Reference Electrode Diaphragm Pore Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reference electrodes with porous ceramic diaphragms face challenges in achieving higher flow-through resistance without compromising electrical conductivity, as reducing pore size leads to decreased conductivity, and using high viscosity electrolytes is temperature-dependent and prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the impregnation of porous ceramic diaphragms with a lyogel precursor, transforming it into a lyogel, and then drying to reduce pore size, allowing for a ceramic with reduced pores and maintained electrical conductivity, eliminating the need for macromolecular thickening agents and avoiding temperature-dependent viscosity issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If pore size of porous ceramic diaphragm is reduced to increase flow-through resistance, then flow-through resistance is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pore size of the porous ceramic diaphragm through controlled sintering processes. By adjusting sintering temperature and duration, the pore structure is optimized to achieve higher flow-through resistance while maintaining adequate electrical conductivity for reference electrode function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining porous ceramic (providing structural integrity and flow resistance) with electrolyte solution (providing ionic conductivity). The ceramic matrix with controlled porosity creates a composite structure that balances mechanical strength, flow-through resistance, and electrical conductivity requirements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If high viscosity electrolytes are used to increase flow-through resistance, then flow-through resistance is improved, but temperature dependence and clogging issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the macromolecular thickening agents from the electrolyte formulation. Instead of using high viscosity electrolytes with added polymers, the invention relies on the porous ceramic diaphragm structure alone to provide flow-through resistance, thereby eliminating temperature-dependent viscosity changes and clogging problems associated with macromolecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous materials (the ceramic diaphragm with controlled pore size and distribution) as the primary mechanism for controlling electrolyte flow. The porous structure provides physical flow resistance without requiring viscosity modification, ensuring temperature-independent performance and preventing macromolecular clogging.
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 method achieves a higher flow-through resistance without reducing electrical conductivity, as demonstrated by the comparison between treated and non-treated diaphragms, with significantly improved water flow-through rates and consistent electrical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
transforming it into a lyogel
Implementation Method 2
drying to reduce pore size
Implementation Method 3
a porous ceramic and containing a system of hollow spaces
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a reference electrode which has a shaft into which a diaphragm body of a porous ceramic is incorporated is comprised of the following method steps: Impregnating the ceramic with a lyogel precursor prior to incorporating the ceramic body into the shaft, and subsequently transforming the lyogel precursor into a lyogel, from which the solvent is removed through a drying process. A reference electrode has a shaft that is filled with electrolyte, and a diaphragm body formed of a porous ceramic and containing a system of hollow spaces is incorporated into the wall of the shaft. The system of hollow spaces is filled at least partially with a material that is formed of a lyogel by drying and has at least one component that corresponds to the ceramic material.