Cyclic process using alkaline solutions created from electrolytically decarboxylated water as an atmosphereic co2 collector followed by repeated electrochemical recovery of co2 with simultaneous production of dihydrogen for liquid hydrocarbon synthesis

Abstract

A method for the controlled removal of bicarbonate from alkaline water and its replacement with a strong base that is capable of chemically absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere as a carbonate and bicarbonate solution. This bicarbonate and carbonate solution is reprocessed in the central compartment of an electrolytic cation exchange module (E-CEM) to take advantage of the removal of CO2 from the air, and as an energetic byproduct of E-CEM dihydrogen production, and to regenerate the original strong base absorbent solution. Thus, this process is cyclical in nature, and no chemicals are needed except an initial source of alkaline water.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]The present application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 537,139 filed on Jul. 26, 2017 by Heather D Willauer et al., entitled “A CYCLIC PROCESS USING ALKALINE SOLUTIONS CREATED FROM ELECTROLYTICALLY DECARBOXYLATED WATER AS AN ATMOSPHERIC CO2 COLLECTOR FOLLOWED BY REPEATED ELECTROCHEMICAL RECOVERY OF CO2 WITH SIMULTANEOUS PRODUCTION OF DIHYDROGEN FOR LIQUID HYDORCARBON SYNTHESIS AS STORED ENERGY,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to processing seawater or alkaline solutions for repeated recovery of CO2 to be used as feedstock to synthesize fuel.Description of the Prior Art[0003]Carbon dioxide (CO2) is reported to be a cause of climate change and responsible for ocean acidification as the world's oceans uptake CO2 by hydrolysis. Ocean acidification and decline in the oceans' carbonate-ion c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a way to make fuel using carbon. Carbon dioxide is removed from water and replaced with a stronger solution that can absorb more carbon dioxide from the air. This solution is then processed to recover carbon dioxide. This process is a way to make fuel from renewable resources and reduce the amount of fossil fuels used.

Problems solved by technology

Ocean acidification and decline in the oceans' carbonate-ion concentration is deteriorating coral reefs and impacting shell-forming marine organisms.

MEA is highly volatile, highly corrosive, and degrades over time.

In addition, alkaline solutions are very energy intensive because they cannot be regenerated from carbonate and bicarbonate solution created by chemical absorption of CO2.

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