Composite Deionization Electrode Coating With Uniform Ion Exchange Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing capacitive deionization electrodes result in non-uniform ion exchange layers and insufficient mechanical strength due to inadequate tension control during coating, limiting the production of high-quality electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing apparatus and method that includes expanding polymer sheets in the width direction, impregnating them with an ion exchange solution, and using corona discharge or plasma treatment to enhance hydrophilicity, followed by laminating and coating the sheets with ion exchange layers to ensure uniform thickness and mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ion exchange layer is coated on polymer sheet to increase ion exchange functional groups, then deionization performance is improved, but moisture content increases and mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a hydrophobic porous polymer sheet as support and a hydrophilic ion exchange layer as functional coating. This composite material approach allows the hydrophobic support to provide mechanical strength while the hydrophilic ion exchange layer provides deionization performance, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and deionization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the electrode: the bulk polymer sheet is hydrophobic and porous to provide mechanical support, while the surface ion exchange layer is hydrophilic to provide ion exchange functionality. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If ion exchange layer is coated on polymer sheet, then ion exchange performance is improved, but coating uniformity deteriorates due to insufficient film tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions before coating the ion exchange layer: the polymer sheet is stretched to establish proper tension, and the surface undergoes treatment (such as plasma or corona treatment) to enhance adhesion. These preliminary actions ensure that the subsequent coating process produces uniform ion exchange layers with consistent thickness and quality.
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 process improves the quality and mechanical strength of composite deionization electrodes by ensuring uniform ion exchange layer formation and utilizing hydrophobic porous polymer sheets as supports, enhancing deionization performance and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
a porous polymer sheet which is expanded in a width direction using an expanding roll
Implementation Method 2
a surface treatment part surface-treating the polymer sheet supplied from the polymer sheet supply part using corona discharge or plasma
Data Source
AI summary
THE PRESENT INVENTION RELATES TO AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPOSITE DEIONIZATION ELECTRODE, IN WHICH, IN A COMPOSITE DEIONIZATION ELECTRODE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, AN ION EXCHANGE LAYER HAVING A UNIFORM THICKNESS CAN BE COATED IN A STATE IN WHICH THE TENSION OF A SHEET ON WHICH THE ION EXCHANGE LAYER IS FORMED CAN BE SUFFICIENTLY SECURED, THUS ENABLING THE MASS PRODUCTION OF A HIGH-QUALITY COMPOSITE DEIONIZATION ELECTRODE.