Flexible Electrochemical Reactor Block for Confined Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical reactors, such as bioelectrodes, have limited lifetime due to rigidity and size constraints, making them unsuitable for use in small volumes like blood vessels, and struggle with effective catalyst agent immobilization and retention.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of a flexible conductive film with carbon nanotubes linked by pi-pi interaction to linear polymer chains, cutting pellets from this film, and stacking them under pressure with a catalyst agent, creating a rigid and durable electrochemical reactor block that traps the catalyst agent effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional compression methods are used to create electrochemical reactors, then the structure becomes rigid and durable, but the reactor loses flexibility and cannot be used in small volumes like blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin flexible films as the base structure for the electrochemical reactor. These films allow the reactor to be bent and adapted to small volumes like blood vessels while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible film serves as both the structural support and the substrate for the catalytic layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor employs composite materials combining flexible polymer films with conductive and catalytic layers. This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for implantation in small vessels and the durability required for long-term operation. The different layers work together to provide mechanical support, electrical conductivity, and catalytic functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If catalyst agents are simply mixed into the reactor structure, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the catalyst agents are not effectively retained and lifetime is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates porous layers within the reactor structure that physically trap and retain catalyst agents. These porous materials provide a large surface area for catalyst attachment while maintaining the flexibility of the overall structure. The porous structure allows catalyst agents to be effectively retained without requiring complex immobilization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor structure uses nested layers where catalyst-containing layers are positioned between structural films. This nested arrangement physically confines the catalyst agents within the reactor block, preventing their loss during operation while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process where layers are stacked and compressed.
3Strength
If the reactor is made rigid for durability, then it can withstand operational stresses, but it cannot be implanted in confined spaces like blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin flexible films as the structural basis of the reactor, enabling it to be compressed to very small volumes suitable for implantation in blood vessels and other confined spaces. Despite the reduced volume, the films maintain sufficient strength to withstand operational stresses through their inherent flexibility and tensile strength.
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 resulting electrochemical reactor block is flexible, durable, and effectively immobilizes catalyst agents, enhancing its operational lifetime and suitability for use in confined spaces, while maintaining catalytic functionality.
Implementation Method 1
produce a flexible conductive film comprising chains of a linear polymer to each of which carbon nanotubes are linked by pi-pi interaction
Implementation Method 2
stacking the pellets and subjecting them to a pressure of the order of 5 to 10 tons per square centimeter in the presence of water and a catalyst agent
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrochemical reactor block comprising at least two pellets (37) cut out of a flexible conductive film comprising chains of a linear polymer, carbon nanotubes being bound to each of said chains by pi-pi interaction, a catalyst agent selected from the group comprising enzymes, metal catalysts, macrocyclic catalysts and redox mediators being trapped between the pellets.