RECHARGEABLE ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS

摘要

Provided are electrochemical devices that are rechargeable, where an electrolyte stream whose electrolyte is electro-chemically inert is supplied to an ion concentrate compartment between a bipolar membrane and an electrode, thereby eliminating a potential for scale build-up. When strong or weak cation resins are used in a product compartment of an electrochemical device, acid water produced can be used to soak and clean an ion concentrate compartment next to an electrode, such as the cathode.

主权项

1. An electrochemical cell comprising:
a product compartment containing one or more ion-exchange resins; a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment; a bipolar membrane; an ion-exchange membrane selected from the group consisting of a cation-permeable membrane and an anion-permeable membrane; and a cathode and an anode; and one or both of the following structures: a closed loop of an electrolyte stream in fluid communication with the bipolar membrane and either the anolyte compartment or the catholyte compartment and a slip stream that puts the ion-exchange membrane in fluid communication with the product compartment.