. Furthermore, the longitudinal dimension of the first converging and guiding section 207 increases as the section becomes farther away from the first discharge hole 202.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 5, a second groove portion 212 is formed on the second surface 201b side. The second groove portion 212 is a recessed groove having a rectangular cross-sectional shape, similar to the first groove portion 204 on the first surface 201a side. On the other hand, the dimension in the width direction of the second groove portion 212 is set to be larger than the dimension in the width direction of the first groove portion 204. Desirably, the dimension in the width direction of the second groove portion 212 is twice the dimension in the width direction of the first groove portion 204.

[0039] The separators 11, except for the separator 11 (fifth separator 11e) located closest to the other side dr, have a first inner surface 110a facing the internal space S from the one side dl. That is, the first inner surface 110a faces the other side dr (the right side in FIGS. 2 and 6). The separators 11, except for the separator 11 (first separator 11a) located closest to the one side dl, have a second inner surface 110b facing the internal space S from the other side dr. That is, the second inner surface 110b faces the one side dl (the left side in FIGS. 2 and 6).

[0040] Of the multiple (five) separators 11, a negative voltage is applied from the power supply unit 30 to the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e, for example, via a first current collector 41 (see FIG. 3 ) described later. On the other hand, a positive voltage is applied from the power supply unit 30 to the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d, for example, via a second current collector 42 (see FIG. 3 ) described later. Two separators 11 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 form an electrolytic bath of the electrolytic cell 12 as a pair of separators 11.

[0041] (Electrolysis Cell) The electrolysis cell (MEA: Membrane Electrode Assembly) 12 is a structure assembled by stacking an ion exchange membrane, a catalyst, a power supply, etc. The electrolysis cell 12 is disposed between two adjacent separators 11, connecting the two adjacent separators 11 to each other in the first direction D1. Therefore, the electrolysis cell 12 is located in the internal space S between the two adjacent separators 11. The electrolysis cell 12 includes, for example, an ion exchange membrane 120, a cathode 121, and an anode 122.

[0042] (Ion Exchange Membrane) The ion exchange membrane 120 is a membrane that selectively allows ions to pass through. The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The ion exchange membrane 120 is, for example, an anion exchange membrane (AEM) that is hydroxide ion conductive. However, the ion exchange membrane 120 is not limited to the above example, and may be a proton exchange membrane (PEM: Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) of a type different from the above example that is proton conductive.

[0043] The ion exchange membrane 120 has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The outer size of the ion exchange membrane 120 is smaller than the outer size of the separator 11 adjacent to it in the first direction D1. The ion exchange membrane 120 is disposed between two separators 11 adjacent to it in the first direction D1 and is located in the internal space S. The ion exchange membrane 120 has a first surface 120a facing the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 located on one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120, and a second surface 120b located on the opposite side from the first surface 120a. The first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the one side dl. The second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the other side dr. The second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 faces the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0044] In the internal space S, a cathode chamber Sa or an anode chamber Sb is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11. Specifically, a cathode chamber Sa is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the first inner surface 110a of the first separator 11a, and between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the third electrolytic cell 12c and the first inner surface 110a of the third separator 11c. On the other hand, an anode chamber Sb is defined between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the third electrolytic cell 12c and the second inner surface 110b of the fourth separator 11d.

[0045] An anode chamber Sb is defined between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the first inner surface 110a of the second separator 11b, and between the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d and the first inner surface 110a of the fourth separator 11d. A cathode chamber Sa is defined between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the second inner surface 110b of the third separator 11c, and between the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d and the second inner surface 110b of the fifth separator 11e.

[0046] In the cathode chamber Sa, when a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 12, the chemical reaction shown in the following formula (1) occurs, and hydrogen is produced from the electrolytic solution Es. In this specification, the phrase "XX is produced" may also include the case where other substances are produced simultaneously with the production of XX. The hydroxide ions produced in the cathode chamber Sa pass through the electrolytic cell 12 and move from the cathode chamber Sa to the anode chamber Sb. 2H ２ O + 2e － →H ２ +2OH － ...(Chemical 1)

[0047] On the other hand, in the anode chamber Sb, when a voltage is applied to the electrolytic cell 12, the chemical reaction shown in the following (chemical formula 2) occurs, and oxygen is produced from the electrolytic solution Es.－ →1 / 2O ２ +H ２ O + 2e － ...(Case 2)

[0048] As a result, when viewed as a whole in the electrolytic cell 12, the chemical reaction shown in Chemical Formula 3 below occurs. ２ O → H ２ +1 / 2O ２ ...(Chem.3)

[0049] The ion exchange membrane 120 may have a high ion conductivity, for example, a polystyrene-based or tetraphenyl-based composition in the main chain and an imidazolium group or a quaternary ammonium group in the side chain. Alternatively, the ion exchange membrane 120 may have a high oxidation resistance, for example, a polysulfone-based or bromobutylstyrene-based composition.

[0050] (Cathode) The cathode 121 is disposed between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11, and is sandwiched between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11. The cathode 121 includes, for example, a cathode catalyst layer 121a and a cathode power supplier 121b.

[0051] The cathode catalyst layer 121a is a layer that promotes the chemical reaction in the cathode chamber Sa. The cathode catalyst layer 121a has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The cathode catalyst layer 121a is disposed in the cathode chamber Sa and fixed to the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface pressure bonding.

[0052] Specifically, the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third electrolytic cell 12c are fixed to the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example, by surface pressure bonding. The cathode catalyst layer 121a of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d are fixed to the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example, by surface pressure bonding. A negative voltage is applied to each cathode catalyst layer 121a from the power supply unit 30 via the separator 11 and the cathode power supply 121b.

[0053] The cathode catalyst layer 121a may be made of any material that promotes the chemical reaction in the cathode chamber Sa. For example, the cathode catalyst layer 121a may contain one or more of nickel, nickel alloy, cerium oxide, lanthanum oxide, or platinum. Note that the "XX oxide" in this specification may include materials other than XX and oxygen. Note that the cathode catalyst layer 121a may contain other materials, such as carbon, in addition to the above-mentioned materials. The outer size of the cathode catalyst layer 121a is smaller than the outer size of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example.

[0054] The cathode power supply 121b is an electrical connection part that transmits the voltage applied to the separator 11 to the cathode catalyst layer 121a. The cathode power supply 121b is disposed in the cathode chamber Sa. The cathode power supply 121b is located between the separator 11 and the cathode catalyst layer 121a.

[0055] Specifically, the cathode power supply 121b of the first electrolytic cell 12a is bonded to the first inner surface 110a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the first separator 11a, and the cathode power supply 121b of the third electrolytic cell 12c is bonded to the first inner surface 110a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third separator 11c, respectively. The cathode power supply 121b of the second electrolytic cell 12b is bonded to the second inner surface 110b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the third separator 11c, respectively. The cathode power supply 121b of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d is bonded to the second inner surface 110b and the cathode catalyst layer 121a of the fifth separator 11e, respectively.

[0056] The cathode power supply 121b has a structure that allows the electrolyte Es and gas to pass through it. The cathode power supply 121b is formed, for example, from a metal mesh structure, a sintered body, or a fiber. In this embodiment, the external size of the cathode power supply 121b is the same as the external size of the cathode catalyst layer 121a.

[0057] (Anode) The anode 122 is disposed between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the separator 11, and is sandwiched between the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second separator 11b. The anode 122 includes, for example, an anode catalyst layer 122a and an anode power supplier 122b.

[0058] The anode catalyst layer 122a is a layer that promotes the chemical reaction in the anode chamber Sb. The anode catalyst layer 122a has, for example, a rectangular sheet shape. The anode catalyst layer 122a is disposed in the anode chamber Sb and fixed to the ion exchange membrane 120 by, for example, surface pressure bonding.

[0059] Specifically, the anode catalyst layer 122a of the first electrolytic cell 12a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the third electrolytic cell 12c are fixed to the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example, by surface pressure bonding. The anode catalyst layer 122a of the second electrolytic cell 12b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d are fixed to the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120, for example, by surface pressure bonding. A positive voltage is applied to each anode catalyst layer 122a from the power supply unit 30 via the separator 11 and the anode power supply 122b.

[0060] The anode catalyst layer 122a may be made of any material that promotes the chemical reaction in the anode chamber Sb. For example, the anode catalyst layer 122a may contain one or more of nickel, nickel alloy, nickel oxide, copper oxide, iridium oxide, niobium oxide, lead oxide, or bismuth oxide. As described above, "XX oxide" in this specification may include other materials in addition to XX and oxygen. For example, "nickel oxide" may include other materials such as iron or cobalt in addition to nickel and oxygen. "Copper oxide" may include other materials such as cobalt in addition to copper and oxygen. "Iridium oxide" may include other materials such as ruthenium in addition to iridium and oxygen. "Lead oxide" may include other materials such as ruthenium in addition to lead and oxygen. "Bismuth oxide" may include other materials such as ruthenium in addition to bismuth and oxygen.

[0061] The anode power supply 122b is an electrical connection part that transmits the voltage applied to the separator 11 to the anode catalyst layer 122a. The anode power supply 122b is disposed in the anode chamber Sb. The anode power supply 122b is located between the separator 11 and the anode catalyst layer 122a.

[0062] Specifically, the anode power supply 122b of the first electrolytic cell 12a is bonded to the second inner surface 110b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the second separator 11b, and the anode power supply 122b of the third electrolytic cell 12c is bonded to the second inner surface 110b and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth separator 11d. The anode power supply 122b of the second electrolytic cell 12b is bonded to the first inner surface 110a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the second separator 11b, and the anode power supply 122b of the fourth electrolytic cell 12d is bonded to the first inner surface 110a and the anode catalyst layer 122a of the fourth separator 11d.

[0063] The anode power supply body 122b has a structure that allows the electrolyte solution Es and gas to pass through it. The anode power supply body 122b is formed, for example, of a metal mesh structure, a sintered body, or a fiber. In this embodiment, the external size of the anode power supply body 122b is the same as the external size of the anode catalyst layer 122a.

[0064] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the electrolysis cell stack 10. In addition to the above-described configuration, the electrolysis cell stack 10 includes, for example, a first current collector 41, a second current collector 42, a first insulator 43, a second insulator 44, a first end plate 45, and a second end plate 46. Note that Figure 3 omits the illustration of first flow path sections 13, 13' and second flow path sections 14, 14', which will be described later.

[0065] (First Current Collector) The first current collector 41 is an electrical connection part that transmits a negative voltage applied from the power supply unit 30 to the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e. That is, the first current collector 41 is electrically connected to each of the first separator 11a, the third separator 11c, and the fifth separator 11e (detailed illustration of the connections is omitted). A negative voltage required for electrolysis in each electrolysis cell 12 is applied to the first current collector 41 from the power supply unit 30. The first current collector 41 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a copper plate) or the like.

[0066] (Second Current Collector) The second current collector 42 is an electrical connection part that transmits the positive voltage applied from the power supply unit 30 to the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d. That is, the second current collector 42 is electrically connected to each of the second separator 11b and the fourth separator 11d. The positive voltage required for electrolysis in each electrolysis cell 12 is applied to the second current collector 42 from the power supply unit 30. The second current collector 42 is formed of a metal plate member (e.g., a copper plate) or the like.

[0067] (First Insulating Material) The first insulating material 43 is located between the first current collector 41 and the first end plate 45. The outer size of the first insulating material 43 is, for example, the same as or larger than the outer size of the first current collector 41.

[0068] (Second Insulating Material) The second insulating material 44 is located between the second current collector 42 and the second end plate 46. The outer size of the second insulating material 44 is the same as or larger than the outer size of the second current collector 42.

[0069] (First End Plate) The first end plate 45 is located on the opposite side of the first insulating material 43 from the first current collector 41. The first end plate 45 is formed, for example, from a metal plate member (e.g., a stainless steel plate). The outer size of the first end plate 45 is larger than the outer size of the first insulating material 43, for example.

[0070] (Second End Plate) The second end plate 46 is located on the opposite side of the second insulating material 44 from the second current collector 42. The second end plate 46 is formed, for example, from a metal plate member (e.g., a stainless steel plate). The outer size of the second end plate 46 is larger than the outer size of the second insulating material 44, for example.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the above-described configuration, the electrolysis cell stack 10 has, for example, a first insulator 47, a second insulator 48, a support portion 50, and a sealing portion 60.

[0072] (First insulator) The first insulator 47 insulates between the outer periphery of the separator 11 on one side dl and the outer periphery of the separator 11 on the other side dr of two adjacent separators 11. The first insulator 47 is a frame-shaped sheet member that is slightly larger than the outer sizes of the cathode catalyst layer 121 a and the anode catalyst layer 122 a and the cathode power supply 121 b and the anode power supply 122 b.

[0073] The first insulator 47 is attached to the first inner surface 110a of each separator 11 except for the fifth separator 11e among the multiple separators 11, and covers the end of the first inner surface 110a from the other side (dr). The material of the first insulator 47 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, and is, for example, a sheet-like resin such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). A hole 47h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the first insulator 47 near the first end 111 of the separator 11, and a first flow path section 13 (described below) is inserted through the hole 47h1. A hole 47h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the first insulator 47 near the second end 112 of the separator 11, and a second flow path section 14 (described below) is inserted through the hole 47h2.

[0074] (Second insulator) Similar to the first insulator 47, the second insulator 48 provides insulation between the outer periphery of the separator 11 on the other side dr and the outer periphery of the separator 11 on one side dl of two adjacent separators 11. The second insulator 48 is a frame-shaped sheet member that is slightly larger than the external dimensions of the anode catalyst layer 122a and the cathode catalyst layer 121a and the anode power supply 122b and the cathode power supply 121b.

[0075] The second insulator 48 is attached to the second inner surface 110b of each separator 11 except for the first separator 11a among the multiple separators 11, and covers the end of the second inner surface 110b from one side d1. The material of the second insulator 48 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material, and may be, for example, a sheet-like resin such as PTFE. A hole 48h1 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the second insulator 48 near the first end 111 of the separator 11, and the first flow path section 13 described below is inserted through the hole 48h1. A hole 48h2 penetrating in the first direction D1 is formed in a portion of the second insulator 48 near the second end 112 of the separator 11, and the second flow path section 14 described below is inserted through the hole 48h2. The first insulator 47 and the second insulator 48 may also be used as an integrated insulator.

[0076] (Supporting Part) The supporting part 50 is a member that supports the electrolysis cell 12 between two adjacent separators 11. The supporting part 50 is disposed between two adjacent separators 11. The supporting part 50 is located, for example, inside (on the inner circumferential side) of the outer edge part 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and supports the ion exchange membrane 120. In this specification, the "outer edge part 120e" refers to an edge part that is distant from the center C of the electrolysis cell 12 in a direction (e.g., the X direction or the Y direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction (Z direction) of the electrolysis cell 12. In addition, in this specification, the "inside" or "inner circumferential side" refers to the inside (the side closer to the center C) of the electrolysis cell 12 when viewed from the center C. In this embodiment, the supporting part 50 includes, for example, a first supporting part 51 and a second supporting part 52.

[0077] (First Support Portion) The first support portion 51 is a support portion located on one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is disposed between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11, which is located on one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120, and the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is located inside (on the inner circumferential side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first support portion 51 is sandwiched between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 (or the first insulator 47) and the first surface 120a of the ion exchange membrane 120 at a position outside (on the outer circumferential side) of the cathode 121 or the anode 122, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120 against the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11. The first support portion 51 is formed in a ring shape (for example, a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120 e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and is slightly smaller than the outer edge portion 120 e of the ion exchange membrane 120 .

[0078] (Second Support Portion) The second support portion 52 is a support portion located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is disposed between the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11, which is located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120, and the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is located inside (on the inner circumferential side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second support portion 52 is sandwiched between the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 (or the second insulator 48) and the second surface 120b of the ion exchange membrane 120 at a position outside (on the outer circumferential side) of the anode 122 or the cathode 121, and supports the ion exchange membrane 120 against the second inner surface 110b of the second separator 11b. The second support portion 52 is formed in a ring shape (for example, a frame shape) along the outer edge portion 120 e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and is slightly smaller than the outer edge portion 120 e of the ion exchange membrane 120 .

[0079] (Sealing portion) The sealing portion 60 is a member that closes the internal space S between two adjacent separators 11. The sealing portion 60 is disposed between two adjacent separators 11. The sealing portion 60 is located outside (on the outer periphery side) of the outer edge portion 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120, and seals the internal space S.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the sealing portion 60 includes a first sealing portion 61 and a second sealing portion 62. The first sealing portion 61 and the second sealing portion 62 may be integrally formed. That is, the first sealing portion 61 and the second sealing portion 62 may be a single member. The sealing portion 60 may also be integrally formed with at least one of the first insulator 47 and the second insulator 48 described above.

[0081] (First sealing portion) The first sealing portion 61 is a sealing portion located near the separator 11 on one side dl of two adjacent separators 11. The first sealing portion 61 is located outside (on the outer periphery side) of the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The first sealing portion 61 is sandwiched between the first inner surface 110a of the separator 11 located on the one side dl of the ion exchange membrane 120 and the second sealing portion 62, and seals a part of the outer periphery side of the internal space S. In this embodiment, the first sealing portion 61 is sandwiched between the first insulator 47 attached to the first inner surface 110a and the second sealing portion 62. The first sealing portion 61 is formed in a ring shape (e.g., a frame shape) along the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and is one size larger than the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0082] (Second sealing portion) The second sealing portion 62 is a sealing portion located near the separator 11 on the other side dr of two adjacent separators 11. The second sealing portion 62 is located outside the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120. The second sealing portion 62 is sandwiched between the first sealing portion 61 and the second inner surface 110b of the separator 11 located on the other side dr of the ion exchange membrane 120, and seals a portion of the outer periphery of the internal space S. In this embodiment, the second sealing portion 62 is sandwiched between the second insulator 48 attached to the second inner surface 110b and the first sealing portion 61. The second sealing portion 62 is annular (e.g., frame-shaped) along the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120 and is formed into a ring shape that is slightly larger than the outer edge 120e of the ion exchange membrane 120.

[0083] (Effects) When the electrolytic solution Es is supplied to the electrolyte flow path portion FP provided in the separator 11, the electrolytic cell 12 disposed between two adjacent separators 11 electrolyzes the supplied electrolytic solution Es. The electrolytic solution Es flows in the first direction D1 through the tube portion 130 for supplying the electrolytic solution Es to the electrolyte flow path portion FP. The electrolytic solution Es flows sequentially into the electrolyte flow path portions FP aligned in the first direction D1, and the pressure may fluctuate in the flow direction. Specifically, the pressure of the electrolytic solution Es may decrease toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the electrolytic solution Es. Therefore, the amount of the electrolytic solution Es flowing into the electrolyte flow path portion FP decreases toward the downstream side in the flow direction. If the electrolytic solution Es is not supplied uniformly to each electrolytic cell 12, the heat generated by electrolysis in the electrolytic cell 12 with a small supply of the electrolytic solution Es cannot be removed by the electrolytic solution Es, which may cause the temperature of the electrolytic cell 12 to rise and result in damage. One possible solution to this problem is to suppress fluctuations in the pressure of the electrolytic solution Es by increasing the diameter of the tubular portion 130 or by shortening the distance between the electrolytic cells 12. However, these have the effect of reducing the electrical resistance of the electrolytic solution Es, which poses the problem of increasing the stray current flowing between the electrolytic cells 12. Therefore, the present embodiment employs the above-described configurations.

[0084] According to the above configuration, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergence channel 205 are provided with the first diffusion guide section 208 and the first convergence guide section 207, respectively. Furthermore, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergence channel 205 diverge in a trapezoidal shape from the first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202. Therefore, the fluid flowing from the first supply hole 203 into the first diffusion channel 206 flows toward the first groove section 204 while expanding in the width direction in accordance with the shape of the channel. At this time, the fluid is guided by the first diffusion guide section 208. As a result, the fluid flows toward the first groove section 204 in a uniformly dispersed state. This enables a stable electrolysis reaction to occur throughout the entire first groove section 204. Furthermore, after passing through the first groove section 204, the fluid is guided by the first convergence guide section 207 within the first convergence channel 205. This allows the fluid to flow smoothly while converging toward the first discharge hole 202. This significantly increases the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time compared to conventional techniques. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11.

[0085] According to the above configuration, a plurality of first diffusion guide portions 208 are arranged radially around the first supply hole 203. As a result, the fluid flowing out from the first supply hole 203 is uniformly dispersed in the width direction while proceeding toward the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to distribute the fluid evenly throughout the entire area of ​​the first groove portion 204. Similarly, the fluid after passing through the first groove portion 204 is guided by the first converging guide portion 207 within the first converging channel 205. This makes it possible to circulate the fluid while smoothly converging toward the first discharge hole 202. This makes it possible to significantly increase the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time compared to conventional methods. As a result, it is possible to further improve the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11.

[0086] Here, hydrogen is produced in the first groove portion 204 by electrolysis of water, and thus an increase in volume by the amount of this hydrogen occurs in addition to the volume of the fluid supplied from the first supply hole 203. According to the above configuration, the diameter of the first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter of the first supply hole 203, and therefore even if the volume increases, the fluid can be guided to the outside from the first discharge hole 202 without causing pressure loss or flow loss of the fluid. This allows hydrogen generation by the electrolysis device 1 using the separator 11 to proceed more isolatedly and smoothly.

[0087] Here, a configuration may be considered in which hydrogen is generated on the first groove portion 204 side, while oxygen is generated on the second groove portion 212 side. In this case, a larger width dimension is required for the second groove portion 212 given the same length, mainly due to the difference in the number of hydrogen and oxygen molecules generated. According to the above configuration, the width dimension of the second groove portion 212 is larger than the width dimension of the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to generate hydrogen and oxygen efficiently and stably. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen generated per unit time can be significantly increased compared to conventional methods. As a result, it becomes possible to further improve the hydrogen production efficiency of the electrolysis device 1 using this separator 11.

[0088] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the number of first groove portions 204 and second groove portions 212 is merely an example and can be changed as appropriate depending on the design and specifications. Similarly, the number and angles of first diverging guide portions 208 and first converging guide portions 207 can also be changed as appropriate depending on the design and specifications. In any case, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0089] <Additional Notes> The separator 11 and the electrolysis device 1 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0090] (1) A separator 11 according to a first aspect includes a separator body 201 having a rectangular plate shape and having a first surface 201a facing one side in a thickness direction and a second surface 201b facing the other side; first supply holes 203 and first discharge holes 202 formed on one diagonal line of the separator body 201 on the first surface 201a and penetrating the separator body 201 from the first surface 201a toward the second surface 201b; a plurality of first grooves 204 formed in a region between the first supply holes 203 and the first discharge holes 202, extending in the longitudinal direction of the separator body 201 and arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of first grooves 204 extending between the first supply holes 203 and the first grooves 204 and recessed from the first surface 201a toward the second surface 201b, the first diffusion flow path 206 having a trapezoidal shape whose width dimension gradually increases from the first supply hole 203 toward the first groove portion 204 as viewed from the first surface 201 a side; the first convergence flow path 205 having a trapezoidal shape whose width dimension gradually decreases from the first groove portion 204 toward the first discharge hole 202 as viewed from the first surface 201 a side and whose width dimension gradually decreases from the first groove portion 204 toward the first discharge hole 202 as viewed from the first surface 201 a side; a first diffusion guide portion 208 provided in the first diffusion flow path 206 and which guides the fluid from the first supply hole 203 to the first groove portion 204; and a first convergence guide portion 207 provided in the first convergence flow path 205 and which guides the fluid from the first groove portion 204 to the first discharge hole 202.

[0091] According to the above configuration, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergence channel 205 are provided with the first diffusion guide section 208 and the first convergence guide section 207, respectively. Furthermore, the first diffusion channel 206 and the first convergence channel 205 diverge in a trapezoidal shape from the first supply hole 203 and the first discharge hole 202. Therefore, the fluid flowing from the first supply hole 203 into the first diffusion channel 206 flows toward the first channel 204 while expanding in the width direction in accordance with the shape of the channel. At this time, the fluid is guided by the first diffusion guide section 208. As a result, the fluid flows toward the first channel 204 in a uniformly dispersed state. This enables a stable electrolysis reaction to occur throughout the entire first channel 204. Furthermore, after passing through the first channel 204, the fluid is guided by the first convergence guide section 207 within the first convergence channel 205. This allows the fluid to flow smoothly while converging toward the first discharge hole 202.

[0092] (2) The separator 11 according to the second aspect is the separator 11 of (1), in which the first diffusion guide sections 208 are arranged in a radial pattern around the first supply hole 203, and the first convergence guide sections 207 are arranged in a radial pattern around the first discharge hole 202.

[0093] According to the above configuration, a plurality of first diffusion guide portions 208 are arranged radially around the first supply hole 203. As a result, the fluid flowing out from the first supply hole 203 is dispersed uniformly in the width direction while heading toward the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to distribute the fluid evenly throughout the entire area of ​​the first groove portion 204. Similarly, the fluid after passing through the first groove portion 204 is guided by the first convergence guide portion 207 within the first convergence flow path 205. As a result, the fluid can be circulated while converging smoothly toward the first discharge hole 202.

[0094] (3) A separator 11 according to a third aspect is the separator 11 according to (1) or (2), wherein the diameter of the first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter of the first supply hole 203 .

[0095] Here, hydrogen is produced in first groove portion 204 by electrolysis of water, and thus an increase in volume by the amount of this hydrogen occurs in addition to the volume of the fluid supplied from first supply hole 203. According to the above configuration, the diameter of first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter of first supply hole 203, and therefore even if the volume increases, the fluid can be guided to the outside from first discharge hole 202 without causing pressure loss or flow loss of the fluid.

[0096] (4) The separator 11 according to a fourth aspect is the separator 11 according to any one of the aspects (1) to (3), further comprising a second groove portion 212 formed on the second surface 201b, and the dimension of the second groove portion 212 in the width direction is larger than the dimension of the first groove portion 204 in the width direction.

[0097] Here, a configuration may be considered in which hydrogen is generated on the first groove portion 204 side, while oxygen is generated on the second groove portion 212 side. In this case, a larger width dimension is required for the second groove portion 212 given the same length, mainly due to the difference in the number of hydrogen and oxygen molecules generated. According to the above configuration, the width dimension of the second groove portion 212 is larger than the width dimension of the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to generate hydrogen and oxygen efficiently and stably.

[0098] (5) A separator 11 according to a fifth aspect is a separator 11 according to any one of aspects (1) to (4), wherein the angle formed by the oblique side of the first diffusion channel 206 facing the first supply hole 203 in the width direction with respect to the width direction is 24° or more and 50° or less.

[0099] According to the above configuration, the fluid that flows into the first diffusion channel 206 from the first supply hole 203 flows toward the first channel 204 while spreading in the width direction according to the shape of the channel. At this time, the fluid is guided by the first diffusion guide 208. This causes the fluid to flow toward the first channel 204 in a uniformly dispersed state. Therefore, it is possible to cause a stable electrolysis reaction throughout the entire area of ​​the first channel 204.

[0100] (6) The separator 11 according to the sixth aspect is the separator 11 according to any one of the aspects (1) to (5), wherein the diameter of the first discharge hole 202 is 1.4 to 5.5 times the diameter of the first supply hole 203.

[0101] Here, hydrogen is produced in first groove portion 204 by electrolysis of water, and thus an increase in volume by the amount of this hydrogen occurs in addition to the volume of the fluid supplied from first supply hole 203. According to the above configuration, the diameter of first discharge hole 202 is larger than the diameter of first supply hole 203, and therefore even if the volume increases, the fluid can be guided to the outside from first discharge hole 202 without causing pressure loss or flow loss of the fluid.

[0102] (7) The separator 11 according to the seventh aspect is the separator 11 of (4), wherein the dimension of the first groove portion 204 in the width direction is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension of the second groove portion 212 in the width direction.

[0103] Here, a configuration may be considered in which hydrogen is generated on the first groove portion 204 side, while oxygen is generated on the second groove portion 212 side. In this case, a larger width dimension is required for the second groove portion 212 given the same length, mainly due to the difference in the number of hydrogen and oxygen molecules generated. According to the above configuration, the width dimension of the second groove portion 212 is larger than the width dimension of the first groove portion 204. This makes it possible to generate hydrogen and oxygen efficiently and stably.

[0104] (8) An electrolysis device 1 according to an eighth aspect includes an electrolysis cell stack 10, an electrolyte solution supply unit 20 that supplies an electrolyte solution to the electrolysis cell stack 10, and a power supply unit 30 that applies a voltage to the electrolysis cell stack 10, and the electrolysis cell stack 10 has separators 11 according to any one of aspects (1) to (7) that are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction, and a plurality of electrolysis cells 12 arranged one between each pair of adjacent separators 11.

[0105] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to more efficiently generate a large amount of hydrogen stably.

[0106] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a separator and an electrolysis device that are capable of generating a large amount of hydrogen more stably.

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...Electrolysis device 10...Electrolysis cell stack 11...Separator 11a...First separator 11b...Second separator 11c...Third separator 11d...Fourth separator 11e...Fifth separator 11h1, 11h3...First insertion hole 11h2, 11h4...Second insertion hole 12...Electrolysis cell 12a...First electrolysis cell 12b...Second electrolysis cell 12c...Third electrolysis cell 12d...Fourth electrolysis cell 13, 13'...First flow path section 13o, 13o', 14o, 14o'...Outlet 14, 14'...Second flow path section 15...First structure 16...Second structure 20...Electrolyte solution supply section 21...Hydrogen gas-liquid separation device 22...First pump 23...Hydrogen recovery section 24...First electrolyte solution supply section DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 26...Oxygen gas-liquid separator 27...Second pump 28...Oxygen recovery section 29...Second electrolyte supply section 30...Power supply section 41...First current collector 42...Second current collector 43...First insulating material 44...Second insulating material 45...First end plate 46...Second end plate 47...First insulator 47h1, 47h2, 48h1, 48h2...Hole 48...Second insulator 50...Support section 51...First support section 52...Second support section 60...Sealing section 61...First sealing section 62...Second sealing section 110a...First inner surface 110b...Second inner surface 111...First end section 112...Second end section 120...Ion exchange membrane 120a...First surface 120b...Second surface 120e...Outer edge section 121...Cathode 121a...Cathode catalyst layer 121b...Cathode current collector 122...Anode 122a...Anode catalyst layer 122b...Anode current collector 130, 130', 140, 140'...Tube portion 150, 150a, 150b, 150c, 160...Notched portion 151...Mesh member 151a...First mesh member 151b...Second mesh member 151c...Third mesh member 151d...Fourth mesh member 152, 153...Conductive mesh 201...Separator body 201a...First surface 201b...Second surface 202...First discharge hole 203...First supply hole 204...First groove portion 205...First convergence flow path 206...First diffusion flow path 207...First convergence guide portion 208...First diffusion guide portion 209...Straight section 211...Second supply hole 210...Second discharge hole 212...Second groove portion C...Central portion D1...First direction dl...One side dr...Other side Es...Electrolyte L1, L1', L2, L2'...Piping lines S...Internal space S1...Gap Sa...Cathode chamber Sb...Anode chamber

Claims

1. A separator body having a rectangular plate shape and a first surface facing one side in a thickness direction and a second surface facing the other side; a first supply hole and a first discharge hole formed on one diagonal line of the separator body in the first surface and penetrating the separator body from the first surface to the second surface; a plurality of first groove portions formed in a region between the first supply hole and the first discharge hole, extending in the longitudinal direction of the separator body and arranged at intervals in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a trapezoidal first diffusion flow path extending between the first supply hole and the first groove portion and recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, the dimension in the width direction gradually increasing from the first supply hole to the first groove portion as viewed from the first surface side; a first convergent flow channel having a trapezoidal shape that extends between the first groove portion and the first discharge hole, is recessed from the first surface side toward the second surface side, and has a dimension in the width direction that gradually decreases from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole as viewed from the first surface side; a first diffusion guide portion provided in the first diffusion flow channel and that guides fluid from the first supply hole to the first groove portion; and a first convergent guide portion provided in the first convergent flow channel and that guides fluid from the first groove portion to the first discharge hole.

2. A separator as described in claim 1, wherein the first diffusion guide portions are arranged in a radial pattern centered on the first supply hole, and the first convergence guide portions are arranged in a radial pattern centered on the first discharge hole.

3. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of said first discharge hole is larger than the diameter of said first supply hole.

4. The separator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second groove portion formed in said second surface, the dimension of said second groove portion in said width direction being larger than the dimension of said first groove portion in said width direction.

5. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an angle formed by a hypotenuse side of the first diffusion channel facing the first supply hole in the width direction and the width direction is equal to or greater than 24° and equal to or less than 50°.

6. A separator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the diameter of said first discharge hole is 1.4 to 5.5 times the diameter of said first supply hole.

7. The separator according to claim 4, wherein the dimension of said first groove portion in said width direction is 1 / 2 or less of the dimension of said second groove portion in said width direction.

8. An electrolysis device comprising: an electrolysis cell stack; an electrolyte supply unit which supplies an electrolyte to the electrolysis cell stack; and a power supply unit which applies a voltage to the electrolysis cell stack, wherein the electrolysis cell stack comprises separators according to claim 1 or 2 which are arranged at intervals from each other in the thickness direction; and a plurality of electrolysis cells each disposed between two adjacent separators.

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