Development of dynamic structure control technology for innovative reaction field

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23K17848
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Research (Exploratory)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Medium-sized Section 27:Chemical engineering and related fields
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Inoue Gen 九州大学, 工学研究院, 教授 (40336003)
• Project Period (FY): 2023-06-30 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: 電池 / エネルギー技術 / 粒子 / 電位制御 / 多孔構造 / フローシステム / シミュレーション

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The formation of high-efficiency reaction fields in fuel cells and energy conversion reaction devices is of critical importance. To this end, we aimed to develop a technique that enables the continuous connection of particles along boundary walls during dynamic flow by introducing a slurry system into an electrolyte and reactant flow system. We advanced the proof of concept for particle dispersion control in a flow field under applied potential. By supplying an electrode-particle slurry into a flow cell and measuring resistance under potential application, we identified the potential for particle aggregation and contact formation. Furthermore, we constructed a particle aggregation simulation model and validated its accuracy through comparison with measured particle size distributions. Using this model, we demonstrated that the aggregated particle size can be controlled by solvent conditions and electrolyte concentration.

Free Research Field

化学工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

各種エネルギーデバイスにおいて、高電流化による反応速度向上は、通常物質輸送抵抗の増大を招き、その結果エネルギー損失が大きくなる。特に二次電池の充放電速度向上や、燃料電池の出力向上の場合に、この点が大きな課題である。この問題解決に本研究は貢献できると考えている。流動型のシステムで従来の電池やエネルギーデバイスを実現することにより、省エネルギー化や、電気自動車・燃料電池自動車の普及拡大を進めることができる。それによる地球温暖化抑制や環境汚染の低減も期待できると考えている。