Electrolytic Cell Fuel Electrode Catalyst Gradient

Solution Overview

Problem

The uneven distribution of residual gas in the cathode of electrolytic cells leads to reduced electrolysis efficiency, as electrolytic reaction sites are concentrated on the upstream side of the CO2 gas flow field, resulting in decreased cell output and potential carbon deposition, which accelerates cell deterioration.

Innovation Solution

An electrolytic cell design featuring a membrane electrode assembly with a fuel electrode and oxygen electrode, where the amount of catalytic material in the fuel electrode increases from the upstream to the downstream side of the gas supply flow path, dispersing electrolytic reaction sites and reducing carbon deposition by optimizing gas flow paths and catalyst distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the catalytic material is uniformly distributed in the fuel electrode, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrolytic reaction sites are concentrated on the upstream side causing reduced electrolysis efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst distribution structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel electrode is divided into multiple sections along the gas flow direction, with each section having a different catalytic material content. The upstream sections have lower catalytic material content while downstream sections have higher content, creating local quality variations that optimize electrolysis efficiency by preventing reaction site concentration and promoting balanced CO2 conversion throughout the electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the catalytic material content increases from upstream to downstream, then electrolytic reaction sites are dispersed improving efficiency, but carbon deposition is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell output stabilityVSAvoidcatalyst distribution structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel electrode is divided into multiple sections along the gas flow direction, with each section having a different catalytic material content. The upstream sections have lower catalytic material content while downstream sections have higher content, creating local quality variations that optimize electrolysis efficiency by preventing reaction site concentration and promoting balanced CO2 conversion throughout the electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the fuel electrode has high catalytic activity throughout, then CO2 conversion is efficient, but carbon deposition occurs accelerating cell deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcell operational lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel electrode is divided into multiple sections along the gas flow direction, with each section having a different catalytic material content. The upstream sections have lower catalytic material content while downstream sections have higher content, creating local quality variations that optimize electrolysis efficiency by preventing reaction site concentration and promoting balanced CO2 conversion throughout the electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local 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

This design enhances electrolysis efficiency by maintaining a balanced distribution of electrolytic reaction sites and reduces carbon deposition, thereby mitigating the impact of climate change and prolonging the electrolytic cell's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The electrolytic cell electrolyzes a raw material gas such as carbon dioxide gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the fuel electrode contains a catalytic material that activates electrolytic reactions of the raw material gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

an electrolyte membrane disposed between the fuel electrode and the oxygen electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport through electrolyte membrane: Electrolyte

Data Source

PatentUS20230416925A1Electrolytic cell

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An electrolytic cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, a pair of separators, a gas supply flow path, and a gas discharge flow path. A fuel electrode of the membrane electrode assembly contains a catalytic material that activates the electrolytic reactions of the raw material gas, and the amount of the catalytic material contained in the fuel electrode increases from the upstream side to the downstream side of the gas supply flow path.