Counter Electrode Sealing Member for Gas Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas recovery systems face a decrease in recovery capacity due to the oxidation of electroactive materials in the counter electrode when exposed to mixed gases.
Innovation Solution
A gas recovery system that includes an electrochemical cell with a counter electrode sealing member made of an impermeable film, preventing contact between the mixed gas and the counter electrode, thus suppressing oxidation and maintaining recovery capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the counter electrode is exposed to mixed gas, then the electrochemical cell can operate, but the electroactive materials in the counter electrode undergo oxidation which decreases recovery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the mixed gas environment and the counter electrode. This sealing member prevents direct contact between the mixed gas and the counter electrode, thereby eliminating the oxidation pathway while maintaining the operational integrity of the electrochemical cell
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is constructed as a film-like structure that conformally seals the counter electrode and current collector assembly. This thin film configuration effectively isolates the electroactive materials from the mixed gas without significantly increasing device complexity or volume
2Reliability
If a sealing member is added to protect the counter electrode, then oxidation is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is integrated with the existing counter electrode and current collector components, forming a unified sealed assembly. This merging approach allows the sealing function to be added without proportionally increasing the number of discrete parts or assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides oxidation protection, maintains structural integrity of the electrochemical cell, and potentially serves as a barrier to gas leakage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components
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 system effectively prevents the oxidation of electroactive materials in the counter electrode, thereby maintaining the recovery capacity of the gas recovery system.
Implementation Method 1
The working electrode contains a gas to be recovered adsorbent that adsorbs the gas to be recovered from the mixed gas
Implementation Method 2
The counter electrode contains an electroactive auxiliary material that transfers electrons to and from the working electrode
Implementation Method 3
The separator is disposed between the working electrode and the counter electrode to prevent physical contact between the working electrode and the counter electrode
Implementation Method 4
The counter electrode sealing member is composed of a film member formed of a material that is impermeable to the mixed gas
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell is configured by laminating a working electrode, a counter electrode, a separator, a working electrode collector material and a counter electrode current collector. The working electrode adsorbs the gas to be recovered. The counter electrode transfers electrons to and from the working electrode. The separator is disposed between the working electrode and the counter electrode to prevent physical contact between the working electrode and the counter electrode to suppress electrical shorts from occurring. The working electrode current collector contacts the working electrode and electrically connects the working electrode to the counter electrode. The counter electrode current collector contacts the counter electrode and electrically connects the working electrode to the counter electrode. The counter electrode sealing member is disposed to cover the counter electrode and the counter electrode current collector with respect to the electrochemical cell to suppress contact between the mixed gas and the counter electrode.