A method based on coupling of vanadium-based energy storage medium-fuel cell

By coupling vanadium-based energy storage media with fuel cells, the problem of low efficiency in existing CO2 reduction systems and fuel cells is solved, achieving efficient CO2 reduction and energy conversion, improving product selectivity and the stability of power output, and expanding the application range of fuel cells.

CN116914207BActive Publication Date: 2025-11-11ANHUI CONCH CLEAN ENERGY TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202311001516.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-08-10
Publication Date
2025-11-11
Estimated Expiration
2043-08-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing CO2 reduction systems and fuel cells suffer from problems such as low efficiency, large energy loss, and poor product selectivity. Traditional formic acid and methanol fuel cells have problems such as slow reaction rate and low energy conversion efficiency in terms of power output, which limit their application in sustainable development.

Method used

A method of coupling vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell is adopted. The anode and cathode are separated by an ion exchange membrane. The vanadium-based energy storage medium is used to carry out a redox reaction on the anode to reduce CO2 to formic acid or methanol, and the corresponding oxidation reaction is carried out on the cathode to form a coupling system to achieve stable energy output.

Benefits of technology

It achieves efficient CO2 reduction and energy conversion, improves product selectivity and the stability of power output, reduces energy loss, and expands the application range of fuel cells.

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Abstract

This invention discloses a method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium to a fuel cell, relating to the technical field of batteries. The method includes the following steps: a vanadium-based energy storage medium, a fuel cell, and a coupling system. This invention combines the oxidation of vanadium-based energy storage materials with CO2 reduction to form an electrolytic cell. Formic acid or methanol, obtained from the reduction of CO2 at the cathode, is then used as the reactant at the anode of the formic acid or methanol fuel cell, achieving stable power output and time-controlled operation. Since formic acid is a liquid at room temperature, has low toxicity, and possesses a higher electromotive force than hydrogen and methanol, formic acid fuel cells have greater potential and application range compared to hydrogen and methanol fuel cells, enabling stable energy output. Furthermore, by coupling the vanadium-based energy storage medium with a direct methanol fuel cell, efficient storage and full utilization of methanol are achieved, effectively reducing the negative impacts of methanol permeation and improving battery stability and energy output in practical applications.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery technology, and more specifically to a method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell. Background Technology

[0002] Existing CO2 reduction systems and fuel cells suffer from low efficiency, significant energy loss, and poor product selectivity. These drawbacks limit their application in sustainable development. Specifically, existing CO2 reduction systems typically use external energy sources such as light, heat, or electricity, but these sources are often not utilized efficiently, resulting in substantial energy losses. Furthermore, the poor product selectivity due to the difficulty in controlling reaction conditions leads to resource waste. On the other hand, traditional formic acid fuel cells suffer from slow reaction rates and low energy conversion efficiency, limiting their practical application. Traditional methanol fuel cells, on the other hand, suffer from methanol permeation and low catalyst activity. These problems contribute to the instability of methanol fuel cells and energy losses in practical applications.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a formic acid fuel cell energy system based on vanadium-based energy storage medium to solve the problems existing in CO2 reduction systems and fuel cells in the current technology, and to achieve efficient and sustainable development and practical application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell, so as to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art.

[0005] A method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell includes the following steps:

[0006] S1, Vanadium-based energy storage medium: The anode and cathode are separated by an ion exchange membrane. After energization, a CO2 reduction reaction occurs on the cathode.

[0007] S2. Fuel Cell Section: The fuel cell includes a cathode and an anode as well as an electrolyte layer. The cathode and anode are separated from the electrolyte layer to prevent direct reaction. The cathode reaction uses the product from the CO2 reduction electrolysis cell as fuel, which is formic acid or methanol.

[0008] S3. Coupling System: The fuel cell and vanadium-based energy storage medium are placed in the same system so that they can share the same electrolyzer. This ensures that there is a proper link between the two systems and that the formic acid or methanol generated from CO2 reduction can be used in the fuel cell.

[0009] Preferably, in step S1, CO2 is reduced to formic acid, and the reaction formula is as follows: CO2 + 2H+ + +2e -→HCOOH, simultaneously, an oxidation reaction of the vanadium storage medium occurs at the anode, and the reaction formula is as follows: V 2+ →V 3+ +e - .

[0010] Preferably, in step S1, CO2 is reduced to methanol, and the reaction formula is as follows: CO2 + 6H2O + +6e - →CH3OH + H2O, simultaneously, an oxidation reaction of the vanadium storage medium occurs at the anode, as shown in the following reaction formula: V 2+ →V 3+ +e - .

[0011] Preferably, in step S2, formic acid undergoes an oxidation reaction at the cathode, and simultaneously generates electrons through the electrolyte layer and reaction with the anode, as shown in the following reaction formula: HCOOH → CO2 + 2H + +2e - At the anode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, thus completing the electrochemical reaction in the formic acid fuel cell. The reaction formula is as follows: O₂ + 4H₂O + +4e - →2H2O, where the overall formula for the formic acid fuel cell part is as follows: 2HCOOH+O2→2CO2+2H2O;

[0012] Preferably, in step S2, methanol undergoes an oxidation reaction at the cathode, and simultaneously generates electrons through the electrolyte layer and reaction with the anode, as shown in the following reaction formula: CH3OH + H2O → CO2 + 6H + +6e - At the anode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, thus completing the electrochemical reaction in the methanol fuel cell. The reaction formula is as follows: 1.5O2 + 6H2O + +6e - →3H2O, where the overall formula for the methanol fuel cell part is as follows: CH3OH+1.5O2→CO2+2H2O;

[0013] Preferably, a Pt electrode is used as the anode in step S1.

[0014] Preferably, in step S1, the cathode is provided with an Ag / AgCl reference electrode for measuring the battery potential.

[0015] Preferably, in step S1, the cathode portion is further provided with a CO2 inlet for conveying CO2 inserted into the electrolyte and a CO2 outlet for outputting CO2 that overflows from the electrolyte surface.

[0016] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. In use, the vanadium-based energy storage medium-fuel cell coupling system structure design combines the oxidation of vanadium-based energy storage materials with the reduction of CO2 to form an electrolytic cell. After the reaction is completed, the formic acid or methanol obtained by the reduction of CO2 at the cathode is used as the reactant at the anode of the formic acid or methanol fuel cell, so as to achieve stable power output and time control.

[0018] 2. Due to the intrinsic safety and long lifespan of vanadium-based energy storage media, unstable and inefficient chemical energy can be stored, enabling efficient and stable operation of CO2 reduction reactions.

[0019] 3. Since formic acid is a liquid at room temperature, has very low toxicity, and has a higher electromotive force than hydrogen and methanol, formic acid fuel cells have greater potential and a wider range of applications compared to hydrogen and methanol fuel cells, and can achieve stable energy output.

[0020] 4. This invention achieves efficient storage and full utilization of methanol by coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), which can effectively reduce the negative impact of methanol permeation and improve battery stability and energy output in practical applications. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This invention relates to the structural principle of a vanadium-based energy storage medium coupled with a formic acid fuel cell.

[0022] Figure 2 This invention relates to the structural principle of a vanadium-based energy storage medium coupled with a methanol fuel cell. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following detailed description of the embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate the specific implementation of the present invention, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate, and in-depth understanding of the concept and technical solutions of the present invention.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell includes the following steps:

[0026] S1. Vanadium-based energy storage medium section: An ion exchange membrane separates the anode and cathode. A Pt electrode serves as the anode, and the cathode is equipped with an Ag / AgCl reference electrode for measuring the battery potential. The cathode section also includes a CO2 inlet inserted into the electrolyte for CO2 input and a CO2 outlet for CO2 overflowing from the electrolyte surface. This allows for the input and output of CO2 within the electrolyte at the cathode. Upon energization, a CO2 reduction reaction occurs at the cathode, reducing CO2 to formic acid. The reaction formula is as follows: CO2 + 2H+ + +2e- →HCOOH, and simultaneously, an oxidation reaction of the vanadium storage medium occurs at the anode. The reaction formula is as follows: V 2+ →V 3+ +e - This invention introduces a vanadium-based energy storage medium into the anode portion of an electrolytic cell. Utilizing its excellent redox properties, it can efficiently store and release chemical energy. The application of the vanadium-based energy storage medium will help improve the efficiency and product selectivity of the CO2 reduction system.

[0027] Carbon dioxide reduction electrolyzers can reduce carbon dioxide to formic acid. As part of a formic acid fuel cell, this coupling method can effectively convert CO2 resources into formic acid energy, thereby achieving efficient energy utilization and reducing CO2 emissions.

[0028] S2. Formic Acid Fuel Cell Section: The fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer. The cathode and anode are separated from the electrolyte layer to prevent direct reaction. The cathode reaction uses the product from the CO2 reduction electrolysis cell as formic acid fuel. Formic acid undergoes an oxidation reaction at the cathode, and simultaneously generates electrons through the electrolyte layer and reaction with the anode. The reaction formula is as follows: HCOOH → CO2 + 2H+ + +2e - At the anode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, thus completing the electrochemical reaction in the formic acid fuel cell. The reaction formula is as follows: O₂ + 4H₂O + +4e - →2H2O, where the overall formula for the formic acid fuel cell part is as follows: 2HCOOH+O2→2CO2+2H2O;

[0029] S3, Coupling System: The fuel cell and vanadium-based energy storage medium are placed in the same system so that they can share the same electrolyzer. This ensures that there is a proper link between the two systems and that the formic acid generated by CO2 reduction can be used in the fuel cell.

[0030] Example 2

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, a method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell includes the following steps:

[0032] S1. Vanadium-based energy storage medium section: An ion exchange membrane separates the anode and cathode, with a Pt electrode serving as the anode. The cathode is equipped with an Ag / AgCl reference electrode for measuring the battery potential. The cathode also includes a CO2 inlet inserted into the electrolyte for CO2 delivery and a CO2 outlet for CO2 overflowing from the electrolyte surface. This allows for the input and output of CO2 into the electrolyte at the cathode. Upon energization, a CO2 reduction reaction occurs at the cathode, reducing CO2 to methanol. The reaction formula is as follows: CO2 + 6H++ +6e - →CH3OH + H2O, simultaneously, an oxidation reaction of the vanadium storage medium occurs at the anode, as shown in the following reaction formula: V 2+ →V 3+ +e - This invention introduces a vanadium-based energy storage medium into the anode portion of an electrolytic cell. Utilizing its excellent redox properties, it can efficiently store and release chemical energy. The application of the vanadium-based energy storage medium will help improve the efficiency and product selectivity of the CO2 reduction system.

[0033] Carbon dioxide reduction electrolyzers can reduce carbon dioxide into methanol. As part of a methanol fuel cell, this coupling method can effectively convert CO2 resources into methanol energy, thereby achieving efficient energy utilization and reducing CO2 emissions.

[0034] S2. Methanol Fuel Cell Section: The fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer. The cathode and anode are separated from the electrolyte layer to prevent direct reaction. The cathode reaction uses the product from the CO2 reduction electrolysis cell as methanol fuel. Methanol undergoes an oxidation reaction at the cathode, and simultaneously generates electrons through the electrolyte layer and reaction with the anode. The reaction formula is as follows: CH3OH + H2O → CO2 + 6H2O + +6e - At the anode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, thus completing the electrochemical reaction in the methanol fuel cell. The reaction formula is as follows: 1.5O2 + 6H2O + +6e - →3H2O, where the overall formula for the methanol fuel cell part is as follows: CH3OH+1.5O2→CO2+2H2O;

[0035] S3. Coupling System: The fuel cell and vanadium-based energy storage medium are placed in the same system so that they can share the same electrolyzer. This ensures that there is a proper link between the two systems and guarantees the use of the methanol fuel cell generated from CO2 reduction.

[0036] This invention improves the reaction rate and energy conversion efficiency of formic acid or methanol fuel cells, thereby enhancing their stability and energy output in practical applications. This allows for full utilization of the formic acid or methanol energy generated during the CO2 reduction process, resulting in a more stable power output.

[0037] In summary, the formic acid or methanol fuel cell based on vanadium-based energy storage medium coupled with a carbon dioxide reduction electrolyzer of the present invention brings an innovative solution to the field of energy systems. By introducing the coupling of vanadium-based energy storage medium and CO2 reduction electrolyzer, the system can overcome the defects and shortcomings of existing technologies, achieve efficient CO2 reduction and power output, and the application of the system is expected to promote the resource utilization of CO2, reduce environmental pollution, and has important significance for sustainable development and the green energy industry.

[0038] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the concept and technical solution of the present invention, or the direct application of the present invention and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium with a fuel cell, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1, Vanadium-based energy storage medium section: The anode and cathode are separated by an ion exchange membrane. After energization, an electric current is generated on the cathode. Reduction reaction; S2. Fuel Cell Section: The fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer. The cathode and anode are separated from the electrolyte layer to prevent direct reaction. The cathode reaction uses electrolyte from... The products of the reducing electrolytic cell are used as fuel, which is formic acid or methanol; S3, Coupling System: The fuel cell and vanadium-based energy storage medium are placed in the same system so that they can share the same electrolyzer and ensure that there is a proper link between the two systems to ensure that the formic acid or methanol generated by CO2 reduction can be used in the fuel cell; When the fuel is formic acid, in step S1... The reduction to formic acid is shown in the following reaction formula: Simultaneously, an oxidation reaction of the vanadium energy storage medium occurs at the anode, and the reaction formula is as follows: ; When the fuel is methanol, in step S1... The reduction to methanol is achieved through the following reaction formula: Simultaneously, an oxidation reaction of the vanadium energy storage medium occurs at the anode, and the reaction formula is as follows: ; When the fuel is formic acid, in step S2, the formic acid undergoes an oxidation reaction at the cathode, and simultaneously generates electrons through the electrolyte layer and reaction with the anode. The reaction formula is as follows: At the anode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, thus completing the electrochemical reaction in the formic acid fuel cell. The reaction formula is as follows: The overall formula for the formic acid fuel cell section is as follows: ; When the fuel is methanol, in step S2, methanol undergoes an oxidation reaction at the cathode, and simultaneously generates electrons through the electrolyte layer and reaction with the anode. The reaction formula is as follows: At the anode, oxygen undergoes a reduction reaction, thus completing the electrochemical reaction in the methanol fuel cell. The reaction formula is as follows: The overall formula for the methanol fuel cell section is as follows: .

2. The method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium and a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, a Pt electrode is used as the anode.

3. The method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium and a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the cathode is equipped with an Ag / AgCl reference electrode for measuring the battery potential.

4. The method for coupling a vanadium-based energy storage medium and a fuel cell according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the cathode section is also equipped with a device for transporting electrolyte. of Inlet and the electrolyte overflow surface Output Output port.

Citation Information

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