co») United States US 20190218675A1 c2) Patent Application Publication (o) Pub. No.: US 2019/0218675 Al YAMAKT et al. (43) Pub, Dat Jul. 18, 2019 (34) DIAPHRAGM FOR ELECTROLYZING ALKALINE WATER AND DEVICE FOR BLECTROLYZING ALKALINE WATER (71) Applicant: AGC Ine., Chiyoda-ku (IP) (72) laventors: Yasushi YAMAKI, Chiyoda-ku (1D) Kesuke SUMIKURA, Chiyoda-ku (IP) Satoru MIYAMOTO, Chiyoda-ku (JP) Hiromitsu KUSANO, Chiyods-ku (Py; ‘Takuo NISHIO, Chiyoda-ku (JP) (73) Assignee: AGC Ine., Chiyoda-ku (JP) (21) Appl. No. 161863,403 (22) Filed: Mar. 25,2019 Related Application Data (63) Continuation of application No, (036870, fled on Oct, 1, 2017. PCT/IP2017/ G0) Forcign Application Priority Data ct. 13,2016 UP) 2016-20180, Publication Classiicato (51) Int. cl C258 1308 (2006.01) Cs 140 (200601) csp 90 cuss 522 2006.01) (2006.01) €25B 138 (2013.01); C28B 10 (2013.01); COS 2327/16 (2013.01); COBY $/225 (2013.01); C25B 9/10 (2013.01) on ABSTRACT To provide a digphragm for elocwolyzing alkaline water and ‘device for electrolyzing alkaline water, whereby athe time of electolyzing alkaline wate, its possible to suppress the clectrolysis voltage to be low even at a high current density ‘and interlayer peeling is uaikely 10 occu. This diaphragm 1 for electrolyzing alkaline water comprises an ion-ex change membrane 10 which contains a polymer having sulfone acid fanetional groups and which does not contain ‘a polymer having earbonie acid functional groups, and a hydrophilic layer provided asthe outermost layer on a least tone side of the diaphragm, wherein the thickness of the ion-exchange membrane 10 is from 25 to 250 ym. Or, the iaphragm 1 for electrolyzing alkaline water comprises an ‘on-exchange membrane 10, reinforcing material 16 made ‘of'a woven fabric embedded in the ion-exchange membrane 10 and a hydrophilic ayer provided as the outermost layer ‘om atleast one side ofthe diaphragm,US 2019/0218675 Al Jul. 18, 2019 Patent Application Publication Fig. 1 ™ CREE ry Fig. 2 Se 3s zg3s ae 2a a a - 5 sy } ] — 7 + 85 = 8c 5 § zgs zs a Ses XS X88US 2019/0218675 Al DIAPHRAGM FOR ELECTROLYZING ALKALINE WATER AND DEVICE FOR ELECTROLYZING ALKALINE WATER ‘TECHNICAL FIELD 10001] ‘The preseat invention relates to a diaphragm for celectolyZing alkaline water and a device for eletrolyzing ‘alkaline water BACKGROUND ART 10002] In the power generation using renewable enemy suchas solar power generation, wind power generation et, the power generation amount changes depending on the time zone of day or natural conditions. Therefore, it has been proposed to convert surplus power to hydrogen. Converted hydrogen can be stored or transported, and it may be used as chemical raw material for eg. methane, methanol, et or may be used asa heat soure by directly burning it or may te supplied toa fet cell to be converted axain o electric power, Asa method for converting surplus power to hydro- en, electrolysis of water is the most common and stractive method. As the liquid to be used in the electrolysis, in ation to pure water, an alkaline agueous sTuton such as ‘an aqueous potsssium hydroxide solution or an agueous sodium hydroxide soltion) is common, and from such Viewpoint that tis easy to enlarge the size of equipment. or the inital investment cost for equipments cheap, an lke Fine aqueous solution is considered to be advantageous 10003] nthe electrolysis of alkaline water, a device for lectrolyzng alkaline water is used which comprises an electrolytic cell having cathode and an anode, and a diaphragm mounted inthe electrolytic cell so ast partition inside ofthe electrolytic cell into a cathode chamber on the cathode side and an anode chamber on the anode side 10004] The following performance is required for the diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water, comprising an ion-exchange membrane which contains 2 polymer having sulfonic seid functional groups and which does not contain a polymer having carboxylic acid fune- tional groups, and hydrophilic layer which is provided as the outermost surface layer on at least one side of the iaplaragm, wherein the thickness ofthe ion-exchange mem- brane is from 25 to 250 pm. [0018] <2> The digphragm for eleetrolyzing alkaline Water according to <1>, which further comprises a reinfore- ing material made of @ woven fabric embedded in the fon-exchange membrane [0019] <3>A diaphrapm for eleowolyzing alkaline water, comprising an ion-exchange membrane which contains a polymer having sulfonic seid functional groups and which does not contain a polymer having carboxylic aid fane- ‘ional groups, reinforcing material made of a woven Labrie ‘embedded in the ion-exchange membrane, anda hydrophilic layer which is provided as the outermost surface layer on a least one side of the diaphragm, [0020] ‘The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline Water according to any one of to <3>, wherein the ‘ion-exchange capacity ofthe polymer having sulfonie aid unetional groups is from 0.9 t 2.5 megix dry resin. [0021] The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline ‘water according to any one of <2> to , wherein the reinforcing material is made ofa woven labrie comprising at least one type of reinforcing thread selected from the group consisting of a reinforcing thread made of polytetafluoro- ethylene, a reinforcing thread made of polyphenylene sul- fide, a reinforcing thread made of nylon, and a reinforcing thread made of polypropyleneUS 2019/0218675 Al [0022] <6> The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline Water according to any one of to , wherein the diaphragm has a hydrophilic layers the outermost layer on cach side thereof [0023] <7> The diaphragm for electolyzing. alkaline ‘water according to aay one of 10 <6>, wherein the hydrophilic layer is an inorganic particle layer containing inorganic particles. [0024] The diaphragm for clectolyzing. alkaline Water cording o <7>, wherein the inorganic particles are inorganic panicles made of at least one member selected from the group consisting of oxides, nitrides and earbides of Group 4 elements or Group 14 elements [0025] <9> The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline ‘water according to of <%>, wherein the inorganic Particles are inorganic panicles made of SiO,, SiC, 210, or 2. 0026] <10> The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline water according t0 any one of to <9>, wherein the polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups is a fluri- nated polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups [0027] <11> The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline ‘water according to any one of to <10>, wherein the ion-exchange membrane contains, as the polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups, a polymer having units represented by the following formula (U1) “ICE CF-0-CF,CFCR-O-(CF SOM a ‘wherein m is an integer of from 1 0 6, and M isan alkali etal [0028] <12> The disphragm for electroly2ing alkaline ‘water according to any one of to <10>, wherein the ion-exchange membrane contains, as the polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups, a polymer having units represented by the following formula (v2) ICE CR-01CF1, $0. wherein mis an integer of from 1 10 6, and M is an alkali metal [0029] <13> The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline ‘water according to any one of to <10>, wherein the ion-exchange membrane contains, as the polymer having sulfonie acid functional groups, a polymer having units represented by the following forenla (v3) oy or !—s0,x'80,30,1 I - “ (croc cf Ng =sox'so,n ‘wherein Q" isa perluoralkylene group which may have an ‘etheric oxygen atom, Q* is a single bond or a perfluoroalky- lene group which may have an etheric oxygen atom, R® is 8 perfluoralky! group which may have an etheric oxygen stom, X" isan oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom ora carbon atom, when X" isan oxygen atom, ais 0, when X! is a nitrogen atom, ais 1, and when X? i a carbo atom, ais 2, Y isa foorine tom or a monovalent perfiuoro orzanie ‘goup, #8 Oor 1, and M is an alkali neta Jul. 18, 2019 [0030] <14> The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water according to <13, wherein the units represented by the above formula (u3) are units represented by the follow ing formula (u31}: wat) ono ceoce ch ‘ocr a" som SOM wherein R? jsa single bond ora C,. inear perfaoroalky- lene group which may have an etheric oxygen atom, and RF fsa, linear perftuoroalkylene group, 6 0 FI, and Mis an alkali metal {0031] <15> A device for electolyzing alkaline water, comprising {0032] an electrolytic cell having a cathode ad an anode, and (0033) 2 diaphrogm for electolyzing alkaline water as defined in any one of to <14>, which is mounted in the electrolytic cell so as 1 partion inside of the electolytie cell nto a cathode chamber onthe cathode side and an anode chamber onthe anode side. Advantageous Effects of Invention [0034] _Acconding tothe diaphragm for electrolyzing alka line water andthe device for clecteolyzng alkaline water of the present invention, athe time of electrolyzing alkaline water, itis possible to suppress the electrolysis voltage to be low even at a high current density, and interlayer peeling is unlikely to occur BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0035] FIG. 1. is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the diaphragm for eletrolyzing alkaline water of the present invention [0036] FIG. 2 isa schematic view showing an example of| the device for electolyzing alkaline water of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS, {0037} Inthis specification, a monomer represented by the formula (1) willbe referred to asa monomer (1), Monomers represened by other formulae will aso be refered to inthe {0038} In this specification, meanings of the fllowing terms areas follows. {0039] “sulfonic oid fantional group” means sul nie aid group (—S0,H) ora suf (—S0.M, where (M's an alkali metal ora quatemary ammonii). {0040} A “carboxylic acid functional group” eens a carboxylic acid group (—COOH) or a. carborylte (COMP, where M? isan alkali metal ora quaternary smnoniu). {0041} A group convertible toa sulfone aid functional soup means a group that can be converted to a sulfonic cd functional group by known treatment such as hydrolysis teeatment or acidform treatment {0082} A “unit” ia a polymer means an atomic group formed by polymerization of a monomer, derived from one molecule ofthe monomer The unit may bean stom groupUS 2019/0218675 Al directly formed by the polymerization reaction, oe may bean atomic group having a part of the atomic group converted to ‘another structure by treating the polymer obtained by the polymerization reaction. [0043] The “primary particles” means the smallest pare liclesas observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), And, the “secondary particles” means particles having the primary partiles aggregate. [0044] “reinforcing material” means a structure that is used to improve the stength ofa diaphragm, [0045] “reinforcing fabric” means a fabric made of reinforeing threads and sacrificial threads, to be used 28 raw naterial for a reinforcing material, or a fabric made of reinforcing threads, to be used as a reinforcing material by itl [0045] The “reinforcing threads” is threads constiuting 2 reinforcing fabric, and is theads made of a material which Will not be eluted even ifthe reinforcing fabric is brought in ‘contact with an alkaline aquecus solutio, The reinforcing threads will romain without being dissolved even after the diaphragm containing the reinforcing fabric is brought in ‘contact with an alkaline aqueous solution so tata least part ‘of the stcrifcial dreads is eluted from the reinforcing fabri, ‘and ths will contribute the maintenance ofthe mechanical strength and dimensional stability of the diaphragm, 10047] The “social threads” is threads constituting @ reinforcing fabric, and is threads made of a material, of ‘which at east pat will be eluted when the reinforcing fabric is brought in contact with an alkaline aqueous solation 10048] The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water thereinatr simply refered o also a te “iaphragn”) in the fist embodiment ofthe present invention, comprises an ion-exchange membrane which sntins a polymer having sulfonic aed functional groups (hereinafter simply ered to alo as “polymer (8)) and which does not contain polymer having carborli acid functional groups (heein- after simply referred to also as “polymer (C)"), and a Iydropile layer which i provided ws the outemaos layer ‘nat lest onesie ofthe diaphragm, [0049] The diaphram inthe fist embotment may further comprise a einforeing material made of a woven fabric ‘emeddd inthe ion-exchange membrane [0050] The cigphragm in the second embestiment of the ppesent iavention comprises an ion-exchange membrane ‘which contains polymer (S) and which does no contain polymer (C),a enforcing material mae ofa woven fai ‘embeded inthe ion-exchange membrane, anda hydrophilic layer which x provided asthe outermost ayer on atleast one side ofthe diaphragm. [0051] The diaphragm inthe second embodiment has the reinforcing material made ofa woven fibre, whereby iis possible to maintain the mechanical strength even when the ion-exchange membranes made to be hin, i. its possible to make the digphragm tobe suiently thin [002] The thickness of he ion-exchange membrane inthe fist embodiment is from 2S to 250 un. The thickness of the ion-exchange membrane inthe fist embodiment is prefer- ably at most 180 ym, more preferably at most 110 ym, fuer preferably at most 70 pn [0053] "The thickness ofthe ion-exchange membrane inthe second embodiments refebly at least § um, more pet erably a est 10 yn, rer preferably atleast 25 pn. The Jul. 18, 2019 thickness of the ion-exchange membrane in the second embodimeat is preferably at most 250 jm, more preferably at ost 180 um, farther preferably at most 110 um, partic Jay preferably at most 0 {00S4) "When the thickness of the ion-exchange membrane sat least Sym, the ges permeation inthe diaphragm sls Iikely to occur. Even ifthe thickness of the ion-exchange ‘membrane is at least Sm and les than 25 wm, when the reinforcing material is present, the mechanical stength of the diaphragm becomes high, and it will be durable for electrolysis for along period of time. Further, if the thick- ness of the ion-exchange membrane is at least 25 ym, the mechanical strength of the diaphragm will be high even Without a reinforcing material, and it will be durable for electrolysis for along period of time. When the thickness of tie ion-exchange membrane i at most the upper limit value inthe above range, the membrane resistance ean be sup- pressed tobe low, and the electrolysis voltage at the time of clectolyzing alkaline water can be suppressed to be lo. Here, the thickness of the ion-exchange membrane does not include the thickness ofthe reinforcing material and the thickness ofthe hydrophitie Iyer, {00SS] The shape and size of the diaphragm may be suitably determined depending onthe size ofthe electolytic cell to mount the diaphragm and the type ofthe electrodes (0056) FIG. 1 is cross-sectional view showing an example ofthe diaphragm of the present invention. [0087] The diaphragm 1 comprises an ion-exchange mem brane 10 which contains polymer (8) and which docs not contain polymer (Ca fist hydrophilic layer 12 in contact with « fist surface of the ion-exchange membrane 10, 4 second hydrophilic layer 14 in contact with a sooond surface of the ion-exchange membrane 10, and a reinforcing mate- ial 16 embedded inthe ion-exchange membrane 10. (0088) The ion-exchange membrane 10 has a fist layer 1a and a second layer 106, {0089] The reinforcing material 16 is embedded between the frst layer 10a and the second layer 10 {0060) (lon-Fxchange Membrane) {0061} The ion-exchange membrane contains polymer (S) nl does nt contsin polymer (C)-Asitcontans no polymer (©, itispossibleto suppress the voltage inerese a the time of electrolysis. Further, the ion-exchange membrane con- taining no polymer (C) means thatthe ion-xehange mem brane does not simultaneously have a layer containing polymer (8) and a layer containing polymer (C). In an Jon-exchange memirane having a layer containing polymer (S) anda layer containing polymer (C), interlayer peeing is Tikly t0 occur. {0062} Further, the layer containing polymer (S) is pret erably constituted by a dense layer made solely of said polymer in order to express high gas barrier properties (0063) The ion-exchange membrane may be single layer Or may be a multilayer. Ina ease where the ion-exchange ‘membrane is made to bea multi-layer, polymers (8) o form the respective layers may be the same or diffrent. The different polymers (S) may be those different in types of nits constituting the respective polymers (S), those difer- eat in proportions of units having sulfonic acid functional groups inthe respective polymers (S) le In. ease where the ion-exchange membrane is a mulilayer, its prefered that thas ot east one dense layer composed of polymer (). [0068] _At the time of embedding the reinforcing material in the ion-exchange membrane, itis prefemed that theUS 2019/0218675 Al ion-exchange membrane is made to bea multilayer, and the reinforcing material sinserted at one of the interlayers atthe time of the production, so that the reinforcing material is ‘embedded, 10065] In a case where the ion-exchange membrane is made to have two-layer, the thickness of the second layer in the ion-exchange membrane is preferably from 2.5 to 125 Jum, more preferably from 5 to 90 yum, further preferably fiom 12.5 to 90 um, panicularly preferably from 12.5 to $5 um, most preferably from 12.5035 ym, When the thickness ‘of the second layer is atleast the lower limit value in the above range, it will be easy to embed the reinforcing ‘material in the ion-exchange membrane, and also interlayer pooling will be suppressed, When the thickness of the second layer is at most the upper limit value inthe above range, the membrane resistance can be suppressed to be lower, and the electolysis voltage at the time ofeletrolyz- ing alkaline water can be suppressed to be lower, 10066] In a case where the ion-exchange membrane is made to have two-layer, the thickness of the frst ayer in the ion-exchange membrane is preferably from 2.5 10 125 lum, more preferably from 5 10 90 ym, further preferably from 12.5 fo 90 jm, particularly preferably from 12.5 to 55 um, most preferably from 12.5 035 um. When the thickness ‘of the frst layer is at last the lower limit value in the above range, it will be easy to embed the reinforcing material inthe ion-exchange membrane, and also interlayer peeling will be suppressed. When the thickness ofthe firs layer is st most the upper limit value in the above range, the membrane resistance can be suppressed to be fower, and te electrolysis voltage atthe time of electrolyzing alkaline water can be suppressed to be lower, 10067] In the present invention, itis preferred that the ‘ion-exchange capacity of polymer (S) is within a specific range. Inthe present invention, is more prefered that both ‘of the ion-exchange capacity of polymer (S) aud the water ‘content of polymer (S) are within specific ranges. [0068] ‘The ion-exchange capscity of polymer (S) is pref= ‘erably from 0.910 25 meg/g dry resin, more preferably Fos 1.110 25 meq/g dry resin, Further preferably from 1.2 to 1.8 meaj dry resin. When the son-exchange capacity of poly- mer (S) is at least the lower limit value in the above range, the membrane resistance can be suppressed to be lo, and the electrolysis voltage atthe ime of electrolyzing alkaline water ean be suppressed to be low. When the ion-exchange ‘capacity of polymer (S) is at most the upper limit valve in the above range, the mechanical stength of the membrane will be high, and it will be durable in use for electrolysis for 4 long period of time, [0069] The ion-exchange capacity of polymer (S) can be ‘adjusted by the proportion of units having sulfonic acid functional groups in polymer (8). [0070] The water content of polymer (S) is preferably from 10 to 150 mass %, more preferably from 20 10 150. rss %. When the water content of polymer (S) is at least the lower limit value in the above range, the membrane resistance can be suppressed to be lower, and the electolysis voltage for eletrolyzing alkaline water canbe suppressed to be lower. When the water content of polymer (S) is at most the upper Timit value in the above range, the mechanical strength of the membrane wil be high and it will be durable in use for electrolysis fora long period of time. [0071] The water content of polymer (S) may be adjusted by the proportion of units having sulfone acid funetional Jul. 18, 2019 groups in polymer (S) and the conditions for hydrolysis {ecatment of polymer having groups convertible w sulfonic acid imetonal groups (ereinaer simply refered to also a8 “polymer ()") asa precursor for polymer (S). {0072} Here, the water content of polymer (S) isa water content measured bythe measurement method as describe dn Examples sven ltr. 10073] The TQ value of polymer (Sis rom the viewpoint of mechanical sregth and membrane-forming properties as an ion-exchange membrane, preferably at least 150° C, more preferably from 170 to 340° C, funber preferably {rom 170 10 300°C. {0074} The TQ value isa value relating w the molecular ‘weight ofthe polymer, and is one represented by 3 temper ture showing volume flow rate of 100 mun Yee. The higher the TQ valle, the higher the molecular weight {0075} Theabove'TQ valveisa TQ value measured by the measurement method as desribed in Examples given late {0076} Polymer (S) may be a known ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid fanctional groups, [007] Polymer (8) is, from the viewpoint of the chemical dhurbilty ofthe diaphreams, preferably a fuorinated poly- rer having sulfonic acid functional groups (hereinafter simply rofered to also as “urinated polymer (FS)"). [0078] Fluorinated polymer FS) may. forexample, be one obtained by converting groups coavertble ta sulfoaic acid {uetional groups, of &thorinated polymer having the soups convertible o sulfonic acid funetonal groups (here inafler simply refered to also as “vrinatod polymer (3), to sulfaic aid faetionl groups, by conducting Iydroysis wetment {0079} Fluorinated polymer (FS) is prferably fuori sated polymer (hereinafter simply refered to also as “uo- ‘inated polymer (FSI)") having Z converted to —SO\M (where MCis an alkali meta) by conducting hydrolysis teeatment of & Hvorisated polymer having units based on ‘monemer (1 and atleast one of nits based on monomer (2) nuts based on monomee (3) (brenatee simply refered to also as “ivoriated polymer (FS')", more preferably Avoriaated polymer (FSI) having Z converted to SOM by hydrolysis teatment of fuorinated polymer (FS!) hav- ing units based on monomer (1) and units based on monomer a cron w ed o crore 0 {0080] _X" and X are each independently afore atom, 4 chlorine stom ora trflaoromeths] group. As X" and X°, fom the viewpoint of chemical durability ofthe diaphragm, a fluorine atom is prefered [0081] Rand R” are each independentiy aC, 3 perfivo- roalkylene group oF 2 Cy perfluoroalkylene group having at least one etheric oxygen atom between carbon atoms [0082] The perluoroalkylene group may be liner or may be branched [0083] 7. is a aroup convertible to a sulfonic acid fime- tional group. Z may, for example, be —SO,F, —S0,CI, SOBs, et. [0088] Monomer (1) may be CF;=CF,, CF;—CFC, CFs=CFCF,, ete, and from the viewpoint of chemical durability of the diaphragm, CP. —CF, is preferedUS 2019/0218675 Al [0085] As monomer (2) or monomer (3), from suet Viewpoint thatthe industrial synthesis is easy, te following ‘compounds are preferred. [0086] CF, —CF-O-CF,CF, 80%, [0087] Ci—Cr-0-CE-CF-CE, "SOx, [0088] CF:—CF-O-CF-CF,CF,CF,— SO. [0089], CF—CF-O-CH-CHCF,}-O-CF,CF,— SOF, [0090] CF, —CF-0-CF,CHCF-O-CF,CFCE,— SO. [W091] CF,—Cr-O-CF,CHCF}-SO,F [0092] Cr—CF—CF,CF, SO, [0093] CF; —CF—CF,CF,CF,—80,F, [004] Cr —-cr_cry-6-er,cr,_so,r. 10095] As monomer (2) or monomer (3), one type may be used alone, oF two oF more types may be used in combina- tion 0096) Fluorinated polymer (FS1) may fier have units based on other monomers. Other monomers may be CE=CER" (R* is a Cio perforoalky group), CE=CE—OR" (R® is aC. pertiuoroalky! g200p), (CF-=CFO(CE,),CF=CF, (vis an integer of from 110 3.) 10097] When fooropolymer (FS1) further bas units based ‘oncater monomers, iis possible to inerease the Hexiility ‘and the mechanical stenath of the dighragm. {0098} ‘The proportion of units based on monomer (1), nd the total poporion of units based on monomer (2) and units based on monomer (3), may be suitably set so that the iomexchange capacity of fuoenated polymer (FS1) will be in the above-described range. 0099] From such viewpoint thatthe membrane resis- tance ofthe digphregm can be suppressed to be lower, and the electrolysis voltage atthe time of eletolyzng alkaline water ean he suppressed tobe lowe, ts preeced that the ion-exchange membrane contains, as polymer (S),a polymer having units represented bythe following formula (01). ICC -0-FCHCF OCF Soom en wherein m isan integer of from 1 10 6, and M isan alkali meta 10100] From such viewpoint that it wil be easy to raise the ion-exchange capacity per unit mass, the membrane resistance ofthe digphragm can be suppressed tobe lower, and the electrolysis voltage atthe time of eletrolyzing alkaline water canbe suppressed tobe lower, itis prefered thatthe ion-exchange membrane contains, s polymer (8), a polymer having units epeesented by the following formula (v2) cf, -€F(-0-(C,1,$0. Wherein m isan integer of from 1 to 6 and M is an alkali neta [0101] It is preferred that the jon-exchange membrane ‘contains, as polymer (S), «polymer having units having at least two, preferably wo, sulfonic acid funetional groups. 0102] When it contains a polymer having units having at least two sulfonic acid funetional groups, it becomes pos- sible to increase the ion-exchange group concentration per unit mass at the same monomer concentration, whereby it becomes possible to have a higher ion-exchange capacity ‘even with a small monomer amount, as compared with a polymer having units having only one sulfonic sid fune- tional group Jul. 18, 2019 [o103] As the units having at least wo sulfonic acid Tinetional groups, units represented by the following for- saul (U3) are preferred, RC (ery0ce cf ‘et —s058" = S0,X' S050. ORs ‘wherein Q' isa perhoralkylene group which may have an etheric oxygen atom, Qi single bond ora perfuoroalky- Jene group which may have an etherc oxygen atom, R™ is 1 perflvoretky! group which may have an etheric oxygen ‘om, X" is an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom oF a carbon stom, when X* isan oxygen stom, ais 0, when X° i a ritrogen atom, ais 1, and when X? i a carbon atom, ais 2, Y is a fivorine atom or a monovalent perfivoro organic jroup, ris 0 or 1, and M is an alkali metal (0104) The units represented by the formula (03) are preferably units represented by the following formula (u31). way, FRC piso deryoce ch ‘OCrsaM SOM ‘wherein Risa single bond ora C,. near perfuoroaky- lene group which may have an etheric oxygen atom, Ris C,. lnearperfuoralkylene group, ris O or 1, and M is an alkali metal {0105} (Hydrophilic Layer) [0106] The diaphroem has @ hydrophilic layer as the outermost surface layer on at least one side, and preferably has a hydrophilic layer asthe outermost layer on each side {9107} By providing the hydrophilic layers the outermost layer ofthe diaphragm. itis possible to suppress adhesion of 28 0 the surface of the diaphragm, and as a result tis possible to further suppress the electolyss voltage from bocoming hah atthe time of electrolyzing alkaline water. {0108} "As thehydeopilic layer. an inorganic partite layer containing inorganic particles may be mentioned {0109] The inorganic particles are preferably ones being excelent in cormosion resistance to acid or alkali snd having hydrophilicity. Specifically at least one type selected from the group consisting of oxides, nitrides and carbides, of Group 4 elements or Group 14 elements is preferred SiO, SiC, 21030 ZC is more prefemed and 20; i particularly prefered [0110] The averue panicle diameter of the inorganic panicles is preferably from 0.5 to 1.5 um, more preferably from 0.7 to 1.3 nm, When the average particle diameter of tne inorganic particles is at lost the above lower imi value, itis possible to obiain a high gas adhesion suppressing elect. When the average particle diameter ofthe inorganic particles is at most the above upper limit value, dropping resistance of the inorzanic panicles will be excellent. [0111] Her, the average particle diameter of the inonzanie particles means an average particle diameter of panicles (secondary particles) having primary particles aggregated, na epresents a parle diameter (D50) at point where theUS 2019/0218675 Al ‘cumlative volume becomes 10 be 50% in the cumulative ‘olume normal distribution curve obtained by dispersing the inorganic particles in ethanol so that the concentration becomes 10 be at most 0.01 mass % and seting the total volume ofthe particle size distribution obtained by using a microtrack, to be 100% 0112] The hydrophilic layer may contain a binder. As the binder, a known binder to be used in a known hydrophilic layer (gas release layer) may be employed, and, for example, methylcellulose ora fluorinated polymer having sulfonic ‘acid groups may be mentioned [0113] As the Morinated polymer having sulfonic acid ‘soups, a fuorinated polymer may be mentioned which is ‘biained by subjecting fluorinated polymer (FS'1) having units based on monomer (1), and atleast one of units based ‘on monomer (2) and units based on monomer (3), to hydrolysis treatment, followed by seidform treatment 10 have Z converted to —SO,E. [0114] Theamount of inoranic portcles is, per area ofthe [0157] The device for elocwolyzing alkaline water of the present invention comprises an electolytic cell having a ‘cathode and an anode, and the diaphragm of the present inveation, mounted in the electrolytic cll so as to partion inside ofthe electrolytic cell into a calhode chamber on the cathode side and an anode chamber on the anode side. [0158] FIG. 2is a schematic view showing an example of the device for electrolyzing alkaline water of the present inveation, [0159] The device 100 for clectolyzing alkaline water ‘comprises an electrolytic cll 110 having a cathode 112 and ‘ananode 114, and a diaphragm 1 mounted inthe electrolytic ‘ell 110 50 a5 to partition inside ofthe electrolytic cell 10, into a cathode chamber 116 on the cathode 112 side and an ‘anode chamber 118 on the anode 114 side. [0160] The cathode 112 may be disposed as being in ‘contact with the diaphragm 1 or may be disposed as being spaced from the diaphragm 1 [0161] As the material to constitute the cathode chamber 116, preferred is a material which has durability against alkaline water and hydrogen. As such @ material, stainless steel, nickel, etc. may be mentioned. [0162] The anode 114 may be disposed as being in contact ‘with the diaphragm 1 or may be disposed as being spaced from the diaphragm 1. [0163] As the material to constitute the anode chamber M8, preferred is @ material which has durability against alkaline water and oxygen. As such a material, nickel, titnium, et. may be mentioned, Jul. 18, 2019 [0164] (Electolysis of Alkaline Water) [0165] In the case of producing hydrogen aad oxygen by electrolyzing an alkaline aqueous solution the eleetolysisis conducted by supplying an aqueous solution (hereinafter referred to also as an alkaline aqueous solution) containing a hydroxide of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal at a predetermined concentration to the anode chamber 118 of the device 100 for electolyzing alkaline water and supply Jing an alkaline aqueous solution having predetermined concentration to the cathode chamber 116, while discharging the alkaline aqueous solution having a predetermined con- centration from the cathode chamber 116 and anode cham- ber 118 [0166] As the alkaline aqueous solution, an aqueous potas- sium hydroxide solution or aa aqueous sodium hydroxide solution is preferred from the viewpoint ofthe conductivity ‘and ellicent availabilty [0167] The concentration ofthe alkaline aqueous solution to be supplied to the anode chamber 118 is preferably from 10 1 48 mass %, [0168] |The concentration ofthe alkaline aqueous solution {o be discharged from the cathode chamber 116 and anode chamber 118 is preferably from 5 to 40 mass %, [0169] The temperature inside of the electrolytic cell 10 is preferably from $0 to 100° C. [0170] The current density is preferably from 4 to 12 kal, [0171] (Othee Embodiments ofthe Device for Blestolyz- ing Alkaline Water) [0172] The device for electrolyzing alkaline water ofthe present invention may be one having, as a diaphragm, the iaphragm of the present invention, and the construction other than the diaphragm may be known one. [0173] The electrolytic cell may be a single-polar type wherein a cathode chamber and an anode chamber are alternately amanged with a diaphragm sandwiched therebe- tween and the cathode chambers to oae another and the nade chambers to one another are electrically in parallel, oF ‘ay bea mult-polar type wherein the back side ofa cathode chamber and the back se of an anode chamber are elee- ‘cally connected, andthe respective chambers are electi- cally in series Advantageous Effects [0174] According to the device for electolyzing alkaline ‘water ofthe present invention as described above, since iis ‘one provided with the diaphragm of the present invention it is possible, atthe time of electolyzing alkaline water, 10 suppress the electrolysis voltage to be low even at a high current density, Furher, a the diaphragm, interlayer peeling is unlikely to occur, EXAMPLES (0175]Hereinater, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Example, but the present inven- tion isnot limited thereto, [0176] Ex. 1 (0 4 are Examples of the present invention, fand Ex. 5 10 7 are Comparative Examples. [0177] Gon-Exchange Capacity) [0178] About 0.5 mg of polymer (S) was formed into a film shape by platen pressing at about 270° C., which was then analyzed by a transmission-type infrared spectrometer, Whereupon the ion-exchange capacity was calculated byUS 2019/0218675 Al using the respective peak heights ofthe CF peak, the CF peak and the OH peak in the obtained specirum, [0179] (Water Content) [0180] Polymer (S') was molded by means of a pressing machine 10 obtain film having a thickness of 100 jm. A sample of 4 cued em was cut out from the film, and the mass W, of the sample was measured. From the mass W, and the ‘equivalent amount of groups convertible to sulfonic acid fictional groups in 1 g dry resin of polymer (8), the dry mass W,, of Nacype polymer (S) ‘was calculated, The sample was immersed ia an alkaline aqueous solution com prising an alkali metal hydroxide, @ water-soluble onzaic solvent and water, and hydrolyzed over a period of 16 hours, Aller washing with a 12 mass % sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, it was immersed in a 12 mass % aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at room temperature for 16 hours, and ‘hte wiping off liquid droplets, the mass W was measured, ‘The sample was washed with water to remove sodium hydroxide, and dried in a vacuum deee at 90° C. The mass Wor at this time was measured, and it was confirmed that Wand Wry, Were equivalent. The water content was determined from the Following formula, AN WAL [0181] (TQ Value) 0182] ‘The TQ value was obtained as a temperature show. ing a volume flow rate of 100 mm/sec. The volume flow rate was obtained as an amount (unit: mise) of polymer (5) flowing out when polymer (S) was melted and flown out froman orifice (diameter: 1 mm, length: ! mm) a constant temperature under a pressure of 3 MPa by using Shimada flow tester CFD-1001 (manufactured by Shimadza Corpo- ration) [0183] (Thickness of lon-Pxchange Membrane) [0184] The thickness of an ion-exchange membrane was ‘obtained as follows 10185] After drying @ diaphragm at 90° C. foe 2 bours, the ‘cross-section ofthe diaphragm was observed by means of an ‘optical microscope in an enviroament of 23°C. and 50% RH, and by using an imaging software (manufactured by Innotech Corporation, Pixs2000 PRO), respective 10 places ‘were measured and tbe average valve Was oblained. Inacase Where a reinforcing material was contained, the thicknesses ‘of the respective layers were obtained at positions where the reinforcing threads and sacrificial threads constituting the reinforcing material were not present. [0186] (Device for Eleetrolyzing ATkaline Water) [0187] As an eloctotytic cell (electrolytic surface size Vertical $0. mmxhorizontal $0 nm), one wherein for a cathode chamber, the liquid inlet was disposed at a lower portion of the eathode chamber, andthe liquid outlet was disposed at an upper portion of the cathode chamber, and for an anode chamber, the liquid inlet was disposed ata lower portion of the anode chamber, and the liquid outlet was disposed at an upper portion of the anode chamber, was used, [0188] _As the cathode and anode, ones having ruthenium- ‘containing Raney nickel eecirdeposited on puncied metal ‘of SUS304 (short diameter: $ mm, long diamiter: 10 mum), were used Jul. 18, 2019 {0189} (Elacwolysis Volge) {0190} A diaphragm was mounted inthe electrolytic cell $0 a8 to partion inside othe eletolytic eel ito a cathode chamber on the cathode side and an anode chamber onthe anode side. {0191} While making the cathode side to bea pressurized state o a oll the anode and the diaphragm be in contact With each other, and supplying an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution having a predetermined concentration snd water, to the anode chamber and cathode chamber, and ‘while maintaining the concentration of the aqueous pots- sium hydroxide soho discharged from the anode chamber and the cathode chamber tobe from 28 to 32 mass % or fom 13 to 17 mass %, elestrolyss of alkaline water was con ducted under conditions of a tomperatuze of $0° C. and a current density of 6 KA/m?, andthe value of the cell voltage at the time of config that the voltage was stabilized fr at east 12 hours, as adopted as the electrolysis voltoge {0192] (Purity of Formed Hydrogen Gas) {0193} By conducting electrolysis of alkaline water under the same conditions asthe conitions at the time of mea- suring the electrolysis voltage, gas generated ftom the anode chamber of the electrolytic cell, was sampled in a gas sampler. The sample gs and standard gs having a known hydrogen concentration, were introduced into a gas chro- rmatograph (manufactured by Shimadza Corporation, GC-8A) having a thermal conductivity detector, and the hydrogen purity inthe semple gas was determined. {0194} Production of Floriated Polymer (FS’1)) [0195] _CF,=CF, and mooomer (2-1) were copolymerized ‘0 obtain Nuornated polymer (FSI) Gon-exehange capacity aller hydrolysis: L1 meg dry resin, water content after hydrolysis: 20 mass %, TQ value afer hydrolysis: 215°C). CE €F~0-CFLECE,}-O-CFCE, SOF en {0196} (Production of Fluorinated Polymer (FS2)) [0197] CF, —CF; and moaomee (2-1) were copolymerized ‘0 obiain flaorinatd polymer (FS'2) (ion-exchange capacity aller hydrolysis: 1.25 meq/g dry resin, water content afer hydrolysis: 40 mass %, TQ value aftr hydrolysis: 215° C). {0198} (Production of Florinated Polymer (FS'3)) {0199} CF,=CF, and monomer (2-1) wereenpolymerized ‘o obiain flaorinatd polymer (FS'3) (ion-exchange capacity aller hydrolysis: 1.05 meq/g dry resin, water content ater hydrolysis: 18 mas %, TQ Value after hydrolysis: 215°C). {0200} (Production of Fhorinated Polymer (FC-)) (0201) CFy=CF, and CF-=CF—O—CPSCF,CF— COOCH, sss urinated monomer having a group convert ible to a carboxylic acd fanetional group, were copolymer. jved to obi Burinated polymer (FC-1) having groups convertible to carboxslic acid functional groups (ion-ex- change capacity aller hydrolysis: 1.08 me dry resin, {0202} (Production of Film 1) (0203) Fuornated polymer (FS'-1) was molded by a melt extrusion metho, o obtain fm I (thickness: 30 um) made of fuorzated polymer (FSI), {0204} (Production of Film 2) [0205] Fluorinated polymer (F9-1) was molded by a melt extrusion method, to aban film 2 (thickness: 80 jum) made of Muoriated polymer (PS), (0206) (Production of Film 3) [0207] Fluoraated polymer (FS-2) was molded by a melt extrusion method, o aban film 3 (thickness: 30 um) made of fuoraated polymer (FS-2),US 2019/0218675 Al 0208] (Production of Film 4) 0209] Fluorinated polymer (FS'2) was molded by a melt ‘xinision method, to obtain film 4 (thickness 10 um) made ‘of fluorinated polymer (FS.2) 10210]. (Prodvetion of Film 5) 10211] Fiooriated polymer (FS) was molded by a melt ‘exinision method to obtain film 5 (thickness: 200 um) made ‘of fluorinated polymer (FS). 0212] (Production of Film 6) 10213] Fluorinated polymer (FS'3) was molded by a melt ‘exinision method, to obtain fl 6 (thickness: 20 um) made ‘of fluorinated polymer (FS). 10214] (Prodvetion of Film 7) 0215} Fluorinated polymer (FC-1) and fluorinated poly- mer (FSI) were molded by a melt extrusion method, 10 ‘obiain film 7 wid a two-layer structure comprising a layer (12pm) made of orinated polymer (FC-1) and a layer (68 jum) made of fuorinated polymer (FS). 10216] (Production of Inoganie Particle Layer-Attached “Transfer Substrate) 10217]. & poste having 210, (average parle diameter: 1 um) dispersed in a 1 mass % methylcellulose aqueous solution, was applied to the surface of a transfer substate made ofa polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter referred 0 also as “PET") film by a gravure rll coating method, followed by drying to obtain a transfer substrate provided ‘wit an inorganic particle layer containing 12 wm* of 220, Hereinafer, the obtained inorganic particle layerattached transfer substrate willbe refered ts “transfer substrate 1” [0218] Production of Reiniaxcing Fabric 1) 10219] By using a 100 denier tread made of PTFE as ‘warp and wel, and using a tread of 30 denier 6 filaments made of PET as warp and weft, plain weaving was eon ducted so that the density of PTFE thread would be 27 yamvinch, and the density of PET thread would be 53 ‘Yarnsinch, to obiain reinforcing fabic 1. 0220] (Production of Reinforcing Fabric 2) 10221] _By using 2 50 denier tread made of PIFE as warp and wef, plain weaving was conducted so thit the deasity ‘of PIFE thread would be 80 yarmsinch, to obtain reinfoe- ing fabric 2. Ex. 0222] Transfer substrate film I/einforeing fabric 1/ilm 2iransfer substrate 1 were superimposed one on another in this order, so thatthe respective inorgane parle layers of the two transfer substrates 1 were in contact with the film 1 tnd the film 2, respectively. The superimposed members Were heat-press bonded for 10 minutes by a flat pressing machine ata temperature of 200° C. witha surface pressure ‘of 30 MPalm", whereupon the transfer substrates at both sides were peeled off at a temperature of 50°C, to obtain a diaphragm precursor. 0223] In a solution of dimethyl sulfoxidepotessium hydroxide/water=3015.5/64.5 (mass ratio), the diaphragm precursor was immersed at 95°C. for 30. minutes, to hydrolyze groups convertible 10 sulfonic acid functional roups inthe diaphragm precursor, thereby to conver them to Ketype sulfonic acid functional groups, followed by washing with water and drying, to oblain a diaphragm having a thickness ofthe ion-exchange membrane being 110 jum. By using tis diaphragm, electrolysis of alkaline water was conducted, whereby the electrolysis voltae was Jul. 18, 2019 obtained, and the purty of hydrogen gas formed, was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 Ex2 [0224] A diaphragm having a thickness of the ion-ex- change membrane being 60 yn was obtained by conducting the operation inthe same manger as in Ex. 1 except that teansfer substrate film 3/einforeng fabric 2/film 3ransfer substrate 1 were superimposed in this order, so that the respective inorganic particle layers ofthe two transfer sub- sires | were in cantat withthe films 3, respectively. By using this diaphragm, electrolysis of alkaline water was conducted, whereby the electrolysis voltage was obtained, ‘and the purty of hydrogen gas formed, was evaluated. The results are shown in Table | Ex3 [0225] A diaphragm having a thickness of the ion-ex- change membrane being 20 ym was obtained by conducting the operation in the same manner as in Ex. 2 except that films 3 were changed to films 4, By using ths diaphragm, clectolysis of alkaline water was conducted, whereby the electrolysis volge was obiained, and the purity of hydro- en gas formed, was evaluated. The results are shown in “able | x4 [0226] A diaphragm having a thickness of the ion-ex- change membrane being 30 um was obtained by conducting the operation in the same manner as in Ex. 2 except that teansersubsteate Iflm S/ansfer substeate 1 were super imposed inthis order By using this diaphragm, lectolysis of alkaline water was conducted, whereby the electrolysis voltage was obtained, and the purity of hydrogen gas formed, was evaluated. The results ae shown in Table 1 Exs [0227] A diaphragm having a thickness of the ion-ex- change membrane being 110 yn and comprising a layer containing sulfonic aid functional groups and a layer con- ‘aining carboxylic acid functional groups, was obtained by conducting the operation in the same manner as in Ex. 1 except that film 2 was changed to film 7. By using this diaphragm, electrolysis of alkaline water was conducted, whoreby the electrolysis voltage was obtained, and the purity of hydrogen gas formed, was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1. Further, the membrane was dismantle ater the electrolysis, whereby interlayer peeling was observed between the layer containing carboxylic acid fune- ‘ional groups and the layer containing sulfonic acid fune- tional groups Ex.6 10228] By using film Sas a diaphragm precursor, the diaphragm precursor was immersed ina solution of dimethyl sulfoxidepotassinm —hydroxide'water-3015.5/64.5 (mass ratio) at 95° C. for 30 minutes, to hydrolyze groups con- verible to sulfonic acd functional groups in the diaphragm precursor thereby to convert them to K-type sulfonic acid Tinctional groups, followed by washing with water and drying, to obiain a diaphragm having a thickness of the jon-exchange membrane being 200 jun. By using this dia-US 2019/0218675 Al Phragm, electolysis of alkaline water was conducted, whereby the electrolysis voltage was obtained, and the purity of hydrogen gas formed, was evaluated. The results ae shown in Table 1 Ex.7 10229] It was attempted to obtain a diaphragm having a lhickaess of the ion-exchange membrane being 20 ym by ‘conducting the operation in the same manner a¢ in Ex. 4 ‘except that film 3 was changed to film 6, but when the diaphragm peecursoe was immersed ina solution of dimethyl sulfosideypotassinm —hydroxide/water-3005.5/64.5 (mass ratio}, at 95°C. for 30 minutes, the strength was insulcient, ‘and the ion-exchange membrane was stretched and broken, by plastic deformation during the operation, whereby it was impossible o obtain a diaphragm, TABLE 1 Jul. 18, 2019 i INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0238] The diaphragm of the present invention is wef as ‘an ion-permeable diaphragm to be used for alkaline water electrolysis to electrolyze an alkaline aqueous solution, 19 produce hydrogen and oxygen, 10236] This application isa continuation of PCT Applica tion No, PCT/JP2017/036870, filed on Oct. 11, 2017, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No, 2016-201803 filed on Oct 13, 2016. The contents of those applications are incorpo rated herein by reference in their entireties REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10237] 1: disphragm, 10: ion-exchange membrane, 10a: first layer, 10b: second layer, 12: frst hydrophilic layer, 1 olmeriS)_ Palmer ch low bor change Thick: exchange Tick Capicty nos capcty acts Hypo, Reining Exo) (ete hm)_ ayer Ton 0 fem 7 2 a '@ Pant 4s ® Preset rr) Peat 6 tts = ee 10230] The diaphragm in each of Bx. 1 to 4 was composed mainly of an ion-exchange membrane coatsining polymer (S) and not containing polymer (C) and had a hydrophilic layer, wherein the thickness ofthe ion-exchange membrane ‘was at most 250 jum, whereby atthe time of eletrolyzing alkaline water, it was possible © suppress the electrolysis voliage tobe low even at a high current density, and further it was possible to maintain te purity of hydrogen gas to be ‘high purity. [0231] The diaphragm in Ex. 3 was composed mainly of ‘anion-exchange membrane coaisining polymer (S) and not ‘containing polymer (C), had a hydrophilic layer and further had a reinforcing material, whereby it was possible to suppress the electrolysis voltage to be further low, while raintaiing sufcient mechanical sizength even if the thick- ness ofthe ion-exchange membrane was at most 25 jm. 0232] The digphragm in Fx, 5 was an ion-exchange membrane comprising polymer ($) and polymer (C), ‘whereby interlayer peeling occured, and the electrolysis, voltage became high. 10233] The diaphragm in Ex. 6 was an ion-exchange membrane having no hydrophilic layer, whereby gas adhered (0 the surface portion of the membrane, and the ‘electrolysis voltage became high due to an increase in the 28 deposition ohmic loss 0234] The diaphragm in Ex. 7 had no reinforcing material and a thickness ofthe ion-exchange membrane being 20 um, in spite ofthe ion-exchange capacity being low at a level of 1.05 meals dy resin, whereby the mechanical strength was insufficient, and it was aot possible to obtain a diaphragm, ie st of laine | rembnte Curent dei: kaa “hick Heelys Hyogen nes lige pu boy as ae din to Mie to un 823990 m3 a second hydrophilie layer, 16: reinforcing material, 100: device forelectolyzing alaline Water, 10: electrolyte cell, 112: cathode, 114: anode, 116: cathode chamber, 118: anode chamber. ‘What is claimed is 1. A diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline water, compris- ing an ion-exchange membrane which contains a polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups and which does not contain polymer having carboxylic acid functional groups, ‘anda hydrophilic ayer whic is provided as the outermost surface layer on at least one side ofthe diaphragm, wherein the thickness ofthe ion-exchange membrane is from 25 to 250 pm, 2, The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water accon- ‘ng to claim 1, which further comprises a reinforcing mate- rial made of woven fabric embedded inthe ion-exchange membrane 3.A diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water, compris- ing an ion-exchange membrane which contains a polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups and which does not contain a polymer having carboxylic acid functional groups, ‘reinforcing material made of woven fabric embedded in the ion-exchange membrane, and a hydrophilic layer which is provided asthe outeamost surface layer ont east one side of the diaphragm. 4. The diaphragm for eletolyzing alkaline water acconl- ing to claim 1, wherein the ion-exchange capacity of the polymer having sulfonic acid funetional groups is fom 0.9 (25 meal dey cesUS 2019/0218675 Al 5, The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water accord- ing to claim 2, wherein the reinforcing material is made of ‘2 Woven fabric comprising atleast one type of reinforcing ‘head selected from the group consisting ofa reinforcing thread made of polyteraiuomvethylene, a reinforcing thread made of polyphenylene sulfide, a reinforcing thread made of nylon, and a reinforeing thread made of polypropylene: 6, The diaphragm for electolyzing alkaline water aceord- ing t claim 1, wherein the diaphragm hs a hydrophilic layer as the outermost layer on each side thereof, 7. The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline water accord- ing to claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic layer isan inorganic particle layer containing inorganic particles 8, The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline water accord- ing to claim 7, wherein the inorganie particles are inorganic particles made of at least one member selected from the group coussting of oxides, nitrides and carbides of Group 4 ‘elements or Group 14 elements 9, The diaphragm for electrolyzing alkaline water accord- ing to claim 7, wherein the inorganic particles are inorganic particles made of SiO,, SiC, Z10, or ZC. 10. The digphrigm for clecilyzing alkaline water ‘seconding to claim 1, wherein the polymer having sulfonic ‘eid functional groups is a Auorinated polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups. 11, The digpheagm for lectolyzing alkaline water ‘acconing to claim 1, wherein the ion-exchange membrane contains, a6 the polymer having sulfonic acid functional roups, a polymer having units represented by the following. formula (0!) ICE CF-0-CF,CFCR-O-(CF SOM a ‘wherein m isan integer of from | to 6 and M is an alkali metal 12. The diaphragm for clectlyzing alkaline water ‘according to claim 1, wherein the ion-exchange membrane ‘contains, as the polymer having sulfonic acid functional groups, polymer having units represented by the following formula (u2) ICE -C-0-4CE\, $0.M oy ‘wherein m isan integer of from | to 6 and M is an alkali metal 13. ‘The digphrgm for electlyzing alkaline water secording to claim 1, wherein the ion-exchange membrane Jul. 18, 2019 contains, as the polymer having sulfonic acid functional sr0ups, polymer having units represented by the following formula (3) «@) ono ccm 0cr cf ‘gt —80,X4 60,0 Mt Sox s0R LM wherein Q! is perfluoroalkylene group which may have an eterc oxygen atom, Q® is singe Boad of a pertuoralkylene group which may hive an elherc ayn atom, Ri a peruoroalyl group which may fave an etheric oxygen som, X" isan oxygen atom, a sitrogen alom ora carbon atom, when X's an oxygen atom, ais 0, when X's a nitrogen atom ais 1, and ‘when X! isa carbon atom, ais 2, Ys forme stom cra monovalent perlooroormanic group ris Oo and Mis an alkali met 14, The diaphragm for eecrolyzing alkaline water according to claim 13, wherein the units represented by the ahve formula (13) are units represented By the flowing formula (031) at) oh deroce—ch ‘ocr,ah—soM SoM ‘wherein R!" isa single bond or a C,.« linear perfluaro- alkylene group which may have an eerie oxygen atom, and RP isaC,,« linear perfuoroalkylene group, is Oor 1, and M is an alka metal, 18. Adevice for electrolyzing alkaline wate, comprising an electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode, and ‘a daphragm for eloctolyzing alkaline wate as defied in claim 1, which is mounted in the electrolytic cell so as to partition inside ofthe electrolytic cell into a cathode camer on the cathode sie and an anode chamber on the anode side