Asymmetric Electrochemical Cell for pH-Controlled Hypohalous Acid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cells for producing electrolyzed water require expensive inert electrodes and a membrane, and struggle to efficiently produce hypohalous acid within a desired pH range for effective antimicrobial applications.
Innovation Solution
An asymmetric electrochemical cell with an electrochemical capacitance ratio of at least 7:1 between electrodes, using a processor-controlled power supply to apply specific electrical currents, adsorbs alkali metal cations and produces hypohalous acid through a halogen intermediate, achieving a pH of 2.0 to 4.0 in the product solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrochemical cells use inert electrodes and membranes to produce electrolyzed water, then the structural integrity and chemical stability are maintained, but the cost increases significantly and the ability to efficiently produce hypohalous acid within desired pH range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive inert electrodes with sacrificial metal electrodes (aluminum, zinc, or magnesium) that are consumed during the electrochemical reaction. These sacrificial electrodes dissolve to produce hydrogen ions, maintaining chemical stability while significantly reducing cost. The electrodes are replaced periodically as they are consumed, embodying the disposable principle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of electrode material from inert (titanium, graphite) to reactive metals (aluminum, zinc, magnesium). This parameter change transforms the electrode function from catalytic to sacrificial, enabling efficient hypohalous acid production at desired pH levels while reducing cost.
2Reliability
If conventional electrochemical cells use two expensive inert electrodes, then the electrodes can withstand harsh electrolytic conditions, but the overall device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the membrane component from the conventional two-compartment cell design. By using sacrificial electrodes that directly dissolve in the solution, the system eliminates the need for a physical barrier, simplifying the device structure while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial electrode serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the anode for electrochemical reaction, provides hydrogen ions to control pH, and dissolves to prevent chlorine gas formation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Productivity
If conventional cells produce electrolyzed water with pH 8-13 at the cathode, then hydroxide is liberated effectively, but the desired acidic pH range (2.0-4.0) for optimal antimicrobial efficacy cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using inert electrodes that require membrane separation to control pH, the patent inverts the approach by using sacrificial electrodes that naturally produce hydrogen ions. This inversion allows direct control of pH in the acidic range (2.0-4.0) without requiring complex membrane-based separation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrode material parameter to enable controlled dissolution rates that produce hydrogen ions at rates matching the hypohalous acid formation, thereby maintaining pH in the optimal 2.0-4.0 range for antimicrobial efficacy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of electrolyzed water with a pH range of 2.0 to 4.0, enhancing antimicrobial efficacy and eliminating the need for expensive electrodes and membranes, while allowing for versatile applications in disinfection and skin treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of said alkali metal cations is adsorbed on a surface of the negative electrode in a capacitive mode
Implementation Method 2
the positive electrode produces the hypohalous acid from the halogen anions, via a halogen intermediate, and liberates hydrogen ions (H+)
Data Source
AI summary
Asymmetric electrochemical cell apparatus, and methods of operating such apparatus to produce electrolyzed water.