Recirculation Electrolytic Cell for High Concentration Ozone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ozone production methods from water result in low concentrations of dissolved ozone, requiring large ozone generators and limiting widespread adoption due to the single pass mechanism and inefficiencies in anode materials at high current densities.
Innovation Solution
The use of a recirculation system with an electrolytic cell comprising separate anode and cathode chambers connected by a polymer electrolyte membrane, allowing for the recirculation of water to increase ozone concentration, utilizing stable anodes like UNCD® for efficient ozone production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional single pass electrolysis is used, then the apparatus is simple in structure, but the ozone concentration produced is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculation system where water continuously flows through the electrolytic cell multiple times. This continuous circulation allows repeated ozone generation passes, progressively building up high concentrations of dissolved ozone in the water without requiring a complex multi-stage system.
2Productivity
If high current density is applied to increase ozone production, then productivity increases, but anode stability decreases and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs UNCD®-coated anodes which fundamentally change the electrochemical parameters of the electrode surface. This coating material provides intrinsically higher stability and resistance to oxidation at high current densities, allowing sustained high productivity without the severe degradation observed in conventional anode materials.
3Productivity
If Pt electrodes are used for ozone generation, then the cell design is simple, but oxygen evolution is excessive and membrane damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses UNCD®-coated anodes, which are composite structures combining the catalytic properties needed for ozone generation with the exceptional stability of diamond-like carbon. This composite material eliminates the harmful side effects of Pt electrodes - excessive oxygen evolution and particle detachment - while maintaining high ozone generation efficiency.
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 approach enables the production of higher concentrations of dissolved ozone in a smaller, more cost-effective apparatus, maintaining stability and extending the lifespan of anodes, while ensuring reliable ozone generation and disinfection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane conductively connects the anode and the cathode while forming flow channels for water that are separated from one another
Implementation Method 2
electrolyze water to produce oxidized end products, such as oxygen, ozone, and hydrogen. Water electrolysis occurs as described by the following equations
Implementation Method 3
By using a suitable anode material (usually Pt, PbO2, DSA, DLC, BDD), all cell designs can generate ozone to different extents
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the production of ozone from water comprising at least one cell, consisting of an anode, a cathode and an interposed cation-conducting membrane, wherein the membrane conductively connects the anode and the cathode while forming flow channels for water that are separated from one another as anode and cathode chambers and wherein the flow channels are configured to allow for the recirculation of the water flow within the chambers. The present invention further relates to an electrochemical method and apparatus for producing ozone or dissolved ozone in water in high concentrations by mean of recirculation of water between at least one chamber and at least one water tank.