JP2022023997A - Electrochemical device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrochemical device capable of constructing a cell flow path with a simple configuration. SOLUTION: A water electrolyzer 10 has an electrolyte membrane 21 having an anode catalyst layer 22 laminated on one side surface and a cathode catalyst layer 32 laminated on the other side, and a separator provided on both outer sides of the electrolyte membrane 21. 28, a separator 38, a first gas diffusion layer arranged between the separator and at least one of the anode catalyst layer 22 and the cathode catalyst layer 32 of the electrolyte film 21, and between the first gas diffusion layer and the separator. It has a second gas diffusion layer that is arranged and has a different average pore size from the first gas diffusion layer and diffuses the gas, and includes a flow path layer that constitutes a flow path of the fluid. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to an electrochemical device.

In recent years, fuel cells and water electrolyzers that generate hydrogen as the fuel have been attracting attention as utilization of clean energy. By generating and storing hydrogen in a water electrolyzer using electricity obtained from renewable energy and generating electricity in a fuel cell using hydrogen as needed, electricity can be continuously generated even with unstable renewable energy. Can be supplied.

For such fuel cells and water electrolyzers, the configuration of cell stacks has also been developed, and various technologies have been proposed for electrochemical devices including an electrolyte membrane, an anode, a cathode, and a separator. (See, for example, Patent Document 1), but further ingenuity is required for the specific configuration.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-169381

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrochemical device capable of forming a flow path with a simple configuration.

The electrochemical device according to claim 1 has an electrolyte membrane having an anode catalyst layer laminated on one side surface and a cathode catalyst layer laminated on the other surface, and the electrolyte membrane sandwiched between the electrolyte membrane and the electrolyte membrane on both outer sides. A first gas that is provided and is arranged between the separator that forms a flow path between the electrolyte membrane and at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer of the electrolyte membrane and the separator to diffuse the gas. It has a diffusion layer and a second gas diffusion layer which is arranged between the first gas diffusion layer and the separator and has a different average pore size from the first gas diffusion layer to diffuse the gas, and is a flow path of the fluid. It is provided with a flow path layer constituting the above.

In the electrochemical device according to claim 1, a first gas diffusion layer is arranged between at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer of the electrolyte membrane and the separator. Further, between the first gas diffusion layer and the separator, a second gas diffusion layer having an average pore diameter different from that of the first gas diffusion layer is arranged. Then, a flow path layer having these first gas diffusion layer and second gas diffusion layer and forming a flow path of the fluid is formed.

In this way, by forming the flow path layer constituting the flow path of the fluid including the first gas diffusion layer and the second gas diffusion layer, the fluid can be diffused without forming a groove or the like in the separator. It can be circulated and a flow path can be easily formed.

In the electrochemical device according to claim 2, the average pore size of the first gas diffusion layer is smaller than the average pore size of the second gas diffusion layer.

As described above, by making the average pore size of the first gas diffusion layer closer to the electrolyte membrane smaller than the average pore diameter of the second gas diffusion layer, it is generated on the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer laminated on the electrolyte membrane. The gas can be smoothly flowed through the second gas diffusion layer on the separator side.

In the electrochemical device according to claim 3, the thickness of the second gas diffusion layer is thicker than the thickness of the first gas diffusion layer.

By making the thickness of the second gas diffusion layer thicker than the thickness of the first gas diffusion layer in this way, the gas generated on the first gas diffusion layer side in the flow path layer is diffused into the second gas diffusion on the separator side. It can flow smoothly in layers.

In the electrochemical device according to claim 4, the separator has a flow path hole communicating with the flow path layer formed through the flow path hole in the stacking direction.

By forming the flow path hole in the separator in this way, the flow path space can be easily communicated with the outside.

The electrochemical device according to claim 5 is laminated between at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer of the electrolyte membrane and the separator to form an opening penetrating in the stacking direction, and is outside the opening. A seal layer is further provided, in which the space between the electrolyte membrane and the separator is sealed at the outer peripheral portion of the above, a flow path space is formed by the opening, and the flow path layer is arranged in the flow path space.

In this way, by constructing the flow path space using the seal layer, the flow path can be easily constructed.

In the electrochemical device according to claim 6, a notch portion continuous with the opening is formed in the seal layer, and the flow path hole is arranged so as to overlap the notch portion when viewed from the stacking direction.

In this way, by forming a notch portion continuous with the opening in the seal layer and arranging the flow path hole of the separator so as to overlap the notch portion when viewed from the stacking direction, the flow path hole and the flow path space are separated from each other. It can be easily communicated via.

According to the electrochemical device according to the present invention, the flow path can be configured with a simple configuration.

It is a figure which shows the schematic cross-sectional structure of line 1-1 of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic cross-sectional structure of line 2-2 of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the cell of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which looked at a part of the cell of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on this embodiment in plan view, (A) is an anode side, (B) is a cathode side. It is a figure which shows the schematic cross-sectional structure of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on the modification of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic cross-sectional structure corresponding to line 1-1 of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on the modification of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the schematic cross-sectional structure corresponding to line 2-2 of the water electrolysis apparatus which concerns on the modification of this embodiment.

As an embodiment of the electrochemical device of the present invention, the water electrolyzer 10 will be described as an example. FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional configuration of line 1-1 in FIG. 3 of the water electrolyzer 10. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional configuration of line 2-2 in FIG. 3 of the water electrolyzer 10. Further, FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the cell 20 of the water electrolyzer 10.

The cell 20 includes an electrolyte membrane 21, and an anode catalyst layer 22, an anode first gas diffusion layer 24A, an anode second gas diffusion layer 24B, an anode seal layer 26, and a separator 28 are provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane 21. There is. Further, on the other side of the electrolyte membrane 21, a cathode catalyst layer 32, a cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A, a cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B, a cathode seal layer 36, and a separator 38 are provided.

The electrolyte membrane 21 has a rectangular shape, and a carbon-fluorine-based polymer membrane, a carbon-fluorine-based polymer membrane, or the like can be used. The anode catalyst layer 22 is laminated on one surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The anode catalyst layer 22 covers the inner peripheral side narrower than the outer peripheral side of one surface of the electrolyte membrane 21, and an Ir-based catalyst or the like can be used. A cathode catalyst layer 32 is laminated on the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 21. The cathode catalyst layer 32 covers the inner peripheral side narrower than the outer peripheral surface of the other surface of the electrolyte membrane 21, and a Pt / carbon-based catalyst or the like can be used.

A gasket 23 is provided on the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane 21, the anode catalyst layer 22, and the cathode catalyst layer 32. The gasket 23 has substantially the same shape and size as the separator 28, the anode seal layer 26, the separator 28, the cathode seal layer 36, and the separator 38, which will be described later in plan view, and the electrolyte membrane 21 and the anode catalyst layer are formed in the inner opening portion. 22, the cathode catalyst layer 32 is arranged. The gasket 23 is formed of a resin film, and the electrolyte membrane 21, the anode catalyst layer 22, and the cathode catalyst layer 32 are in close contact with the inner peripheral wall of the opening of the gasket 23. The electrolyte membrane 21, the anode catalyst layer 22, the cathode catalyst layer 32, and the gasket 23 are integrated to form the electrolyte layer 25. Through holes 25A, 25B, and 25C are formed in the electrolyte layer 25. The through holes 25A, 25B and 25C are formed at positions corresponding to the flow path through holes 28A, 28B and 28C described later.

The anode seal layer 26 is laminated on the anode catalyst layer 22 side of the electrolyte layer 25. As shown in FIG. 4A, the anode seal layer 26 has a rectangular plate shape, and an anode opening 26A is formed in the center in a plan view. The anode opening 26A is a rectangular opening that penetrates the anode seal layer 26 in the thickness direction, and each side is formed substantially parallel to each side of the electrolyte membrane 21. An anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and an anode second gas diffusion layer 24B, which will be described later, are arranged in the anode opening 26A. The anode seal layer 26 is in close contact with the gasket 23.

The anode catalyst layer 22 and the electrolyte membrane 21 may be provided corresponding to the portion where the anode opening 26A is formed, and in the present embodiment, the anode catalyst layer 22 is provided in close contact with the anode seal layer 26. , The electrolyte membrane 21 is not laminated. However, the anode catalyst layer 22 may be arranged in a part of the portion in close contact with the anode seal layer 26, or the anode seal layer 26 and the electrolyte membrane 21 may be in close contact with each other.

Notches 26B and 26C are formed in the anode seal layer 26 in succession with the anode opening 26A. The notch 26B is arranged at one corner of the anode opening 26A, and the notch 26C is formed at another corner arranged diagonally with the corner of the notch 26B. The cutouts 26B and 26C are formed so as to project outward from the anode opening 26A along one side of the anode opening 26A in a plan view. The notches 26B and 26C also penetrate the anode seal layer 26 in the thickness direction. The anode seal layer 26 can be formed of a resin or rubber material. The anode opening 26A is sandwiched between the anode catalyst layer 22 and the separator 28, which will be described later, to form an anode flow path space 27. Further, in the anode seal layer 26, a through hole 26D is formed at one corner of the anode opening 26A in which the notches 26B and 26C are not formed. The through hole 26D is not in communication with the anode opening 26A.

An anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and an anode second gas diffusion layer 24B are arranged in the anode opening 26A of the anode seal layer 26. The anode flow path layer 24 is formed by the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B.

The anode first gas diffusion layer 24A is arranged on the electrolyte membrane 21 side, and the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B is laminated on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane 21 of the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A.

As the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A, a substance such as a porous body, a powder sintered body, a fiber sintered body, a metal mesh, or a felt that allows a fluid to flow through the layer can be used. Further, the average pore diameter of the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A is preferably 100 μm or less. It is preferably smaller than the average pore size of the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B. As the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B, a substance such as a porous body, a powder sintered body, a fiber sintered body, a metal mesh, and a felt that allows a fluid to flow through the layer can be used. Further, the average pore diameter of the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B is preferably 100 μm or less, and is preferably larger than the average pore diameter of the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A. Further, the thickness of the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B is preferably thicker than the thickness of the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A.

The two layers, the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B, have a shape that fills the anode flow path space 27, have substantially the same shape as the anode opening 26A in a plan view, and have the same shape as the anode seal layer 26. It is said to be thick. A part of the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B may be filled in the notches 26B and 26C, but in the present embodiment, the portions corresponding to the notches 26B and 26C are filled. Not.

A separator 28 is laminated on the anode seal layer 26 and the anode flow path layer 24. The separator 28 has a rectangular plate shape and is flat on both sides. The separator 28 is in close contact with the anode seal layer 26. The anode seal layer 26 seals between the electrolyte layer 25 and the separator 28. The anode flow path space 27 is formed by the wall surface forming the anode opening 26A of the anode seal layer 26, the surface exposed to the anode opening 26A of the anode catalyst layer 22 and the separator 28. The separator 28 is made of a conductive material, and a voltage is applied to the separator 28.

As the separator 28, titanium, stainless steel, carbon or the like can be used. In particular, when used as a cell of a water electrolyzer as in the present embodiment, oxygen is generated on the anode side, so it is preferable to use titanium for suppressing oxidation.

The separator 28 is formed with flow path through holes 28A, 28B, 28C. The flow path through hole 28A is formed at a position corresponding to the notch 26B of the anode seal layer 26 (a position overlapping the notch 26B in a plan view), and the flow path through hole 28B is a position corresponding to the notch 26C of the anode seal layer 26. It is formed at (a position where it overlaps with the notch 26C in a plan view). The flow path through hole 28C is formed at a position adjacent to the flow path through hole 28A.

A flow path through which the fluid on the anode side passes is formed from the flow path through hole 28A, the corresponding notch 26B, the anode opening 26A, the notch 26C, and the corresponding flow path through hole 28B.

A cathode seal layer 36 is laminated on the cathode catalyst layer 32 side of the electrolyte layer 25. As shown in FIG. 4B, the cathode seal layer 36 has a rectangular plate shape, and a cathode opening 36A is formed in the center in a plan view. The cathode opening 36A is a rectangular opening that penetrates the cathode seal layer 36 in the thickness direction, and each side is formed substantially parallel to each side of the electrolyte membrane 21. A cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A and a cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B, which will be described later, are arranged in the cathode opening 36A. The cathode seal layer 36 is in close contact with the gasket 23.

The cathode catalyst layer 32 and the electrolyte membrane 21 may be provided corresponding to the portion where the cathode opening 36A is formed, and in the present embodiment, the cathode catalyst layer 32 is provided in close contact with the cathode seal layer 36. , The electrolyte membrane 21 is not laminated. However, the cathode catalyst layer 32 may be arranged in a part of the portion in close contact with the cathode seal layer 36, or the cathode seal layer 36 and the electrolyte membrane 21 may be in close contact with each other.

A notch 36D is formed in the cathode seal layer 36 continuously with the cathode opening 36A. The notch 36D is formed at one corner of the cathode opening 36A at a position corresponding to the flow path through hole 28C of the separator 28 in a plan view. The notch 36D is formed so as to project outward from the cathode opening 36A along one side of the cathode opening 36A in a plan view. The notch 36D also penetrates the cathode seal layer 36 in the thickness direction. The cathode seal layer 36 can be formed of a resin or rubber material. The cathode opening 36A is sandwiched between the cathode catalyst layer 32 and the separator 38, which will be described later, to form a cathode flow path space 37.

In the cathode seal layer 36, through holes 36B and 36C are formed at the corners where the notch 36D of the cathode opening 36A is not formed and at positions corresponding to the flow path through holes 28A and 28B of the separator 28 in a plan view. There is. The through holes 36B and 36C are not in communication with the cathode opening 36A.

A cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A and a cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B are arranged in the cathode opening 36A of the cathode seal layer 36. The cathode flow path layer 34 is formed by the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A and the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B.

The cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A is arranged on the electrolyte membrane 21 side, and the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B is laminated on the side opposite to the electrolyte membrane 21 of the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A.

As the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A, a substance such as a porous body, a powder sintered body, a fiber sintered body, a metal mesh, or a felt that allows a fluid to flow in the layer can be used. Further, the average pore diameter of the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A is preferably 100 μm or less. It is preferably smaller than the average pore size of the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B. As the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B, a substance such as a porous body, a powder sintered body, a fiber sintered body, a metal mesh, and a felt that allows a fluid to flow in the layer can be used. Further, the average pore diameter of the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B is preferably 100 μm or less, and is preferably larger than the average pore diameter of the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A. Further, the thickness of the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B is preferably thicker than the thickness of the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A.

The two layers, the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A and the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B, have a shape that fills the cathode flow path space 37, have substantially the same shape as the cathode opening 36A in a plan view, and have the same shape as the cathode seal layer 36. It is said to be thick. The cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A and the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B may also be filled in the notches 36B and 36C, but in the present embodiment, the portions corresponding to the notches 36B and 36C are not filled.

A separator 38 is laminated on the cathode seal layer 36 and the cathode flow path layer 34. The separator 38 has the same shape as the separator 28, has a rectangular plate shape, and has flat surfaces on both sides. The separator 38 is in close contact with the cathode seal layer 36. The cathode seal layer 36 seals between the electrolyte layer 25 and the separator 38. The cathode flow path space 37 is formed by the wall surface forming the cathode opening 36A of the cathode seal layer 36, the surface exposed to the cathode opening 36A of the cathode catalyst layer 32 and the separator 38. The separator 38 is made of a conductive material, and a voltage is applied to the separator 38.

As the separator 38, titanium, stainless steel, carbon or the like can be used. The separator 38 is formed with flow path through holes 38A, 38B, 38C. The flow path through holes 38A, 38B, 38C are formed at positions corresponding to the flow path through holes 28A, 28B, 28C of the separator 28 in a plan view. A flow path through which the fluid on the cathode side passes is formed from the flow path through hole 38A, the notch 36B, and the cathode opening 36A.

As shown in FIG. 2, a water flow path 40A penetrating is formed in the stacking direction of the cells 20. The water flow path 40A is formed by communicating the flow path through hole 28A, the notch 26B, the through hole 25A, the through hole 36B, and the flow path through hole 38A in the stacking direction of the cell 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, an oxygen flow path 40B penetrating is formed in the stacking direction of the cells 20. The oxygen flow path 40B is formed by communicating the flow path through hole 28B, the notch 26C, the through hole 25B, the through hole 36C, and the flow path through hole 38B in the stacking direction of the cell 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a hydrogen flow path 40C penetrating is formed in the stacking direction of the cells 20. The hydrogen flow path 40C is formed by communicating the flow path through hole 28C, the through hole 26D, the through hole 25C, the notch 36D, and the flow path through hole 38C in the stacking direction of the cell 20.

The water electrolyzer 10 includes a voltage applying means 42. The voltage applying means 42 applies a voltage between the separator 28 and the separator 38. The voltage and current of the separator 28 and the separator 38 are measured by a voltmeter and an ammeter (not shown), and are controlled by a control unit (not shown) based on the voltage and current value between the separator 28 and the separator 38.

Next, the operation and effect of the water electrolyzer 10 of the present embodiment will be described.

Water ( _H2O ) is supplied from the outside to the flow path through hole 28A of the cell 20. Water flows from the flow path through hole 28A through the notch 26B to the anode flow path space 27. By applying a voltage between the separator 28 and the separator 38, the following reaction (1) occurs on the surface of the anode catalyst layer 22.

H ₂ O → 2H ⁺ + 0.5O ₂ + ^2e- (1)

Oxygen O ₂ is diffused by the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B, flows toward the notch 26C, and is sent out from the flow path through hole 28B together with the unreacted water (H ₂ O). ..

The hydrogen proton H ⁺ moves to the cathode side through the electrolyte membrane 21 and obtains an electron e ⁻ supplied by an external wiring (reaction ( ₂ )) to become hydrogen H2, which becomes hydrogen H2, passes through a notch 36D, and is a flow path through hole. It is sent from 38C.

2H ⁺ + ^2e- → H ₂ (2)

In the present embodiment, the anode side is simply sealed by the anode seal layer 26 between the electrolyte layer 25 (electrolyte film 21, anode catalyst layer 22) and the separator 28, and the anode seal layer 26 is provided with an opening. The anode flow path space 27 can be formed.

Further, by forming a notch 26B in the anode seal layer 26, forming a flow path through hole 28A at a position overlapping the notch 26B in a plan view, and forming a flow path through hole 28B at a position overlapping the notch 26C in a plan view. It is possible to easily form a flow path for flowing fluid from the outside into the anode flow path space 27 or flowing out from the anode flow path space 27 to the outside.

On the cathode side, the cathode seal layer 36 seals between the electrolyte layer 25 (electrolyte film 21, cathode catalyst layer 32) and the separator 38, and the cathode seal layer 36 is provided with an opening to simply provide a cathode flow path space 37. Can be formed.

Further, by forming a notch 36D in the cathode seal layer 36 and forming a flow path through hole 38C at a position overlapping the notch 36B in a plan view, a flow path for flowing fluid from the cathode flow path space 37 to the outside can be simplified. Can be formed into.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A and the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B are arranged in the anode flow path space 27 to promote the flow of fluid, a groove is formed in the separator 28. The surface of the separator 28 can be made flat and can be easily manufactured without the need for a flow path.

Further, by making the average pore size of the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A arranged on the anode catalyst layer 22 side smaller than the average pore diameter of the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B arranged on the separator 28 side, the anode flow path In the layer 24, the oxygen generated on the anode first gas diffusion layer 24A side can be smoothly flowed through the anode second gas diffusion layer 24B on the separator 28 side.

Further, by making the thickness of the anode 2nd gas diffusion layer 24B thicker than the thickness of the anode 1st gas diffusion layer 24A, the oxygen generated on the anode 1st gas diffusion layer 24A side is transferred to the anode 2nd gas diffusion layer 24B. Can be flowed smoothly with.

On the cathode side as well, since the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A and the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B are arranged in the cathode flow path space 37 to promote the flow of fluid, a groove is formed in the separator 38 to form a flow path. The surface of the separator 38 can be made flat, and the separator 38 can be easily manufactured.

Further, by making the average pore diameter of the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A arranged on the cathode catalyst layer 32 side smaller than the average pore diameter of the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B arranged on the separator 38 side, the cathode flow path In the layer 34, the hydrogen generated on the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A side can be smoothly flowed through the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B on the separator 38 side.

Further, by making the thickness of the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B thicker than the thickness of the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A, the hydrogen generated on the cathode first gas diffusion layer 34A side is transferred to the cathode second gas diffusion layer 34B. Can be flowed smoothly with.

In the present embodiment, the anode seal layer 26 and the cathode seal layer 36 are provided to form the anode flow path space 27 and the cathode flow path space 37, but instead of the anode seal layer 26 and the cathode seal layer 36, a separator is used. 28, the separator 38 may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, a recess 28Z may be formed in the separator 28, a recess 38Z may be formed in the separator 38, and the anode flow path layer 24 and the cathode flow path layer 34 may be arranged in the recess. can. In this case, a notch similar to the notches 26B and 26C can be provided on the outer periphery of the recess 28Z, and a notch similar to the notch 36D can be provided on the outer periphery of the recess 38Z.

Further, in the present embodiment, although the cell 20 alone has been described, hydrogen and oxygen can be obtained by performing water electrolysis in each cell 20 as a cell stack in which a plurality of cells 20 are stacked.

In this case, since the separator 28 and the separator 38 are formed of the same shape and the same material, the front and back surfaces of the separator 28 (38) of 1 can be used in the intermediate portion of the lamination. That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when a plurality of cells 20 are stacked to form the cell stack 20S, one side surface of the separator 28 (separator 38) is used to configure the anode flow path space 27. The other side surface can be used to configure the cathode flow path space 37.

By laminating in this way, the oxygen flow path 40B and the hydrogen flow path 40C that communicate the water flow path 40A, the oxygen flow path 40B, and the hydrogen flow path 40C for each cell 20 and penetrate the cell stack 20S in the stacking direction are provided. Can be formed.

10 Water electrolyzer (electrochemical device)
20 cells (electrochemical device)
21 Electrolyte membrane 22 Anode catalyst layer 24 Anode flow path layer (channel layer)
24A Anode 1st gas diffusion layer (1st gas diffusion layer)
24B Anode 2nd gas diffusion layer (2nd gas diffusion layer)
26 Anode seal layer (seal layer)
26A Anode opening (opening)
26B notch (notch)
27 Anode flow path space (flow path space)
28 Separator 28A, 28B Flow path through hole (flow path hole)
32 Cathode catalyst layer 34 Cathode flow path layer (flow path layer)
34A Cathode 1st gas diffusion layer (1st gas diffusion layer)
34B Cathode second gas diffusion layer (second gas diffusion layer)
36 Cathode seal layer (seal layer)
36A cathode opening (opening)
36B notch (notch)
37 Cathode flow path space (flow path space)
38 Separator 38A Channel through hole (channel hole)

Claims (6)

An electrolyte membrane having an anode catalyst layer laminated on one side surface and a cathode catalyst layer laminated on the other side.
A separator provided on both outer sides of the electrolyte membrane at a distance from the electrolyte membrane and forming a flow path between the electrolyte membrane and the separator.
A first gas diffusion layer arranged between at least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer of the electrolyte film and the separator to diffuse a gas, and arranged between the first gas diffusion layer and the separator. A flow path layer having a second gas diffusion layer having an average pore diameter different from that of the first gas diffusion layer and diffusing a gas, and forming a flow path of the fluid.
With, electrochemical device. The electrochemical device according to claim 1, wherein the average pore size of the first gas diffusion layer is smaller than the average pore size of the second gas diffusion layer. The electrochemical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the second gas diffusion layer is thicker than the thickness of the first gas diffusion layer. A flow path hole communicating with the flow path layer is formed through the separator in the stacking direction.
The electrochemical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. At least one of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer of the electrolyte membrane is laminated between the separator to form an opening penetrating in the stacking direction, and the electrolyte membrane and the separator are formed at an outer peripheral portion outside the opening. A seal layer in which a flow path space is formed by the opening, and the flow path layer is arranged in the flow path space.
4. The electrochemical device according to claim 4. A notch continuous with the opening is formed in the seal layer, and the flow path hole is arranged so as to overlap the notch when viewed from the stacking direction.
The electrochemical device according to claim 5.

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