Perovskite-Coated Alkaline Electrolysis Anode for Fluctuating Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Alkaline water electrolysis anodes deteriorate quickly when powered by renewable energy sources with large output fluctuations, leading to unstable catalytic performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A quadruple perovskite oxide structure is used for the catalyst layer, with controlled Ni content to optimize Mn(A')-Mn(B) bond distance, enhancing reaction activation and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nickel-based anode is used in alkaline water electrolysis, then the anode is stable in high-concentration alkali aqueous solution and has low cost, but the anode deteriorates quickly when powered by renewable energy sources with large output fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a nickel-based substrate combined with a metal composite oxide catalyst layer containing Mn, Ni, and Ca. This composite material approach allows the nickel substrate to provide stability in high-concentration alkali while the metal composite oxide catalyst layer enhances resistance to deterioration under fluctuating load conditions, thereby extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters of the metal composite oxide catalyst layer, specifically controlling the atomic ratios of Mn, Ni, and Ca, as well as the particle size distribution (0.1-10 μm). By adjusting these parameters, the catalyst layer achieves optimal performance for withstanding output fluctuations from renewable energy sources while maintaining stability in alkaline environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If renewable energy sources with large output fluctuation are used as power source, then water electrolysis is environmentally friendly and sustainable, but the nickel-based anode experiences severe deterioration due to sudden start/shutdown and abrupt load fluctuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the issue of sudden start/shutdown by using the metal composite oxide catalyst layer that can rapidly adapt to changing current densities. The catalyst layer's composition and structure enable it to withstand abrupt load fluctuations without significant deterioration, allowing the system to quickly transition between operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a metal composite oxide catalyst layer on the nickel-based anode surface before exposure to fluctuating renewable energy sources. This pre-applied catalyst layer acts as a protective buffer that cushions the nickel substrate against the harmful effects of sudden start/shutdown and load fluctuations, preventing direct damage and maintaining catalytic activity stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional nickel-based anode is used, then manufacturing cost is low and material availability is high, but catalytic activity deteriorates over time under fluctuating power conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by coating the nickel-based anode substrate with a metal composite oxide catalyst layer specifically at the active sites where catalytic reactions occur. The catalyst layer contains Mn, Ni, and Ca in optimized ratios with controlled particle sizes, providing enhanced durability and catalytic stability locally where it is most needed, while maintaining the overall cost-effectiveness of the nickel substrate.
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 anode maintains excellent catalytic activity and electrolysis performance even with fluctuating renewable energy sources, ensuring long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen evolution anode (anode catalyst) which is used for alkaline water electrolysis
Implementation Method 2
A current generated by the battery reaction leaks through manifold in the case of, for example, an electrolytic stack obtained by combining a plurality of cells
Implementation Method 3
Both of the reaction of producing a nickel oxide and the reaction of reducing the produced nickel oxide progress on the surface of nickel-based material
Implementation Method 4
the reaction of reducing the produced nickel oxide progress on the surface of nickel-based material
Implementation Method 5
In the electrolytic cell, electromotive force due to various chemical species is generated, so that the anode potential is retained low, and the reaction of reducing the nickel oxide is facilitated by the progress of a battery reaction
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
Figure 5(a)~5(c)
AI summary
The present invention provides an alkaline water electrolysis anode such that even when electric power having a large output fluctuation, such as renewable energy, is used as a power source, the electrolysis performance is unlikely to be deteriorated and excellent catalytic activity is retained stably over a long period of time. The alkaline water electrolysis anode is an alkaline water electrolysis anode 10 provided with an electrically conductive substrate 2 at least a surface of which contains nickel or a nickel base alloy and a catalyst layer 6 disposed on the surface of the electrically conductive substrate 2, the catalyst layer 6 containing a metal composite oxide having a quadruple perovskite oxide structure, wherein the metal composite oxide contains calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), and has an atom ratio of Ca/Mn/Ni/O of (1.0)/(6.6 to 7.0)/(0.1 to 0.4)/12.0.