Direct seawater electrolysis device, direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell, and magnesium hydroxide recovery system comprising same

Abstract

Provided is a direct seawater electrolysis device comprising: a cathodic electrocatalytic layer immersed in seawater; an anodic electrocatalytic layer immersed in an anolyte; a bipolar membrane interposed between the cathodic electrocatalytic layer and the anodic electrocatalytic layer; a cathodic current collector which is disposed on the cathodic electrocatalytic layer and which includes a cathodic current collector body and a cathodic current collector connection part; a sub-plate provided on the cathodic electrocatalytic layer; and a cathodic spacer interposed between the cathodic electrocatalytic layer and the sub-plate, wherein the cathodic current collector includes the cathodic current collector body spaced apart from the cathodic electrocatalytic layer, and the cathodic current collector connection part which is in contact with a part of the cathodic electrocatalytic layer and which is interposed between the cathodic current collector body and a part of the cathodic electrocatalytic layer, the sub-plate and the cathodic spacer include one or more through holes at a position corresponding to the cathodic current collector connection part, and the sub-plate and / or the cathodic spacer includes a non-conductive material. The direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of cathodes comprises a cathode immersed in seawater, an anode immersed in an anolyte, and a bipolar membrane disposed between the cathode and the anode so as to acidify the seawater, wherein the cathode includes a first cathode and a second cathode disposed to be electrically separated from the first cathode.

Description

Direct seawater electrolysis device, direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell, and magnesium hydroxide recovery system including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a direct seawater electrolysis device, and more specifically, to a direct seawater electrolysis device, a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell, and a magnesium hydroxide recovery system including the same.

[0002] Direct seawater electrolysis (DSE), an electrochemical technology capable of storing and extracting electrical energy for carbon reduction, is used to produce hydrogen using seawater as an electrolyte. Because most of the Earth's water is stored in the ocean, DSE offers the advantage of being an infinite resource. It also minimizes capital expenditures, operating costs, and the carbon footprint associated with raw material production, purification, and desalination.

[0003] Meanwhile, a reaction in which water is reduced and hydrogen gas is generated can occur at the reduction electrode of a direct seawater electrolysis device, as shown in the following reaction formula 1.

[0004] [Reaction Formula 1]

[0005] 4H2O + 4e- →2H2(g) + 4OH-

[0006] In this case, the hydroxide ions generated in the above reaction formula 1 may react with various metal cations contained in seawater, causing a problem of forming inorganic precipitates.

[0007] Specifically, when seawater is used as an electrolyte in a general water electrolysis device that uses fresh water as an electrolyte, a problem may arise in which the reduction reaction of water proceeds as a side reaction in the reduction electrode spacer, bipolar plate, and reduction electrode current collector made of conductive metal, resulting in the formation of thick inorganic precipitates, and the inorganic precipitates may block the flow of seawater, increasing the interface resistance of the reduction electrode and the internal resistance of the stack.

[0008] To prevent this, a separate acid solution, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or nitric acid, can be periodically introduced directly into the seawater electrolysis device to dissolve the resulting inorganic precipitates. However, since the seawater electrolysis device cannot be operated directly during the acid solution treatment process, this may hinder the continuous production of hydrogen.

[0009] In order to operate a continuous direct seawater electrolysis device, instead of a dissolution process using a separate acid solution, a bipolar membrane that discharges protons is used as a diaphragm. The protons discharged from the bipolar membrane acidify the seawater, thereby inhibiting the growth of inorganic sediments.

[0010] However, low current density (about 20 mA / cm 2 Below), the inorganic precipitates formed at the reduction electrode interface can be dissolved relatively quickly, but at high current densities (about 100 mA / cm 2 In this case, the rate of formation of inorganic precipitates is faster than the rate of dissolution, so that the inorganic precipitates can continue to grow, which can lead to the formation of a thick inorganic precipitate film (approximately 1 mm thick or more). As a result, the interfacial resistance of the reduction electrode can increase, and the voltage efficiency can decrease.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a direct seawater electrolysis device capable of effectively suppressing the formation of inorganic precipitates in components other than electrodes.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a direct seawater electrolysis device that prevents the resistance of the cell from increasing.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a direct seawater electrolysis device in which the cell voltage can be maintained stably even when operated for a long period of time.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-cell including a direct seawater electrolysis device.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnesium hydroxide recovery system having high purity and a wide range of applications.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a direct seawater electrolysis device that maintains the electrochemical activity of the reduction electrode by controlling the thickness of an inorganic electrophile generated at the reduction electrode to a certain thickness or less even under high current density by including a plurality of reduction electrodes.

[0017] The purposes of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned purposes and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0018] According to a first embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above purpose, a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer immersed in seawater; A cathode current collector comprising: an anolyte-immersed anolyte electrocatalyst layer, a cathode current collector layer and a bipolar membrane interposed between the cathode current collector layer, a cathode current collector disposed on the cathode electrocatalyst layer and including a cathode current collector body and a cathode current collector connection portion, a subplate on the cathode electrocatalyst layer, and a cathode spacer interposed between the cathode electrocatalyst layer and the subplate, wherein the cathode current collector is in contact with a cathode current collector body spaced apart from the cathode electrocatalyst layer and a portion of the cathode electrocatalyst layer, and includes a cathode current collector connection portion interposed between the cathode current collector body and a portion of the cathode electrocatalyst layer, wherein the subplate and the cathode spacer include one or more through holes at positions corresponding to the cathode current collector connection portion, and wherein at least one of the subplate and the cathode spacer comprises a non-conductive material. A seawater electrolysis device may be provided, wherein another portion of the cathode electrocatalyst layer may be in contact with a cathode spacer.

[0019] Additionally, the non-conductive material may include at least one of a plastic resin, a silicone resin, a diene rubber, and glass fiber.

[0020] Additionally, the subplate and the reduction electrode spacer may include a non-conductive material.

[0021] In addition, the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion may protrude at least once based on the first surface of the reduction electrode current collector body in the stacking direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device, and the first surface may be a surface where the subplate and the reduction electrode current collector body come into contact.

[0022] In addition, a direct seawater electrolysis device can be provided that further includes a reduction electrode gasket interposed between the subplate and the bipolar membrane, wherein the reduction electrode gasket includes a non-conductive material.

[0023] In addition, a direct seawater electrolysis device can be provided that further includes an oxide current collector on the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer, an oxide spacer interposed between the anode membrane and the oxide current collector, and an oxide gasket interposed between the anode membrane and the oxide current collector.

[0024] According to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell may be provided, comprising a direct seawater electrolysis device, and one or more bipolar plates on the direct seawater electrolysis device, each bipolar plate including a bipolar plate body spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and a bipolar plate connection portion in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, wherein the bipolar plate connection portion is interposed between the bipolar plate body and a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer. Herein, another portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer may be in contact with a reduction electrode spacer.

[0025] According to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention, a magnesium hydroxide recovery system can be provided, including a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell and an air bubble supply unit connected to the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell.

[0026] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis device includes a cathode electrocatalyst layer immersed in seawater, an anode electrocatalyst layer immersed in anolyte, a cathode electrocatalyst layer and a bipolar membrane interposed between the cathode electrocatalyst layer, a cathode current collector disposed on the cathode electrocatalyst layer and including a cathode current collector body and a cathode current collector connection portion, and a subplate on the cathode electrocatalyst layer, wherein the cathode current collector includes a cathode current collector body spaced apart from the cathode electrocatalyst layer and a cathode current collector connection portion interposed between the cathode current collector body and a portion of the cathode electrocatalyst layer, and the subplate may include a cathode spacer protrusion made of a non-conductive material, and including one or more through holes at positions corresponding to the cathode current collector connection portions, and protruding from one side of the subplate to form a flow path for the seawater.

[0027] In addition, the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions can form a flow path through which the seawater flows by spacing the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the subplate apart from each other.

[0028] In addition, the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions are arranged at regular intervals to uniformly maintain the space between the subplate and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer.

[0029] In addition, the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions can induce a vortex of the seawater to remove inorganic precipitates generated in the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer or the reduction electrode current collector connection.

[0030] Additionally, the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions may be arranged crosswise on the surface of the subplate.

[0031] Additionally, the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions can be movably arranged on the subplate.

[0032] Additionally, the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions may be individually or grouped and arranged on a slidable support provided inside the subplate.

[0033] In addition, a pair of control pins are provided in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the subplate, and the pair of control pins move up and down to horizontally move the slidable support, thereby moving the position of the reduction electrode spacer protrusion.

[0034] Additionally, the pair of control pins may have ends inclined in opposite directions, and the slidable support may have a diamond-shaped cross-section.

[0035] Additionally, the inclined surface of the control pin end can meet the diamond-shaped inclined surface of the slidable support to move the support in both directions.

[0036] In addition, it further includes a reduction electrode gasket that fixes the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, an oxidation electrode current collector located on the side of the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer that is far from the bipolar membrane, an oxidation electrode spacer located between the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer and the oxidation electrode current collector, and an oxidation electrode gasket that fixes the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer and the oxidation electrode spacer, and the oxidation electrode spacer may be in the form of a mesh that includes titanium.

[0037] In addition, the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer may be in direct contact with the reduction electrode current collector connection portion, and the remaining portion may be in contact with the reduction electrode spacer protrusions.

[0038] According to another aspect of the second embodiment of the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell may be provided, comprising a direct seawater electrolysis device and one or more bipolar plates on the direct seawater electrolysis device, each bipolar plate including a bipolar plate body spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and a bipolar plate connection portion in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, wherein the bipolar plate connection portion is interposed between the bipolar plate body and a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer. Here, another portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer may be in contact with the reduction electrode spacer protrusion.

[0039] A direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a reduction electrode immersed in seawater, an oxidation electrode immersed in anolyte, and a bipolar membrane disposed between the reduction electrode and the oxidation electrode to acidify the seawater, and the reduction electrode may include a first reduction electrode and a second reduction electrode disposed so as to be electrically separated from the first reduction electrode.

[0040] In addition, the first reduction electrode and the second reduction electrode are configured to operate alternately, so that the second reduction electrode can be stopped to dissolve inorganic precipitates generated at the second reduction electrode while the first reduction electrode is operated to produce hydrogen through seawater.

[0041] In addition, the reduction electrode may further include a reduction electrode current collector, a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer configured to be electrically connected to the reduction electrode current collector, a subplate made of a non-conductive material to prevent inorganic precipitates from being generated on the reduction electrode current collector and disposed between the reduction electrode current collector and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, and a reduction electrode spacer made of a non-conductive material to prevent inorganic precipitates from being generated on the reduction electrode and disposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the subplate.

[0042] In addition, the reduction electrode current collector may include a first reduction electrode current collector, a second reduction electrode current collector disposed spaced apart from the first reduction electrode current collector, and a reduction electrode current collector gasket disposed between the first reduction electrode current collector and the second reduction electrode current collector to electrically isolate the first reduction electrode current collector and the second reduction electrode current collector.

[0043] In addition, the reduction electrode current collector may include a reduction electrode current collector body in contact with the subplate, and a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion protruding from the reduction electrode current collector body through the subplate to be electrically connected to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer.

[0044] In addition, the subplate may include a plate hole configured to allow the reduction electrode current collector connection portion to pass therethrough, the reduction electrode spacer may include a reduction electrode spacer hole configured to allow the reduction electrode current collector connection portion to pass therethrough, and the reduction electrode spacer may include a first reduction electrode spacer in contact with the first reduction electrode current collector, and a second reduction electrode spacer spaced apart from the first reduction electrode spacer and in contact with the second reduction electrode current collector.

[0045] Additionally, the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer may include a first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer in contact with the first reduction electrode spacer, and a second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer spaced apart from the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and in contact with the second reduction electrode spacer.

[0046] In addition, the anode includes an anode current collector, an anode electrocatalyst layer configured to be electrically connected to the anode current collector, and an anode spacer composed of a conductive material and disposed between the anode electrocatalyst layer and the anode current collector, and the area of ​​the anode electrocatalyst layer may be configured to be equal to the total area of ​​the sum of the areas of the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer.

[0047] In addition, the reduction electrode may include a reduction electrode current collector including a first reduction electrode current collector and a second reduction electrode current collector, a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer including a first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and a second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer configured to be electrically connected to the reduction electrode current collector, and a reduction electrode spacer made of a conductive material and disposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the reduction electrode current collector.

[0048] In addition, the device may further include a bipolar plate for forming a multi-cell, wherein the bipolar plate may include a first bipolar plate, a second bipolar plate spaced apart from the first bipolar plate, and a bipolar gasket disposed between the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate to electrically isolate the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate.

[0049] The solutions to the above problems do not enumerate all features of the present invention. The various features of the present invention, along with their corresponding advantages and effects, can be understood in more detail by referring to the detailed description below.

[0050] According to the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis device can be implemented that can effectively suppress the formation of inorganic precipitates in components other than electrodes.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis device can be implemented in which the cell voltage can be stably maintained during long-term operation.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present invention, a multi-cell capable of reducing internal resistance can be implemented.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system capable of recovering magnesium hydroxide having various application fields can be implemented.

[0054] In addition to the aforementioned effects, specific effects of the present invention are described below along with specific details for implementing the invention. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above and can be readily achieved using the means and combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A of Figure 1.

[0057] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B of Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a reduction electrode current collector of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 5 illustrates a subplate of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6 illustrates a reduction electrode spacer and reduction electrode gasket of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 7 illustrates a reduction electrode gasket, a reduction electrode spacer, and a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a magnesium hydroxide recovery system according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 10 is a graph of cell voltage over time of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a comparative example.

[0065] Figure 11 is an XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis result of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 12 is a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) photograph of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 13 is a graph showing the specific surface area according to the pore diameter of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 14 is an argon gas adsorption / desorption isotherm graph of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 15 is a steam adsorption isotherm graph of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Fig. 16 is a drawing illustrating a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 17 is a drawing cut along line A of Figure 16.

[0072] Figure 18 is a drawing cut along line B of Figure 16.

[0073] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a subplate of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode spacer protrusion of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 21 is a drawing showing the movement state of the reduction electrode spacer protrusion of the direct seawater electrolysis device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer, an oxidation electrode spacer, and an oxidation electrode gasket of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, a reduction electrode spacer protrusion, and a reduction electrode gasket of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 24 is a drawing illustrating a multi-cell of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 25, cut along line A.

[0081] FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 25, cut along line B.

[0082] FIG. 28 is a drawing showing a reduction electrode collector in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a subplate in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 30 is a drawing showing a reduction electrode gasket and a reduction electrode spacer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a reduction electrode gasket and a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 32 is a drawing showing an oxidation electrode gasket and an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 33 is a drawing showing a multi-cell of a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes in another embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, cut along line B of the direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 25.

[0088] FIG. 34 is a drawing showing one side of a bipolar plate in contact with a subplate in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] FIG. 35 is a drawing showing the other side of a bipolar plate in contact with an oxidation electrode spacer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] FIG. 36 is a drawing showing a cut along lines (A), (B), and (C) of a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 35.

[0091] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0092] The terms “comprise” and / or “comprising” in this specification specify the presence of stated features, steps, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0093] In this specification, “At least one of a, b and c” may include a, b or c alone, or a combination of two or more selected from the group consisting of a, b and c.

[0094] The term "connection" as used herein refers not only to the direct connection of certain elements, but also includes an indirect connection where another element is interposed between the elements.

[0095] If multiple embodiments are described in this specification, the embodiments may be combined unless specifically stated otherwise. In this case, the effects of the present invention may be defined as including the effects derived from each embodiment and the effects resulting from the organic combination of the embodiments. For example, even if Embodiments 1 and 2 are described independently in this specification, Embodiments 1 and 2 may be organically combined with each other, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and the effects of the present invention may include the effects resulting from the combination of Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0096] The numerical range indicated by the term "to" in this specification refers to a numerical range that includes the values ​​described before and after the term as the lower limit and the upper limit, respectively. When multiple numerical values ​​are disclosed as the upper and lower limits of an arbitrary numerical range, the numerical range disclosed in this specification can be understood as any numerical range that has any one of the multiple lower limit values ​​and any one of the multiple upper limit values ​​as the lower limit and the upper limit, respectively. For example, when a to b, or c to d is described in the specification, it can be understood that a or more and b or less, a or more and d or less, c or more and d or less, or c or more and b or less is described.

[0097] As used herein, terms such as "about" or "substantially" mean a reasonable amount of variation from the term that does not significantly alter the final result. These terms may be interpreted to include a variation of at least ±5% or at least ±10%, provided that such variation does not alter the meaning of the term and render it invalid.

[0098] In this specification, a film may include a case where it is formed not only over the entire area when observing the area where the film exists, but also a case where it is formed over only a portion of the area. For example, the surface of the film may be defined to include a flat shape, a non-flat shape, and a combination thereof; or a continuous shape, a discontinuous shape, and a combination thereof. For example, when another member is formed of a film directly on top of one member, the coverage of the other member with respect to the surface of the one member may be defined as 1% or more, 5% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, 30% or more, 40% or more, 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 95% or more, or 99% or more.

[0099] In this specification, “conductive material” may mean a material having an electrical conductivity of 28,000 S / m or more at 20°C, and “non-conductive material” may mean a material having an electrical conductivity of less than 28,000 S / m, 1 S / m or less, 0.01 S / m or less, and specifically 0.0004 S / m or less at the above temperature. For example, an electrical conductivity meter commercially available in the relevant technical field (e.g., a portable resistivity meter (HI-87314) from Yuins Instruments Co., Ltd.) may be used as a method for distinguishing between conductive and non-conductive materials.

[0100] In this specification, “direct seawater electrolysis device” may mean an electrolysis device that directly uses seawater as an electrolyte.

[0101] In this specification, the “stack direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device” may be defined as the direction in which each component is stacked during the process of assembling the direct seawater electrolysis device. For example, the stack direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device may be the thickness direction of each component.

[0102] Hereinafter, the configurations of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, a direct seawater electrolysis device, a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell, and a magnesium hydroxide recovery system including the same according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0104] 1. Direct seawater electrolysis device

[0105] Fig. 1 illustrates a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B of Fig. 1.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a direct seawater electrolysis device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b), a bipolar membrane (10), and a reduction electrode current collector (20a).

[0107] Reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer

[0108] The reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is immersed in seawater, and may refer to an electrode where a reduction reaction of water contained in the seawater occurs. Here, the catholyte may include the seawater. Specifically, a reduction reaction of water may occur on the surface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), thereby generating hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions.

[0109] In some examples, the seawater may contain about 2 to 4 wt% salts, unlike pure water. Specifically, the seawater may contain chloride anions, sodium cations, sulfate anions, magnesium cations, calcium cations, potassium cations, carbonate anions, bromide anions, borate anions, strontium cations, and the like.

[0110] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the seawater may include low-grade water. Here, the low-grade water may include at least one of sewage effluent, brine, and concentrated water. According to some embodiments of the present invention, by including low-grade water in the seawater, the cost and time for low-grade water treatment can be saved, and by generating hydrogen gas, a resource that can be used in fuel cells can be provided, while at the same time improving environmental pollution.

[0111] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the concentration of MgCl2 contained in the seawater may be 2 mM or more. According to some embodiments of the present invention, if the concentration of MgCl2 contained in the seawater is below the numerical range, the acidification of the seawater may not proceed, but rather the pH may increase, which may cause a problem. If the pH of the seawater increases, a thick inorganic precipitate may be formed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), which may cause a problem in that the speed of the water reduction reaction occurring at the interface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) may slow down.

[0112] In some examples, the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) is not particularly limited and may include a material having conductive properties commonly used in the relevant technical field. Specifically, the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) may include at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, cadmium, tin, lead, titanium, platinum group metals, nickel alloys, iron alloys, cobalt alloys, stainless steel, Hestalloy, and gas diffusion electrodes, and specifically, may include a platinum-coated titanium mesh or foam electrode. In this case, when the platinum-coated titanium foam electrode is used as the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), it has corrosion resistance in an environment where hydroxide ions are generated by the water decomposition reaction of seawater, and can implement low overvoltage and high electrical conductivity for the electrolytic water decomposition reaction.

[0113] Oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer

[0114] The oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be an electrode immersed in anolyte, where an oxidation reaction occurs. Specifically, an oxidation reaction may occur on the surface of the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b), where hydroxide ions contained in a basic solution contained in anolyte lose electrons and are converted into oxygen gas.

[0115] In some examples, the anolyte may comprise a basic aqueous solution having a pH of 9 or higher, 10 or higher, or 11 or higher, and specifically, may comprise at least one of NaOH and KOH. Specifically, by using a basic aqueous solution as the anolyte, the level of the electrolyte solution can be stabilized while simultaneously increasing the amount of oxygen gas generated at the anode.

[0116] In some examples, the anolite may further comprise seawater in addition to the alkaline aqueous solution. The volume ratio of the alkaline aqueous solution to the seawater (alkaline aqueous solution: seawater) may range from 9:1 to 6:4. The pH of the alkaline-treated seawater may preferably be 9 or higher.

[0117] In some examples, the anode electrocatalyst layer (15b) may include at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, cadmium, tin, lead, titanium, nickel alloy, stainless steel, platinum, oxides of platinum group metals, and manganese oxides. Specifically, when a titanium mesh or foam electrode is used as the substrate of the anode electrocatalyst layer (15b) and an oxide of a platinum group metal is used as the coating layer, excellent functions as an electrocatalyst and a diffusion barrier can be realized because it has low resistivity, high thermochemical stability, and metallic electrical conductivity despite being an oxide. For example, the nickel alloy may include a nickel-iron alloy, and the oxide of the platinum group metal may include at least one selected from the group consisting of ruthenium oxide (RuO2), iridium oxide (IrO2), and a composite oxide of ruthenium and iridium (RuO2-IrO2).

[0118] bipolar membrane

[0119] The bipolar membrane (10) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed as a partition between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) and the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b) to prevent gases or solutions generated at each electrode from mixing. Specifically, the bipolar membrane (10) may include a first membrane for transporting hydrogen ions and a second membrane for transporting hydroxide ions. For example, the first membrane may be a cation exchange layer (CEL), and the second membrane may be an anion exchange layer (AEL). In this case, the first membrane may be closer to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) than the second membrane, and the second membrane may be closer to the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b) than the first membrane.

[0120] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a channel (not shown) through which water is supplied may be further provided between the first membrane and the second membrane. At this time, the water flowing in the channel is decomposed by the bipolar membrane (10) to which a voltage is applied, so that hydrogen ions can be transported to the catholyte (seawater) through the first membrane, and hydroxide ions can be transported to the anolyte through the second membrane. Accordingly, continuous acidification of the catholyte (seawater) can be induced, thereby lowering the overpotential for the water reduction reaction, thereby reducing the power consumption for hydrogen production.

[0121] Reduction electrode current collector

[0122] Figure 4 illustrates a reduction electrode current collector of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a reduction electrode current collector (20a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode current collector body (21) spaced apart from a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) and a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a). Specifically, the reduction electrode current collector (20a) may be disposed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), and more specifically, the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) may be disposed between the reduction electrode current collector body (21) and a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a).

[0124] The reduction electrode current collector (20a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can provide a path for current to flow. Previously, when the reduction electrode current collector (20a), which is a conductive material, directly contacted seawater, there was a problem in that a water reduction reaction occurred not only on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) but also on the surface of the reduction electrode current collector (20a), resulting in the formation of inorganic precipitates on the reduction electrode current collector (20a). According to one aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention, the reduction electrode current collector body (21) is not in contact with seawater because the subplate (30), which is a non-conductive material, is in contact with it, thereby suppressing the formation of inorganic precipitates due to the water reduction reaction. At this time, since only the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) is in contact with the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), the formation of inorganic precipitates on the entire reduction electrode current collector (20a) (specifically, the reduction electrode current collector body (21)) can be effectively suppressed, thereby effectively preventing the resistance of the cell from becoming excessively high. Accordingly, the voltage can be maintained stably during long-term cell operation.

[0125] In some examples, the thickness of the reduction electrode current collector body (21) in the stacking direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device (100) may be 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0126] The reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be electrically connected to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a). Specifically, the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) can be interposed between the reduction electrode current collector body (21) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a). At this time, the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) and the reduction electrode current collector body (21) are only distinguished for convenience of explanation, and may mean that they are formed as one body. In some examples, in the lamination direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device (100), the thickness of the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) can be 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0127] In some examples, the conductive material is not particularly limited and may specifically include an electrically conductive metal or alloy material, and more specifically, may include one or more of aluminum, copper, a nickel-iron alloy, a nickel-molybdenum alloy, a nickel-chromium alloy, titanium, and SUS.

[0128] In some examples, the non-conductive material may include at least one of a plastic resin, a silicone resin, a diene rubber, and glass fiber, specifically, at least one of a plastic resin and a silicone resin, and more specifically, at least one of a polyurethane, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyolefin, a polyphenylene oxide, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polyethylene terephthalate, a phenol resin, a fluorine resin, an epoxy resin, a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyamide, and a polycarbonate.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the reduction electrode current collector (20a) is cut along lines (A) to (C), a hole (ps) for fixing a cable of a power supply device may be provided in the cross-section cut along line (A), a guide hole (h1) may be provided in the cross-section cut along line (B), and a seawater inlet (C_i) and an anolyte outlet (A_o) may be provided in the cross-section cut along line (C).

[0130] Subplate

[0131] Fig. 5 illustrates a subplate of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5, a direct seawater electrolysis device (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a subplate (30). Specifically, the subplate (30) may include the non-conductive material described above and may be provided with a seawater inlet (C_i) and a seawater outlet (C_o) through which seawater, which is a catholyte, may enter and exit.

[0133] The subplate (30) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may have one or more through holes (23h) at positions corresponding to the reduction electrode current collector connection parts (23). At this time, the through holes (23h) may be appropriately modified depending on the number of reduction electrode current collector connection parts (23).

[0134] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) may protrude at least once based on the first surface of the reduction electrode current collector body (21) in the stacking direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device (100), specifically, may protrude two or more times, and more specifically, may protrude 1 to 40 times. Here, the first surface of the reduction electrode current collector body (21) may be a surface where the subplate (30) and the reduction electrode current collector (20a) come into contact. According to some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the subplate (30) made of a non-conductive material may cover the entire area of ​​the first surface of the reduction electrode current collector body (21). Therefore, the reduction electrode current collector body (21) made of a conductive material may not come into contact with seawater, so that an effect in which a water reduction reaction does not occur and inorganic precipitates are not formed can be realized.

[0135] On the other hand, the reduction electrode current collector connection part (23) can directly maintain the electrical conductivity of the seawater electrolysis device (100) at an appropriate level by contacting a part of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) through the through hole (23h).

[0136] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the subplate (30) is cut along lines (A) to (E), a cross-section as shown in FIG. 5 may appear. For example, a cross-section cut along line (B) may be provided with an anolite inlet (A_i) and a seawater outlet (C_o), a cross-section cut along line (C) may be provided with a passage hole (23h), and a cross-section cut along line (D) may be provided with a seawater inlet (C_i) and an anolite outlet (A_o).

[0137] Reduction electrode spacer

[0138] Figure 6 illustrates a reduction electrode spacer and reduction electrode gasket of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6, the reduction electrode spacer (40a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can maintain a gap between the reduction electrode current collector body (21) of the reduction electrode current collector (20a) and the membrane-electrode assembly, thereby providing a flow path through which seawater, which is an electrolyte, can flow.

[0140] The reduction electrode spacer (40a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be placed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a), and more specifically, can be interposed between the subplate (30) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a).

[0141] The reduction electrode spacer (40a) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include one or more through holes (23h) at positions corresponding to the reduction electrode current collector connection portion (23).

[0142] In some examples, the diameter of the through hole (23h) may be 1 to 5 mm.

[0143] In some examples, the reduction electrode spacer (40a) may include a porous structure and may include multiple holes therein in addition to the through hole (23h).

[0144] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the assembly in which the reduction electrode gasket (15G1) and the reduction electrode spacer (40a) are combined is cut along line (A) or (B), the line (A) may not be provided with a through hole (23h), and the line (B) may be provided with a through hole (23h) through which the reduction electrode current collector connection part (23) can pass.

[0145] Reduction electrode gasket

[0146] Figure 7 illustrates a reduction electrode gasket, a reduction electrode spacer, and a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 7, the reduction electrode gasket (15G1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can seal the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) to prevent the loss of the catholyte. Additionally, the reduction electrode gasket (15G1) can secure a reduction electrode spacer (40a) in addition to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a).

[0148] A reduction electrode gasket (15G1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be interposed between a subplate (30) and a bipolar membrane (10). Specifically, the reduction electrode gasket (15G1) may include a guide hole (h1) into which a guide pin (not shown) may be inserted.

[0149] Relationships between components

[0150] According to some embodiments of the first embodiment of the present invention, both the subplate (30) and the reduction electrode spacer (40a) include non-conductive materials, thereby effectively suppressing the formation of inorganic precipitates in the reduction electrode collector body (21) of the reduction electrode collector (20a), thereby effectively preventing the resistance of the cell from becoming excessively high. Accordingly, the voltage can be stably maintained during long-term cell operation.

[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some examples, the subplate (30), the reduction electrode and oxidation electrode gaskets (15G1, 15G2), the reduction electrode and oxidation electrode spacers (40a, 40b), and the membrane-electrode assembly (10, 15a, 15b) may be defined as a unit laminate (L). In this case, one or more unit laminates (L) may be provided when applied to a multi-cell.

[0152] Additional components

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the anode current collector (20b) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on the anode electrocatalyst layer (15b). Specifically, the anode current collector (20b) may be disposed opposite the cathode current collector (20a). Here, the anode current collector (20b), like the cathode current collector (20a), may provide a path for current to flow.

[0154] The oxide spacer (40b) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be interposed between the oxide electrocatalyst layer (15b) and the oxide current collector (20b). Specifically, the oxide spacer (40b) may perform the function of maintaining a gap between the oxide electrocatalyst layer (15b) and the oxide current collector (20b) to provide a flow path through which the electrolyte can flow.

[0155] The oxide gasket (15G2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be interposed between the bipolar membrane (10) and the oxide current collector (20b). Specifically, the oxide gasket (15G2) can effectively prevent the loss of anolite.

[0156] In some examples, the oxide current collector (20b) and the oxide spacer (40b) are not particularly limited and may include conductive materials commercially available in the relevant technical field.

[0157] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis device (100) may include a reduction electrode end plate (50a) and an oxidation electrode end plate (50b) respectively disposed at opposite ends. For example, the reduction electrode end plate (50a) may face the oxidation electrode end plate (50b).

[0158] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a cation exchange membrane (not shown) interposed between the bipolar membrane (10) and the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b) may be additionally provided. At this time, the cation exchange membrane is a membrane having selectivity for sodium ions or potassium ions, and can transport sodium ions or potassium ions to a production channel described later for the charge neutrality condition of the anolite.

[0159] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a production channel (not shown) may be interposed between the bipolar membrane (10) and the cation exchange membrane. Specifically, the production channel may provide a passage for discharging sodium or potassium ions to the outside to ensure charge neutrality of the anolite.

[0160] 2. Direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell

[0161] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention. The above description and repeated descriptions are briefly described or omitted.

[0162] Referring to FIG. 8, according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention, some embodiments may include a direct seawater electrolysis device (100') and one or more bipolar plates (150) on the direct seawater electrolysis device (100').

[0163] The bipolar plate (150) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided in one or more portions, thereby enabling connection or separation of different membrane-electrode assemblies. Specifically, each bipolar plate (150) may include a bipolar plate body (153) spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) and a bipolar plate connection portion (154) in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a). Here, the bipolar plate body (153) and the bipolar plate connection portion (154) may include a conductive material. By contacting the subplate (30), which is a non-conductive material, with the bipolar plate body (153) of the bipolar plate (150), direct contact with seawater can be prevented. Therefore, the formation of inorganic sediments can be effectively suppressed, thereby effectively preventing the resistance of the cell from becoming excessively high. Accordingly, the voltage can be stably maintained during long-term cell operation.

[0164] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the bipolar plate connecting portion (154) may protrude at least one or more times based on the first surface of the bipolar plate body (153) in the stacking direction of the direct seawater electrolysis device (100'). Here, the first surface of the bipolar plate body (153) may be the surface where the subplate (30) and the bipolar plate body (153) come into contact.

[0165] In some examples, the number of bipolar plates (150) may vary depending on the number of multi-cells stacked.

[0166] In some embodiments according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the bipolar plate connection portion (154) may be interposed between the bipolar plate body (153) and a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a). At this time, the bipolar plate body (153) and the bipolar plate connection portion (154) are distinguished only for convenience of explanation, and may mean that they are formed as one body. In some examples, the through hole (23h) may be a hole through which the reduction electrode current collector connection portion (23) of the reduction electrode current collector (20a) or the bipolar plate connection portion (154) of the bipolar plate (150) passes.

[0167] 3. Magnesium hydroxide recovery system

[0168] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a magnesium hydroxide recovery system according to another aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 9, a magnesium hydroxide recovery system (1000) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200) of several embodiments, an air bubble supply unit (1400) connected to the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200), a catholyte supply unit (1500) for supplying catholyte to the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200), and an anolyte supply unit (1300) for supplying anolyte to the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200).

[0170] Alternatively, the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200) may be replaced with a direct seawater electrolysis device (100') of some embodiments.

[0171] The air bubble supply unit (1400) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can supply air bubbles to the catholyte. Here, the air bubbles may refer to gas pockets existing in water. Accordingly, inorganic sediments attached to the surface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) generated during the long-term operation of the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200) can be effectively separated.

[0172] In some examples, the air content may be 20 to 100% (v / v) based on the total volume of air bubbles supplied directly from the air bubble supply unit (1400) to the seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200). For example, when only 100% air is injected, the pressure may be adjusted to 0.2 to 1.0 M Pa.

[0173] According to some embodiments of the first embodiment of the present invention, by combining a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200) and an air bubble supply unit (1400) connected to the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200), inorganic sediments can be effectively separated during the operation of the direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell (1200).

[0174] In some examples, the inorganic precipitate attached to the surface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) may include magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2).

[0175] In some examples, the above magnesium hydroxide can be widely applied in various industrial fields such as antioxidant, nutrient enhancer, flame retardant, absorbent, exhaust gas desulfurization treatment agent, acid wastewater neutralizer, artificial marble, heavy oil additive, detergent, and salt stabilizer.

[0176] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, this is merely an example, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the following contents.

[0177] [Manufacturing Example 1: Manufacturing of a Direct Seawater Electrolysis Device]

[0178] <Example: Direct seawater electrolysis device including a plastic material subplate, a cathode current collector, and a cathode spacer>

[0179] A direct seawater electrolysis device (100) having the structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was manufactured.

[0180] Specifically, a direct seawater electrolysis device (100) was manufactured by assembling a reduction electrode current collector (20a) composed of a reduction electrode end plate (50a) made of acetal (Polyoxymethylene, POM), a reduction electrode current collector body (21) made of titanium, and a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (23) made of titanium, a subplate (30) made of polyethylene, a reduction electrode spacer (40a) made of polyethylene, a reduction electrode gasket (15G1) and an oxidation electrode gasket (15G2) made of silicon, a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) made of titanium coated with platinum, a bipolar membrane (10) composed of a cation exchange membrane and an anion exchange membrane, and an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (15b) made of titanium coated with iridium, an oxidation electrode spacer (40b) made of conductive material, an oxidation electrode current collector (20b) made of conductive material, and an oxidation electrode end plate (50b) made of conductive material using guide pins.

[0181] At this time, 100 mL of seawater with a MgCl2 concentration of 100 mM was used as the catholyte, 100 mL of NaOH aqueous solution (2 wt%) was used as the anolyte, and a bipolar membrane (10) was used as the ion exchange membrane.

[0182] <Comparative Example: Existing Direct Seawater Electrolysis Device>

[0183] A direct seawater electrolysis device was manufactured using the same method as in the example, except that both the subplate (30) and the reduction electrode spacer (40a) were made of a conductive material made of titanium.

[0184]

[0185] [Experimental Example 1: Cell Voltage Measurement over Time]

[0186] Figure 10 is a graph of cell voltage over time of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a comparative example. To analyze the cell voltage performance over time, a potentiostat (MP2C) analysis device from Won-A Tech Co., Ltd. was used at room temperature under a constant current.

[0187] Referring to Fig. 10, the embodiment, unlike the comparative example, showed that the cell voltage was maintained stably over time.

[0188]

[0189] [Manufacturing Example 2: Magnesium Hydroxide Recovery System]

[0190] The direct seawater electrolysis device (100) of the above example was operated for 100 hours, and then air bubbles were injected into the stack at an injection pressure of 0.5 MPa for 10 minutes. As a result, magnesium hydroxide separated from the surface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (15a) was recovered.

[0191]

[0192] [Experimental Example 2: XRD Analysis of Magnesium Hydroxide]

[0193] Figure 11 shows the results of XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analysis of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system (1000) of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, for the XRD analysis, Rigaku's Smartlab system analysis equipment was used under measurement conditions of 9 kW (45 kV, 200 mA).

[0194] Referring to Figure 11, it was confirmed that a peak corresponding to high-purity magnesium hydroxide was detected, and a peak corresponding to calcium-based inorganic precipitates such as Ca(OH)2 or CaCO3 was not detected.

[0195]

[0196] [Experimental Example 3: SEM image of magnesium hydroxide]

[0197] FIG. 12 is a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) photograph of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] Referring to Figure 12, it was confirmed that the recovered magnesium hydroxide had a porous structure. This can be presumed to be because the formation process of magnesium hydroxide and the dissolution process due to seawater acidification occurred simultaneously.

[0199]

[0200] [Experimental Example 4: Pore Distribution of Magnesium Hydroxide]

[0201] Figure 13 is a graph showing the specific surface area according to the pore diameter of magnesium hydroxide recovered in the magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, to measure the pore distribution of the magnesium hydroxide, a 3Flex 3500 unit analysis device from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation was used under measurement conditions of 88K.

[0202] Referring to Figure 13, it can be confirmed that the pores contained in magnesium hydroxide are distributed in a range of about 5 to 100 nm.

[0203]

[0204] [Experimental Example 5: Isotherm Graph of Magnesium Hydroxide]

[0205] Figure 14 is a graph of an argon gas adsorption / desorption isotherm of magnesium hydroxide recovered in a magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For the analysis of the argon gas adsorption / desorption isotherm, a 3Flex 3500 unit analysis device from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation was used under measurement conditions of 88 K.

[0206] Figure 15 is a graph of a vapor adsorption isotherm of magnesium hydroxide recovered in a magnesium hydroxide recovery system of Manufacturing Example 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For the analysis of the vapor adsorption isotherm, a 3Flex 3500 unit analysis device from Micromeritics Instrument Corporation was used within a measurement range of 0.01 to 0.92 (P / P0).

[0207] Considering the results of the above experiments and Figures 14 and 15 comprehensively, it was confirmed that the micron-sized, meso-sized, and macro-sized pores contained in the recovered magnesium hydroxide were interconnected.

[0208] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 16 to 24, a direct seawater electrolysis device and a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0209] Fig. 16 is a drawing illustrating a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17 is a drawing cut along line A of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a drawing cut along line B of Fig. 16.

[0210] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 18, a direct seawater electrolysis device (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b), a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), a bipolar membrane (210), a reduction electrode current collector (220a), and a subplate (230).

[0211] That is, the direct seawater electrolysis device (200) according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) immersed in seawater, an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b) immersed in anolyte, a bipolar membrane (210) interposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) and the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b), a reduction electrode current collector (220a) disposed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) and including a reduction electrode current collector body (221) and a reduction electrode current collector connection portion (223), and a subplate (230) on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), and the reduction electrode current collector (220a) is in contact with a reduction electrode current collector body (221) spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) and a part of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), and the reduction electrode It includes a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (223) interposed between a portion of a current collector body (221) and a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), and the subplate (230) is made of a non-conductive material and includes one or more through holes (223h) at positions corresponding to the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (223), and may include a plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (poles) (224) forming a seawater flow path on one side facing the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a).

[0212] In the second embodiment, a subplate (230) made of a non-conductive material may be formed with a seawater inlet (not shown) for introducing seawater and a seawater outlet (not shown) for discharging seawater. A guide hole (2h1) in which a pair of guide pins (not shown) are installed may be formed at the upper and lower portions of the direct seawater electrolysis device (200).

[0213] In addition, the reduction electrode current collector connection part (223) of the reduction electrode current collector (220a) disposed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) can be in electrical contact and conduct electricity. Since the remaining part except for the reduction electrode current collector connection part (223) is covered with a subplate (230) which is a non-conductive material, the reduction electrode current collector body (221) of the reduction electrode current collector (220a) may not come into contact with seawater.

[0214] In addition, a plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) formed on one side of the subplate (230) form a space through which seawater can flow between the subplate (230) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), and a continuous reduction reaction can occur in the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) due to the seawater flowing in this space. The plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) are arranged at regular intervals to uniformly maintain the space between the subplate (230) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a). The plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) are illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, but may have various structures such as a square column or a triangular column as long as the structure is for providing a seawater flow space between the subplate (230) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a).

[0215] The material of the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) may be the same as the material of the non-conductive subplate (230).

[0216] Accordingly, the electrochemical reaction in the reduction electrode collector body (221) of the reduction electrode collector (220a) can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the formation of inorganic precipitates.

[0217] In FIG. 18, the bipolar membrane (210) of the direct seawater electrolysis device (200) is interposed between the reduction electrode gasket (215G1) and the oxidation electrode gasket (215G2), and further includes a reduction electrode end plate (250a) interposed on the reduction electrode current collector (220a) and an oxidation electrode end plate (250b) interposed on the oxidation electrode current collector (220b), and one of the reduction electrode end plate (250a) or the oxidation electrode end plate (250b) may further include a guide hole (2h1) penetrating through the entirety of the reduction electrode end plate (250a) or the oxidation electrode end plate (250b), and the other may further include a guide hole penetrating through a portion of the reduction electrode end plate (250a).

[0218] Fig. 19 is a drawing illustrating a subplate of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode spacer protrusion of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 is a drawing illustrating a moving state of a reduction electrode spacer protrusion of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, the subplate (230) of the direct seawater electrolysis device (200) may include a plurality of reduction electrode spacer poles (224), and the plurality of reduction electrode spacer poles (224) may form a flow path through which seawater flows by spacing the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) and the subplate (230).

[0220] The reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) formed on one side of the subplate (230) may be formed in a number sufficient to maintain the flow path. In the second embodiment, the number of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) is shown as 30, but this number may be appropriately increased or decreased depending on the size of the subplate (230) and the amount of seawater required.

[0221] The reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) of the subplate (230) is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, but there is no limitation on the shape, such as a pentagonal column, a square column, or a triangular column, as long as the structure is for providing a seawater flow space between the subplate (230) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a). In addition, the height of the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) can be appropriately determined according to the amount of seawater required. For example, the height of the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) can be 1 mm or more and less than 1 cm.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 19, the reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) of the subplate (230) are arranged in a straight line, but there is no limitation on the arrangement form, and for example, they may be arranged circularly, diagonally, radially, or crosswise.

[0223] The subplate (230) may include at least one of non-conductive materials such as silicone resin, diene rubber, and glass fiber, and specifically, may include at least one of plastic resin and silicone resin, and more specifically, may include at least one of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polyphenylene oxide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, phenol resin, fluorine resin, epoxy resin, polyimide resin, acrylic resin, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, and polycarbonate.

[0224] The subplate (230) can be manufactured from the non-conductive material described above, and a seawater inlet and a seawater outlet through which seawater can be introduced and withdrawn can be formed.

[0225] Here, the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) can be manufactured and arranged in various shapes capable of inducing vortices in seawater. By inducing vortices through the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224), inorganic precipitates generated in the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) or the reduction electrode current collector connection portion (223) can be physically easily removed, and the dissolution rate of air bubbles can be increased when cleaning with air bubbles.

[0226] To form a vortex, the cathode spacer protrusion (224) may adopt a structure that easily forms a vortex by separating the flow. In addition to the biconical shape or water drop shape illustrated in FIG. 20, a hemispherical shape or a cone shape may be adopted. The biconical shape can generate a vortex by forming a low-pressure region when the seawater flow flows along the surface and the flow separates near the bicone. The water droplet shape can help the seawater pass smoothly while also inducing flow separation at the end, thereby converting the seawater into a turbulent flow and generating a vortex.

[0227] From the perspective of vortex generation, it may be desirable to arrange the reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) irregularly so that seawater flows along various paths and independently generates vortices. At this time, the spacing between the reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) can be maintained within a range where the seawater can be converted to turbulent flow around the reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) and where the vortices do not interfere with each other.

[0228] By arranging multiple reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) in a cross-like manner, the durability of the device can be increased while also acting advantageously in forming vortices in seawater. As described above, the shape and number of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) can be adopted in various ways, taking into account the generation of vortices.

[0229] Fig. 21 illustrates a reduction electrode spacer protrusion in another embodiment according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) according to the second embodiment may be individually or grouped and arranged on a support (226) that is movable left and right within a subplate (230).

[0230] When a pair of control pins (225) located inside the subplate (230) move up and down, the up and down movement force is converted into horizontal movement force by a conversion mechanism, so that the slidable support (226) inside the subplate (230) can move horizontally. Accordingly, the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) connected to the support (226) can also move together.

[0231] In Fig. 21, a pair of control pins (225) that move up and down may have ends that are inclined in opposite directions, and the slidable support (226) may have a diamond-shaped cross-section. The inclined surfaces of the ends of the control pins (225) meet the inclined surfaces of the diamond-shaped shapes to move the support (226) in both directions. In Fig. 21, when the left control pin (225) rises and the right control pin (225) descends, the slidable support (226) can move to the left, and when the left control pin (225) descends and the right control pin (225) rises, the slidable support (226) can move in the opposite direction. The structure presented in Fig. 21 is an example of one structure for moving the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224), and other forms of cam mechanisms, link mechanisms, etc. may be used to move the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224).

[0232] According to the above structure, the inorganic precipitate formed on the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) can be separated from the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224) by physical movement of the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224).

[0233] FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer, an oxidation electrode spacer, and an oxidation electrode gasket of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0234] A direct seawater electrolysis device (200) may include a reduction electrode gasket (215G1) that secures a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), an oxidation electrode current collector (220b) located on the side of an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b) that is far from a bipolar membrane (210), an oxidation electrode spacer (240b) located between the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b) and the oxidation electrode current collector (220b), and an oxidation electrode gasket (215G2) that secures the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b) and the oxidation electrode spacer (240b). The oxidation electrode spacer (240b) may be in the form of a mesh containing titanium. Here, the oxidation electrode spacer (240b) may use a conductive material because an inorganic precipitation reaction does not occur.

[0235] In addition, the oxide spacer (240b) interposed between the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b) and the oxide electrode current collector (220b) can perform the function of maintaining a gap between the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (215b) and the oxide electrode current collector (220b) to provide a path through which the electrolyte can flow.

[0236] FIG. 23 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, a reduction electrode spacer protrusion, and a reduction electrode gasket of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0237] Referring to Fig. 23, the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) forming the direct seawater electrolysis device (200) may have a structure in which the reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (223) is in direct contact, and the remaining portion may have a structure in which the reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) are in direct contact.

[0238] That is, a plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) formed on one side of the subplate (230) form a space through which seawater can flow between the subplate (230) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a), and a continuous reduction reaction can occur in the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) by the seawater flowing in this space. The plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions (224) are arranged at regular intervals so as to uniformly maintain the space between the subplate (230) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a).

[0239] Figure 24 is a drawing illustrating a multi-cell of a direct seawater electrolysis device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 24, according to another aspect of the second embodiment of the present invention, the multi-cell of the direct seawater electrolysis device may include a direct seawater electrolysis device (200') of some embodiments and one or more bipolar plates (250) on the direct seawater electrolysis device (200').

[0241] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, one or more bipolar plates (250) are provided, thereby enabling connection or separation of different membrane-electrode assemblies. Specifically, each bipolar plate (250) may include a bipolar plate body (253) spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) and a bipolar plate connecting portion (254) in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a). Here, the bipolar plate body (253) and the bipolar plate connecting portion (254) may include a conductive material.

[0242] By contacting the non-conductive subplate (230) with the bipolar plate body (253) of the bipolar plate (250), direct contact with seawater can be prevented. Accordingly, the formation of inorganic sediments can be effectively suppressed, effectively preventing excessive increases in cell resistance. Accordingly, the voltage can be stably maintained during long-term cell operation.

[0243] Here, another part of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (215a) can come into contact with the reduction electrode spacer protrusion (224).

[0244] Therefore, the direct seawater electrolysis device (200') can lower the internal resistance of the cell, and the cell voltage can be maintained stably during long-term operation.

[0245] In addition, it is possible to effectively suppress the formation of inorganic precipitates in components other than electrodes, and implement a system capable of recovering magnesium hydroxide with various applications.

[0246] Hereinafter, a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 25 to 36.

[0247] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a section along line A of the direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a section along line B of the direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 25.

[0248] Referring to FIGS. 25 to 27, a direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode (300a) immersed in seawater, and an oxidation electrode (300b) immersed in anolyte.

[0249] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) can produce hydrogen through a reduction electrode (300a), but the hydroxide ions produced together can react with various metal cations (e.g., magnesium) contained in seawater to form inorganic precipitates (e.g., magnesium hydroxide), and the inorganic precipitates can block the flow path of seawater, increasing the interfacial resistance of the reduction electrode (300a).

[0250] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a bipolar membrane (310) disposed between a reduction electrode (300a) and an oxidation electrode (300b) to acidify seawater.

[0251] Therefore, by using a bipolar membrane (310) that discharges protons as a diaphragm without a dissolution process of inorganic precipitates generated at a reduction electrode (300a) through a separate acid solution, the protons discharged from the bipolar membrane (310) acidify seawater, thereby suppressing the generation of inorganic precipitates.

[0252] Through this, the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) can be operated continuously without stopping the operation of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) to dissolve the inorganic precipitate generated at the reduction electrode (300a) through a separate acid solution.

[0253] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode end plate (350a) that forms the exterior of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) and protects the reduction electrode (300a), and an oxidation electrode end plate (350b) that protects the oxidation electrode (300b).

[0254] The reduction electrode end plate (350a) and the oxidation electrode end plate (350b) may include a fastening hole (318) to which a fastening member (314) configured to fasten components of a direct seawater electrolysis device (300) is fastened. The number of fastening members (314) and fastening holes (318) may vary depending on the scale of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300).

[0255] The reduction electrode end plate (350a) and the oxidation electrode end plate (350b) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) passes.

[0256] The guide pin (316) and the guide hole (3h1) are shown as being formed in two opposite positions on the upper and lower sides of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300), making a total of four, but this is not limited thereto.

[0257] A reduction electrode (300a) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a first reduction electrode (300a1) and a second reduction electrode (300a2) that is spaced apart from the first reduction electrode (300a1) and electrically separated from the first reduction electrode (300a1). The first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) may be symmetrically arranged. That is, the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) may be electrically and physically separated from each other.

[0258] The first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) may be configured to operate alternately. The second reduction electrode (300a2) may be stopped to dissolve inorganic precipitates generated at the second reduction electrode (300a2) while the first reduction electrode (300a1) is operated to produce hydrogen from seawater.

[0259] The protons discharged from the bipolar membrane (310) acidify the seawater, thereby suppressing the formation of inorganic precipitates without directly stopping the operation of the seawater electrolysis device (300). Low current density (about 20 mA / cm 2Below), the inorganic precipitate formed at the interface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) included in the reduction electrode (300a) can be dissolved relatively quickly, but at a relatively high current density (about 100 mA / cm 2 In the above cases, the rate of formation of inorganic precipitates may be faster than the rate of dissolution.

[0260] Accordingly, when the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) is operated continuously without stopping the operation, inorganic precipitates may gradually grow, and as a result, a thick inorganic precipitate film (about 1 mm thick or more) may eventually be formed, which may increase the interfacial resistance of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and reduce the voltage efficiency.

[0261] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention is configured to alternately operate a first reduction electrode (300a1) and a second reduction electrode (300a2) that are electrically and physically separated from each other, so that the second reduction electrode (300a2) can be stopped to dissolve inorganic precipitates generated at the second reduction electrode (300a2) while the first reduction electrode (300a1) is operated to generate hydrogen through seawater.

[0262] Accordingly, even if the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) is continuously operated without stopping the operation of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) under a relatively high current density, the electrochemical activity of the reduction electrode (300a) can be maintained by controlling the thickness of the inorganic precipitates generated on the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) to a certain thickness or less.

[0263] The direct seawater electrolysis device (300) can be controlled via a switch (not shown) to alternately operate the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2). The switching time of the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) can be set according to the growth rate of inorganic precipitates generated at the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2).

[0264] Seawater passing through the reduction electrode (300a) can be periodically replaced with new seawater, and seawater can be added in an amount equivalent to the amount of seawater reduced through the hydrogen generation process.

[0265] That is, the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a first reduction electrode (300a1) and a second reduction electrode (300a2) that operate alternately, thereby reducing the voltage increase of the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) compared to the case where a general single reduction electrode is used when generating hydrogen.

[0266] Specifically, when hydrogen is generated directly through a seawater electrolysis device (300) for about 48 hours, a typical single reduction electrode exhibits a voltage increase of about 15% or more, but the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may exhibit a voltage increase of about 5%. Accordingly, the voltage of the reduction electrode (300a) including the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) can be reduced, and the activity of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) can be maintained.

[0267] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include guide pins (316) and guide holes (3h1) configured to guide a first reduction electrode (300a1) and a second reduction electrode (300a2) that are electrically and physically separated. The guide pins (316) and guide holes (3h1) may be provided one at the top and one at the bottom to guide the first reduction electrode (300a1) and the second reduction electrode (300a2) from the top and bottom, respectively, thereby forming four guide pins (316) and four guide holes (3h1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0268] FIG. 28 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode current collector in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a drawing illustrating a subplate in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode gasket and a reduction electrode spacer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a drawing illustrating a reduction electrode gasket and a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a drawing illustrating an oxidation electrode gasket and an oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0269] Referring to FIGS. 28 to 32, a reduction electrode (300a) according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode current collector (320a), and a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) configured to be electrically connected to the reduction electrode current collector (320a).

[0270] The reduction electrode (300a) may include a subplate (330) disposed between the reduction electrode current collector (320a) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a), and a reduction electrode spacer (340a) disposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and the subplate (330).

[0271] One side of the reduction electrode collector (320a) can be in contact with the reduction electrode end plate (350a), and the other side of the reduction electrode collector (320a) can be in contact with the subplate (330).

[0272] The reduction electrode current collector (320a) may include a first reduction electrode current collector (320a1) and a second reduction electrode current collector (320a2) that is disposed spaced apart from the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1). The reduction electrode current collector (320a) may include a reduction electrode current collector gasket (322) that is disposed between the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1) and the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2) to electrically isolate the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1) and the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2).

[0273] The reduction electrode current collector gasket (322) may include a non-conductive material. The reduction electrode current collector gasket (322) may include a silicone material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may include various non-conductive materials within the scope of being configured to electrically isolate the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1) and the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2) from each other.

[0274] The first reduction electrode current collector (320a1) and the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2) can be symmetrically arranged with the reduction electrode current collector gasket (322) interposed therebetween.

[0275] The reduction electrode current collector (320a) may include a reduction electrode current collector body (321) in contact with a subplate (330), and a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (323) protruding from the reduction electrode current collector body (321) so as to penetrate the subplate (330) and be electrically connected to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a).

[0276] The reduction electrode current collector body (321) may include a first reduction electrode current collector body (324) constituting a first reduction electrode current collector (320a1), and a second reduction electrode current collector body (325) constituting a second reduction electrode current collector (320a2).

[0277] The reduction electrode current collector connection (323) can penetrate the subplate (330) and the reduction electrode spacer (340a). The reduction electrode current collector connection (323) can include a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0278] The reduction electrode current collector connection part (323) may include a first reduction electrode current collector connection part (326) provided on the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1), and a second reduction electrode current collector connection part (327) provided on the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2). The first reduction electrode current collector connection part (326) and the second reduction electrode current collector connection part (327) may be arranged symmetrically to each other. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0279] The reduction electrode collector (320a) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow through which the reduction electrode (300a) is immersed.

[0280] A seawater inlet (3C_i) may be provided in the second reduction electrode collector body (325), and a seawater outlet (3C_o) may be provided in the first reduction electrode collector body (324).

[0281] The reduction electrode current collector (320a) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxidation electrode (300b), to flow.

[0282] The anolyte inlet (3A_i) may be provided in the first reduction electrode current collector body (324), and the anolyte outlet (3A_o) may be provided in the second reduction electrode current collector body (325). The direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a guide pin (316) and a guide hole (3h1) configured to guide the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1) and the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2), which are electrically and physically separated.

[0283] The reduction electrode current collector connection part (323) can be placed between the guide holes (3h1) provided at the upper and lower portions of the reduction electrode current collector body (321). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0284] The subplate (330) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a non-conductive material to prevent inorganic precipitates from forming on the reduction electrode current collector (320a).

[0285] The subplate (330) may include at least one of a non-conductive material such as a silicone resin, a diene rubber, and glass fiber, specifically, at least one of a plastic resin and a silicone resin, and more specifically, at least one of a polyurethane, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyolefin, a polyphenylene oxide, a polybutylene terephthalate, a polyethylene terephthalate, a phenol resin, a fluorine-based resin, an epoxy resin, a polyimide resin, an acrylic resin, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyamide, and a polycarbonate.

[0286] One surface of the subplate (330) can be in contact with the reduction electrode current collector (320a), and the other surface of the subplate (330) can be in contact with the reduction electrode spacer (340a).

[0287] A subplate (330) may be arranged between the reduction electrode current collector (320a) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a), electrically connecting the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and the reduction electrode current collector connection portion (323), and preventing electrical connection between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and the reduction electrode current collector body (321).

[0288] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the formation of inorganic precipitates due to the reduction reaction of water by seawater in the reduction electrode current collector body (321), and consequently, the area of ​​the reduction electrode current collector (320a) where inorganic precipitates are formed can be reduced.

[0289] The subplate (330) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow to immerse the reduction electrode (300a).

[0290] The subplate (330) may include a seawater flow path (3C) through which seawater flows in through a seawater inlet (3C_i) and out through a seawater outlet (3C_o).

[0291] The subplate (330) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxide electrode (300b), to flow.

[0292] The subplate (330) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) passes.

[0293] The subplate (330) may include a plate hole (331) configured to allow the reduction electrode current collector connection portion (323) to pass through. The plate hole (331) may include two plate holes (331) that are symmetrically provided to correspond to the first reduction electrode current collector connection portion (326) and the second reduction electrode current collector connection portion (327).

[0294] The plate hole (331) can be placed between the guide holes (3h1) provided at the upper and lower portions of the subplate (330). However, this is not limited thereto.

[0295] The reduction electrode spacer (340a) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a non-conductive material to prevent inorganic precipitates from forming on the reduction electrode (300a). The reduction electrode spacer (340a) may include a plastic material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0296] One surface of the reduction electrode spacer (340a) can be in contact with the subplate (330), and the other surface of the reduction electrode spacer (340a) can be in contact with the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a). The reduction electrode spacer (340a) can maintain a constant space between the subplate (330) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a).

[0297] The reduction electrode spacer (340a) can form a path through which seawater flowing toward the reduction electrode (300a) passes. Therefore, the reduction electrode spacer (340a) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is composed of a non-conductive material, thereby preventing a reduction reaction of water and the formation of inorganic sediments due to seawater passing through the path.

[0298] The reduction electrode spacer (340a) may have various shapes as long as it can form a path for seawater flowing through the reduction electrode (300a). For example, the reduction electrode spacer (340a) may have a mesh shape or a shape including a plurality of holes having a diameter of several millimeters.

[0299] The reduction electrode spacer (340a) may include a first reduction electrode spacer (340a1) in contact with the first reduction electrode current collector (320a1), and a second reduction electrode spacer (340a2) spaced apart from the first reduction electrode spacer (340a1) and in contact with the second reduction electrode current collector (320a2). The first reduction electrode spacer (340a1) and the second reduction electrode spacer (340a2) may be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0300] The reduction electrode spacer (340a) may be composed of a conductive material. The direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention is configured to alternately operate the first reduction electrode spacer (340a1) and the second reduction electrode spacer (340a2), which are electrically and physically separated from each other, so that the second reduction electrode spacer (340a2) can be stopped to dissolve inorganic precipitates generated in the second reduction electrode spacer (340a2) while the first reduction electrode spacer (340a1) is in operation.

[0301] The reduction electrode spacer (340a) may include a reduction electrode spacer hole (341) configured to allow the reduction electrode current collector connection portion (323) to pass through.

[0302] The reduction electrode spacer hole (341) may include a first reduction electrode spacer hole (342) provided in the first reduction electrode spacer (340a1) to be penetrated by the first reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (326), and a second reduction electrode spacer hole (343) provided in the second reduction electrode spacer (340a2) to be penetrated by the second reduction electrode current collector connecting portion (327).

[0303] The direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention is described as having a reduction electrode spacer (340a) formed as a separate configuration from the subplate (330), but is not limited thereto, and as in the second embodiment of the present invention, the function of the reduction electrode spacer (340a) may be performed through a plurality of protrusion structures protruding from the subplate (330).

[0304] In this case, the subplate (330) and the reduction electrode spacer (340a) can be a single structure, and a path for seawater flowing through the reduction electrode (300a) can be formed by the reduction electrode spacer (340a), which is a plurality of structures protruding from the subplate (330).

[0305] The reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) in contact with a first reduction electrode spacer (340a1), and a second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2) spaced apart from the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) and in contact with a second reduction electrode spacer (340a2).

[0306] The reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) may be placed between the bipolar membrane (310) and the reduction electrode spacer (340a). One surface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) may be in contact with the bipolar membrane (310), and the other surface of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) may be in contact with the reduction electrode spacer (340a).

[0307] The first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2) can be electrically and physically separated from each other. The first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2) can be arranged symmetrically spaced from each other.

[0308] The first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) can be electrically connected to the first reduction electrode current collector connection portion (326), and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2) can be electrically connected to the second reduction electrode current collector connection portion (327).

[0309] The first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2) can share seawater flowing through the path formed by the reduction electrode spacer (340a).

[0310] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode gasket (315G1) configured to secure a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and a reduction electrode spacer (340a).

[0311] The reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may be composed of a non-conductive material to prevent the formation of inorganic deposits on the reduction electrode (300a). The reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may include a plastic material or a silicone material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0312] A reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may be placed between the subplate (330) and the bipolar membrane (310). One surface of the reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may be in contact with the subplate (330), and the other surface of the reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may be in contact with the bipolar membrane (310).

[0313] The thickness of the reduction electrode gasket (315G1) can be formed in various ways within the limit of accommodating the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and the reduction electrode spacer (340a).

[0314] The reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow through which the reduction electrode (300a) is immersed.

[0315] The reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxidation electrode (300b), to flow.

[0316] The reduction electrode gasket (315G1) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of a direct seawater electrolysis device (300) passes.

[0317] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a bipolar membrane (310) disposed between a reduction electrode (300a) and an oxidation electrode (300b) to acidify seawater.

[0318] The bipolar membrane (310) can be placed between a reduction electrode gasket (315G1) and an oxidation electrode gasket (315G2). One surface (cation exchange layer) of the bipolar membrane (310) can be in contact with the reduction electrode gasket (315G1), and the other surface (anion exchange layer) of the bipolar membrane (310) can be in contact with the oxidation electrode gasket (315G2).

[0319] The bipolar membrane (310) can be placed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) and the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b). One side (cation exchange layer) of the bipolar membrane (310) can be in contact with the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a), and the other side (anion exchange layer) of the bipolar membrane (310) can be in contact with the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b).

[0320] The bipolar membrane (310) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow through which the reduction electrode (300a) is immersed.

[0321] The bipolar membrane (310) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxidizing electrode (300b), to flow.

[0322] The bipolar membrane (310) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) passes.

[0323] Accordingly, the reduction electrode (300a) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode end plate (350a), a reduction electrode current collector (320a), a reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a), a subplate (330), a reduction electrode spacer (340a), and a reduction electrode gasket (315G1).

[0324] The first reduction electrode (300a1) may include a reduction electrode end plate (350a), a first reduction electrode current collector (320a1), a first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1), a subplate (330), a first reduction electrode spacer (340a1), and a reduction electrode gasket (315G1).

[0325] The second reduction electrode (300a2) may include a reduction electrode end plate (350a), a second reduction electrode current collector (320a2), a second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2), a subplate (330), a second reduction electrode spacer (340a2), and a reduction electrode gasket (315G1).

[0326] A direct seawater electrolysis device (300) including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a reduction electrode (300a) immersed in seawater, and an oxidation electrode (300b) immersed in anolyte.

[0327] The oxide electrode (300b) may include an oxide electrode current collector (320b) and an oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) configured to be electrically connected to the oxide electrode current collector (320b).

[0328] The oxidation electrode (300b) may include an oxidation electrode spacer (340b) disposed between the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) and the oxidation electrode current collector (320b), and an oxidation electrode gasket (315G2) disposed with the anode film (310) interposed therebetween, together with a reduction electrode gasket (315G1).

[0329] Unlike the cathode current collector (320a), the anode current collector (320b) may be formed as a single unit. The anode current collector (320b) may include a conductive material.

[0330] The oxide current collector (320b) can be placed between the oxide spacer (340b) and the oxide end plate (350b). One surface of the oxide current collector (320b) can be in contact with the oxide spacer (340b), and the other surface of the oxide current collector (320b) can be in contact with the oxide end plate (350b).

[0331] The oxidation electrode current collector (320b) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow through which the reduction electrode (300a) is immersed.

[0332] The oxide electrode current collector (320b) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxide electrode (300b), to flow.

[0333] The oxidation electrode current collector (320b) may include an anolyte flow path (3A) through which anolyte, which is an electrolyte that flows in through an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and flows out through an anolyte outlet (3A_o), flows.

[0334] The oxidation electrode collector (320b) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of the direct seawater electrolysis device (300) passes.

[0335] Unlike the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a), the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) may be formed integrally as a single structure. The areas of the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) may be configured to be the same. The area of ​​the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) may be the same as the total area of ​​the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2). More specifically, the total area of ​​the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) may be the same as the sum of the areas of the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1), the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2), and the area of ​​the space spaced between the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a1) and the second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a2). However, it is not limited to this.

[0336] The oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) may be disposed between the anode membrane (310) and the oxide electrode spacer (340b). One surface of the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) may be in contact with the anode membrane (310), and the other surface of the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) may be in contact with the oxide electrode spacer (340b).

[0337] Unlike the reduction electrode spacer (340a), the oxidation electrode spacer (340b) can be formed as a single unit. The oxidation electrode spacer (340b) can be formed of a conductive material. Since the oxidation electrode spacer (340b) does not undergo a water reduction reaction, a conductive material can be used.

[0338] The oxide spacer (340b) may be placed between the oxide electrocatalyst layer (315b) and the oxide current collector (320b). One surface of the oxide spacer (340b) may be in contact with the oxide electrocatalyst layer (315b), and the other surface of the oxide spacer (340b) may be in contact with the oxide current collector (320b).

[0339] The oxide spacer (340b) can maintain a constant space between the oxide current collector (320b) and the oxide electrocatalyst layer (315b). The oxide spacer (340b) can form a flow path through which the electrolyte can flow.

[0340] The oxide spacer (340b) may be configured in a mesh shape or a shape including a plurality of holes having a diameter of several millimeters. The oxide spacer (340b) may include titanium (Ti), but is not limited thereto.

[0341] The oxide electrode gasket (315G2) can fix the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) and the oxide electrode spacer (340b).

[0342] The oxide gasket (315G2) may be composed of a non-conductive material. The oxide gasket (315G2) may include a plastic material or a silicone material, but is not limited thereto.

[0343] The oxide gasket (315G2) can be placed between the oxide current collector (320b) and the anode membrane (310). One surface of the oxide gasket (315G2) can be in contact with the oxide current collector (320b), and the other surface of the oxide gasket (315G2) can be in contact with the anode membrane (310).

[0344] The thickness of the oxide electrode gasket (315G2) can be formed in various ways within the limit of accommodating the oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b) and the oxide electrode spacer (340b).

[0345] The oxidation electrode gasket (315G2) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow through which the reduction electrode (300a) is immersed.

[0346] The oxide electrode gasket (315G2) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxide electrode (300b), to flow.

[0347] The oxidation electrode gasket (315G2) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of a direct seawater electrolysis device (300) passes.

[0348] The oxidation electrode end plate (350b) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow through which the reduction electrode (300a) is immersed.

[0349] The oxide end plate (350b) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxide end plate (300b), to flow.

[0350] Accordingly, the oxide electrode (300b) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include an oxide electrode end plate (350b), an oxide electrode current collector (320b), an oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer (315b), an oxide electrode spacer (340b), and an oxide electrode gasket (315G2).

[0351] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention, cut along line B of the direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to the third embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 25. FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating one side of a bipolar plate in contact with a subplate in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating the other side of a bipolar plate in contact with an oxidation electrode spacer in a direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a cut along lines (A), (B), and (C) of the direct seawater electrolysis device including a plurality of reduction electrodes according to another embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 35.

[0352] Referring to FIGS. 33 to 36, in another embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a direct seawater electrolysis device (300') including a plurality of reduction electrodes may include a first cell (301) including a reduction electrode (300a) and an oxidation electrode (300b) to form a multi-cell, and a second cell (302) including a reduction electrode (300a) and an oxidation electrode (300b) to be electrically connected to the first cell (301).

[0353] The direct seawater electrolysis device (300') may include a bipolar plate (350) placed between the first cell (301) and the second cell (302).

[0354] A bipolar plate (350) can be placed between the oxide spacer (340b) of the first cell (301) and the subplate (330) of the second cell (302). One surface of the bipolar plate (350) can be in contact with the oxide spacer (340b) of the first cell (301), and the other surface of the bipolar plate (350) can be in contact with the subplate (330) of the second cell (302).

[0355] That is, in another embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the bipolar plate (350) can simultaneously perform the functions of the oxidation electrode collector (320b) of the first cell (301) and the reduction electrode collector (320b) of the second cell (302).

[0356] Meanwhile, although FIG. 33 illustrates a case where there are two multi-cells, it is obvious that the number of multi-cells can be expanded to more than two, and a plurality of bipolar plates (350) can be included depending on the number of multi-cells.

[0357] The bipolar plate (350) may include a bipolar plate body (353) disposed between the oxidation electrode (300b) of the first cell (301) and the reduction electrode (300a) of the second cell (302), and a bipolar plate connecting portion (354) protruding from the bipolar plate body (353) so as to be electrically connected to the reduction electrode (300a) of the second cell (302).

[0358] The bipolar plate connection (354) can penetrate the subplate (330) and the reduction electrode spacer (340a) of the second cell (302) and be electrically connected to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer (315a) of the second cell (302).

[0359] The bipolar plate (350) may include a first bipolar plate (351) and a second bipolar plate (352) spaced apart from the first bipolar plate (351). The bipolar plate (350) may include a bipolar gasket (355) positioned between the first bipolar plate (351) and the second bipolar plate (352) to electrically isolate the first bipolar plate (351) and the second bipolar plate (352).

[0360] The bipolar gasket (355) may include a non-conductive material. The bipolar gasket (355) may include a silicone material. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the bipolar gasket (355) may include various non-conductive materials within the scope of being configured to electrically isolate the first bipolar plate (351) and the second bipolar plate (352) from each other.

[0361] The first bipolar plate (351) and the second bipolar plate (352) can be symmetrically arranged with a bipolar gasket (355) between them.

[0362] The bipolar plate body (353) may include a first bipolar plate body (356) constituting the first bipolar plate (351), and a second bipolar plate body (357) constituting the second bipolar plate (352).

[0363] The bipolar plate connection (354) may include a first bipolar plate connection (358) provided on the first bipolar plate (351) and a second bipolar plate connection (359) provided on the second bipolar plate (352). The first bipolar plate connection (358) and the second bipolar plate connection (359) may be arranged symmetrically to each other. However, this is not limited thereto.

[0364] The bipolar plate (350) may include a seawater inlet (3C_i) and a seawater outlet (3C_o) configured to allow seawater to flow to immerse the reduction electrode (300a) of the second cell (302).

[0365] The seawater inlet (3C_i) may be provided in the second bipolar plate body (357), and the seawater outlet (3C_o) may be provided in the first bipolar plate body (356).

[0366] The bipolar plate (350) may include an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and an anolyte outlet (3A_o) configured to allow anolyte, which is an electrolyte for immersing the oxidizing electrode (300b) of the first cell (301), to flow.

[0367] The anolite inlet (3A_i) may be provided in the first bipolar plate body (356), and the anolite outlet (3A_o) may be provided in the second bipolar plate body (357).

[0368] The bipolar plate body (353) facing the oxidation electrode (300b) of the first cell (301) may include an anolyte path (3A) through which anolyte, which is an electrolyte that flows in through an anolyte inlet (3A_i) and out through an anolyte outlet (3A_o), flows.

[0369] An anolyte flow path (3A) may be formed on both sides of the bipolar plate body (353). The bipolar plate body (353) may include an anolyte flow path (3A) arranged to face the second cell (302).

[0370] The bipolar plate (350) may include a guide hole (3h1) through which a guide pin (316) configured to align components of a direct seawater electrolysis device (300') passes.

[0371] The guide holes (3h1) provided in the bipolar plate (350) can be provided at the upper and lower portions of the first bipolar plate body (356) and the second bipolar plate body (357) to guide the first bipolar plate (351) and the second bipolar plate (352) from the upper and lower portions, respectively, to form four guide holes (3h1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0372] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, a direct seawater electrolysis device (300') including a plurality of reduction electrodes of another embodiment according to the third embodiment of the present invention may not require a separate subplate (330) and a bipolar plate connecting portion (354) when the reduction electrode spacer (340a) is made of the same conductive material as the oxidation electrode spacer (340b).

[0373] That is, the bipolar plate body (353) and the reduction electrode spacer (340a) of the second cell (302) can be in direct contact and electrically and physically connected.

[0374] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, the invention is not limited to the exact configuration and operation described herein. Rather, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer immersed in seawater; An anolyte-immersed oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer; A bipolar membrane interposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer; A reduction electrode current collector disposed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer; A subplate on the above reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer; and A reduction electrode spacer interposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the subplate; The above reduction electrode current collector is, A reduction electrode current collector body spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, and It includes a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion that is in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and is interposed between the reduction electrode current collector body and a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, The above subplate and the above reduction electrode spacer, At a position corresponding to the above-mentioned reduction electrode current collector connection part, at least one through hole is included, A direct seawater electrolysis device, wherein at least one of the above subplate and the above reduction electrode spacer comprises a non-conductive material.

2. Direct seawater electrolysis device according to paragraph 1; and comprising one or more bipolar plates on the above direct seawater electrolysis device; Each of the above bipolar plates, A bipolar plate body spaced apart from the above reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, and It includes a bipolar plate connection portion in contact with a part of the above reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, A direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell in which the above bipolar plate connection portion is interposed between the above bipolar plate body and a part of the above reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer.

3. Direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell according to paragraph 2; and A magnesium hydroxide recovery system comprising an air bubble supply unit connected to the above direct seawater electrolysis multi-cell.

4. A cathode electrocatalyst layer immersed in seawater; An anolyte-immersed oxide electrode electrocatalyst layer; A bipolar membrane interposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the oxidation electrode electrocatalyst layer; A reduction electrode current collector disposed on the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer; and A subplate on the above reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer; The above reduction electrode current collector is, A reduction electrode current collector body spaced apart from the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, and a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion in contact with a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and interposed between the reduction electrode current collector body and a portion of the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, The above subplate is made of a non-conductive material and includes one or more through holes at a position corresponding to the reduction electrode current collector connection portion, A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions protruding from one side of the subplate to form a flow path for the seawater.

5. In paragraph 4, A direct seawater electrolysis device in which the plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions are arranged at regular intervals to uniformly maintain the space between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the subplate, thereby forming a flow path through which the seawater flows.

6. In paragraph 4, A direct seawater electrolysis device in which the above plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions induce a vortex of the seawater to remove inorganic precipitates generated in the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer or the reduction electrode current collector connection portion.

7. In paragraph 4, A direct seawater electrolysis device in which the above plurality of reduction electrode spacer protrusions are individually or grouped and arranged on a slidable support inside the subplate.

8. Reduction electrode immersed in seawater; An oxide electrode immersed in Anolyte; and A bipolar membrane is disposed between the reduction electrode and the oxidation electrode to acidify seawater; A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes, the reduction electrode including a first reduction electrode and a second reduction electrode arranged so as to be electrically separated from the first reduction electrode.

9. In paragraph 8, A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes, wherein the first reduction electrode and the second reduction electrode are configured to operate alternately, and the second reduction electrode is stopped to dissolve inorganic precipitates generated at the second reduction electrode while the first reduction electrode is operated to produce hydrogen through seawater.

10. In paragraph 8, The above reducing electrode is, Reduction electrode current collector, A reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer configured to be electrically connected to the above reduction electrode collector, A subplate made of a non-conductive material to prevent the formation of inorganic precipitates on the reduction electrode current collector, and disposed between the reduction electrode current collector and the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer, and A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes, each of which is made of a non-conductive material to prevent the formation of inorganic precipitates at the reduction electrode, and further comprising a reduction electrode spacer disposed between the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and the subplate.

11. In paragraph 10, The above reduction electrode current collector is, First reduction electrode current collector, A second reduction electrode current collector disposed spaced apart from the first reduction electrode current collector, and A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes, each including a reduction electrode collector gasket disposed between the first reduction electrode collector and the second reduction electrode collector to electrically isolate the first reduction electrode collector and the second reduction electrode collector.

12. In paragraph 11, The above reduction electrode current collector is, A reduction electrode current collector body in contact with the above subplate, and A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes including a reduction electrode current collector connecting portion protruding from the reduction electrode current collector body so as to penetrate the subplate and be electrically connected to the reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer.

13. In paragraph 12, The above subplate includes a plate hole configured to allow the reducing electrode current collector connection portion to pass through, The above reduction electrode spacer includes a reduction electrode spacer hole configured to allow the reduction electrode current collector connection portion to pass through, A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes, the reduction electrode spacer including a first reduction electrode spacer in contact with the first reduction electrode collector, and a second reduction electrode spacer spaced apart from the first reduction electrode spacer and in contact with the second reduction electrode collector.

14. In paragraph 13, The above reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer is, A first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer in contact with the first reduction electrode spacer, and A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes including a second reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer spaced apart from the first reduction electrode electrocatalyst layer and in contact with the second reduction electrode spacer.

15. In paragraph 9, Further comprising a bipolar plate for forming a multi-cell; The above bipolar plate, 1st bipolar plate, A second bipolar plate spaced apart from the first bipolar plate, and A direct seawater electrolysis device comprising a plurality of reduction electrodes, each of which includes a bipolar gasket disposed between the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate to electrically isolate the first bipolar plate and the second bipolar plate.

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