Composite Oxide Electrode Coating for Low-Overvoltage Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrodes for electrolysis of brine suffer from overvoltage issues and durability limitations, particularly at the cathode, despite the use of materials like stainless steel and nickel coatings with platinum group elements.
Innovation Solution
A coating layer comprising ruthenium oxide, platinum group oxide, manganese oxide, and optionally cerium oxide is applied to a metal substrate, enhancing electrical conductivity and durability through specific weight ratios and manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a precious metal-based electrode (DSA) is used as an anode, then the overvoltage is reduced, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining ruthenium oxide (5-20 wt%), tin oxide (5-30 wt%), and platinum group oxide (1-10 wt%) on a metal substrate. This composite coating layer achieves low overvoltage performance comparable to precious metal DSAs while reducing cost through the use of less expensive metal combinations and optimized material ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the weight ratios of different metal oxides in the coating layer. By adjusting the proportions of ruthenium oxide, tin oxide, and platinum group oxide within specific ranges, the electrode achieves optimal electrical characteristics and low overvoltage without requiring expensive precious metals in high concentrations.
2Loss of energy
If the surface of stainless steel or nickel is coated with nickel oxide, alloy of nickel and tin, activated carbon and oxide, ruthenium oxide, platinum, etc., then the overvoltage is reduced, but the deterioration due to reverse current occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite coating layer consisting of ruthenium oxide, tin oxide, and platinum group oxide. This specific combination provides both low overvoltage and high durability by leveraging the complementary properties of each material: ruthenium oxide for electrical conductivity, tin oxide for stability, and platinum group oxide for catalytic activity and resistance to reverse current deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a coating layer with specific spatial distribution and composition on the metal substrate surface. The coating layer is formulated to have optimized local concentrations of different metal oxides, ensuring that the surface properties provide both low overvoltage and resistance to reverse current effects while maintaining overall electrode durability.
3Productivity
If platinum group elements such as ruthenium and lanthanides such as cerium are used to adjust the composition of active materials, then the activity of the cathode is improved, but the overvoltage phenomenon occurs and deterioration due to reverse current occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with a specific formulation: ruthenium oxide (5-20 wt%) for high catalytic activity, tin oxide (5-30 wt%) for stability and resistance to reverse current, and platinum group oxide (1-10 wt%) for enhanced electrical conductivity. This balanced composite composition achieves high cathode activity while minimizing overvoltage and preventing reverse current deterioration.
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 electrode exhibits improved overvoltage performance and durability, minimizing the need for subsequent activation processes and maintaining mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
a tin oxide contained in a coating layer interacts with a ruthenium oxide and a platinum group oxide which are contained together to improve electrical conductivity
Implementation Method 2
A technology for electrolyzing low-cost brine such as seawater to produce hydroxides, hydrogen, and chlorine is well known
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode for electrolysis having a coating layer containing a ruthenium oxide, a platinum group oxide, and a manganese oxide. The electrode for electrolysis of the present invention is characterized by exhibiting excellent durability and an improved overvoltage since a tin oxide contained in a coating layer interacts with a ruthenium oxide and a platinum group oxide which are contained together to improve electrical conductivity.