Solid Polymer Membrane Electrode pH Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pH of electrolyzed hydrogen water generated during electrolysis increases beyond tolerable levels for drinking water, limiting the electrolysis time and dissolved hydrogen amount in conventional electrolysis systems.
Innovation Solution
A solid polymer membrane electrode with a hydrocarbon-based cation exchange membrane having a specific ion exchange capacity range (0.002 mmol/cm² to 0.030 mmol/cm²) and platinum group metal catalyst layers is used, which suppresses the pH increase by controlling the movement of cations like Ca ions, thereby enhancing the dissolved hydrogen content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional electrolysis systems are used to generate electrolyzed hydrogen water, then dissolved hydrogen content increases, but pH increases beyond tolerable levels for drinking water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the ion exchange capacity of the solid polymer membrane (0.002-0.030 mmol/cm²) and the thickness of catalyst layers (5-50 nm) to optimize the balance between hydrogen generation and pH control. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains dissolved hydrogen content while preventing excessive pH increase that would make the water unsuitable for drinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining a solid polymer membrane with specific ion exchange capacity with ultra-thin platinum group metal catalyst layers. This composite structure enables simultaneous hydrogen generation and pH control, resolving the contradiction between increasing dissolved hydrogen and maintaining tolerable pH levels.
2Duration of action of moving object
If electrolysis time is extended to increase dissolved hydrogen amount, then pH increases beyond tolerable levels, limiting further electrolysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through the solid polymer membrane's ion exchange capacity, which automatically regulates cation transport based on pH conditions. As pH increases during electrolysis, the membrane's ion exchange properties modulate to maintain balance, enabling extended electrolysis time without exceeding tolerable pH levels and thus allowing continuous hydrogen generation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If solid polymer membrane with high ion exchange capacity is used to control pH, then pH increase is suppressed, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies manufacturing by specifying a practical range for ion exchange capacity (0.002-0.030 mmol/cm²) that is easy to control during production. This parameter range achieves effective pH control while remaining manufacturable with conventional techniques, avoiding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the solid polymer membrane with ultra-thin catalyst layers (5-50 nm) to create a composite structure where each component performs a specific function. This division of labor simplifies manufacturing by allowing independent optimization of membrane selection and catalyst deposition processes.
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 allows for the generation of electrolyzed hydrogen water with a sufficient dissolved hydrogen amount while maintaining a tolerable pH, ensuring the water is safe for consumption and effective in therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
the solid polymer membrane has an ion exchange capacity per unit area of 0.002 mmol/cm2 or more and 0.030 mmol/cm2 or less
Implementation Method 2
catalyst layers containing a platinum group metal and provided on the back and front of the solid polymer membrane
Implementation Method 3
catalyst layers containing a platinum group metal and provided on the back and front of the solid polymer membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A problem of the present invention is to provide a solid polymer membrane electrode capable of obtaining electrolyzed hydrogen water in which an increase of the pH is suppressed and which has a sufficient dissolved-hydrogen amount. The present invention is concerned with a solid polymer membrane electrode for generating electrolyzed water, wherein the solid polymer membrane electrode includes a solid polymer membrane and catalyst layers containing a platinum group metal and provided on the back and front of the solid polymer membrane; and the solid polymer membrane is a hydrocarbon-based cation exchange membrane and has an ion exchange capacity per unit area of 0.002 mmol/cm2 or more and 0.030 mol/cm2 or less.