Electrochemical Pump Segmented Cell Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for additional devices and methods to produce fluid flow and/or pressurization using electrochemical means, as existing technologies are limited in their ability to effectively manipulate fluids on the nano- and micro-scale for applications such as microfluidics, smart structures, and electrochemical processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrochemical pumps that utilize a divided electrochemical cell with an ionically conducting separator to produce changes in pressure and volume by passing current through the cell, allowing for fluid flow and pressurization, with embodiments capable of producing flow rates from 0.01 nL/min to 1 mL/min and pressures up to 2 atmospheres, and featuring flexible operation including reverse pumping and accurate delivery rates without moving mechanical parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrochemical pumps are designed to produce higher pressure and flow rates, then pumping performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into multiple compartments (anode compartment, cathode compartment, product compartment) separated by ion-exchange membranes, allowing independent optimization of each section for enhanced flow rate while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical cell serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates pressure differential for pumping, separates ions through membranes, and enables reversible operation for forward and reverse pumping, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying overall device structure
2Productivity
If electrochemical pumps operate continuously for extended periods, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to electrode degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates by periodically reversing the polarity of the applied voltage, which switches the oxidation-reduction reactions between electrodes. This parameter change allows electrodes to alternate between anodic and cathodic roles, distributing degradation evenly and extending operational duration while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical reactions continue uninterrupted during polarity reversal, with the product compartment continuously receiving pressurized fluid. The system maintains continuous pumping action through oscillating voltage application, eliminating idle periods and maximizing productivity over extended operation
3Manufacturing precision
If ion-exchange membranes with smaller pore sizes are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to membrane resistance
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the membrane system are optimized for different functions: selective membranes with precise pore sizes are used where ion separation is critical, while membranes with higher ion conductivity are positioned where bulk ion transport is prioritized, balancing manufacturing precision with substance transport efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ion-exchange membranes act as intermediaries that facilitate selective ion transport while maintaining the pressure differential. The membranes mediate between the electrochemical reactions at electrodes and the fluid pumping function, allowing precise control of ion flow while minimizing substance loss through optimized membrane properties
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 electrochemical pumps enable flexible and efficient fluid manipulation, allowing for repeat sampling, multi-pass processes, and fluid mixing, with the ability to induce flow or pressure changes in electrolyte solutions or ionic liquids, which can be used to drive external fluid flow or movement of solid bodies, offering a scalable and precise solution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
passage of current through the cell results in a change in the pressure and/or volume of electrolyte solution or ionic liquid associated with at least one compartment of the cell
Implementation Method 2
The electrochemical cell is operated so that the dominant cell reactions are the reactions of the redox couples at the electrodes
Implementation Method 3
Each compartment is separated from the other by an ionically conducting separator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides electrochemically-based methods and devices for producing fluid flow and/or changes in fluid pressure. In the methods and devices of the invention, current passes through a divided electrochemical cell. Adjacent compartments of the cell are divided by an ionically conducting separator. Each compartment includes an electrode and an electrolyte solution or ionic liquid. The electrolyte solution(s) or ionic liquid(s) and the ionically conducting separator are selected to obtain the desired relationship between the current through the cell and the fluid flowrate and/or change in fluid pressure.