Membrane-Electrode Assembly with Through-Holes for Ozone Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ozone water production methods face inefficiencies due to low ionization degree of raw water, leading to high electrolysis voltage requirements, hydroxide precipitation issues, and complex system designs, which hinder compact and cost-effective ozone water production.
Innovation Solution
A membrane-electrode assembly with through-holes on both anode and cathode, coated with a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, allowing direct water flow between electrodes and minimizing pressure loss, combined with a stackable electrolytic cell design for efficient ozone production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is inserted between the cathode and anode to enable electrolysis of pure water, then electrolysis can proceed, but the electrolysis voltage becomes high and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell is divided into multiple stages with alternating anodes and cathodes separated by solid polymer electrolyte membranes. This segmentation allows water to flow through channels and be electrolyzed in multiple passes, reducing the voltage required at each stage while maintaining overall electrolysis efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A flowable electrolyte solution is introduced as an intermediary medium between the electrodes. This electrolyte solution facilitates ion transport and reduces the direct voltage requirement across the solid polymer membrane, thereby lowering the overall electrolysis voltage while maintaining reliable electrolysis reaction.
2Productivity
If lead oxide anode or conductive diamond anode with high overvoltage is used to suppress oxygen generation, then ozone formation is improved, but high electrolysis voltage is required and power efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple sections with different materials optimized for different functions. Some sections use lead oxide or conductive diamond for high ozone formation efficiency, while other sections use materials with lower overvoltage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve good ozone formation without requiring uniformly high voltage across the entire anode surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode surfaces are given different material properties. Specifically, localized regions with high ozone formation capability are positioned where water flow and electric field conditions are most favorable, while other regions use materials that require lower voltage. This local optimization reduces the overall electrolysis voltage needed while maintaining high productivity.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrolytic cell structure with parallel electrode arrangement is used, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus size becomes large and cannot be made compact
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolytic cell transitions from a planar parallel electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple electrode pairs are arranged in layers with water flowing vertically through the stack, allowing compact apparatus design while maintaining simple electrode structures. This dimensional change enables space-efficient utilization without complicating the basic electrode arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic cell employs a nested stack structure where multiple electrode assemblies are arranged concentrically or in layered fashion. Each electrode pair is nested within the overall cell structure with water channels integrated between them, achieving compact apparatus size while keeping individual electrode components simple and manageable.
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 configuration achieves high power efficiency ozone water production with reduced electrolysis voltage, minimized hydroxide precipitation, and a compact apparatus design, suitable for various applications including wastewater treatment and drinking water disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is inserted between the cathode and the anode as a moving path for hydrogen ions
Implementation Method 2
the electrolysis production method is operated at a low voltage of several 10 volts or less by an electrolytic cell, applying water as raw material, from which ozone water is directory manufactured
Implementation Method 3
Ozone formation reaction (anode) : 3H 2 O=O 3 +6H +
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2-1~2-2
Figure 3-1~3-2
AI summary
This invention is to provide a membrane-electrode assembly, an electrolytic cell using the same, a method and an apparatus for producing ozone water, a method for disinfection and a method for wastewater or waste fluid treatment, by using which allow electrolysis reaction products or decomposition products to be produced at a high efficiency, channel pressure drop to be minimized, and the apparatus to be designed compact in size without sacrificing the production capacity. This invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly, comprising an anode having a plurality of through-holes of 0.1mm or more in diameter; a cathode having a plurality of through-holes of 0.1mm or more in diameter at the same sites as in the anode; and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane coated on one face or the entire face of at least one of the anode and the cathode with the through-holes being maintained, wherein the anode, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and the cathode are tightly adhered.