Hydrogen Generator Active Oxygen Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrogen generators using anion exchange membranes face issues with the deterioration of ion exchange membranes and gaskets or packings due to active oxygen, leading to oxidative decomposition.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an active oxygen reduction material, such as a catalyst-coated anode feeder, within the anode chamber to reduce active oxygen through autolysis, and adjusting the internal pressures of the cathode and anode chambers to prevent oxidative decomposition of the anion exchange membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an anion exchange membrane is used to reduce cost by avoiding noble metals, then electrode catalyst cost is reduced, but the ion exchange membrane and gaskets deteriorate faster due to active oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
A catalyst is introduced as an intermediary substance in the anode chamber that mediates the harmful active oxygen species. The catalyst promotes autolysis of active oxygen, converting it into less harmful forms before it can attack and deteriorate the anion exchange membrane and gaskets, thus protecting these components while maintaining the cost advantages of using an anion exchange membrane
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful active oxygen species generated during electrolysis are converted into beneficial or less harmful substances through catalytic autolysis. The catalyst transforms the oxidizing power of active oxygen into a self-decomposition reaction that reduces its damaging effect on the anion exchange membrane, effectively turning a harmful byproduct into a protective mechanism
2Productivity
If water is supplied to both cathode and anode chambers, then electrolysis efficiency is improved, but active oxygen generation increases causing oxidative decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The active oxygen generated during efficient electrolysis is converted into less harmful substances through catalytic autolysis. The catalyst in the anode chamber promotes the decomposition of active oxygen species, transforming the harmful oxidizing agent into water and oxygen, thus allowing high electrolysis efficiency without the damaging effects of active oxygen accumulation
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 solution effectively suppresses the oxidative decomposition of electrolytic cell components and anion exchange membranes, enhancing the lifespan of the hydrogen generator and maintaining energy efficiency by promoting autolysis of active oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide and ozone.
Implementation Method 1
the active oxygen reduction material may have a catalyst that promotes autolysis of the active oxygen
Implementation Method 2
by promoting the autolysis of the active oxygen using the catalyst, the active oxygen can be reduced by a chemical reaction
Implementation Method 3
apparatuses adopting an anion exchange membrane that allows anions to pass therethrough as the ion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 4
As apparatuses that electrolyze water to generate hydrogen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a hydrogen generator which is provided with: an electrolytic cell; an anion exchange membrane which divides the electrolytic cell into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber; a cathode chamber water supply part which supplies water to the cathode chamber; an anode chamber water supply part which supplies water to the anode chamber; a cathode that is provided on the cathode chamber-side surface of the anion exchange membrane; an anode that is provided on the anode chamber-side surface of the anion exchange membrane; a cathode feeder that is arranged within the cathode chamber and feeds power to the cathode; an anode feeder that is arranged within the anode chamber and feeds power to the anode; and an active oxygen reduction material that is arranged within the anode chamber and reduces active oxygen generated within the anode chamber.