LDH Water Electrolysis Electrode for Bubble Detachment and Low Overpotential

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water electrolysis devices face inefficiencies due to increased overpotential and electrolyte bubble adhesion, which reduces the effective area of the electrode and increases reaction resistance, especially at the anode.

Innovation Solution

A water electrolysis electrode with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) layer on a conductive substrate, where the contact angle of a potassium hydroxide solution is adjusted to 20° to 100°, facilitating easy bubble separation and maintaining electrode efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a water electrolysis electrode is used, then hydrogen and oxygen can be produced through electrolysis, but electrolyte bubbles adhere to the electrode surface reducing the effective area and increasing reaction resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidbubble adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface wettability parameter of the electrode by controlling the contact angle of the electrolyte solution to be 20° or more and 100° or less. This parameter change modifies how bubbles interact with the electrode surface, facilitating bubble detachment and reducing bubble adhesion harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a porous electroconductive substrate that provides a three-dimensional structure with controlled pore sizes. This porous structure increases the effective surface area while facilitating electrolyte penetration and bubble release, reducing bubble adhesion and maintaining high electrolysis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If electrolysis proceeds, then hydrogen and oxygen are produced, but overpotential increases reducing the efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolysis efficiencyVSAvoidoverpotential

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining a porous electroconductive substrate with a layered double hydroxide (LDH) coating. This composite material provides both high electrical conductivity for efficient electron transfer and catalytic activity to reduce overpotential, thereby improving electrolysis efficiency while minimizing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface chemical composition and structure by applying an LDH layer with specific properties (contact angle 20-100°). This changes the electrochemical parameters of the electrode surface, reducing reaction resistance and overpotential for more efficient electrolysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the contact angle is adjusted to 20° or more and 100° or less, then bubble separation is facilitated and electrode effectiveness is maintained, but the surface properties must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble separationVSAvoidcontact angle control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a porous substrate structure where the pore size and distribution are controlled during manufacturing. This inherent structural control provides a foundation for achieving the desired contact angle range, facilitating bubble separation while maintaining manufacturability through established porous material fabrication techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 configuration suppresses the increase in overpotential, maintaining electrode effectiveness by reducing bubble adhesion and reaction resistance, thereby enhancing the electrolysis efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the local electronic structure of Ni—Fe LDH is modulated by an interfacial interaction between FeOOH and the Ni—Fe LDH, which enhances the OER electrocatalysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterfacial interaction:

Implementation Method 2

activity of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of an electrode including a Ni—Fe layered double hydroxide (Ni—Fe LDH) is examined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

Water electrolysis electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20260085436A1Water electrolysis electrode, water electrolysis cell, water electrolysis device, and method for manufacturing water electrolysis electrode

Publication Date: 2026.03.26 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A water electrolysis electrode includes an electroconductive substrate and a layered double hydroxide layer. The layered double hydroxide layer is disposed on a surface of the electroconductive substrate. The layered double hydroxide layer includes two or more transition metals. A contact angle of a surface of the layered double hydroxide layer is 20° or more and 100° or less. The contact angle on the surface of the layered double hydroxide layer may be 26° or more.