Cell stack and electrochemical device

Abstract

This cell stack comprises a plurality of electrochemical cell units, a plurality of first conduction parts, and a plurality of second conduction parts. The plurality of electrochemical cell units each comprise an electrochemical cell and a pair of pressing members for pressing the electrochemical cell in the thickness direction. The electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode that has an adsorbent for adsorbing carbon dioxide, a second electrode, and an insulating layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. The plurality of first conduction parts are electrically connected to the first electrodes and are arranged along a first direction, in which a carbon-dioxide-containing gas flows. The plurality of second conduction parts are electrically connected to the second electrodes and are arranged along the first direction. In the first direction, the plurality of first conduction parts are positioned between the plurality of second conduction parts, or the plurality of second conduction parts are positioned between the plurality of first conduction parts.

Description

Cell stacks and electrochemical devices

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cell stack and an electrochemical device.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a device that contains an electrochemical cell that absorbs carbon dioxide in a housing and recovers carbon dioxide from a gas.

[0003] JP 2024-10906 A

[0004] A cell stack according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a plurality of electrochemical cell units, a plurality of first conductive parts, and a plurality of second conductive parts. Each of the plurality of electrochemical cell units includes an electrochemical cell and a pair of pressing members that press the electrochemical cell in a thickness direction. The electrochemical cell includes a first electrode having an adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide, a second electrode, and an insulating layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The plurality of first conductive parts are electrically connected to the first electrode and are aligned along a first direction in which a carbon dioxide-containing gas flows. The plurality of second conductive parts are electrically connected to the second electrode and are aligned along the first direction. In the first direction, the plurality of first conductive parts are positioned between the plurality of second conductive parts, or the second conductive parts are positioned between the plurality of first conductive parts.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell unit included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell unit included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a first conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the cell stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a second conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the cell stack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of a first conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a first conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9C is a diagram showing an example of a first conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9D is a diagram showing an example of a first conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10C is a diagram showing an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10D is a diagram showing an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12B is a diagram of the second conductive part shown in Fig. 12A as viewed from another direction.

[0006] In the above-described system, there is room for improvement in the workability when assembling a cell stack in which electrochemical cells are stacked, for example.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide a cell stack and an electrochemical device that can improve workability.

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cell stack and electrochemical device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic and that the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may contain parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0010] For ease of understanding, each drawing shows a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system including a Z axis, with the vertical upward direction being the positive direction and the vertical downward direction being the negative direction. Similar components in each drawing are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified.

[0011] [First embodiment] <Configuration of electrochemical device> Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical device according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the electrochemical device 100 includes a cell stack 50. The cell stack 50 includes a plurality of cell units 10, a plurality of first conductive parts 30, and a plurality of second conductive parts 40.

[0012] Each of the multiple cell units 10 includes a cell 1 having a first electrode 11 and a second electrode 12, and a pair of pressing members 20 that press the cell 1 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The cell 1 is an electrochemical cell that captures carbon dioxide in a gas. The cell unit 10 is an electrochemical cell unit that includes the cell 1 as an electrochemical cell. The cell stack 50 is a structure in which multiple cell units 10 are stacked. The configuration of the cell unit 10 that includes the cell 1 will be described later.

[0013] The plurality of first conductive parts 30 are electrically connected to the first electrodes 11. The first conductive parts 30 electrically connect the first electrodes 11 of the respective cell units 10 to each other. The plurality of second conductive parts 40 are electrically connected to the second electrodes 12. The second conductive parts 40 electrically connect the second electrodes 12 of the respective cell units 10 to each other. Details of the first conductive parts 30 and the second conductive parts 40 will be described later.

[0014] <Configuration of Electrochemical Cell Unit> Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell unit included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the cell unit 10 includes a cell 1 and a pressing member 20. The cell 1 includes a first electrode 11, a second electrode 12, and an insulating layer 13. The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 face each other with the insulating layer 13 sandwiched therebetween.

[0015] The cell 1 is connected to a power supply (not shown) that applies a voltage between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The cell 1 is an electrochemical cell that can repeatedly adsorb and desorb carbon dioxide by switching the voltage applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0016] The first electrode 11 may be a negative electrode to which electrons are supplied from the second electrode 12 in the adsorption mode in which the cell 1 adsorbs carbon dioxide.

[0017] The first electrode 11 is made of a conductive material through which a gas containing carbon dioxide can pass. For example, a metal material obtained by processing a metal such as Al or Ni into a porous or mesh shape can be used as the first electrode 11.

[0018] The first electrode 11 has an absorbent material 110. The absorbent material 110 is a CO ２ The absorbent 110 is an absorbent material. The absorbent 110 can adsorb and desorb carbon dioxide using an oxidation-reduction reaction. The absorbent 110 combines with carbon dioxide in the gas in a reduced state and adsorbs the carbon dioxide. The absorbent 110 also desorbs and releases carbon dioxide in an oxidized state.

[0019] The absorber 110 may be made of, for example, quinones, imines, imides, or derivatives thereof. For example, polyanthraquinone may be used as the quinone, polydiazaphthalimide as the imide, or polybenzothiadiazole as the imine. The polyanthraquinone may be, for example, poly(1,4-anthraquinone), poly(1,5-anthraquinone), poly(1,8-anthraquinone), or poly(2,6-anthraquinone).

[0020] The absorber 110 may be located inside the first electrode 11 or on the surface of the first electrode 11 facing the insulating layer 13 .

[0021] The second electrode 12 may be a positive electrode that releases electrons to the first electrode 11 in the adsorption mode in which the cell 1 adsorbs carbon dioxide.

[0022] The second electrode 12 may be, for example, a plate-shaped metal member. As the second electrode 12, for example, a metal plate obtained by processing a metal such as Al into a plate shape can be used.

[0023] The second electrode 12 may have an electron supply material 120. The electron supply material 120 can transfer electrons between the second electrode 12 and the first electrode 11 by utilizing an oxidation-reduction reaction. The electron supply material 120 releases electrons in an adsorption mode in which the cell 1 adsorbs carbon dioxide. The electron supply material 120 also attracts electrons in a desorption mode in which the cell 1 desorbs carbon dioxide.

[0024] As the material for the electron donor 120, for example, a metal complex, an organic compound, an inorganic compound, a carbon material, etc. can be used. For example, ferrocene, nickelocene, cobaltocene, etc. can be used as the metal complex. These metal complexes may be polymers or monomers. In addition, poly(3-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene), phenothiazine, etc. can be used as the organic compound, and RuO can be used as the inorganic compound. ２ , MnO ２ , MoS ２ As the carbon material, carbon black, activated carbon, etc. may be used. The electron donor material 120 can be positioned on the surface of the second electrode 12 facing the insulating layer 13.

[0025] The insulating layer 13 is located between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. The insulating layer 13 is a separator that prevents a short circuit between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. For example, a porous separator can be used as the insulating layer 13. The insulating layer 13 may be, for example, a porous body made of resin or ceramic.

[0026] An electrolyte 130 is located in the insulating layer 13. The electrolyte 130 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, an ion-bonding salt, a solid electrolyte, or an ion-conducting polymer.

[0027] The pressing member 20 is located on the opposite side of the insulating layer 13 with the first electrode 11 sandwiched therebetween. By pressing the cell 1, the pressing member 20 can reduce the occurrence of peeling or lifting of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 of the cell 1 due to temperature changes, application of voltage, etc. This improves the reliability of the cell unit 10 according to this embodiment.

[0028] The pressing member 20 is, for example, a metal member having a desired rigidity. For example, stainless steel (SUS) or the like can be used as the pressing member 20.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell unit included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment.

[0030] 3, in the cell unit 10, the first electrode 11 of the cell 1 may have a first member 11a and a second member 11b. The first member 11a and the second member 11b may be positioned to face each other with the second electrode 12 interposed therebetween.

[0031] The insulating layer 13 may have a first insulating layer 13a located between the first member 11a and the second electrode 12, and a second insulating layer 13b located between the second member 11b and the second electrode 12.

[0032] In addition, the pressing member 20 may have a first pressing member 20a located on the opposite side of the first insulating layer 13a across the first member 11a, and a second pressing member 20b located on the opposite side of the second insulating layer 13b across the second member 11b.

[0033] 3, the cell 1 included in the cell unit 10 may have an insulating layer 13 and a first electrode 11 located on both sides of the second electrode 12. The pair of pressing members 20 may be arranged to press the first electrodes 11 located on both sides of the second electrode 12, respectively.

[0034] In this way, by having the first member 11a and the second member 11b on both sides of the second electrode 12, the absolute amount of carbon dioxide that can be captured by the cell 1 increases. Therefore, according to the cell unit 10 according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the cell stack 50, for example.

[0035] Furthermore, the cell unit 10 according to this embodiment is pressed by pressing members 20 located on both sides of the cell 1. Therefore, the cell unit 10 according to this embodiment can further reduce the occurrence of peeling or lifting of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 of the cell 1 due to temperature changes, application of voltage, etc., thereby further improving reliability.

[0036] 1 and the drawings described below, a cell unit 10 having the cell 1 shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated as an example. In addition, in these drawings, the insulating layer 13 located between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is not illustrated.

[0037] <Configuration of First Conduction Portion> Fig. 4 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a first conduction portion included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a partial enlargement of the cell stack according to the first embodiment.

[0038] 4 and 5, the pair of pressing members 20 of the cell unit 10, i.e., the first pressing member 20a and the second pressing member 20b, may be fixed using a fixing member 32. This makes it less likely that the cells 1 in the cell unit 10 will become misaligned.

[0039] Furthermore, when the first direction in which the carbon dioxide-containing gas flows is the Y-axis direction, the pressing member 20 may have a first extension portion 21 extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in plan view, i.e., the X-axis direction, as shown in Fig. 4. The first extension portion 21 may have extension portions 21a to 21d located at four corners of the pressing member 20. Furthermore, the fixing member 32 may fix a pair of pressing members 20 at each of the extension portions 21a to 21d. This configuration makes it less likely that the flow of the carbon dioxide-containing gas will be disturbed. Furthermore, this configuration makes it easier to fix using the fixing member 32.

[0040] The first conductive portion 30 is fixed to the pressing member 20 using a fixing member 32. The first conductive portion 30 may be fixed to the first extension portion 21 of the pressing member 20. The first conductive portion 30 may be fixed to the first pressing member 20a, which is one of the pair of pressing members 20. This configuration allows the first conductive portion 30 to be appropriately fixed. Furthermore, this configuration enables electrical conduction between the first electrode 11 and the first conductive portion 30 via the pressing member 20.

[0041] The fixing member 32 may be, for example, a screw member made of metal. The fixing member 32 may also be conductive, which allows a voltage to be applied to both of the pair of pressing members 20. The material of the first conductive portion 30 may be the same as or different from the material of the pressing members 20 and / or the fixing member 32.

[0042] Furthermore, the first conductive portion 30 connected to the cell unit 10A and the first conductive portion 30 connected to the cell unit 10B adjacent to the cell unit 10A may be electrically connected using a conductor (not shown). This electrically connects the first electrodes 11 of the multiple cell units 10 that make up the cell stack 50. Such a conductor may be, for example, a lead wire. Note that FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which one of the first conductive portions 30 is removed.

[0043] <Configuration of second conductive portion> Fig. 6 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a second conductive portion included in the cell stack according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the cell stack according to the first embodiment.

[0044] 6 and 7 , the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10 may be fixed using a second conductive part 40. The first conductive part 30 and the second conductive part 40 may be aligned along the first direction in which the carbon dioxide-containing gas flows, i.e., the Y-axis direction.

[0045] 6, the second electrode 12 may have a second extension portion 12a extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a plan view, i.e., in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The second extension portion 12a may have extension portions 12aa to 12ad at four locations on the second electrode 12. The second conduction portion 40 may fix adjacent second electrodes 12 to each other via the through holes 12c of the extension portions 12aa to 12ad. This configuration makes it less likely that the flow of the carbon dioxide-containing gas will be disturbed. This configuration also makes it easier to fix using the second conduction portion 40.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction, the second conductive portion 40 may be located between multiple first conductive portions 30. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the second conductive portion 40 may be located between two first conductive portions 30 lined up in the Y-axis direction. This facilitates electrical connection between each of the first conductive portion 30 and the second conductive portion 40. Note that although the drawings show an example in which the second conductive portion 40 is located between multiple first conductive portions 30, the first conductive portion 30 may also be located between multiple second conductive portions 40. That is, in the first direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction, the first conductive portion 30 may be located between, for example, two second conductive portions 40.

[0047] Furthermore, the first conductive portion 30 may have a different shape from the second conductive portion 40. This makes it easier for the first conductive portion 30 to follow deformations of the cell stack 50, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the second conductive portion 40 may have a spacer portion 41, as shown in FIG. 7 . This allows the second conductive portion 40 to function as a spacer that separates adjacent cell units 10 and maintains the distance between them, making it easier to position the cell units 10. Furthermore, by having the second conductive portion 40 function as a spacer, gas containing carbon dioxide can easily flow through the space created between adjacent cell units 10. Therefore, this configuration can improve the carbon dioxide capture efficiency of the cell stack 50. Note that FIGS. 6 and 7 show a state in which one of the second conductive portions 40 is removed.

[0049] The second conductive portion 40 may also have an external thread portion 42 and an internal thread portion 43. Of adjacent second conductive portions 40, the internal thread portion 43 of one second conductive portion 40 is configured to threadably engage with the external thread portion 42 of the other second conductive portion 40. This facilitates assembly of the cell unit 10. The material of the second conductive portion 40 may be the same as or different from the material of the first conductive portion 30.

[0050] According to the cell stack 50 of this embodiment, the first conductive part 30 and the second conductive part 40 can be attached and detached after the cell unit 10 is assembled, improving workability.

[0051] Second Embodiment <Configuration of Electrochemical Device> Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical device according to a second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the electrochemical device 100 may have a first conductive part 30 and a second conductive part 40 having shapes different from those described above.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 8, the electrochemical device 100 includes a cell stack 50 having a plurality of cell units 10. The electrochemical device 100 may also include a base 60 and a top plate member 70. The base 60 and the top plate member 70 may be positioned to sandwich the cell stack 50 from both sides in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The electrochemical device 100 may be configured to support and fix the cell stack 50 by applying a predetermined pressure between the lower surface 62 of the base 60 and the upper surface 72 of the top plate member 70.

[0053] The cell unit 10 includes a cell unit 10A, a cell unit 10B in contact with the cell unit 10A, a cell unit 10C in contact with the cell unit 10B, and a cell unit 10D in contact with the cell unit 10C.

[0054] Each cell unit 10 has a pressing member 20 electrically connected to the first electrode 11. The pressing member 20 has a first pressing member 20a and a second pressing member 20b.

[0055] The first pressing member 20a is electrically connected to the first member 11a. The first pressing member 20a has a first extending portion 21aa extending in the X-axis direction. The first extending portions 21aa of the cell unit 10A and the cell unit 10B are aligned along the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The first extending portions 21aa of each cell unit 10 may also be aligned along the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0056] The second pressing member 20b is electrically connected to the second member 11b. The second pressing member 20b has a first extending portion 21ba extending in the X-axis direction. The first extending portions 21ba of the cell unit 10A and the cell unit 10B are aligned along the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The first extending portions 21ba of each cell unit 10 may also be aligned along the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0057] The first conductive portion 30 has first conductive members 30a and 30b. The first conductive member 30a is bonded to the first extending portion 21aa that is adjacent to the cell unit 10A in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. For example, the first conductive member 30a is bonded to the first extending portion 21aa of the cell unit 10A and the first extending portion 21aa of the cell unit 10B. The first conductive member 30b is bonded to the first extending portion 21ba of the cell unit 10A and the first extending portion 21ba of the cell unit 10B. In other words, the first conductive portion 30 is bonded to the first extending portion 21aa or the first extending portion 21ba that is adjacent to the cell unit 10A in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0058] The first conductive portion 30 and the first extending portion 21aa or the first extending portion 21ba may be joined by, for example, welding or by adhesion using a conductive adhesive such as ceramic. The first conductive portion 30 and the first extending portion 21aa or the first extending portion 21ba may also be joined by a combination of the above-mentioned methods. The specific shape of the first conductive portion 30 will be described later.

[0059] The cell stack 50 may further include a connection portion 31 that electrically connects the first conductive members 30a, 30b. The connection portion 31 may include a connection portion 31a that connects the first extension portion 21aa and the first extension portion 21ba of the cell unit 10A. The connection portion 31 may include a connection portion 31b that connects the first extension portion 21aa and the first extension portion 21ba of the cell unit 10B. This further improves the reliability of the cell stack 50. The material of the connection portion 31 may be the same as or different from the material of the first conductive portion 30. The first conductive portion 30 and the connection portion 31 may be formed integrally.

[0060] The cell unit 10 has a second electrode 12 located between the first member 11a and the second member 11b. The second electrode 12 may have a second extension portion 12a extending in the X-axis direction.

[0061] The second conductive portion 40 has second conductive members 40a and 40b. The second conductive portions 40 are respectively joined to the second extending portions 12a of the second electrodes 12 that are adjacent in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The second conductive members 40a are respectively joined to the second extending portions 12a of the cell unit 10B and the second extending portions 12a of the cell unit 10D, for example. The second conductive members 40b are respectively joined to the second extending portions 12a of the cell unit 10A and the second extending portions 12a of the cell unit 10C, for example.

[0062] The second conductive portion 40 and the second extending portion 12a may be joined by, for example, welding or by adhesion using a conductive adhesive such as ceramic. The second conductive portion 40 and the second extending portion 12a may also be joined by a combination of the above-mentioned methods. The specific shape of the second conductive portion 40 will be described later.

[0063] 9A to 9D are diagrams illustrating an example of a first conductive portion of a cell stack according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first conductive portion 30 may be an annular member surrounding adjacent first extension portions 21aa in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The first conductive portion 30 may be bonded to a surface 201 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10A that is farther from the first member 11a, and a surface 202 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10B that is closer to the first member 11a. The first conductive portion 30 may be bonded to a side surface 203 of the first extension portion 21aa of the cell unit 10A and / or the cell unit 10B.

[0064] Also, as shown in Figure 9B, the first conductive portion 30 may be joined to the surface 201 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10A and the surface 201 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10B.

[0065] Also, as shown in Figure 9C, the first conductive portion 30 may have a U-shape that surrounds the surface 201 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10A, the surface 202 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10B, and the side surface 203 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing members 20a of the cell unit 10A and the cell unit 10B.

[0066] Also, as shown in Figure 9D, the first conductive portion 30 may be a V-shaped leaf spring member joined to the surface 202 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10A and the surface 201 of the first extension portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10B.

[0067] Note that the first conductive portion 30 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped, columnar, or rod-shaped member. Also, while Figures 9A to 9D have described the first conductive member 30a as an example of the first conductive portion 30, the same may be applied to the shape of the first conductive member 30b. The shapes of the first conductive member 30a and the first conductive member 30b may be the same or different.

[0068] 9A to 9D, the first conductive member 30a is located at the end on the negative side of the X-axis as the first conductive portion 30, but the first conductive portion 30 may be located at the end on the positive side of the X-axis. In other words, the first conductive members 30a and 30b may be located at both ends in the second direction.

[0069] The first conductive portions 30 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction, may be electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the first conductive members 30a adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction, may be electrically connected to each other using a conductor (not shown). Furthermore, the first conductive members 30b adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction, may be electrically connected to each other using a conductor (not shown). This electrically connects the first electrodes 11 of the multiple cell units 10 that make up the cell stack 50 to each other. Such a conductor may be, for example, a lead wire.

[0070] <Configuration of Second Conductive Part> Figures 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Figure 10A, the second conductive part 40 may be an annular member surrounding adjacent second extension parts 12a in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The second conductive part 40 may be bonded to a surface 121 of the second extension part 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10A, which is closer to the first member 11a, and a surface 122 of the second extension part 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10C, which is closer to the second member 11b. The second conductive part 40 may be bonded to a side surface 123 connecting the surface 121 and the surface 122 of the second extension part 12a of the cell unit 10A and / or the cell unit 10C.

[0071] 10B, the second conductive portion 40 may be bonded to the surface 122 of the second extension portion 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10A and the surface 121 of the second extension portion 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10C. In such a case, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the second conductive portion 40 may have a U-shape. The U-shaped second conductive portion 40 may be open in the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 10C. The U-shaped second conductive portion 40 may be open in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 10D.

[0072] The second conductive portion 40 is not limited to the shape shown in the drawings, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped, columnar, or rod-shaped member. Although the second conductive member 40b is used as an example of the second conductive portion 40 in FIGS. 10A to 10D, the second conductive portion 40 may have any shape other than the second conductive member 40a. The shape of the first conductive portion 30 shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D may be applied to the shape of the second conductive portion 40. The shape of the second conductive portion 40 shown in FIGS. 10A to 10D may be applied to the shape of the first conductive portion 30.

[0073] 10A to 10D, the second conductive member 40b located at the end on the negative side of the X-axis has been described as an example of the second conductive portion 40, but the second conductive portion 40 may be located at the end on the positive side of the X-axis. In other words, the second conductive members 40a and 40b may be located at both ends in the second direction.

[0074] The second conductive portions 40 adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction, may be electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the second conductive members 40a adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction, may be electrically connected to each other using a conductor (not shown). Furthermore, the second conductive members 40b adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction, may be electrically connected to each other using a conductor (not shown). This electrically connects the second electrodes 12 of the multiple cell units 10 that make up the cell stack 50 to each other. Such a conductor may be, for example, a lead wire.

[0075] Furthermore, the cell stack 50 according to this embodiment may not have the connection portion 31 that electrically connects the first conductive members 30 a and 30 b. In such a case, the first conductive members 30 a and 30 b may be disposed independently of each other (see, for example, FIGS. 9A to 9D ).

[0076] 8, the second conductive members 40a, 40b are located at both ends along the Y-axis direction, and the first conductive members 30a, 30b are located between the second conductive members 40a, 40b. However, the arrangement of the first conductive portion 30 and the second conductive portion 40 is not limited to this. For example, the first conductive members 30a, 30b may be located at both ends along the Y-axis direction, and the second conductive members 40a, 40b may be located between the first conductive members 30a, 30b. In such a case, the cell stack 50 may further include a connection portion that electrically connects the second conductive members 40a, 40b.

[0077] According to the cell stack 50 of this embodiment, the first conductive part 30 and the second conductive part 40 can be attached after the cell unit 10 is assembled, improving workability.

[0078] [Third embodiment] <Configuration of electrochemical device> Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical device according to a third embodiment. The electrochemical device 100 shown in Fig. 11 may have a first conduction part 30 and a second conduction part 40 different from those of the electrochemical device 100 shown in Fig. 8. The electrochemical device 100 shown in Fig. 11 may also include a base and a top plate member (not shown).

[0079] <Configuration of First Conductive Section> The first conductive section 30 includes conductive members 30A and 30B. The conductive member 30A is bonded to each of the first extending portions 21aa aligned in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. For example, the conductive member 30A includes the first extending portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10A and the first extending portion 21aa of the first pressing member 20a of the cell unit 10B, and is bonded to all of the first extending portions 21aa aligned in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The conductive member 30B includes the first extending portion 21ba of the second pressing member 20b of the cell unit 10A and the first extending portion 21ba of the second pressing member 20b of the cell unit 10B, and is bonded to all of the first extending portions 21ba aligned in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. In other words, the first conductive portion 30 is joined to all of the first extending portions 21aa or all of the first extending portions 21ba that are aligned in the thickness direction, that is, in the Z-axis direction.

[0080] The first conductive portion 30 may be comb-shaped and include a back portion 301 and a plurality of teeth 302. The teeth 302 may be joined to the first extending portions 21aa arranged in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The back portion 301 may extend in the thickness direction, i.e., along the Z-axis direction, and may be configured to connect the plurality of teeth 302 to each other.

[0081] The first conductive portion 30 and the first extending portion 21aa or the first extending portion 21ba may be joined by, for example, welding or by adhesion using a conductive adhesive such as ceramic. The first conductive portion 30 and the first extending portion 21aa or the first extending portion 21ba may also be joined by a combination of the above-described methods. The first conductive portion 30 may be in contact with the first electrode 11.

[0082] The conductive members 30A, 30B may be electrically connected using a conductor (not shown), thereby electrically connecting the first electrodes 11 of the multiple cell units 10 that make up the cell stack 50. Such a conductor may be, for example, a lead wire.

[0083] 11 illustrates the first conductive portion 30 as the conductive members 30A and 30B located at the end on the negative side of the X-axis, but the first conductive portion 30 may be located at the end on the positive side of the X-axis. In other words, the conductive members 30A and 30B may be located at both ends in the second direction.

[0084] <Configuration of Second Conductive Section> The second conductive section 40 includes conductive members 40A and 40B. The conductive member 40A is bonded to each of the second extending portions 12a aligned in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. For example, the conductive member 40A includes the second extending portion 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10B and the second extending portion 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10D, and is bonded to all of the second extending portions 12a aligned in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The conductive member 40B includes the second extending portion 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10A and the second extending portion 12a of the second electrode 12 of the cell unit 10B, and is bonded to all of the second extending portions 12a aligned in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. In other words, the second conductive portion 40 is bonded to each of all the second extending portions 12a arranged in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0085] The second conductive portion 40 may be comb-shaped and include a spine 401 and a plurality of teeth 402. The teeth 402 may be joined to the second extending portions 12a arranged in the thickness direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The spine 401 may extend in the thickness direction, i.e., along the Z-axis direction, and may be configured to connect the plurality of teeth 402 to each other.

[0086] The second conductive portion 40 and the second extending portion 12a may be joined by, for example, welding or by adhesion using a conductive adhesive such as ceramic. The second conductive portion 40 and the second extending portion 12a may also be joined by a combination of the above-mentioned methods.

[0087] According to the cell stack 50 of this embodiment, the first conductive part 30 and the second conductive part 40 can be attached after the cell unit 10 is assembled, improving workability.

[0088] Fig. 12A is a diagram showing an example of a second conductive part included in a cell stack according to Embodiment 3. Fig. 12B is a diagram showing the second conductive part shown in Fig. 12A as viewed from another direction.

[0089] In the electrochemical device 100 according to this embodiment, when a carbon dioxide-containing gas flows from the negative Y-axis side to the positive Y-axis side along the first direction, the conductive member 40B is located closest to the gas inlet side of the first conductive portion 30 and the second conductive portion 40. The conductive member 40B may be connected to the side surface 123 of the second extending portion 12a that is located on the gas inlet side. This makes it easier for the carbon dioxide-containing gas to be supplied to the interior of the cell stack 50.

[0090] The conductive members 40A, 40B may be electrically connected using a conductor (not shown), thereby electrically connecting the second electrodes 12 of the multiple cell units 10 that make up the cell stack 50. Such a conductor may be, for example, a lead wire.

[0091] 11 illustrates the conductive members 40A and 40B located at the end on the negative side of the X-axis as the second conductive portion 40, but the second conductive portion 40 may be located at the end on the positive side of the X-axis. In other words, the conductive members 40A and 40B may be located at both ends in the second direction.

[0092] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, improvements, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0093] In one embodiment, (1) a cell stack includes a plurality of electrochemical cell units, each including an electrochemical cell including a first electrode having an adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide, a second electrode, and an insulating layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a pair of pressing members that press the electrochemical cell in a thickness direction; a plurality of first conductive parts electrically connected to the first electrode and aligned along a first direction in which a carbon dioxide-containing gas flows; and a plurality of second conductive parts electrically connected to the second electrode and aligned along the first direction, wherein, in the first direction, the plurality of first conductive parts are positioned between the plurality of second conductive parts, or the plurality of second conductive parts are positioned between the plurality of first conductor parts.

[0094] Also, (2) in the cell stack of (1) above, the plurality of first conductive parts may have a different shape from the plurality of second conductive parts.

[0095] Also, (3) in the cell stack of (1) or (2) above, each of the pair of pressing members may have a plurality of first extension portions extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a planar view, the second electrode may have a plurality of second extension portions extending in the second direction, each of the plurality of first extension portions may be connected to at least one of the plurality of first conductive portions, and each of the plurality of second extension portions may be connected to at least one of the plurality of second conductive portions.

[0096] Furthermore, (4) in the cell stack of (3) above, each of the second conductive parts may be a spacer that separates two adjacent electrochemical cell units from the plurality of electrochemical cell units.

[0097] Also, (5) in the cell stack of (4) above, each of the plurality of second conductive portions may have an external thread portion and an internal thread portion, and of two second conductive portions adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, the internal thread portion of one second conductive portion may be threadedly engaged with the external thread portion of the other second conductive portion.

[0098] Furthermore, (6) in the cell stack of (3) or (4) above, the pair of pressing members may be fixed to each other by a fixing member.

[0099] Furthermore, (7) in the cell stack of (6) above, the fixing member may fix the pair of pressing members together at the plurality of first extending portions.

[0100] Furthermore, (8) in the cell stack of (7) above, the fixing member may be conductive.

[0101] Furthermore, (9) in the cell stack of (8) above, each of the plurality of first conductive parts may be fixed to one of the pair of pressing members by the fixing member.

[0102] Also, (10) in the cell stack of (9) above, the electrochemical cell may have a pair of the insulating layers and a pair of the first electrodes located on both sides of the second electrode, and the pair of pressing members may press the pair of first electrodes located on both sides of the second electrode, respectively.

[0103] Also, (11) in the cell stack of (3) above, at least one of the plurality of first conductive portions may be joined to at least two of the plurality of first extension portions adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, and at least one of the plurality of second conductive portions may be joined to at least two of the plurality of second extension portions adjacent to each other in the thickness direction.

[0104] Furthermore, (12) in the cell stack of (11) above, the at least one first conductive portion and the at least one second conductive portion may each be annular or U-shaped.

[0105] Furthermore, (13) the cell stack of (12) above may further include a first connection portion that electrically connects the plurality of first conductive portions that are connected to one of the plurality of electrochemical cell units, or a second connection portion that electrically connects the plurality of second conductive portions that are connected to one of the plurality of electrochemical cell units.

[0106] Also, (14) in the cell stack of (11) above, the at least one first conductive portion may be joined to all of the first extension portions that are aligned in the thickness direction among the plurality of first extension portions, and the at least one second conductive portion may be joined to all of the second extension portions that are aligned in the thickness direction among the plurality of second extension portions.

[0107] Furthermore, (15) in the cell stack of (14) above, the at least one first conductive portion and the at least one second conductive portion may each have a comb-like shape.

[0108] In one embodiment, (16) an electrochemical device includes a cell stack according to any one of (1) to (15) above.

[0109] The disclosed embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the above-described embodiments may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[0110] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cell 10 Cell unit 11 First electrode 12 Second electrode 13 Insulating layer 20 Pressing member 30 First conductive part 40 Second conductive part 50 Cell stack 100 Electrochemical device

Claims

1. A cell stack comprising: a plurality of electrochemical cell units, each of which comprises an electrochemical cell having a first electrode having an adsorbent that adsorbs carbon dioxide, a second electrode, and an insulating layer located between the first and second electrodes, and a pair of pressing members that press the electrochemical cell in its thickness direction; a plurality of first conductive parts that are electrically connected to the first electrode and aligned along a first direction in which a carbon dioxide-containing gas flows; and a plurality of second conductive parts that are electrically connected to the second electrode and aligned in the first direction, wherein the plurality of first conductive parts are located between the plurality of second conductive parts, or the plurality of second conductive parts are located between the plurality of first conductive parts in the first direction.

2. The cell stack according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first conductive parts have a different shape from the plurality of second conductive parts.

3. A cell stack as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the pair of pressing members has a plurality of first extension portions extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a plan view, the second electrode has a plurality of second extension portions extending in the second direction, each of the plurality of first extension portions being connected to at least one of the plurality of first conductive portions, and each of the plurality of second extension portions being connected to at least one of the plurality of second conductive portions.

4. The cell stack according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of second conductive parts is a spacer that separates two adjacent electrochemical cell units from each other among the plurality of electrochemical cell units.

5. A cell stack according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of second conductive portions has an external thread portion and an internal thread portion, and of two second conductive portions adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, the internal thread portion of one second conductive portion screws into the external thread portion of the other second conductive portion.

6. The cell stack according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the pair of pressing members are fixed to each other by a fixing member.

7. The cell stack according to claim 6, wherein the fixing member fixes the pair of pressing members together in the plurality of first extending portions.

8. The cell stack according to claim 7, wherein the fixing member is electrically conductive.

9. The cell stack according to claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of first conductive parts is fixed to one of the pair of pressing members by the fixing member.

10. The cell stack according to claim 9, wherein the electrochemical cell has a pair of the insulating layers and a pair of the first electrodes located on either side of the second electrode, and the pair of pressing members press the pair of first electrodes located on either side of the second electrode, respectively.

11. A cell stack as described in claim 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of first conductive portions is joined to at least two of the plurality of first extension portions adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, and at least one of the plurality of second conductive portions is joined to at least two of the plurality of second extension portions adjacent to each other in the thickness direction.

12. The cell stack according to claim 11, wherein the at least one first conductive portion and the at least one second conductive portion are each annular or U-shaped.

13. The cell stack according to claim 12, further comprising a first connection portion that electrically connects the plurality of first conductive portions that are connected to one of the plurality of electrochemical cell units, or a second connection portion that electrically connects the plurality of second conductive portions that are connected to one of the plurality of electrochemical cell units.

14. A cell stack as described in claim 11, wherein the at least one first conductive portion is joined to all of the first extension portions that are aligned in the thickness direction among the plurality of first extension portions, and the at least one second conductive portion is joined to all of the second extension portions that are aligned in the thickness direction among the plurality of second extension portions.

15. The cell stack according to claim 14, wherein the at least one first conductive portion and the at least one second conductive portion are each comb-shaped.

16. An electrochemical device comprising the cell stack according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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