Polycrystalline Diamond Electrode with Conductive Coating for Ozone Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical cells for ozone production from water face inefficiencies in current distribution and ozone productivity due to suboptimal electrode designs, particularly in the distribution of electrical charge across the electrode surface.

Innovation Solution

The electrode assembly features a polycrystalline diamond electrode body with a conductive layer applied via sputter deposition, where the conductive material, such as titanium, forms bonds with the diamond structure to enhance current distribution, and an insulating layer is used to seal and protect the conductive material, optimizing current density and ozone production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a polycrystalline diamond electrode body is used, then electrode stability and chemical inertness are improved, but electrical conductivity and current distribution are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode stabilityVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polycrystalline diamond (providing stability and chemical inertness) with a conductive coating layer (providing electrical conductivity). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials: the diamond substrate ensures reliability while the conductive coating enhances power transmission and current distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the electrode surface area is increased, then ozone production capacity is improved, but current density distribution becomes non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveozone production capacityVSAvoidcurrent density distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a conductive coating layer with specific properties on the electrode surface. This coating is applied uniformly across the surface to ensure even current distribution, while the electrode geometry (such as the ratio of length to width being at least 2:1) is optimized to maintain uniform current density. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring that increased surface area does not compromise current distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a simple electrode structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ozone production efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode structure complexityVSAvoidozone production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the polycrystalline diamond electrode with a conductive material before use. This preliminary coating step ensures that the electrode has optimal electrical conductivity and current distribution characteristics from the outset, thereby enhancing ozone production efficiency without requiring complex structural modifications during operation. The electrode geometry is also predetermined with specific aspect ratios to optimize performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly improves the distribution of electrical charge and current density across the electrode surface, leading to enhanced ozone production efficiency and productivity in electrochemical cells.

Implementation Method 1

The electrode body is provided with a layer of electrically conductive material on the second contact surface... The conductive material, such as titanium, forms bonds with the diamond structure to enhance current distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSputter deposition: Sputtering

Implementation Method 2

the distribution of electrical charge from the conductor along and across the electrode body is significantly improved by means of the layer of electrically conductive material and provides an improved and more even current density across the surface of the electrode body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

The electrochemical production of ozone from water may be represented generally by the following formula: 3H2O -> O3 + 3H2... The reaction at the anode of the electrochemical cell may be represented by the following formula: 3H2O -> O3 + 6H+

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3548649B1Electrode and electrochemical cell comprising the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 OXI TECH SOLUTIONS LTD

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AI summary

An electrode assembly for use in an electrochemical cell for the production of ozone from water is provided, the electrode assembly comprising an electrode body formed from a polycrystalline diamond, the electrode body comprising first and second opposing contact surfaces, the first contact surface for contacting a semi- permeable membrane; wherein the electrode assembly further comprises a first layer comprising an electrically conductive material, the first layer extending across at least a portion of the second contact surface of the electrode body. An electrochemical cell comprising the electrode assembly and its use in the production of ozone by the electrolysis of water is also provided.