EP0203224B1 - Electrode structure for electrochemical cells - Google Patents

Electrode structure for electrochemical cells Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0203224B1
EP0203224B1 EP85116337A EP85116337A EP0203224B1 EP 0203224 B1 EP0203224 B1 EP 0203224B1 EP 85116337 A EP85116337 A EP 85116337A EP 85116337 A EP85116337 A EP 85116337A EP 0203224 B1 EP0203224 B1 EP 0203224B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
electrode
corrugations
plate
carrier
structure according
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EP85116337A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0203224A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Fabian
Wolfgang Gerhardt
Reinhard Koch
Heinrich Simon
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De Nora Deutschland GmbH
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Heraeus Elektroden GmbH
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Priority to AT85116337T priority Critical patent/ATE41955T1/en
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
    • C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
    • C25B11/02—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrode for electrochemical cells, in particular diaphragm or membrane cells, which has a plate-shaped support made of sheet metal with a thickness of at least 0.4 mm, which serves as a current distributor, the support on both sides at least two each extending over its upper and lower surface Has bulges and on the upper and lower surface at least one plate-shaped electrode part is welded like a bridge on the comb.
  • an electrode structure for gas-generating electrodes - that is to say an anode or cathode - is known, which contains a central plate-shaped current distributor with wavy bulges on both sides.
  • Electrode parts for example in the form of perforated plates or expanded metal, are attached to the ridges of the wave-shaped bulges by welding.
  • the crests of the bulges run in the vertical direction, so that the gases which arise in the electrode region can be discharged to the upper edge of the electrode. It is thus possible to remove the gases generated on the outer parts of the electrode due to the porous or perforated structure of the electrode parts into the bulges belonging to the inner region of the electrode. Due to its simple structure, the electrode should be able to be produced in inexpensive process steps, such as rolling, stamping and welding.
  • the electrical resistance increases, in particular for the parts of the electrode surface located on the opposite side; this results in an uneven current distribution on the electrode surface; this leads to a higher cell voltage.
  • the object of the invention is to construct electrodes from relatively simple basic structures in an economical manner, which have as large as possible active areas, so that they can also be used in electrochemical cells of the filter press type. They should achieve as large an active area as possible in the immediate vicinity of the separator and at the same time ensure optimal gas transport from the field of electrochemical conversion.
  • the structure of the plate-shaped power distributors should allow the electrode parts to be welded on as simply as possible.
  • the elevations have a height of 1 to 10 mm.
  • the carrier has a rectangular basic shape, the elevations having a triangular cross section and being formed by straight edges which form a continuous line between two opposite plate edges.
  • the welded-on electrode parts are designed as flat profiles with a rectangular cross section made of electrically conductive metals or their alloys which are resistant to the respective electrolysis process, as is the support itself.
  • the width to height ratio is between 1: 5 and 2: 3.
  • the gap between adjacent electrode parts is selected so that the gas exhaust plugs that arise on the active surfaces of the flat profiles during operation do not come into contact and swirl in the region of the gap, but remain separate, so that the ions that are discharged on the electrode surface are largely separated gas bubbles can reach the active surfaces unhindered.
  • electrode parts and supports can be cut from the simplest geometric shapes from prefabricated metal sheets and after application of the continuous welding bosses, as can be produced, for example, by bending or folding processes, all electrode parts on one support side at the same time with one Weld bosses can be connected by resistance welding.
  • the electrode according to the invention consists of a plate-shaped carrier 1 which has bulges 3 serving as welding bosses on both sides, onto which flat profiles serving as electrode parts 2 are welded.
  • the plate-shaped carrier 1 made of electrically conductive material has, in addition to the stable holding of the active surface, the task of distributing the electrical current in all the electrode parts 2 designed as flat profiles; it thus serves to distribute the current and hold the active areas.
  • the carrier 1 consists of sheet metal with a sheet thickness of 0.4 to 5 mm, preferably in a sheet thickness of 1 to 3 mm.
  • the bulges 3 consist of alternately arranged elevations or depressions in the upper and lower surfaces of the carrier 1, which have continuous edges 4, the edge directions of which run perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the elongated flat profiles 2.
  • FIG. 1b shows a fragment of a part of the electrode shown in FIG. 1a.
  • FIG. 1 shows in an enlarged detail, for example, the lower right part of the electrode shown in FIG. 1a.
  • the plate-shaped carrier 1 is provided on its surface with a roof-shaped bulge 3, on which the overlying flat profiles 2 are firmly connected by means of welds 5.
  • the edges 4 of this elevation run parallel to the front edge 6 of the rectangular plate-shaped carrier 1.
  • the welds 5 located on the upper edge of the bulge 3, which connect the flat profiles 2 to the bulge 3, are on a continuous line; This has significant advantages in terms of production technology, since many flat profiles 2 arranged parallel to one another can be connected to such a bulge 3, which serves as a welding boss, with a single resistance weld.
  • the upright side-by-side flat profiles 2 arranged at a predetermined distance result in a particularly advantageous method of manufacturing the electrodes by resistance welding.
  • the individual flat profiles 2 are joined together by one or more wire-shaped stabilizing elements 7 by means of resistance welding to form a stable overall element.
  • This overall element is in turn connected by resistance welding to the welding bosses in the form of roof-shaped bulges 3.
  • wire-shaped stabilizing element 7 Since the wire-shaped stabilizing element 7 is located on the side of the flat profiles 2 facing the carrier 1, it also does not form any obstacles for the electrolyte flow on the outer sides of the flat profiles 2 facing the membranes or diaphragm.
  • the ratio of flat profile height to center distance between adjacent flat profiles is in the range from 0.8: to 1.6: 1.
  • the ratio of flat profile thickness to flat profile height is between 1: 5 and 2: 3.
  • flat profile heights of 3 to 5 mm and flat profile thicknesses of 1 to 2 mm have proven particularly effective.
  • the sheet thickness of the carrier 1 is in the range from 0.4 to 5 mm, while the bulges each have a height of 4 to 8 mm.
  • the preferred ratio between the sheet thickness of the support 1 and the height of the elevations is in the range from 0.05 1 to 3: 4. In practice, a ratio of 1: 5 has proven to be particularly good, the sheet thickness being 1 mm .
  • the Bulge 3 located underneath the carrier 1 can be seen as a depression.
  • the bulge that can be produced using a folding tool extends over the entire surface, but only a section is shown here.
  • the bulge 3 located on the underside and the flat profiles 2 firmly connected to it by resistance welding correspond in their structure and effect to the statements made on the upper side of the electrode.
  • the flat profiles 2 located below the carrier 1 are connected electrically and mechanically to one another by a wire-shaped stabilizing element 7 - corresponding to the flat profiles 2 on the upper side.
  • FIG. 2 shows the use of the electrode according to the invention in an electrolysis arrangement based on the principle of the filter press design.
  • anodes 10 and cathodes 11 fitted with flat profiles on both sides.
  • the electrodes equipped on both sides correspond to the representations known from FIGS. 1a and 1, while the terminal electrodes are only equipped on one side; they otherwise correspond in their construction to the electrodes equipped on both sides.
  • Suitable materials for the anodes 10 are metals that are chemically resistant to the anolyte, preferably titanium and titanium alloys. Furthermore, the flat profiles are provided with an electrocatalytically active coating.
  • the cathodes 9 and 11 are constructed in accordance with the anodes and consist of a metal which is chemically resistant to the catholyte, preferably of nickel or nickel alloys or stainless steel.
  • the flat profiles on the cathode can have an electrocatalytically active coating, for example Raney nickel coating.
  • the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment are separated by a diaphragm 12 or an ion-selective membrane.
  • the electrodes according to the invention are welded into a frame 17, which should preferably consist of the same material as the associated electrodes.
  • the frame 17 is provided with openings 18 which serve for the inlet or outlet of the anolyte or catholyte.
  • seals 15 are introduced on each side of the diaphragm or membrane, which also serve to isolate the neighboring electrodes, which naturally have opposite polarities.
  • An essential criterion of the arrangement according to the invention are the flow channels between the flat profiles, which, for. B. with gas-developing electrodes ensures safe removal of the gas bubbles and in which there is thorough mixing of the electrolyte.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Electrodes For Compound Or Non-Metal Manufacture (AREA)
  • Inert Electrodes (AREA)
  • Battery Electrode And Active Subsutance (AREA)
  • Primary Cells (AREA)

Abstract

1. Electrode for electrochemical cells, in particular for diaphragm or membrane cells, having a structure permitting optimum gas transport out of the region of the electro chemical reaction, which contains a plate-like carrier (1) of sheet metal of a thickness of at least 0,4 mm and acting as a current distributor, wherein the carrier (1) has on both sides at least two corrugations (3) extending over each if its top and bottom surfaces and on the top and bottom surfaces of which at least one plate-like electrode element (2) is welded in bridge-like manner on to the crest of the corrugation (3), characterized in that the side surfaces of the corrugations (3) subtend an acute angle and act as welding humps for the plate-like electrode elements (2), that for the purpose of forming a lamellar structure, a plurality of plate-like electrode elements (2) are welded by their narrow lateral edges on to the crest of the corrugations (3) and are arranged with the planes of their wide lateral surfaces at right angles to the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the carrrier (1).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Elektrode für elektrochemische Zellen, insbesondere Diaphragma-oder Membranzellen, die einen als Stromverteiler dienen plattenförmigen Träger aus Metallblech in einer Stärke von wenigstens 0,4 mm besitzt, wobei der Träger beidseitig wenigstens jeweils zwei sich über seine Ober- und Unterfläche erstreckende Ausbuchtungen aufweist und auf dessen Ober- und Unterfläche wenigstens ein plattenförmiges Elektrodenteil brückenartig auf dem Kamm aufgeschweißt ist.The invention relates to an electrode for electrochemical cells, in particular diaphragm or membrane cells, which has a plate-shaped support made of sheet metal with a thickness of at least 0.4 mm, which serves as a current distributor, the support on both sides at least two each extending over its upper and lower surface Has bulges and on the upper and lower surface at least one plate-shaped electrode part is welded like a bridge on the comb.

Aus der US-PS 4 482 448 ist eine Elektrodenstruktur für gaserzeugende Elektroden - das heißt Anode oder Kathode - bekannt, welche einen zentralen plattenförmigen Stromverteiler mit beidseitigen wellenförmigen Ausbuchtungen enthält. Auf den Kämmen der wellenförmigen Ausbuchtungen sind Elektrodenteile, beispielsweise in Form von perforierten Platten oder Streckmetall, durch Verschweißen befestigt. Beim Einsatz in Elektrolysezellen verlaufen die Kämme der Ausbuchtungen in vertikaler Richtung, so daß die im Elektrodenbereich entstehenden Gase zur Oberkante der Elektrode abgeführt werden können. Es ist somit möglich, die an den Außenteilen der Elektrode erzeugten Gase aufgrund der porösen bzw. perforierten Struktur der Elektrodenteile in die zum Innenbereich der Elektrode gehörenden Ausbuchtungen abzuführen. Aufgrund ihrer einfachen Struktur soll die Elektrode in preisgünstigen Verfahrensschritten, wie beispielsweise Walzen, Stanzen und Schweißen, herzustellen sein.From US Pat. No. 4,482,448, an electrode structure for gas-generating electrodes - that is to say an anode or cathode - is known, which contains a central plate-shaped current distributor with wavy bulges on both sides. Electrode parts, for example in the form of perforated plates or expanded metal, are attached to the ridges of the wave-shaped bulges by welding. When used in electrolytic cells, the crests of the bulges run in the vertical direction, so that the gases which arise in the electrode region can be discharged to the upper edge of the electrode. It is thus possible to remove the gases generated on the outer parts of the electrode due to the porous or perforated structure of the electrode parts into the bulges belonging to the inner region of the electrode. Due to its simple structure, the electrode should be able to be produced in inexpensive process steps, such as rolling, stamping and welding.

Als nachteilig erweist es sich, daß nur die unmittelbar an der Membran anliegenden äußeren Teile der Elektrode zur elektrochemischen Umsetzung beitragen welche zudem durch Porosität bzw. Perforation in ihrer wirksamen Oberfläche reduziert sind.It proves to be disadvantageous that only the outer parts of the electrode which are directly adjacent to the membrane contribute to the electrochemical conversion and which are also reduced in their effective surface area by porosity or perforation.

Durch Gasbildung infolge elektrochemischer Reaktion im Bereich der Auflage der Membran auf der Elektrodenoberfläche wird die lonenwanderung - und damit die Effektivität der elektrochemischen Umsetzung - erheblich behindert. Weiterhin erfordert die Aufteilung des Elektrodenraumes durch die vertikal verlaufenden Ausbuchtungen in einzelnen Strömungskammern eine äußerst gleichmäßige Anströmung dieser elektrolytführenden Kammern, was zu aufwendigen Strömungssystemen in der Praxis führt.The formation of gases as a result of an electrochemical reaction in the area where the membrane rests on the electrode surface considerably impedes the migration of ions - and thus the effectiveness of the electrochemical conversion. Furthermore, the division of the electrode space through the vertically extending bulges in individual flow chambers requires an extremely even flow to these electrolyte-carrying chambers, which leads to complex flow systems in practice.

Aufgrund des seitlich angebrachten Stromanschlusses erhöht sich der elektrische Widerstand insbesondere für die auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite befindlichen Teile der Elektrodenfläche ; hieraus ergibt sich eine ungleichmäßige Stromverteilung auf der Elektrodenfläche ; dies führt zu einer höheren Zellenspannung.Because of the side-mounted power connection, the electrical resistance increases, in particular for the parts of the electrode surface located on the opposite side; this results in an uneven current distribution on the electrode surface; this leads to a higher cell voltage.

Weiterhin ist aus der US-PS 4 013 525 bekannt, die Gitterstruktur von Anoden als flache Streifen, Bänder oder Kanäle in U-Form oder umgekehrter U-Form auszubilden. An den Verbindungsbogen der umgekehrten U-Profile werden die einzelnen kanalartigen Teile zusammengeschweißt. Dabei ist ein ausreichender Spalt zwischen den Bändern jedes kanalartigen Elementes vorzusehen, um den Zugang eines Punktschweiß-Werkzeugkopfes zu ermöglichen, da die kanalartigen Elemente mit einem Leiter durch Punktschweißen verbunden werden müssen. Hierdurch wird andererseits die von der Stromverteilung her erwünschte große Anzahl von einzelnen Leiterelementen begrenzt. Außerdem müssen auf der Oberseite der Elemente mit umgekehrtem U die Bögen zwischen den Verbindungsstegen entfernt werden, so daß relativ große Mengen an Titan zu Abfall werden.Furthermore, it is known from US Pat. No. 4,013,525 to design the lattice structure of anodes as flat strips, strips or channels in a U-shape or an inverted U-shape. The individual duct-like parts are welded together on the connecting bend of the inverted U-profiles. A sufficient gap must be provided between the bands of each channel-like element to allow access by a spot welding tool head, since the channel-like elements must be connected to a conductor by spot welding. On the other hand, this limits the large number of individual conductor elements desired from the current distribution. In addition, the arches on the top of the inverted U elements must be removed between the connecting bars, so that relatively large amounts of titanium become waste.

Die Erfindung stellt sich die Aufgabe, Elektroden aus verhältnismäßig einfachen Grundstrukturen in ökonomischer Weise aufzubauen, welche möglichst große aktive Flächen aufweisen, so daß sie auch in elektrochemischen Zellen des Filterpresstyps einsetzbar sind. Sie sollen in unmittelbarer Nähe des Separators eine möglichst große aktive Fläche erzielen und gleichzeitig einen optimalen Gastransport aus dem Bereich der elektrochemischen Umsetzung gewährleisten. Die plattenförmigen Stromverteiler sollen durch ihre Struktur ein möglichst einfaches Aufschweißen der Elektrodenteile ermöglichen.The object of the invention is to construct electrodes from relatively simple basic structures in an economical manner, which have as large as possible active areas, so that they can also be used in electrochemical cells of the filter press type. They should achieve as large an active area as possible in the immediate vicinity of the separator and at the same time ensure optimal gas transport from the field of electrochemical conversion. The structure of the plate-shaped power distributors should allow the electrode parts to be welded on as simply as possible.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.The object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform haben die Erhöhungen eine Höhe von 1 bis 10 mm. Der Träger weist dabei eine rechteckige Grundform auf, wobei die Erhöhungen einen dreieckigen Querschnitt aufweisen und durch gerade verlaufende Kanten gebildet sind, welche eine durchgehende Linie zwischen zwei sich gegenüberliegenden Plattenkanten bilden.In a preferred embodiment, the elevations have a height of 1 to 10 mm. The carrier has a rectangular basic shape, the elevations having a triangular cross section and being formed by straight edges which form a continuous line between two opposite plate edges.

Die aufgeschweißten Elektrodenteile sind als Flachprofile mit Rechteckquerschnitt ausgeführt aus im jeweiligen Elektrolyseverfahren resistenten, elektrisch leitenden Metallen oder deren Legierungen, wie auch der Träger selbst. Das Breiten- zu Höhenverhältnis liegt zwischen 1 : 5 und 2 : 3.The welded-on electrode parts are designed as flat profiles with a rectangular cross section made of electrically conductive metals or their alloys which are resistant to the respective electrolysis process, as is the support itself. The width to height ratio is between 1: 5 and 2: 3.

Der Spalt zwischen benachbarten Elektrodenteilen wird so gewählt, daß die an den aktiven Oberflächen der Flachprofile im Betrieb entstehenden Gasabzugsfahnen im Bereich des Spaltes nicht miteinander in Berührung kommen und verwirbeln, sondern getrennt bleiben, so daß die lonen, die an der Elektrodenfläche entladen werden, weitestgehend von Gasblasen ungehindert an die aktiven Flächen gelangen können.The gap between adjacent electrode parts is selected so that the gas exhaust plugs that arise on the active surfaces of the flat profiles during operation do not come into contact and swirl in the region of the gap, but remain separate, so that the ions that are discharged on the electrode surface are largely separated gas bubbles can reach the active surfaces unhindered.

Nach der Erfindung erweist es sich als vorteilhaft, daß Elektrodenteile und Träger aus einfachsten geometrischen Formen aus vorgefertigten Blechen geschnitten werden können und nach Aufbringen der durchgehenden Schweißbuckel, wie sie beispielsweise durch Biege- oder Abkantverfahren hergestellt werden können, alle Elektrodenteile jeweils einer Trägerseite gleichzeitig mit einem Schweißbuckel durch Widerstandsschweißen verbunden werden können.According to the invention, it proves to be advantageous that electrode parts and supports can be cut from the simplest geometric shapes from prefabricated metal sheets and after application of the continuous welding bosses, as can be produced, for example, by bending or folding processes, all electrode parts on one support side at the same time with one Weld bosses can be connected by resistance welding.

Die wesentlichen Vorteile der Erfindung sind.

  • 1. Günstige Stromverteilung über zwei Leiterebenen mit optimal dimensionierten Flachprofilen (Rechteckprofilen),
  • 2. hohe Stabilität der Elektrode sowohl mechanisch (verwindungssteif), insbesondere wegen des günstigeren Widerstandsmoments von Rechteckprofilen im Vergleich zu Rundprofilen und quadratischen Profilen, aber auch deshalb, weil alle Flachprofile (Rechteckprofile) der einzelnen Ebenen jeweils rechtwinklig zueinander angeordnet sind,
  • 3. gute Planität der ebenen Aktivfläche der Elektrode bleibt nicht nur nach der Herstellung, dem Transport, sondern auch nach dem Einbau (Montage und Demontage) sowie im Betrieb erhalten, was zu einer Senkung der Betriebskosten führt, weil ein günstigerer, gleichmäßiger Abstand zu der Gegenelektrode eingehalten wird,
  • 4. Sicherheit gegen thermischen Verzug beim Reaktivieren. Dies ermöglicht die verwindungssteife Konstruktion der erfindungsgemäßen Elektrode,
  • 5. gute Stoffaustauschkinetik nicht nur durch die rundum beschichteten, senkrecht stehenden Flachprofile (Rechteckprofile), sondern auch durch deren günstige gegenseitige Beabstandung und Zahl der Leiter pro Fläche,
  • 6. trotzdem gute Schweißbarkeit wegen der gegenseitigen Zuordnung der Leiterebenen,
  • 7. nicht zuletzt eine sehr hohe Materialersparnis bezogen auf eine Elektrode gleicher Fläche an hochwertigen Materialien, wie Titan,
  • 8. ein weiterer wirtschaftlicher Vorteil ist die einfache Form des Materials der Leiter (Flachprofil bzw. Rechteckprofil), die die Verwendung von Standardvormaterial zu optimalen Einkaufsbedingungen und günstige Lagerhaltung erlaubt,
  • 9. die gute Parallelität der einzelnen Flachprofile ist eine Folge der großen Verwindungssteifigkeit der erfindungsgemäßen Elektrodenkonstruktion bzw. ihres Aufbaus. Der mittlere Abstand zwischen Anode und Kathode im Elektrolyseur wird unbeeinflußt durch geringe Planitätsabweichungen optimal klein gehalten.
The main advantages of the invention are.
  • 1. Favorable power distribution over two conductor levels with optimally dimensioned flat profiles (rectangular profiles),
  • 2. high stability of the electrode both mechanically (torsionally rigid), in particular because of the more favorable section modulus of rectangular profiles compared to round profiles and square profiles, but also because all flat profiles (rectangular profiles) of the individual levels are each arranged at right angles to each other,
  • 3. Good flatness of the flat active surface of the electrode is not only retained after manufacture, transport, but also after installation (assembly and disassembly) and in operation, which leads to a reduction in operating costs because a more favorable, uniform distance to the Counter electrode is observed,
  • 4. Security against thermal distortion when reactivating. This enables the torsionally rigid construction of the electrode according to the invention,
  • 5. good mass transfer kinetics not only due to the completely coated, vertical flat profiles (rectangular profiles), but also due to their favorable mutual spacing and number of conductors per surface,
  • 6. nevertheless good weldability due to the mutual assignment of the conductor levels,
  • 7. last but not least, a very high material saving based on an electrode of the same area of high-quality materials, such as titanium,
  • 8. Another economic advantage is the simple shape of the material of the ladder (flat profile or rectangular profile), which allows the use of standard raw material for optimal purchasing conditions and cheap storage,
  • 9. The good parallelism of the individual flat profiles is a consequence of the high torsional rigidity of the electrode construction according to the invention or its construction. The average distance between the anode and cathode in the electrolyser is kept optimally small, unaffected by slight deviations in planarity.

Im folgenden ist der Gegenstand der Erfindung anhand der Figuren 1a, 1b und 2 näher erläutert.

  • Figur 1a zeigt eine Elektrode mit einem Träger, der auf zwei Seiten mit Flachprofilen versehen ist.
  • Figur 1 b zeigt als Ausschnitt eine Kante dieser Elektrode.
  • Figur 2 zeigt im Querschnitt einen Elektrolyseur, welcher.mit den erfindungsgemäßen Elektroden versehen ist.
The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2.
  • Figure 1a shows an electrode with a support which is provided on two sides with flat profiles.
  • FIG. 1b shows a section of an edge of this electrode.
  • FIG. 2 shows in cross section an electrolyzer which is provided with the electrodes according to the invention.

Gemäß Figur 1a besteht die erfindungsgemäße Elektrode aus einem plattenförmigen Träger 1, welcher auf beiden Seiten als Schweißbuckel dienende Ausbuchtungen 3 aufweist, auf denen als Elektrodenteile 2 dienende Flachprofile aufgeschweißt sind. Der aus elektrisch leitfähigem Material bestehende plattenförmige Träger 1 hat neben der stabilen Halterung der aktiven Fläche die Aufgabe, in allen als Flachprofile ausgeführten Elektrodenteile 2 den elektrischen Strom zu verteilen ; er dient somit zur Stromverteilung und Halterung der aktiven Flächen. Der Träger 1 besteht aus Metallblech einer Blechstärke von 0,4 bis 5 mm, vorzugsweise in einer Plattenstärke von 1 bis 3 mm. Die Ausbuchtungen 3 bestehen aus wechselweise angeordneten Erhöhungen bzw. Vertiefungen in den Ober- bzw. Unterflächen des Trägers 1, welche durchlaufende Kanten 4 aufweisen, deren Kantrichtungen senkrecht zu den Längsachsen der langgestreckten Flachprofile 2 verlaufen. Zur besseren Übersicht wird auf Figur 1b verwiesen, welche bruchstückhaft einen Teil der in Figur 1a dargestellten Elektrode wiedergibt.According to FIG. 1a, the electrode according to the invention consists of a plate-shaped carrier 1 which has bulges 3 serving as welding bosses on both sides, onto which flat profiles serving as electrode parts 2 are welded. The plate-shaped carrier 1 made of electrically conductive material has, in addition to the stable holding of the active surface, the task of distributing the electrical current in all the electrode parts 2 designed as flat profiles; it thus serves to distribute the current and hold the active areas. The carrier 1 consists of sheet metal with a sheet thickness of 0.4 to 5 mm, preferably in a sheet thickness of 1 to 3 mm. The bulges 3 consist of alternately arranged elevations or depressions in the upper and lower surfaces of the carrier 1, which have continuous edges 4, the edge directions of which run perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the elongated flat profiles 2. For a better overview, reference is made to FIG. 1b, which shows a fragment of a part of the electrode shown in FIG. 1a.

Figur 1 zeigt im vergrößerten Ausschnitt beispielsweise den rechten unteren Teil der in Figur 1a dargestellten Elektrode. Der plattenförmige Träger 1 ist auf seiner Oberfläche mit einer dachförmigen Ausbuchtung 3 versehen, auf der mittels Schweißungen 5 die aufliegenden Flachprofile 2 fest verbunden sind. Die Kanten 4 dieser Erhöhung verlaufen parallel zur Vorderkante 6 des rechteckförmigen plattenförmigen Trägers 1.FIG. 1 shows in an enlarged detail, for example, the lower right part of the electrode shown in FIG. 1a. The plate-shaped carrier 1 is provided on its surface with a roof-shaped bulge 3, on which the overlying flat profiles 2 are firmly connected by means of welds 5. The edges 4 of this elevation run parallel to the front edge 6 of the rectangular plate-shaped carrier 1.

Die auf der Oberkante der Ausbuchtung 3 befindlichen Schweißungen 5, welche die Flachprofile 2 mit der Ausbuchtung 3 verbinden, befinden sich auf einer durchgehenden Linie ; dies hat wesentliche fertigungstechnische Vorteile, da mit einer einzigen Widerstandsschweißung viele zueinander parallel angeordnete Flachprofile 2 mit einer solchen - als Schweißbuckel dienenden - Ausbuchtung 3 verbunden werden können.The welds 5 located on the upper edge of the bulge 3, which connect the flat profiles 2 to the bulge 3, are on a continuous line; This has significant advantages in terms of production technology, since many flat profiles 2 arranged parallel to one another can be connected to such a bulge 3, which serves as a welding boss, with a single resistance weld.

Durch die hochkant nebeneinander in vorgegebenem Abstand parallel angeordneten Flachprofile 2 ergibt sich ein besonders vorteilhaftes Herstellungsverfahren der Elektroden durch Widerstandsschweißung. Die einzelnen Flachprofile 2 werden durch ein oder mehrere drahtförmige Stabilisierungselemente 7 mittels Widerstandsschweißung zu einem stabilen Gesamtelement zusammengefügt. Dieses Gesamtelement wird wiederum durch Widerstandsschweißung mit den Schweißbuckeln in Form von dachförmigen Ausbuchtungen 3 verbunden.The upright side-by-side flat profiles 2 arranged at a predetermined distance result in a particularly advantageous method of manufacturing the electrodes by resistance welding. The individual flat profiles 2 are joined together by one or more wire-shaped stabilizing elements 7 by means of resistance welding to form a stable overall element. This overall element is in turn connected by resistance welding to the welding bosses in the form of roof-shaped bulges 3.

Da das drahtförmige Stabilisierungselement 7 sich auf der zum Träger 1 gerichteten Seite der Flachprofile 2 befindet, bildet es auch keinerlei Hindernisse für die Elektrolytströmung auf der den Membranen bzw. Diaphragma zugekehrten äußeren Seiten der Flachprofile 2.Since the wire-shaped stabilizing element 7 is located on the side of the flat profiles 2 facing the carrier 1, it also does not form any obstacles for the electrolyte flow on the outer sides of the flat profiles 2 facing the membranes or diaphragm.

Das Verhältnis von Flachprofilhöhe zum Mittenabstand benachbarter Flachprofile liegt im Bereich von 0,8 : bis 1,6 : 1. Das Verhältnis von Flachprofilstärke zu Flachprofilhöhe beträgt zwischen 1 : 5 und 2:3. In der Praxis haben sich Flachprofilhöhen von 3 bis 5 mm sowie Flachprofilstärken von 1 bis 2 mm besonders gut bewährt.The ratio of flat profile height to center distance between adjacent flat profiles is in the range from 0.8: to 1.6: 1. The ratio of flat profile thickness to flat profile height is between 1: 5 and 2: 3. In practice, flat profile heights of 3 to 5 mm and flat profile thicknesses of 1 to 2 mm have proven particularly effective.

Die Blechstärke des Trägers 1 liegt im Bereich von 0,4 bis 5 mm, während die Ausbuchtungen jeweils eine Höhe von 4 bis 8 mm aufweisen. Das bevorzugte Verhältnis zwischen der Blechstärke des Trägers 1 und der Höhe der Erhöhungen liegt im Bereich von 0,05 1 bis 3 : 4. In der Praxis hat sich ein Verhältnis von 1 : 5 als besonders gut bewährt herausgestellt, wobei die Blechstärke 1 mm beträgt.The sheet thickness of the carrier 1 is in the range from 0.4 to 5 mm, while the bulges each have a height of 4 to 8 mm. The preferred ratio between the sheet thickness of the support 1 and the height of the elevations is in the range from 0.05 1 to 3: 4. In practice, a ratio of 1: 5 has proven to be particularly good, the sheet thickness being 1 mm .

Im oberen Teil der Figur 1b ist die auf der Unterfläche des Trägers 1 befindliche Ausbuchtung 3 als Vertiefung erkennbar. Die durch Abkantwerkzeug herstellbare Ausbuchtung verläuft über die gesamte Fläche, wobei hier jedoch nur ein Ausschnitt dargestellt ist. Die auf der Unterseite befindliche Ausbuchtung 3 und die mit ihr durch Widerstandsschweißen fest verbundenen Flachprofile 2 entsprechend in ihrem Aufbau und in ihrer Wirkung den zur oberen Seite der Elektrode gemachten Ausführungen. Die unterhalb des Trägers 1 befindlichen Flachprofile 2 sind durch ein drahtförmiges Stabilisierungselement 7 - entsprechend den Flachprofilen 2 der oberen Seite - elektrisch und mechanisch miteinander fest verbunden.In the upper part of Figure 1b is on the Bulge 3 located underneath the carrier 1 can be seen as a depression. The bulge that can be produced using a folding tool extends over the entire surface, but only a section is shown here. The bulge 3 located on the underside and the flat profiles 2 firmly connected to it by resistance welding correspond in their structure and effect to the statements made on the upper side of the electrode. The flat profiles 2 located below the carrier 1 are connected electrically and mechanically to one another by a wire-shaped stabilizing element 7 - corresponding to the flat profiles 2 on the upper side.

Figur 2 zeigt den Einsatz der erfindungsgemäßen Elektrode in einer Elektrolyseanordnung nach dem Prinzip der Filterpressenbauweise. Zwischen den Endplatten 16 befinden sich mit den endständigen Kathoden 9 beginnend, abwechselnd beidseitig mit Flachprofilen bestückte Anoden 10 und Kathoden 11.FIG. 2 shows the use of the electrode according to the invention in an electrolysis arrangement based on the principle of the filter press design. Between the end plates 16, starting with the terminal cathodes 9, there are alternating anodes 10 and cathodes 11 fitted with flat profiles on both sides.

Die beidseitig bestückten Elektroden entsprechen den aus Figur 1a und 1 bekannten Darstellungen, während die endständigen Elekroden nur einseitig bestückt sind ; sie entsprechen ansonsten in ihrem Aufbau den beidseitig bestückten Elektroden.The electrodes equipped on both sides correspond to the representations known from FIGS. 1a and 1, while the terminal electrodes are only equipped on one side; they otherwise correspond in their construction to the electrodes equipped on both sides.

Als Material für die Anoden 10 kommen Metalle in Frage, die chemisch beständig gegenüber dem Anolyten sind, vorzugsweise Titan und Titanlegierungen, weiterhin sind die Flachprofile mit einer elektrokatalytisch aktiven Beschichtung versehen.Suitable materials for the anodes 10 are metals that are chemically resistant to the anolyte, preferably titanium and titanium alloys. Furthermore, the flat profiles are provided with an electrocatalytically active coating.

Die Kathoden 9 und 11 sind entsprechend den Anoden aufgebaut und bestehen aus einem Metall, das chemisch beständig gegenüber dem Katholyten ist, vorzugsweise aus Nickel bzw. Nickellegierungen oder rostfreiem Stahl. Die Flachprofile auf der Kathode können eine elektrokatalytisch aktive Beschichtung, beispielsweise Raney-Nickelbeschichtung, aufweisen.The cathodes 9 and 11 are constructed in accordance with the anodes and consist of a metal which is chemically resistant to the catholyte, preferably of nickel or nickel alloys or stainless steel. The flat profiles on the cathode can have an electrocatalytically active coating, for example Raney nickel coating.

Der Anolytraum und der Katholytraum sind durch ein Diaphragma 12 oder eine ionenselektive Membran getrennt.The anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment are separated by a diaphragm 12 or an ion-selective membrane.

Zur Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Elektroden in einem Elektrolyseur nach dem Filterpressenprinzip werden diese in einem Rahmen 17, der vorzugsweise aus dem gleichen Material bestehen soll wie die zugehörigen Elektroden, eingeschweißt.To use the electrodes according to the invention in an electrolyser based on the filter press principle, they are welded into a frame 17, which should preferably consist of the same material as the associated electrodes.

Der Rahmen 17 ist mit Durchbrüchen 18 versehen die dem Zu bzw. Ablauf des Anolyt bzw. Katholyt dienen.The frame 17 is provided with openings 18 which serve for the inlet or outlet of the anolyte or catholyte.

Zur Abdichtung der einzelnen Räume werden auf jeder Seite des Diaphragmas oder der Membran Dichtungen 15 eingebracht, die außerdem der Isolierung der benachbarten Elektroden, die naturgemäß entgegengesetzte Polarität haben, dienen.To seal the individual rooms, seals 15 are introduced on each side of the diaphragm or membrane, which also serve to isolate the neighboring electrodes, which naturally have opposite polarities.

Ein wesentliches Kriterium der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung bilden die Strömungskanäle zwischen den Flachprofilen, die z. B. bei gasentwicklenden Elektroden einen sicheren Abtransport der Gasblasen gewährleistet und in denen eine gute Durchmischung des Elektrolyten stattfindet.An essential criterion of the arrangement according to the invention are the flow channels between the flat profiles, which, for. B. with gas-developing electrodes ensures safe removal of the gas bubbles and in which there is thorough mixing of the electrolyte.

Die Halterungsmaßnahmen zur Filterpressenbauweise sind zwecks besserer Übersicht in Figur 2 nicht dargestellt.The mounting measures for filter press construction are not shown in Figure 2 for a better overview.

Claims (8)

1. Electrode for electrochemical cells, in particular for diaphragm or membrane cells, having a structure permitting optimum gas transport out of the region of the electro chemical reaction, which contains a plate-like carrier (1) of sheet metal of a thickness of at least 0.4 mm and acting as a current distributor, wherein the carrier (1) has on both sides at least two corrugations (3) extending over each of its top and bottom surfaces and on the top and bottom surfaces of which at least one plate-like electrode element (2) is welded in bridge-like manner on to the crest of the corrugation (3), characterised in that the side surfaces of the corrugations (3) subtend an acute angle and act as welding humps for the plate-like electrode elements (2), that for the purpose of forming a lamellar structure, a plurality of plate-like electrode elements (2) are welded by their narrow lateral edges on to the crest of the corrugations (3) and are arranged with the planes of their wide lateral surfaces at right angles to the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, of the carrier (1).
2. Electrode structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the corrugations (3) in the extension of the lines of their crests, intersect the planes of the electrode elements (2) at an angle lying between 30° and 90°.
3. Electrode structure according to claim 2, characterised in that the corrugations (3) have a height of 1 to 10 mm.
4. Electrode structure according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the corrugations (3) are formed by rectilinearly extending edges (4).
5. Electrode structure according to claim 4, characterised in that the carrier (1) has a rectangular base shape, the corrugations (3) forming a continuous line between two mutually opposed plate edges.
6. Electrode structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the electrode elements (2) have a rectangular cross-section with a ratio of 1 : 1.5 to 1 5 between its sides.
7. Electrode structure according to claim 6, characterised in that the ratio between the spacing between centres of adjacent electrode elements (2) and the height of the electrode elements lies within the range from 1 :1.6 to 1 : 0.8.
8. Electrode structure according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that all the electrode elements (2) of one side of the carrier are interconnected by welding by at least two wire-like metal stabilising elements (7) in each case.
EP85116337A 1985-05-30 1985-12-20 Electrode structure for electrochemical cells Expired EP0203224B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT85116337T ATE41955T1 (en) 1985-05-30 1985-12-20 ELECTRODE STRUCTURE FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3519272 1985-05-30
DE3519272A DE3519272C1 (en) 1985-05-30 1985-05-30 Electrode structure for electrochemical cells

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EP0203224A1 EP0203224A1 (en) 1986-12-03
EP0203224B1 true EP0203224B1 (en) 1989-04-05

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AT (1) ATE41955T1 (en)
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DE (2) DE3519272C1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3726674A1 (en) * 1987-08-11 1989-02-23 Heraeus Elektroden ELECTRODE STRUCTURE FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
DE4212678A1 (en) * 1992-04-16 1993-10-21 Heraeus Elektrochemie Electrochemical membrane cell
ITMI20031269A1 (en) * 2003-06-24 2004-12-25 De Nora Elettrodi Spa NEW EXPANDABLE ANODE FOR DIAPHRAGM CELLS.
ITMI20050108A1 (en) 2005-01-27 2006-07-28 De Nora Elettrodi Spa ANODE SUITABLE FOR GAS DEVELOPMENT REACTIONS

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4022679A (en) * 1973-05-10 1977-05-10 C. Conradty Coated titanium anode for amalgam heavy duty cells
US4013525A (en) * 1973-09-24 1977-03-22 Imperial Chemical Industries Limited Electrolytic cells
IT1163737B (en) * 1979-11-29 1987-04-08 Oronzio De Nora Impianti BIPOLAR ELECTROLIZER INCLUDING MEANS TO GENERATE THE INTERNAL RECIRCULATION OF THE ELECTROLYTE AND ELECTROLYSIS PROCEDURE
US4482448A (en) * 1981-12-23 1984-11-13 Noranda Inc. Electrode structure for electrolyser cells
DE3421480A1 (en) * 1984-06-08 1985-12-12 Conradty GmbH & Co Metallelektroden KG, 8505 Röthenbach COATED VALVE METAL ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROLYTIC GALVANIZATION

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JPS61279063A (en) 1986-12-09
DD243299A5 (en) 1987-02-25
DE3519272C1 (en) 1986-12-18
ATE41955T1 (en) 1989-04-15
DE3569267D1 (en) 1989-05-11

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