Capacitive Electrode Gel Sealing for Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive electrodes for electro-membrane processes face limitations due to the use of expensive and hazardous materials, and the thickness of the capacitive layer is restricted by delamination issues, leading to reduced capacity and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive electrode design featuring a flexible, moist capacitive layer enclosed within a housing and sealed by a gel layer, eliminating delamination and allowing for increased thickness, which is independent of the current feeder and does not require binders, thus enhancing capacity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the thickness of the capacitive layer is increased to enhance electrode capacity, then the capacity increases, but delamination of the capacitive layer from the current feeder occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A gel layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the capacitive layer and the current feeder. This gel layer acts as a bonding medium that prevents delamination while allowing the capacitive layer to be applied without toxic binders. The gel layer maintains intimate contact between the capacitive layer and current feeder even at increased thicknesses of 5-50 mm, resolving the adhesion problem that previously limited layer thickness.
2Reliability
If a binder is used to bond the capacitive layer to the current feeder, then adhesion is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gel layer is used as a temporary bonding medium during application and operation, replacing expensive conventional binders like PVDF or PTFE. The gel layer can be easily applied and serves its bonding function without requiring the costly materials traditionally used, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective adhesion between the capacitive layer and current feeder.
3Reliability
If a binder is used to bond the capacitive layer, then adhesion is achieved, but electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gel layer provides a porous, ion-conductive pathway between the capacitive layer and current feeder that maintains excellent electrical conductivity. Unlike conventional binders that create insulating barriers, the gel layer's porous structure allows efficient ion transport, minimizing electrical resistance while still providing the necessary adhesion function.
4Quantity of substance
If the capacitive layer is made thicker to increase capacity, then capacity increases, but delamination occurs at increased thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The gel layer serves as a stable intermediary that maintains the integrity of the layered structure at increased thicknesses. It distributes mechanical stresses uniformly across the interface between the capacitive layer and current feeder, preventing the delamination that would otherwise occur at thicknesses exceeding 1-2.5 mm. This enables the construction of thicker capacitive layers (5-50 mm) while maintaining structural stability.
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 design increases the capacitive layer thickness, resulting in proportional capacity enhancement, reduces electrical resistance, and eliminates the need for expensive binders and additional ion-selective membranes, while maintaining effective ion transport and surface area, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective capacitive electrode.
Implementation Method 1
a gel layer that is positioned in contact with the capacitive layer and that is provided in or adjacent to the opening such that the gel layer seals the opening
Implementation Method 2
The capacitive electrode is configured to, during use, store ions and conduct electrons
Implementation Method 3
the capacitive layer, during use of the electrode, is a flexible, moist layer that is kept enclosed in the housing by the gel layer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
− The invention relates to a capacitive electrode comprising:an electrode housing comprising: ~ a number of housing walls that enclose a housing space; and ~ an opening that is operatively connected to the housing space, and wherein the opening is configured to be positioned adjacent an end membrane of a membrane stack; − a capacitive layer that is positioned in the housing space; − a current feeder that is positioned in the housing space and that is in electrical contact with the capacitive layer; − a gel layer that is positioned in contact with the capacitive layer; wherein the gel layer is provided in or adjacent to the opening such that the gel layer seals the opening, or wherein the gel layer is positioned near a bottom housing wall of the housing and the current feeder is positioned in or near the opening.