Exchangeable catalyst cartridge in a flow cell and assembly method

Abstract

An exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) comprising i) a first electrode lid (11), and a second electrode lid (12), and an electrode (13) in between; ii) a conductive gasket (14). Assembly method for the flow cell (2) in a press (3), comprising the steps of i) assembling a first block (33) with a first flow chamber (21), a anode flow plate (25), a separating membrane (26) and a second flow chamber (22) in a static press plate (31) of the press (3); ii) assembly a second block (34) with a third flow chamber (23) in an opposite moveable press plate (32) of the press (3); iii) inserting a first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1); iv) pressing the first block (33), the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and the second block (34) into a flow cell (2) unit; v) measuring the catalyst performance.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] EXCHANGEABLE CATALYST CARTRIDGE IN A FLOW CELL AND ASSEMBLY METHOD

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An exchangeable catalyst cartridge comprising a first electrode lid, a second electrode lid, with an electrode in between, and a conductive gasket for providing an electrical contact; a flow cell comprising a first flow chamber, a second flow chamber and a third flow chamber, with a flow inlet and a flow outlet; and the related assembly method, according to claims 1 to 14, incorporating notable innovations and advantages over technical solutions used so far.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is currently known to test electrodes or catalysts in fuel cells and electrocatalytic cells to check how well they work and last in real-life conditions. Key things to measure include how much current they produce, how long they stay effective, and how well they convert materials. The flow cell allows for continuous testing, simulating better real-world use than static tests. Researchers aim to improve materials and cell designs for better performance and longer life. Evaluating the performance and durability of electrodes and catalysts in electrochemical systems involves various tests. The common approaches are Accelerated Stress Tests (ASTs), which simulate real-world conditions by subjecting the catalysts and electrodes to extreme operating conditions, such as high current densities, temperature variations, and humidity changes. ASTs help assess long-term stability and degradation. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measures impedance at different frequencies to analyse charge transfer resistance, mass transport limitations, and other electrochemical properties. It provides insights into catalyst performance and electrode behaviour. Open-Circuit Potential (OCP) which measures during fluctuating current cycles mimic dynamic operating conditions. It reveals catalyst stability and potential-induced degradation. Polarization curves show the relationship between current density and cell voltage. They help determine catalyst activity, efficiency, and performance under varying conditions. Durability testing involves long-term stability tests that assess catalyst and electrode performance over thousands of hours. Degradation rates, activity losses, and material changes are monitored in this test. Recent progress focuses on the discovery of better materials, improved ways to coat electrodes, and understanding how liquid flow affects reactions.A patent related to the present invention is the CN104577176A, which describes a device for horizontally loading fuel cell stacks. The device comprises a driving device, a stack pressing device and a horizontal base, wherein the stack pressing device consists of a first pressing plate and a second pressing plate and is arranged on the horizontal base, the opposite surfaces of the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate are parallel and perpendicular to the horizontal base, and templates for fixing end plates on two ends of a fuel cell are respectively arranged on the opposite surfaces of the first pressing plate and the second pressing plate; a plurality of positioning holes are correspondingly formed in the two templates and used for mounting external positioning rods of the fuel cell stacks. The second pressing plate is driven under the control of a control system to horizontally move to the first pressing plate, and a stack assembly inserted between the two templates can be pressed tightly. Preferably, the horizontal base at the bottom of the template forms an integral frame structure with the positioning rods placed in the positioning holes of the template for external positioning of the carbon plates and the membrane electrodes.

[0007] Another patent related to the present invention is the CN112952175A, which describes a press machine and a method for press-fitting fuel cell stacks, wherein the exemplary press-fitting machine is capable of stacking fuel cell stacks together. The press-fitting assembly can accurately detect the downward pressure exerted on the fuel cell stack by the system via sensors to ensure that the downward pressure of the fuel cell stack is within the preset range and to ensure that the fuel cell stack is press-fitted correctly. An exemplary press-fitting machine for press-fitting a fuel cell stack includes at least one pressure sensor for detecting the magnitude of the pressure received by the fuel cell stack and the pressure received by the fuel cell stack detected by the pressure sensor is transmitted to a control module, wherein the control module is configured to generate a corresponding speed control command according to the pressure level of the fuel cell stack.

[0008] DE10151519 A1 discloses a reactor for a catalytic reaction, particularly for a gas generation system in a fuel cell. The reactor is built in a stacked design comprising alternating inlet regions, catalyst-containing regions, and outlet regions. The catalyst is provided in what is described as a self-supporting and exchangeable catalyst cartridge, which can be easily inserted and removed for replacement. This cartridge is positioned between porous material plates that ensure an even distribution of the reactant gas flow to the catalyst and collection of the product gas.WO 2020 / 008251 A1 relates to a modular device for generating hydrogen gas from a liquid hydrogen carrier. The device comprises a housing containing one or more removable cartridges that hold the catalyst material. These cartridges can be arranged in various configurations, including parallel or stacked in series, where the outer surfaces of the stacked cartridges can form the exterior housing of the device. The design is intended to facilitate maintenance by allowing for the inspection and replacement of individual catalyst cartridges.

[0009] EP3913114 A1 describes an electrochemical system for water splitting that utilizes a specific catalyst component. This component is designed as an exchangeable cassette and comprises a support structure, such as a ceramic weave, which is coated with a thin layer of catalyst material (e.g., iridium oxide). The purpose of designing the catalyst component as an exchangeable cassette is to allow for its easy replacement within the electrochemical cell, as the catalyst may degrade faster than other cell components.

[0010] DE4033016 A1 pertains to an electrolytic flow-through cell for applications such as water treatment. The cell's interior contains several exchangeable cassettes arranged within a housing. These include electrode cassettes and, notably, a catalyst cassette comprising a ceramic carrier (such as a honeycomb structure) with a catalyst layer. The use of a cassette form for the components, including the catalyst, is explicitly intended to allow for easy exchange and maintenance of the different functional parts of the cell.

[0011] However, there are no prior art disclosures aimed specifically to flow cell configurations which are convenient to be assembled / dissembled in automated systems that enable to test multiple electrodes in a flow cell and find the most suitable one for specific conditions.

[0012] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a flow cell and an automated assembly and / or disassembly method for testing different electrodes, membranes, diaphragms and / or catalysts deposited on said parts of the cell. The flow cell of the invention and the said method enable testing of multiple catalysts, electrodes, membranes and diaphragms in a cell and find the most suitable one for specific conditions. From now on, when referring to electrodes, we refer to electrodes based on different materials, with or without catalyst deposited and with different shapes and geometries, including foams, plates, meshes, felts, among others.

[0014] The design of the flow cell is based on three compartments: CO2 gas chamber, a catholyte chamber, and an anolyte chamber. This configuration is usually used for CO2 reductionreaction (CO2RR) studies under flow conditions. Each compartment is equipped with a gas or liquid inlet and a respective outlet to enable continuous flow operation during the electrocatalytic reaction. For the electrochemical process, two electrodes need to be installed in the flow cell: a cathode and an anode. The cathode is placed between the CO2 gas chamber and the catholyte chamber, as it hosts the CO2RR. Whereas the anode is installed between the catholyte chamber and anolyte chamber.

[0015] The flow cell of the present invention is destined for automated processing; hence it is applicable in a sequential testing of CO2RR catalysts performance, but it can also be used to study different reaction and fuel cells. For example, electrochemical reaction in flow condition that can be study are CO2 reduction reaction, water splitting, nitrogen fixation, chlor-alkali process, organic electrosynthesis, among others. The design is tailored to specifically facilitate its fully automatic assembling and disassembling. Consecutively performed, fully autonomous cell reassembly is aligned with the catalyst deposited in the electrode reload and thus it allows for high throughput screening of a variety of catalyst materials.

[0016] More particularly, the invention is related to an exchangeable catalyst cartridge comprising i) a first electrode lid, and a second electrode lid, and an electrode between the first electrode lid, and the second electrode lid; ii) a conductive gasket placed next to the electrode for providing an electrical contact. Therefore, it is designed to be suitable for various electrode materials, including gas diffusion layer (GDL) electrodes, foams, plates, meshes, felts, among others, so that it can be used also with a cathode catalyst or an anode catalyst based on named formats, achieving a highly versatile and easily expandable cell architecture. Adding said exchangeable catalyst cartridge component to a flow cell creates a platform suitable for the investigation of both cathode and anode catalysts deposited on electrodes by high throughput screening. The flow cell may be specifically an electrochemical flow cell.

[0017] Just to add that the exchangeable catalyst cartridge may comprise three main elements that, when assembled, compose at least one electrode catalyst holder. Two lids may be used to lodge the electrode catalyst in between, making its relocation procedure easy and safe. The design of both lids may be custom fitted to include an additional conductive gasket that provides an electrical contact to the electrode. The conductive gasket may be placed directly next to the electrode.Additionally, the first electrode lid and / or the second electrode lid comprise a holder, to facilitate grasping by a robotic arm, and to be transferred for the catalyst reloading. Hence, on one side of each lid an elongated handle is added as a holder.

[0018] Complementarily, the first electrode lid and the second electrode lid comprise a window cut in order to define the area of the catalyst from both sides. The window cut may have different geometries, optionally a square shape, placed in the middle of the first electrode lid and the second electrode lid.

[0019] The invention is also related to a flow cell, comprising the exchangeable catalyst cartridge, and further comprising a first flow chamber, a second flow chamber and a third flow chamber, comprising all said first flow chamber, second flow chamber and third flow chamber, a flow inlet and a flow outlet, in order to enable continuous flow operating during the electrocatalytic reaction. The flow can be a gas or a liquid. As mentioned, the flow cell may be specifically an electrochemical flow cell.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first flow chamber is a gas chamber, so said first flow chamber can deliver CO2 to the electrode catalyst.

[0021] More precisely, the first flow chamber comprises a first engraved serpentine flow field on the internal side of the first flow chamber that faces the electrode catalyst. The size of the flow field is adjusted to the exposed geometric surface area of the catalyst. Additionally, a sealing gasket is placed between the first flow chamber and the exchangeable catalyst cartridge to seal the space where gaseous phase is introduced to the electrode catalyst.

[0022] Furthermore, the second flow chamber and third flow chamber are liquid chambers. Therefore, they can be filled and conduct the said type of catholyte.

[0023] More specifically, the second flow chamber is a catholyte chamber and the third flow chamber is an anolyte chamber. Said anolyte chamber is preferably the external part of the flow cell unit, designed to be attached to a static press plate. It is used for the introduction of electrolyte solution to the anode catalyst. On the back side, the anolyte chamber is equipped with a liquid inlet and outlet. Both pipelines, in and out, are directed through holes pierced in the static press plate. Thus, the anolyte circulates in a continuous flow through the anolyte chamber, fuelling fresh anolyte for anodic process. On the other hand, the catholyte chamber is the middle compartment of the flow cell, used to deliver a catholyte solution to the cathode catalyst. Theinterspace of the compartment creates a catholyte chamber for the catholyte that will continuously flow through that compartment. The dimensions of the interspace are aligned to the exposed catalyst surface.

[0024] Preferably, the second flow chamber comprises an electrode inlet for a reference electrode. This allows for thorough electrochemical investigation of the catalysts, particularly in a three-electrode configuration.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the exchangeable catalyst cartridge is placed between the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber, with optionally two sealing gaskets at both sides of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge, for a more reliable testing of the electrodes.

[0026] It should be noted that, preferably the electrode of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge is a cathode, hosting the CO2 reduction reaction.

[0027] Complementarily, an anode flow plate with an anode is placed between the catholyte chamber and the anolyte chamber.

[0028] It is worth mentioning that the anode flow plate is a custom-fitted metal plate with second engraved serpentine flow field. Therefore, the flow enters from behind of the anolyte chamber through the inlet at the one end of the serpentine, and it exits through the outlet at the opposite end. The flow field is faced towards the anode electrode to deliver electrolyte for the anodic reaction (OER).

[0029] Besides, a separating membrane is placed between the catholyte chamber and the anode flow plate. It prevents reoxidation of CO2RR products on the anode electrode while selectively allowing for an undisrupted flow of charge carriers (anionic) species. The separating membrane causes low ohmic drop and exhibits high resilience during multiple reusing operations. Nevertheless, the use of the reference electrode in the chamber to study eliminates complications derived from potential ohmic drop changes of the membrane, which makes it suitable for high throughput applications. The reference electrode can be placed in either catholyte or anolyte chamber, but for the specific application it is placed in the cathode chamber.Specifically, the separating membrane is an ion-exchange layer. And optionally, it is included a sealing gasket between separating membrane and the catholyte chamber.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly method for the flow cell in a press, comprises the steps of i) assembling a first block with a first flow chamber, a anode flow plate, a separating membrane and a second flow chamber in a static press plate of the press, with optionally, assembling a sealing gasket in between; ii) assembling a second block with a third flow chamber in an opposite moveable press plate of the press, with optionally, assembling a sealing gasket in between; iii) inserting a first exchangeable catalyst cartridge between the first block and the second block; iv) pressing the first block, the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge and the second block into a flow cell unit; v) measuring the catalyst performance in the flow cell. Therefore, a solid assembly of the flow cell unit is achieved, being able to reach a high catalyst performance.

[0031] Additionally, the assembly method for a flow cell, further comprises the steps of vi) displacing the moveable press plate from the static press plate; vii) extracting the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge; viii) introducing a second exchangeable catalyst cartridge; ix) pressing the first block, the second exchangeable catalyst cartridge and the second block into a flow cell unit; x) measuring the catalyst performance in the flow cell, therefore enabling to test multiple electrodes in a flow cell and find the most suitable one for specific conditions. The invention is critical to the results obtained from the rapid and reliable evaluation of catalysts automatically.

[0032] In the attached drawings it is shown, by way of non-limiting example, an exchangeable catalyst cartridge in a flow cell and assembly method, constituted according to the invention. Other characteristics and advantages of said exchangeable catalyst cartridge in a flow cell and assembly method, which is the object of the present invention, will become apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1.- Is a view of an exchangeable catalyst cartridge in a flow cell, in accordance with the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2.- Is a view of a press for an assembly method, and replacement of an exchangeable catalyst cartridge in a flow cell, in accordance with the present invention.DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] In view of the aforementioned figures and, according to the numbering adopted, a preferred embodiment of the invention can be seen in them, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.

[0037] A press-assisted autonomous assembly procedure is used to integrate the individual components of the flow cell (2) into tightly sealed unit. For that, the flow cell (2) is preferably mounted in a horizontal orientation. Thus, its constituents are placed side by side starting from the anolyte chamber (23a) on the left to the first flow chamber (21) or CO2 gas chamber on the right, as depicted in Figure 1. The press (3) is programmed to squeeze, as depicted in Figure 2 from the gas chamber side after each exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) reload action, and subsequently to release them after the measurement of the catalyst performance is done. Since the only exchangeable element is the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), all the remaining elements of the flow cell (2) unit from both sides are attached to the opposite plates of the press (3). Hence, the catholyte chamber (22a) and remaining elements on the left of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), are connected to the static press plate (31) in a fixed position. All the elements on the right side from the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), which are the first flow chamber (21) or CO2 gas chamber, plus optionally a sealing gasket (27), are connected to the opposite moveable pressing plate (32). Thus, during the release action, those components of the flow cell (2) are separated to uncover the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), enabling unrestricted access to this element for the reload procedure.

[0038] Preferably, the elements of the flow cell (2) are impaled on four guide rods, as each component has four flow-through pilot holes in its every corner. When the press (3) is released, the first flow chamber (21) or CO2 gas chamber is moved away from the rest of the unit as it is attached to the moveable pressing plate (32). This action uncovers the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), making it accessible for a robotic arm. Subsequently, the robotic arm will slide off the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and transfer it to an electrode reloading station. Then, another pre-assembled exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) system can be easily installed on the guide rods in the reverse sequence of robotic arm operations. In a final step of the assembly procedure, the whole flow cell (2) unit is tightly pressed, as the first flow chamber (21) or CO2 gas chamber, plus optionally the sealing gasket (27), are pushed back on the guide rods to squeeze the cell components into one unit.More specifically, the Figure 1 illustratively shows an exploded view of an exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) in a flow cell (2), with a three-compartment cell architecture. The compartments and the interlaying electrodes are supported by a set of specifically designed components essential for adjusting the flow cell (2) to fully autonomous reassembly operations.

[0039] In particular, it is shown an exploded exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) with a first electrode lid (11), a second electrode lid (12), and an electrode (13), being preferably a cathode (13a), followed to a conductive gasket (14). The first electrode lid (11) and second electrode lid (12) comprise a holder (15) and a window cut (16) in the middle. Said exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) can be inserted in a flow cell (2) with a first flow chamber (21), with a first engraved serpentine flow field (21a), a second flow chamber (22), being preferably a catholyte chamber (22a), comprising an electrode inlet (22b), and a third flow chamber (23), being preferably an anolyte chamber (23a). Said three first, second and third chambers comprise a flow inlet (24a) and a flow outlet (24b). The flow cell (2) also comprises an anode flow plate (25) with an anode (25a) with a second engraved serpentine flow field (25b), and a separating membrane (26) with an ion-exchange layer (26a), and optionally a sealing gasket (27) annexed.

[0040] On the other hand, the Figure 2 illustratively shows a press (3) for an assembly method, for the fully automatic assembling and disassembling of an exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) in a flow cell (2): (A) Fully pressed cell, (B) Fully released cell, and (C) exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) reload in between of a first block (33) and a second block (34). It can be seen the static press plate (31) on the left, and the moveable press plate (32) on the right.

[0041] More particularly, according to figure 1, an exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) comprises i) a first electrode lid (11), and a second electrode lid (12), and an electrode (13) between the first electrode lid (11), and the second electrode lid (12); ii) a conductive gasket (14) placed next to the electrode (13) for providing an electrical contact.

[0042] Preferably, according to figure 1, the first electrode lid (11) and / or the second electrode lid (12) comprise a holder (15), and specifically an elongated handle, that extends laterally.

[0043] In addition, according to figure 1, the first electrode lid (11) and the second electrode lid (12) comprise a window cut (16), being a square window cut (16) in the middle of the first electrode lid (11) and / or the second electrode lid (12).In a preferred embodiment of the invention, according to figure 1, the flow cell (2), comprises an exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), and further a first flow chamber (21), a second flow chamber (22) and a third flow chamber (23), comprising a flow inlet (24a) and a flow outlet (24b).

[0044] Besides, according to figure 1, the first flow chamber (21) is a gas chamber, being the gas CO2.

[0045] Complementarily, according to figure 1, the first flow chamber (21) comprises a first engraved serpentine flow field (21a), on the internal side of said first flow chamber (21) that will directly face the cathode catalyst.

[0046] It should be noted that, according to figure 1, the second flow chamber (22) and third flow chamber (23) are liquid chambers.

[0047] More precisely, according to figure 1 , the second flow chamber (22) is a catholyte chamber (22a) and the third flow chamber (23) is an anolyte chamber (23a).

[0048] Advantageously, according to figure 1 , the second flow chamber (22) comprises an electrode inlet (22b) for a reference electrode.

[0049] Preferably, according to figure 1, the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) is placed between the first flow chamber (21) and the second flow chamber (22).

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, according to figure 1, the electrode (13) of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) is a cathode (13a).

[0051] According to another aspect of the invention, according to figure 1, an anode flow plate (25) with an anode (25a) is placed between the catholyte chamber (22a) and the anolyte chamber (23a).

[0052] More specifically, according to figure 1, the anode flow plate (25) is a custom-fitted metal plate of Nickel with a second engraved serpentine flow field (25b) in the center.

[0053] Complementarily, according to figure 1, a separating membrane (26) is placed between the catholyte chamber (22a) and the anode flow plate (25).More precisely, according to figure 1, the separating membrane (26) is an ion-exchange layer (26a).

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, according to figure 1 , all the elements of the flow cell (2) have four flow-through pilot holes in its each corner to be impaled on four guide rods. The guiding rods and liners are used to ensure a perfect assembly of the flow cell (2).

[0055] The present invention also relates to, according to figure 2, to an assembly method for the flow cell (2) in a press (3), comprising the steps of i) assembling a first block (33) with a first flow chamber (21), a anode flow plate (25), a separating membrane (26) and a second flow chamber (22) in a static press plate (31) of the press (3); ii) assembly a second block (34) with a third flow chamber (23) in an opposite moveable press plate (32) of the press (3); iii) inserting a first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) between the first block (33) and the second block (34); iv) pressing the first block (33), the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and the second block (34) into a flow cell (2) unit; v) measuring the catalyst performance in the flow cell (2).

[0056] In addition, according to figure 2, the assembly method for a flow cell (2) further comprising the steps of vi) displacing the moveable press plate (32) from the static press plate (31); vii) extracting the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1); viii) introducing a second exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1); ix) pressing the first block (33), the second exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and the second block (34) into a flow cell (2) unit; x) measuring the catalyst performance in the flow cell (2).

[0057] The present invention also relates to an autonomous assembly and / or disassembly system comprising a robotic arm to grasp and transfer the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) element of the flow cell (2), at least two pressure sensors installed on each lateral side of the flow cell (2), a programmable press (3) device with a static press plate (31) and a moveable press plate (32) located parallel to each other in a horizontal orientation. The elements of the first block (33) from one side of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) are attached to the static press plate (31) in a fixed position and the elements of the second block (34) from the other side of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) are attached to the opposite moveable press plate (32) in a fixed position. The assembly and / or disassembly system performs a procedure comprising the steps of programming a press (3) to squeeze all the elements of the flow cell (2) in a horizontal orientation after each exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) reload action; releasingthe elements of the flow cell (2) after the measurement of the catalyst performance is done to uncover the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) enabling it accessible for a robotic arm; sliding off the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and transfer it to an electrode reloading station by a robotic arm.

[0058] In addition, another pressure sensor can be placed on the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) to monitor the exact pressure that is being applied to the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) component. The exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) assembly is executed by a separate station to prevent any damage to the flow cell (2) and the said sensor initiates a pressure adjusting procedure. The fully automatic assembling and disassembling procedure permits a sequential testing of C02RR catalysts cathodes performance. It can be used to form a simple flow cell (2) or to prepare flow cell (2) stacks. To control the press strength and to ensure precise flow cell (2) assembly, pressure sensors can be installed on both sides of the layered cell system.

[0059] The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the components used in the exchangeable catalyst cartridge in a flow cell and assembly method, may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent, and do not depart from the essential nature of the invention or from the scope defined by the claims that are included in the following list.List of numerical references:

[0060] 1 exchangeable catalyst cartridge

[0061] 11 first electrode lid

[0062] 12 second electrode lid

[0063] 13 electrode

[0064] 13a cathode

[0065] 14 conductive gasket

[0066] 15 holder

[0067] 16 window cut

[0068] 2 flow cell

[0069] 21 first flow chamber

[0070] 21a first engraved serpentine flow field 22 second flow chamber

[0071] 22a catholyte chamber

[0072] 22b electrode inlet

[0073] 23 third flow chamber

[0074] 23a anolyte chamber

[0075] 24a flow inlet

[0076] 24b flow outlet

[0077] 25 anode flow plate

[0078] 25a anode

[0079] 25b second engraved serpentine flow field 26 separating membrane

[0080] 26a ion-exchange layer

[0081] 27 sealing gasket

[0082] 3 press

[0083] 31 static press plate

[0084] 32 moveable press plate

[0085] 33 first block

[0086] 34 second block

Claims

CLAIMS1.- A flow cell (2), comprising an exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1), the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) comprising: i) a first electrode lid (11), and a second electrode lid (12), and an electrode (13) between the first electrode lid (11), and the second electrode lid (12); ii) a conductive gasket (14) placed next to the electrode (13) for providing an electrical contact; further comprising a first flow chamber (21), a second flow chamber (22) and a third flow chamber (23), comprising a flow inlet (24a) and a flow outlet (24b).2.- A flow cell (2), according to claim 1 , wherein the first flow chamber (21) is a gas chamber.3.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first flow chamber (21) comprises a first engraved serpentine flow field (21a).4.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second flow chamber (22) and third flow chamber (23) are liquid chambers.5.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second flow chamber (22) is a catholyte chamber (22a) and the third flow chamber (23) is an anolyte chamber (23a).6.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein the second flow chamber (22) comprises an electrode inlet (22b) for a reference electrode.7.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) is placed between the first flow chamber (21) and the second flow chamber (22).8.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein the electrode (13) of the exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) is a cathode (13a).9.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims, wherein an anode flow plate (25) with an anode (25a) is placed between the catholyte chamber (22a) and the anolyte chamber (23a).10.- A flow cell (2), according to claim 9, wherein the anode flow plate (25) is a custom-fitted metal plate with second engraved serpentine flow field (25b).11.- A flow cell (2), according to any of the previous claims 9 to 10, wherein a separating membrane (26) is placed between the catholyte chamber (22a) and the anode flow plate (25).12.- A flow cell (2), according to claim 11, wherein the separating membrane (26) is an ionexchange layer (26a).13.- Assembly method for the flow cell (2) of claims 1 to 12 in a press (3), comprising the steps of:i) assembling a first block (33) with a first flow chamber (21), an anode flow plate (25), a separating membrane (26) and a second flow chamber (22) in a static press plate (31) of the press (3);ii) assembly a second block (34) with a third flow chamber (23) in an opposite moveable press plate (32) of the press (3);iii) inserting a first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) between the first block (33) and the second block (34);iv) pressing the first block (33), the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and the second block (34) into a flow cell (2) unit;v) measuring the catalyst performance in the flow cell (2).14.- Assembly method for a flow cell (2), according to claim 13, wherein, further comprising the steps of:vi) displacing the moveable press plate (32) from the static press plate (31);vii) extracting the first exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1);viii) introducing a second exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1);ix) pressing the first block (33), the second exchangeable catalyst cartridge (1) and the second block (34) into a flow cell (2) unit;x) measuring the catalyst performance in the flow cell (2).

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