A membrane-free electrochemical reactor for efficient oxygen removal via gravity-assisted product self-separation

Peng Li, Xin Tang, Xin Zhou, Changming Zhao, Wanyu Shen, Yi Tan, Deming Li, Peng Jiang, Fangyao Zhou, Zhe Wang, Jun Tang (), Guiqiang Li (), Yu Zhang () and Yuen Wu ()
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Peng Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Xin Tang: University of Science and Technology of China
Xin Zhou: Ltd
Changming Zhao: Ltd
Wanyu Shen: University of Science and Technology of China
Yi Tan: University of Science and Technology of China
Deming Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Peng Jiang: University of Science and Technology of China
Fangyao Zhou: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhe Wang: Ltd
Jun Tang: University of Science and Technology of China
Guiqiang Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Yu Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Yuen Wu: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Although electrochemical technologies offer vast industrial prospects, broader adoption—particularly in consumer applications—remains constrained by high costs and limited component lifespans. Here, we present a gravity-assisted, membrane-free electrochemical oxygen (O2) removal (EOR) reactor coupling oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions. Leveraging fluid mechanics insights, buoyant O2 bubbles ascend rapidly, achieving 95% product self-separation and eliminating the need for membranes or external circulation. To withstand high hydrostatic pressures and ensure a 10-year operational lifespan, we developed an integrative gas diffusion electrode (GDE) with ~85.5% conductivity and 80.2% gas permeability relative to conventional carbon paper, yet 2.2-fold higher mechanical strength and 30-fold greater stability. In a household refrigerator, our two-cell system boosts fresh-keeping capacity by 3.4-fold. Comprehensive economic analysis reveals a 22.6-fold increase in O2 removal per unit cost compared with ion-exchange membrane-based reactors, underscoring this design’s cost-effective, long-lived potential for diverse real-world applications.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59506-7

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