CO2 Electrolysis Cell Flow Path Structure for Gas Diffusion Feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon dioxide electrolysis systems face inefficiencies due to low raw material introduction into the gas diffusion layer, leading to reduced reduction efficiency and increased by-product generation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cathode-side and anode-side solution flow path forming members with flow blocking convex parts and concave parts to obstruct the flow direction, forcing the raw material to pass through the gas diffusion layer and interact with the catalyst, thereby enhancing reduction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a flow path structure with low pressure loss is used, then the raw material directly passes through the gas diffusion layer without being introduced, but the reduction efficiency is not sufficiently high and by-product generation becomes dominant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure lossVSAvoidreduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A flow blocking convex part is introduced as an intermediary structure within the flow path forming member. This convex part acts as a mediator that forces the cathode-side solution to change its flow trajectory, directing it through the gas diffusion layer toward the catalyst layer, thereby preventing direct bypass flow while maintaining overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing direct flow through the gas diffusion layer, the invention inverts the approach by using a flow blocking structure that forces the solution to take an alternative path through the gas diffusion layer and catalyst layer, thereby achieving better reduction efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the flow path structure allows direct passage of raw material, then pressure loss is reduced, but no raw material is supplied to the reaction field and carbon dioxide electrolysis is unlikely to occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path simplicityVSAvoidcarbon dioxide electrolysis occurrence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow blocking convex part serves as an intermediary structure that modifies the flow path without adding complex external components. It reliably directs the cathode-side solution through the gas diffusion layer to ensure carbon dioxide electrolysis occurs at the catalyst layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the flow blocking convex part is added to obstruct flow, then raw material introduction into gas diffusion layer is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveraw material introduction efficiencyVSAvoidflow path structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow blocking convex part is implemented as a localized structural feature within the flow path forming member rather than a complex overall redesign. This local modification achieves improved raw material introduction while minimizing increases in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The flow path forming member is designed with a porous structure that allows the convex part to function as a flow directing element. The porous nature enables fluid passage while the convex geometry provides flow blocking and directing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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

This design improves the introduction of raw material into the gas diffusion layer, increasing the carbon dioxide reduction efficiency and reducing by-product generation.

Implementation Method 1

a flow blocking convex part that projects toward the cathode-side solution flow path so that it obstructs a flow of a cathode-side solution flowing through the cathode-side solution flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow obstruction:

Implementation Method 2

a cathode including a gas diffusion layer and a cathode catalyst layer... electrochemically reduces it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

a diaphragm arranged between the cathode section and the anode section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260035810A1Carbon dioxide electrolysis cell and carbon dioxide electrolysis device

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A carbon dioxide electrolysis cell of the present invention is a raw material solution supply type carbon dioxide electrolysis cell, including a cathode section having a cathode-side solution flow path, an anode section having an anode-side solution flow path, and a diaphragm arranged between the cathode section and the anode section, wherein the cathode section includes a cathode and a cathode-side solution flow path forming member that forms a cathode-side solution flow path between itself and the cathode, wherein the anode section includes an anode, and an anode-side solution flow path forming member that forms an anode-side solution flow path between itself and the anode, and wherein the cathode-side solution flow path forming member includes a flow blocking convex part that obstructs a flow of a cathode-side solution flowing through the cathode-side solution flow path.