Fuel Cell Electrode with Interlayer for Corrosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microbial fuel cells face increased internal resistance with scaling, leading to reduced output power due to corrosion of metal current collecting layers from liquid phase components and microorganisms.
Innovation Solution
An electrode configuration with a first diffusion layer for oxygen supply, an electrically conductive layer of metal and oxygen-permeable material, and a second diffusion layer supporting a catalyst, where the conductive layer is not in direct contact with the liquid phase, minimizing corrosion and internal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the metal current collecting layer is exposed to the liquid phase to improve electrical conductivity, then internal resistance decreases, but corrosion from liquid phase components and microorganisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal current collecting layer and the liquid phase. This protective layer allows electrical conductivity to be maintained while preventing direct contact between the metal and corrosive liquid phase components, thereby resolving the contradiction between electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 2:
A thin film protective layer is applied to the metal current collecting layer. This thin film provides corrosion protection while maintaining electrical conductivity, allowing the metal layer to function effectively without direct exposure to the corrosive liquid phase
2Productivity
If the fuel cell is scaled up to increase power output, then productivity increases, but internal resistance increases leading to reduced output power
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the current collecting layer by applying protective coatings or modifying material properties. This allows the layer to maintain low electrical resistance even in scaled-up configurations, preventing the typical increase in internal resistance that occurs with larger fuel cell dimensions
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 electrode design maintains high electrical conductivity and oxygen permeability, preventing corrosion and reducing internal resistance, thus sustaining high output power in scaled-up microbial fuel cells and water treatment equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a first diffusion layer having water repellency and functioning to diffuse oxygen
Implementation Method 2
a first diffusion layer having water repellency and functioning to diffuse oxygen
Implementation Method 3
an electrically conductive layer including a metal material and an oxygen-permeable material
Implementation Method 4
an ion transfer layer having proton permeability
Implementation Method 5
a second diffusion layer supporting a catalyst layer thereon
Implementation Method 6
The hydrogen ions react with the electrons and oxygen in the cathode to produce water
Implementation Method 7
an electrically conductive layer including a metal material and an oxygen-permeable material
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode includes a first diffusion layer (11) having water repellency and functioning to diffuse oxygen, and a second diffusion layer (13) supporting a catalyst layer (30) thereon and functioning to diffuse oxygen. The electrode further includes an electrically conductive layer (12, 15) including a metal material (20, 21) and an oxygen-permeable material, and interposed between the first diffusion layer and the second diffusion layer. A fuel cell (100) and a water treatment equipment each include: an anode (3); an ion transfer layer (4) having proton permeability; and a cathode (1, 2) being the electrode described above, and separated from the anode with the ion transfer layer interposed therebetween.