X-Cell – with 3 or 4 compartments

DESCRIPTION:  This cell is the same as X-cell (https://redox-flow.com/shop/x-cell/) except that it comes with additional ports.  The cell is a member of X-cells with additional ports (LINK) where the additional ports can be used for different purposes. I.e. if a X-cell with additional ports has been acquired it can be changed into other X-cell types only by buying the gaskets for that specific application. For a general description of the X-cell, see https://redox-flow.com/shop/x-cell/. The X-cell with ports can be made with ‘flat surface’ and interdigitated flow field current collectors, below it is described for current collectors with flat surface.

This X-cell has three compartment and some of the unique features are

• Variable compartment/electrode thickness – it is determined by the gaskets
• Can be supplied with current collectors that have interdigitated flow field or ‘flat surface’
• Material choices are large and with right selection it can fit almost any chemistry

This cell is a variant of the X-cell, the main difference being additional ports that allows a third middle chamber in between the anode/cathode chambers/half cells. The middle chamber is separated by membranes on each side. The left figure below is a schematic overview of the working principle, while the right photo show the cell with the inlet/outlets.  The additional ports on the back of the cells are not used and are blocked. All chambers/half cells have variable thicknesses and are determined by the gaskets used.

GASKETS & ELECTRODE THICKNESS: Due to the many variations, cells are sold without gaskets that has needs to be ordered individually and is described below.

Flat current collectors: The main components of this configuration is shown in the image below – (Click on picture to get higher resolution)

Cover/Spacer gaskets – Here one type is needed  (shown below)

Flow field gaskets – Here two different flow field gaskets are needed (shown below). One is for the anode/cathode chambers while the other is for the middle chamber.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The cell has been developed for many applications including Electrodialysis, Alkaline Fuel Cells, Electrochemical CO2 reduction etc.  This is also reflected in the many standard material options that are available for the cell.

Besides the current collectors and electrodes the electrolyte will only be in contact with corrosion resistant polymers which is important to ensure that e.g. electrodes/catalysts are not poisoned from dissolution of e.g. metals in the cell. Also it can be operated in the full pH range (depending on materials choices) and to elevated temperatures (95°C)