Information processing device, carbon material manufacturing system, and carbon material manufacturing method

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: a target index acquisition unit that, with regard to production of carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, acquires a target index for the production; a target index provision unit that provides correspondence information, indicating the correspondence relationship between production conditions and the target index, with the target index acquired by the target index acquisition unit; and a result acquisition unit that acquires, as a production condition estimation result, the production conditions output from the correspondence information that has been provided with the target index. The production conditions include at least one selected from the group consisting of molten salt temperature, voltage, and electrode catalyst type. The target index includes at least one selected from the group consisting of current efficiency of molten salt electrolysis, yield of amorphous carbon, yield of graphite carbon, and yield of carbon monoxide.

Description

Information processing device, carbon material manufacturing system, and carbon material manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a carbon material manufacturing system, and a method for manufacturing a carbon material. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-197359, filed in Japan on November 12, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known as greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide accounts for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the majority of carbon dioxide emissions are due to industrial activities. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere is necessary to prevent the progression of global warming.

[0003] In addition to reducing carbon dioxide emissions, methods for the effective use of carbon dioxide are being considered. These methods involve using carbon dioxide as a raw material and producing useful substances by reacting it.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for fixing carbon in carbon dioxide by an electrochemical process using a molten salt (molten salt electrolysis). The carbon dioxide fixing method is (a) carbonate ions (CO2) ３ ２－ The process includes (b) preparing an electrolytic bath consisting of a molten salt containing (c) (a), (b) arranging a cathode and an anode in the electrolytic bath, and (c) blowing carbon dioxide into the electrolytic bath and applying a voltage between the cathode and anode that reduces carbonate ions to produce an electric current. The carbon dioxide becomes carbonate ions in the electrolytic bath, and the carbon material is produced when the carbonate ions are reduced at the negative electrode.

[0005] Patent No. 5557434

[0006] In molten salt electrolysis, amorphous carbon and graphite carbon can be produced. Carbon monoxide may also be produced as a by-product. Generally, graphite carbon is a higher value-added product than amorphous carbon and carbon monoxide, and operations that increase the yield of graphite carbon are sometimes required. Furthermore, regardless of the type of carbon material, operations that increase the yield of carbon material are sometimes required. In this case, the main component of the produced carbon material will be amorphous carbon. It is also conceivable that operations that increase the yield of the by-product carbon monoxide may be required. Therefore, it is necessary to consider production conditions appropriate to the purpose. On the other hand, regarding the production of carbon materials from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, the details of production conditions tailored to the purpose have not been sufficiently studied to date.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an information processing device capable of estimating manufacturing conditions according to the purpose of producing carbon materials from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, a carbon material production system, and a method for producing carbon materials.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following embodiments. [1] An information processing apparatus for the production of a carbon material, which is produced from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, comprising: an objective indicator acquisition unit for acquiring an objective indicator for the production of a carbon material; an objective indicator providing unit for providing the objective indicator acquired by the objective indicator acquisition unit to correspondence information showing the correspondence between production conditions and the objective indicator; and a result acquisition unit for acquiring production conditions output from the correspondence information to which the objective indicator has been provided as an estimation result of production conditions, wherein the production conditions include at least one selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, the voltage applied to the molten salt, and the type of electrode catalyst used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the objective indicator includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis, the yield of amorphous carbon, the yield of graphite carbon, and the yield of carbon monoxide. [1-i] The production conditions are ΔG satisfying the following formula 1. １ The information processing apparatus described in [1] may include the following: 100 kJ / mol < ΔG １< 160 kJ / mol, Formula 1. In Formula 1, ΔG １ is determined by the following Formula 2. ΔG １ = ΔG ＣＯ - ΔG Ｃ Formula 2. In Formula 2, ΔG ＣＯ is the standard reaction Gibbs energy (kJ / mol) in the reaction where carbon monoxide is generated by the decomposition reaction of the carbonate of the metal contained in the molten salt, and ΔG Ｃ is the standard reaction Gibbs energy (kJ / mol) in the reaction where carbon is generated by the decomposition reaction of the carbonate of the metal contained in the molten salt. The ΔG １ is preferably more than 106 (kJ / mol) and less than 150 (kJ / mol), and more preferably more than 110 (kJ / mol) and less than 140 (kJ / mol). [2] The correspondence information is a learned model learned by machine learning, the information processing apparatus according to [1] or [1-i]. [3] The manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used for the molten salt electrolysis, the voltage applied to the molten salt, and the type of electrode catalyst used for the molten salt electrolysis, and the target index is the yield of graphite carbon, the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1], [1-i], and [2]. [4] The manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used for the molten salt electrolysis, and the target index is the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis, the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1], [1-i], and [2]. [5] The manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used for the molten salt electrolysis, and the target index is the yield of amorphous carbon, the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1], [1-i], and [2]. [6] The manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used for the molten salt electrolysis, and the target index is the yield of carbon monoxide, the information processing apparatus according to any one of [1], [1-i], and [2].

[0009] [7] A carbon material manufacturing system for producing a carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, comprising an information processing device according to any one of [1], [1-i] to [6], and a molten salt electrolytic device, wherein the molten salt electrolytic device comprises an electrolytic cell containing molten salt, an electrode, and a control unit for controlling the temperature of the molten salt, and the carbon material is produced from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis based on the estimation result of the manufacturing conditions provided by the information processing device.

[0010] [8] A method for producing a carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, wherein the manufacturing conditions are set to approximate a specific objective index in order to achieve a particular objective index, based on a database that stores the correspondence between manufacturing conditions and objective index for the production of carbon material, the manufacturing conditions include at least one selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, the voltage applied to the molten salt, and the type of electrode catalyst used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the objective index includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis, the yield of amorphous carbon, the yield of graphite carbon, and the yield of carbon monoxide. [9] The manufacturing conditions satisfy ΔG 1 below. １ A method for producing a carbon material as described in [8], which may include: 100 kJ / mol < ΔG １ <160kJ / mol Formula 1 In the above formula 1, ΔG １ ΔG can be calculated using equation 2 below. １ = ΔG ＣＯ -ΔG Ｃ Equation 2 In Equation 2 above, ΔG ＣＯ This is the standard reaction Gibbs free energy (kJ / mol) in the reaction in which carbon monoxide is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt, and ΔG Ｃ This is the standard reaction Gibbs free energy (kJ / mol) in the reaction in which carbon is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt. １ Preferably, the concentration is greater than 106 kJ / mol and less than 150 kJ / mol, and more preferably greater than 110 kJ / mol and less than 140 kJ / mol.

[0011] According to the present invention, regarding the production of carbon materials from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of estimating production conditions according to the purpose, a carbon material production system, and a method for producing carbon materials.

[0012] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system of this embodiment. This is a configuration diagram representing the carbon material manufacturing apparatus of this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device of this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the correspondence information of this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the search results for the correspondence information of this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the information processing device of this embodiment. This figure shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of the carbon material obtained by molten salt electrolysis at a temperature of 600°C in Reference Example 1. This figure shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of the carbon material obtained by molten salt electrolysis at a temperature of 700°C in Reference Example 1. This figure shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of the carbon material obtained by molten salt electrolysis at a temperature of 800°C in Reference Example 1. This figure shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of only the nickel substrate used for electrolysis measured in Reference Example 1. This figure shows the X-ray diffraction pattern of commercially available graphite powder measured in Reference Example 1.

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but the following description is merely one example of an embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these contents and can be modified and implemented within the scope of its gist.

[0014] ≪Information Processing Device≫ The information processing device of this embodiment relates to the production of a carbon material, which is produced from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis. The information processing device comprises: an objective indicator acquisition unit that acquires an objective indicator for the production of a carbon material; an objective indicator provision unit that provides the objective indicator acquired by the objective indicator acquisition unit to correspondence information showing the correspondence between production conditions and the objective indicator; and a result acquisition unit that acquires production conditions output from the correspondence information to which the objective indicator has been provided as an estimation result of production conditions. The production conditions include at least one molten salt electrolysis condition selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the molten salt, the voltage applied to the molten salt (i.e., the voltage applied between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, which will be described later), and the type of electrode catalyst. However, the production conditions are not limited to these, and for example, the temperature of the molten salt, the voltage applied to the molten salt, the type of electrode catalyst, and ΔG, which will be described later. １ The objective indicator may include at least one molten salt electrolysis condition selected from the group consisting of the following. The objective indicator includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis, the yield of amorphous carbon, the yield of graphite carbon, and the yield of carbon monoxide.

[0015] <Information Processing System> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment. The information processing system 1 comprises an input device 2, an information processing device 3, a data server 4, and a display device 5. The input device 2 has the function of inputting information from an external source. For example, the input device 2 includes an operation unit (not shown) and has the function of inputting information according to operations performed by the user. The input device 2 may also receive information from other external devices (for example, a manufacturing management device) without going through the user. The information processing device 3 is composed of, for example, a computer.

[0016] The data server 4 stores various types of information. In this embodiment, the data server 4 stores trained models, programs corresponding to trained models, tables recording past manufacturing results, and so on. The trained models and tables recording past manufacturing results may be stored in the data server 4 in advance, or they may be updated externally at any time. Here, any model may be used as the trained model; for example, a neural network model may be used.

[0017] The display device 5 has a function to output information to the outside. For example, the display device 5 includes a display unit (not shown) and has a function to display and output information to be displayed on the screen.

[0018] <Method for Manufacturing Carbon Materials> Figure 2 is a configuration diagram showing a carbon material manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. The carbon material manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment comprises a reaction vessel 11 for containing molten salt 12, a negative electrode (cathode) 13, a positive electrode (anode) 14, a power supply 15 to which the negative electrode 13 and the positive electrode 14 are connected, and a carbon dioxide supply unit 16. The carbon material manufacturing apparatus 100 may also be equipped with an inert gas supply unit (not shown) for supplying an inert gas to the molten salt. Furthermore, the carbon material manufacturing apparatus 100 may be equipped with a flow straightening plate (not shown) between the negative electrode 13 and the positive electrode 14 to stabilize the flow of the molten salt.

[0019] The method for producing the carbon material in this embodiment includes supplying carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide supply unit 16 to the molten salt 12 in the reaction vessel 11, and applying a voltage between the negative electrode 13 and the positive electrode 14 to energize it. As a result, carbonate ions contained in the molten salt 12 are reduced by electrons, and carbon material is generated on the negative electrode 13. The molten salt may also be stirred by supplying an inert gas to the molten salt from an inert gas supply unit.

[0020] The reactions at the negative electrode 13 and the positive electrode 14 are represented by equations (i) and (ii) below, respectively. Negative electrode: CO ３ ２－ +4e － →C+3O ２ Formula (i) Positive electrode: 2O ２－ →O２ +4e － Formula (ii)

[0021] Furthermore, the reaction in the molten salt 12 due to the supply of carbon dioxide is represented by the following equation (iii). ２ (Supplied from the carbon dioxide supply unit) + O ２－ →CO ３ ２－ Formula (iii)

[0022] Combining equations (i) to (iii) above, we obtain the following equation (iv). CO ２ →C+O ２ Formula (iv) That is, in the carbon material manufacturing method of this embodiment, a reaction occurs in which carbon dioxide decomposes and carbon material and oxygen are produced.

[0023] In order for the reactions of formulas (i) to (iii) above to proceed, carbonate ions (CO) must be added to the molten salt at the start of the reaction. ３ ２－ ) and oxide ions (O ２－ It is necessary that either or both of the following are included. Examples of carbonate ion sources include metal carbonates, which will be described later. Examples of oxygen ion sources include metal oxides, which will be described later.

[0024] (Molten Salt) In the carbon material manufacturing method of this embodiment, a molten salt is used. Compared to using an aqueous solution, the molten salt has advantages such as higher carbon dioxide solubility and current efficiency, a faster reaction rate, and no need for a catalyst. Furthermore, compared to using an ionic liquid, the molten salt has advantages such as lower cost and a faster reaction rate.

[0025] Examples of molten salts include metal halides, metal oxides, and metal carbonates. Among these, metal halides are preferred. Preferred metals are alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, with alkali metals being more preferred. Metal halides may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Metal oxides may be used individually or in combination of two or more. Metal carbonates may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0026] Examples of alkali metal halides include LiF, NaF, KF, RbF, CsF, LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, CsCl, LiBr, NaBr, KBr, RbBr, CsBr, LiI, NaI, KI, RbI, and CsI, with LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, and CsCl being preferred, and LiCl, NaCl, and KCl being more preferred. One alkali metal halide may be used alone, or two or more may be used together.

[0027] As for alkaline earth metal halides, MgF ２ CaF ２ SrF ２ BaF ２ MgCl ２ CaCl ２ , SrCl ２ BaCl ２ MgBr ２ CaBr ２ , SrBr ２ BaBr ２ MgI ２ CaI ２ , SrI ２ BaI ２ Examples are given, MgCl ２ CaCl ２ , SrCl ２ BaCl ２ This is preferable. Alkaline earth metal halides may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0028] As an alkali metal oxide, Li ２ O, Na ２ O, K ２ O is an example. Examples of alkaline earth metal oxides include MgO, CaO, and BaO. Alkali metal oxides may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. Alkali earth metal oxides may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0029] When using either alkali metal oxides or alkaline earth metal oxides, or both, the ratio of the total amount (moles) of alkali metal oxides and alkaline earth metal oxides used to the total amount (moles) of molten salt is preferably greater than 0 mol% and 50 mol% or less, more preferably greater than 0 mol% and 30 mol% or less, and even more preferably greater than 0 mol% and 20 mol% or less.

[0030] As for alkali metal carbonates, Li ２ CO ３ Na ２ CO ３ _K ２ CO ３ Examples include: As for alkaline earth metal carbonates, MgCO3 ３ CaCO ３ BaCO ３ Examples include: Alkali metal carbonates may be used individually or in combination of two or more types. Alkaline earth metal carbonates may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0031] When using either alkali metal carbonates or alkaline earth metal carbonates, or both, the ratio of the total amount (moles) of alkali metal carbonates and alkaline earth metal carbonates used to the total amount (moles) of molten salt is preferably 0 to 100 mol%, more preferably 0.5 to 50 mol%, and even more preferably 1 to 10 mol%.

[0032] (Negative electrode) The negative electrode material is preferably a material that is conductive at the reaction temperature. Examples of such materials include elemental metals such as nickel, iron, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, zinc, gallium, lead, and tin, alloys of such metals, carbon materials such as graphite, elemental metals such as liquid metals, and alloys of such metals.

[0033] (Positive electrode) The material for the positive electrode is preferably a material that can oxidize the oxide ion of formula (ii) above. Examples of such materials include carbon materials such as graphite, glassy carbon, diamond, and amorphous carbon, conductive ceramic electrodes, precious metals such as platinum and gold, and insoluble anodes such as nickel ferrite.

[0034] (Reaction conditions) Examples of reaction conditions include the temperature of the molten salt (reaction temperature), the rate of carbon dioxide supply, the method of carbon dioxide supply (size of carbon dioxide bubbles), the voltage, and the method of applying the voltage.

[0035] (Carbon Materials) Examples of carbon materials produced by the carbon production method of this embodiment include amorphous carbon, graphite carbon, carbon nanotube carbon, carbon nanofiber carbon, graphene carbon, and diamond carbon. Carbon monoxide may also be produced as a by-product.

[0036] <Functional Configuration of the Information Processing Device> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 3 of this embodiment. The information processing device 3 is equipped with a target indicator acquisition unit 31, a target indicator provision unit 32, a result acquisition unit 33, and a presentation unit 34 as its software function units (or hardware function units).

[0037] The target indicator acquisition unit 31 acquires target indicators for the production of carbon materials. Examples of target indicators include the current efficiency of molten salt electrolysis, the yield of amorphous carbon, the yield of graphite carbon, and the yield of carbon monoxide. Current efficiency is the ratio of the actual carbon material yield to the theoretical yield of carbon (C) that would be produced if all the electricity used in the reaction were used in the reaction represented by formula (i), expressed as a percentage. High current efficiency indicates that side reactions are suppressed.

[0038] The yield of graphite carbon can be determined, for example, by the following method. First, the electrolytic product is washed with water and pickled to remove the molten salt, dried, and then subjected to powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement. Next, the obtained diffraction pattern is compared with the diffraction pattern obtained under the same conditions for commercially available graphite powder. For the analysis, the (002) diffraction peak intensity appearing around a diffraction angle of approximately 26.5° is used, and the proportion of the graphite phase in the product is estimated by comparing the integrated (002) peak intensity of the product with that of commercially available graphite. Furthermore, by correcting for the ash content by thermogravimetric analysis, an estimated value of the graphite carbon yield on an ash-free basis can be obtained. Figure 7 shows the diffraction chart obtained by performing XRD measurement under the following conditions using Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.'s graphite powder (Wako Special Grade, leaf-shaped powder with an average particle size of 15 μm) as the commercially available graphite powder. XRD measurement conditions: Equipment: Ultima IV (manufactured by Rigaku Corporation) X-ray: Cu-Kα (wavelength: 1.5418 Å) Measurement speed: 5° / min Measurement method: Graphite powder is placed on a glass sample stage and measured.

[0039] The target indicator may be provided by the user through the operation of the input device 2, or it may be provided by another external device (for example, a manufacturing control device) without the user's involvement. In other words, the target indicator acquisition unit 31 may acquire the target indicator via the user, or it may acquire the target indicator from another external device without the user's involvement.

[0040] The objective indicator provision unit 32 provides the objective indicators acquired by the target indicator acquisition unit 31 to the correspondence information 40 of the data server 4. The correspondence information 40 is information that shows the correspondence between manufacturing conditions and objective indicators for each batch. An example of the correspondence information 40 will be explained with reference to Figure 4.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of the correspondence information 40 in this embodiment. The correspondence information 40 associates batch number 410, manufacturing condition indicator 420, and objective indicator 430 with each other for each batch. The correspondence information 40 was newly discovered by the inventors of the present application. In particular, as will be described later, the inventors of the present application have discovered a systematic and novel correspondence information 40 based on the relationship between specific manufacturing condition indicators 420 and specific objective indicators 430. The manufacturing condition indicator 420 includes the composition of the dissolved salt 421, the amount of dissolved salt 422, the carbon dioxide supply rate 423, the type of positive electrode (electrode catalyst) 424, the type of negative electrode (electrode catalyst) 425, the reaction temperature 426, the voltage 427, and the voltage application method 428. These manufacturing condition indicators 420 are just examples of manufacturing condition indicators. The manufacturing condition indicator is ΔG, which will be described later. １ It may also include the following. The target indicators 430 include amorphous carbon yield 431, graphite carbon yield 432, current efficiency 433, and carbon monoxide yield 434. These target indicators 430 are just examples of target indicators.

[0042] (ΔG １ The above manufacturing condition index is ΔG that satisfies the following equation 1. １ It may contain 100 kJ / mol < ΔG. １ <160kJ / mol Formula 1 In the above formula 1, ΔG １ This can be calculated using equation 2 below.

[0043] ΔG １ = ΔG ＣＯ -ΔG Ｃ Equation 2 In Equation 2 above, ΔG ＣＯ This is the standard reaction Gibbs free energy (kJ / mol) in the reaction in which carbon monoxide is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt, and ΔG Ｃ This is the standard reaction Gibbs free energy (kJ / mol) for the reaction in which carbon is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt.

[0044] The decomposition reaction of metal carbonates contained in the molten salt is represented by equation 3A below. Furthermore, the reaction in which carbon is produced by the decomposition reaction of metal carbonates contained in the molten salt is represented by equation 4A below. 2M （２／ｍ） CO３ → 2CO + 2M （２／ｍ） O + O ２ Formula 3A In the formula 3A, M is the metal and m is the valence of the metal.

[0045] M （２／ｍ） CO ３ → C + M （２／ｍ） O + O ２ Formula 4A In the formula 4A, M and m are the same as those in the formula 3A.

[0046] ΔG １ is preferably more than 100 (kJ / mol) and less than 160 (kJ / mol), more preferably more than 106 (kJ / mol) and less than 150 (kJ / mol), and even more preferably more than 110 (kJ / mol) and less than 140 (kJ / mol). ΔG １ When ΔG is at or above the lower limit value, the by-production of carbon monoxide is suppressed, and the yield of carbon is likely to improve. As a result, the current efficiency is likely to increase. ΔG １ When it is at or below the upper limit value, the generation of carbon is likely to be promoted.

[0047] ΔG ＣＯ is preferably 400 (kJ / mol) or more, more preferably 500 (kJ / mol) or more, and even more preferably 600 (kJ / mol) or more. ΔG ＣＯ The upper limit value of ΔG is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 1100 (kJ / mol) or less. ΔG ＣＯ When ΔG is at or above the lower limit value, the by-production of carbon monoxide is suppressed, and the yield of carbon is likely to improve. As a result, the current efficiency is likely to increase.

[0048] ΔG Ｃ is preferably 600 (kJ / mol) or less, more preferably 550 (kJ / mol) or less, and even more preferably 520 (kJ / mol) or less. ΔG Ｃ The lower limit value of ΔG is not particularly limited, but for example, it may be 0 (kJ / mol) or more. ΔG Ｃ When it is at or below the upper limit value, the generation of carbon is likely to be promoted.

[0049] Incidentally, ΔG ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ are obtained by the following formulas 3 and 4, respectively. ΔG ＣＯ = ΔHＣＯ -TΔS ＣＯ Equation 3 In Equation 3 above, ΔH ＣＯ ΔS is the enthalpy (kJ / mol) of the reaction in which carbon monoxide is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the electrolytic salt represented by formula 3A, and ΔS ＣＯ is the entropy (kJ / K / mol) of the reaction in which carbon monoxide is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt, and T is the reaction temperature (K).

[0050] ΔG Ｃ = ΔH Ｃ -TΔS Ｃ Equation 4 In Equation 4 above, ΔH Ｃ ΔS is the enthalpy (kJ / mol) of the reaction in which carbon is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt represented by formula 4A, and ΔS Ｃ is the entropy (kJ / K / mol) of the reaction in which carbon is produced by the decomposition reaction of the metal carbonate contained in the molten salt, and T is the reaction temperature (K).

[0051] ΔH ＣＯ ΔS ＣＯ ΔH Ｃ , and ΔS Ｃ This value is determined by the type of metal in the metallic carbonate. That is, ΔG ＣＯ ΔG Ｃ , and ΔG １ This value is determined by the type of metal carbonate (i.e., the composition of the molten salt) and the reaction temperature. That is, ΔG ＣＯ ΔG Ｃ , and ΔG １ This adjustment can be carried out by controlling either the composition of the molten salt or the reaction temperature, or both.

[0052] The following is an example of ΔG when only LiCl is used as the molten salt. １ Let's explain how to find Li. ２ CO ３ ΔH ＣＯ and ΔS ＣＯ These are 975 (kJ / mol) and 0.41 (kJ / K / mol), respectively. Therefore, from equation 3 above, ΔG ＣＯCalculating this gives 975 - 0.40 × T(K). Also, Li ２ CO ３ ΔH Ｃ and ΔS Ｃ These are 599 (kJ / mol) and 0.11 (kJ / K / mol), respectively. Therefore, from equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ Calculating this gives 599 - 0.11 × T(K). The obtained ΔG ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １ Calculating this gives us 376 - 0.29 × T(K). Therefore, we should select a reaction temperature such that 376 - 0.29 × T(K) is within the range of 92 to 165 kJ / mol.

[0053] (When two or more types of molten salts are included) ΔG when two or more types of molten salts are included １ The method for determining ΔG will be explained. Even if two or more types of molten salts are included, if only one type of metal is included in the molten salt, ΔG can be calculated using the method described above. １ This can be determined. Examples of such cases include LiCl and Li as molten salts. ２ CO ３ This includes cases where Li ２ CO ３ ΔH ＣＯ and ΔS ＣＯ We find ΔG from equations 3 and 4 above. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ We find ΔG from equation 2 above. １ We seek.

[0054] Next, consider ΔG when there are two or more metal species in the molten salt. １ The method for determining this will be explained below. The explanation will be divided into two cases: when the molten salt is only a carbonate, and when the molten salt includes salts other than carbonates.

[0055] [When the molten salt consists only of carbonates] Let n be the number of metal species contained in the molten salt, M １ ~M ｎ Assume that the following metal species are included. In this case, M １ ~M ｎ Regarding this, from equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained.Ｃ Therefore, the electrolytic voltage is calculated using equation 5 below. Ｃ = (ΔG) Ｃ -RTln[M ｔ （２／ｍｔ） CO ３ ]) / 4F Equation 5 In the above Equation 5A, E Ｃ is the electrolysis voltage, R is the gas constant (kJ / (mol·K)), T is the reaction temperature (K), and M ｔ M １ ~M ｎ It is one of the metal species included in M. ｔ This is the valence of [C]. F is the Faraday constant (C / mol). [] indicates the M listed in the brackets. ｔ （２／ｍｔ） CO ３ This represents the activity of M. According to the above formula 5, １ ~M ｎ In all of the above, E Ｃ Find E Ｃ For the metal species in which the value is smallest, ΔG can be obtained from equation 3 above. ＣＯ From equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １ We seek.

[0056] [When the molten salt contains salts other than carbonates] Let x be the number of metal species contained in the molten salt, M １ ~M ｘ Assume that the following metal species are included. Also, assume that the molten salt is a halide. In this case, carbonate may also be included. In this case, M １ ~M ｘ Any two types of M included ｙ and M ｚ Regarding this, in equation 6A below, ΔG is the standard reaction Gibbs free energy (kJ / mol) at the reaction temperature. Ｍ We seek M ｙ （２／ｍｙ） CO ３ + (2 / mz)M ｚ X ｍｚ →M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） CO ３ + (2 / my)M ｙ Xｍｙ Formula 6A In Formula 6A above, X is a halogen atom, M ｙ and M ｚ M １ ~M ｘ These are any two types of metals included in [the formula]. `my` is M ｙ The valence of is M, and mz is M ｚ This is the valence of M. １ ~M ｎ ΔG in all combinations Ｍ We find ΔG always Ｍ The metal species for which M is negative ｚ１ Let's assume that ΔG Ｍ The M that is smallest in absolute value ｚ１ M is a metal species for ｙ１ Select the combination. ΔG at this time Ｍ ΔG Ｍ（ｍｉｎ） Let's assume that.

[0057] ΔG Ｍ（ｍｉｎ） The relationship between ΔG and the equilibrium constant is expressed by equation 6B below. Ｍ（ｍｉｎ） =RTln(K) Equation 6B In Equation 6B above, R is the gas constant (kJ / (mol·K)), T is the reaction temperature (K), and K is the equilibrium constant of Equation 6A above. K is expressed by Equation 6C below.

[0058] K = {[M ｚ１ （２／ｍｚ１） CO ３ ] [M ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１）} / {[M ｙ１ （２／ｍｙ１） CO ３ ] [M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） Equation 6C In the above Equation 6C, X, M ｙ１ M ｚ１ As described above, my1 is M in formula 6A. ｙ M ｙ１ When this is the case, my is and mz1 is M in the above formula 6A. ｚ M ｚ１ This is the mz value when [ ] is used. [ ] indicates the activity of each substance listed within the brackets. Below, [M ｙ１ （２／ｍｙ１） CO３ ] and [M ｚ１ （２／ｍｚ１） CO ３ ] are considered the same.

[0059] [M] from the initial concentration in the molten salt ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１） / [M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） Calculate and compare with K. K > [M ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１） / [M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） In the case of M ｙ （２／ｍｙ） CO ３ + (2 / mz)M ｚ X ｍｚ →M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） CO ３ + (2 / my)M ｙ X ｍｙ The reaction proceeds in the direction of M ｚ１ Regarding this, from equation 3 above, ΔG ＣＯ From equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １ We find K < [M ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１） / [M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） In the case of M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） CO ３ + (2 / my)M ｙ X ｍｙ →M ｙ （２／ｍｙ） CO ３ + (2 / mz)M ｚ X ｍｚ The reaction proceeds in the direction of M ｙ１ Regarding this, from equation 3 above, ΔG ＣＯ From equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １We find K = [M ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１） / [M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） In the case of M ｙ１ and M ｚ１ Let be a carbonate, and from equation 5 above, the electrolytic voltage is E Ｃ Find E Ｃ The smaller metal type (M ｙ１ or M ｚ１ Regarding ), from equation 3 above, ΔG ＣＯ From equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １ We seek.

[0060] If the molten salt is an oxide, the same calculation as above can be performed in equation 7A below. Note that in this case, carbonates may also be included as part of the molten salt. M ｙ （２／ｍｙ） CO ３ +M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） O→M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） CO ３ +M ｙ （２／ｍｙ） O Equation 7A Note that in this case, the initial concentration in the molten salt is calculated as follows: [M ｙ１ （２／ｍｙ１） O] / [M ｚ１ （２／ｍｚ１） Calculate O and compare it with K. Note that K = [M ｙ１ （２／ｍｙ１） O] / [M ｚ１ （２／ｍｚ１） In the case of O, M is used as above. ｙ１ and M ｚ Let be a carbonate, and from equation 5 above, the electrolytic voltage is E Ｃ Find E Ｃ The smaller metal type (M ｙ１ or M ｚ１ Regarding ), from equation 3 above, ΔG ＣＯ From equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １We seek.

[0061] If the molten salt is an oxide or halide, the same calculation as above can be performed in formula 8A below. Note that in this case, carbonates may also be included as part of the molten salt. ｙ （２／ｍｙ） CO ３ + (2 / mz)M ｚ X ｍｚ +M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） O→M ｚ （２／ｍｚ） CO ３ + (2 / my)M ｙ X ｍｙ +M ｙ （２／ｍｙ） O Equation 8A Note that in this case, the initial concentration in the molten salt is calculated as follows: {[M ｙ１ （２／ｍｙ１） O][M ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１）} / {[M ｚ１ （２／ｍｚ１） O][M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） You can calculate} and compare it with K. Note that K = {[M ｙ１ （２／ｍｙ１） O][M ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１）} / {[M ｚ１ （２／ｍｚ１） O][M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） In the case of}, M is the same as above. ｙ１ and M ｚ Let be a carbonate, and from equation 5 above, the electrolytic voltage is E Ｃ Find E Ｃ The smaller metal type (M ｙ１ or M ｚ１ Regarding ), from equation 3 above, ΔG ＣＯ From equation 4 above, ΔG Ｃ We find the value of ΔG obtained. ＣＯ and ΔG Ｃ From the above equation 2, ΔG １ We seek.

[0062] The manufacturing condition index satisfies equation 1 above, ΔG １If this is included, as is clear from the above explanation, the type of metal in the metal carbonate (i.e., the composition of the molten salt) and / or the reaction temperature required to satisfy formula 1 are limited, so the necessary corresponding information can be made more compact, and the burden of estimating the manufacturing conditions can be reduced.

[0063] Furthermore, the information processing device 3 of this embodiment may have a condition-setting unit (not shown) that provides constraints on manufacturing conditions to the corresponding information 40 of the data server 4. By limiting or fixing certain manufacturing conditions with this condition-setting unit, the burden of estimating manufacturing conditions can be reduced. For example, a condition-setting unit can be used to provide constraints to the corresponding information 40 that fix the electrode catalyst to a specific type, or limit the temperature and voltage of the molten salt to a specific range. Such a condition-setting unit can reduce the processing load on the information processing device 3 when certain conditions (for example, the type of electrode catalyst) are predetermined and not intended to be selected.

[0064] Returning to Figure 3, when the data server 4 receives a target indicator from the target indicator provision unit 32, it selects a manufacturing condition indicator from the corresponding information 40 that matches the target indicator.

[0065] Figure 5 shows an example of the search results for the correspondence information 40 in this embodiment. As an example, let's assume that the target indicators for the k-th batch match. In this case, the data server 4 selects the manufacturing condition 420-k for the k-th batch from the manufacturing conditions 420 of the correspondence information 40.

[0066] In this specification, "match" may mean that the values ​​of the comparison indicators are exactly the same, or that the difference between the values ​​of the comparison indicators is within a predetermined range. For example, based on the numerical value of the indicator in the correspondence information 40, a "match" can be set to preferably be within 70%, more preferably within 80%, and even more preferably within 90%.

[0067] Returning to Figure 3, the data server 4 outputs the selected k-th batch manufacturing conditions 420-k to the information processing device 3 as the estimated manufacturing conditions.

[0068] The result acquisition unit 33 acquires the manufacturing conditions 420-k for the k-th batch output by the data server 4 as the estimated manufacturing conditions.

[0069] The presentation unit 34 outputs the estimation results acquired by the result acquisition unit 33 to the display device 5. The display device 5 displays the estimation results output by the presentation unit 34. In other words, the presentation unit 34 presents the estimation results acquired by the result acquisition unit 33.

[0070] [Operation Flow of the Information Processing Device] The operation flow of each functional unit of the information processing device 3 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation flow of the information processing device 3. (Step S10) The target indicator acquisition unit 31 acquires the target indicator. (Step S20) The target indicator provision unit 32 provides the target indicator acquired in step S10 to the corresponding information 40 of the data server 4. The data server 4 selects a manufacturing condition 420-k from the manufacturing conditions 420 of the corresponding information 40 that matches the target indicator. The data server 4 outputs the selected manufacturing condition 420-k to the information processing device 3 as the estimated result of the manufacturing conditions.

[0071] (Step S30) The result acquisition unit 33 acquires the manufacturing conditions 420-k output by the data server 4 as the estimated manufacturing conditions. (Step S40) The display unit 34 outputs the estimated manufacturing conditions acquired in step S30 to the display device 5.

[0072] As described above, the information processing system 1 of this embodiment estimates manufacturing conditions based on objective indicators for the production of carbon materials, which are produced from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis. Therefore, according to the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to estimate manufacturing conditions according to the purpose for the production of carbon materials, which are produced from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis.

[0073] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 includes the type of negative electrode (electrode catalyst) 425, reaction temperature 426, voltage 427, and voltage application method 428 as manufacturing conditions 420 in the corresponding information 40. In addition, the corresponding information 40 includes amorphous carbon yield 431, graphite carbon yield 432, current efficiency 433, and carbon monoxide yield 434 as target indicators 430.

[0074] According to the inventors' studies, the graphite carbon yield 432 was found to be significantly affected by the type of negative electrode (electrode catalyst) 425, reaction temperature 426, voltage 427, and voltage application method 428 compared to other manufacturing conditions 420. The current efficiency 433 was found to be significantly affected by the reaction temperature 426 compared to other manufacturing conditions 420. The amorphous carbon yield 431 was found to be significantly affected by the reaction temperature 426 compared to other manufacturing conditions 420. Furthermore, the carbon monoxide yield 434 was found to be significantly affected by the reaction temperature 426 compared to other manufacturing conditions 420.

[0075] Specifically, the graphite carbon yield 432 is easily improved by selecting the type of negative electrode (electrode catalyst) 425. The graphite carbon yield 432 is easily improved when the reaction temperature 426 is high. The graphite carbon yield 432 is easily improved when the voltage 427 is high. Furthermore, the graphite carbon yield 432 is easily improved when applied as a pulse voltage. If the graphite carbon yield 432 provided by the target indicator providing unit 32 does not match the target indicator in the corresponding information 40, the data server 4 may, based on the above relationship, output to the information processing device 3 manufacturing conditions 420 as estimated manufacturing conditions, by adjusting the negative electrode (electrode catalyst) type 425, reaction temperature 426, voltage 427, and voltage application method 428 based on the negative electrode (electrode catalyst) type 425, reaction temperature 426, voltage 427, and voltage application method 428 in the target indicator in the corresponding information 40 that is closest to the graphite carbon yield 432 provided by the target indicator providing unit 32.

[0076] Current efficiency 433 tends to improve when the reaction temperature 426 is low. If the current efficiency 433 provided by the target indicator providing unit 32 does not match the target indicator in the corresponding information 40, the data server 4 may, based on the above relationship, output to the information processing device 3 the estimated manufacturing conditions 420, in which the reaction temperature 426 has been adjusted based on the reaction temperature 426 in the target indicator in the corresponding information 40 that is closest to the current efficiency 433 provided by the target indicator providing unit 32.

[0077] The amorphous carbon yield 431 tends to improve when the reaction temperature 426 is low. If the amorphous carbon yield 431 provided by the target indicator providing unit 32 does not match the target indicator in the corresponding information 40, the data server 4 may, based on the above relationship, output to the information processing device 3 the estimated manufacturing conditions 420, with the reaction temperature 426 adjusted based on the reaction temperature 426 in the target indicator in the corresponding information 40 that is closest to the amorphous carbon yield 431 provided by the target indicator providing unit 32.

[0078] The carbon monoxide yield 434 tends to improve with higher reaction temperatures 426. If the carbon monoxide yield 434 provided by the target indicator provision unit 32 does not match the target indicator in the corresponding information 40, the data server 4 may, based on the above relationship, output to the information processing device 3 manufacturing conditions 420 as estimated manufacturing conditions, with the reaction temperature 426 adjusted based on the reaction temperature 426 in the target indicator in the corresponding information 40 that is closest to the carbon monoxide yield 434 provided by the target indicator provision unit 32.

[0079] Furthermore, the corresponding information 40 may be a so-called trained model that has been trained through machine learning. With the information processing device 3 configured in this way, it is possible to use the results of learning a large amount of information efficiently (or with high accuracy) through machine learning, thereby enabling the achievement of the target indicator more stably.

[0080] Furthermore, the correspondence information 40 may be implemented by a conditional branching program that shows the correspondence between input values ​​and output values ​​corresponding to the trained model described above.

[0081] Furthermore, a program to realize the function of any component in any device described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and that program may be loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes the operating system and hardware such as peripheral devices. "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CDs (Compact Disc)-ROMs (Read Only Memory), and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. "Computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Such volatile memory may be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The recording medium may also be, for example, a non-temporary recording medium.

[0082] Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores this program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network like the Internet or a communication line like a telephone line. Also, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, the above program may be one that can realize the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file. A differential file may also be called a differential program.

[0083] Furthermore, the functions of any component in any device described above may be implemented by a processor. For example, each process in the embodiment may be implemented by a processor that operates based on information such as a program, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores information such as a program. Here, the processor may be implemented by implementing the functions of each part in separate hardware, or by implementing the functions of each part in integrated hardware. For example, the processor includes hardware, and the hardware may include at least one of a circuit that processes digital signals and a circuit that processes analog signals. For example, the processor may be configured using one or more circuit devices or one or both of one or more circuit elements mounted on a circuit board. An IC (Integrated Circuit) may be used as the circuit device, and a resistor or capacitor may be used as the circuit element.

[0084] Here, the processor may be, for example, a CPU. However, the processor is not limited to a CPU, and various types of processors may be used, such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The processor may also be, for example, a hardware circuit using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, the processor may be composed of, for example, multiple CPUs, or of hardware circuits using multiple ASICs. The processor may also be composed of, for example, a combination of multiple CPUs and hardware circuits using multiple ASICs. Furthermore, the processor may include, for example, one or more amplifier circuits or filter circuits that process analog signals.

[0085] <Carbon Material Manufacturing System> The carbon material manufacturing system of this embodiment comprises an information processing device 3 and a molten salt electrolytic device (carbon material manufacturing device 100). The molten salt electrolytic device (carbon material manufacturing device 100) comprises an electrolytic cell (reaction vessel 11) containing molten salt and electrodes (negative electrode 13 and positive electrode 14). Furthermore, it comprises a control unit for controlling the temperature of the molten salt. In the carbon material manufacturing system, the manufacturing conditions are adjusted based on the estimated manufacturing conditions obtained by the information processing device 3, and carbon material is manufactured.

[0086] <Method for Manufacturing Carbon Materials> The method for manufacturing carbon materials according to this embodiment is a method for manufacturing carbon materials from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, and the carbon material is manufactured by setting the manufacturing conditions that approximate the objective indicator in order to achieve a specific objective indicator, based on a database that stores the correspondence between manufacturing conditions and objective indicators for manufacturing carbon materials. The correspondence information is as described above.

[0087] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0088] <Estimation of Manufacturing Conditions Using an Information Processing Device> An information processing device as shown in Figure 3 was prepared. The target indicator and manufacturing conditions were set as follows, and the estimation results of the manufacturing conditions were obtained. Target indicator (input value): Current efficiency = 90% or more Manufacturing conditions (output value): ΔG １ The reaction temperature (°C), the type of metal used in the molten salt for electrolysis, the target index (input value), and the estimated manufacturing conditions (output value) are summarized in Table 1. Note that in Table 1, the type of metal used in the molten salt for electrolysis is limited to lithium / potassium, but other metals can be displayed so that users can select from the metal types. Even in that case, if the current efficiency is 90% or higher, ΔG １ The value will be between 100 and 160 kJ / mol, but the numerical range for temperature will be different from that in Table 1.

[0089]

[0090] [Example 1] The conditions that apply to the "Estimated Manufacturing Conditions" in Table 1 are ΔG１ The carbon material was manufactured using the following procedure, with a concentration of 150 kJ / mol, a reaction temperature of 500°C, and lithium / potassium selected as the metal species of the molten salt used for electrolysis. 300 g of a eutectic salt of LiCl and KCl was added to the reaction vessel as the molten salt. The composition of the eutectic salt was LiCl:KCl = 58.5:41.5 in molar ratio. The reaction vessel was heated to 500°C, and the molten salt was melted under atmospheric pressure in an argon gas atmosphere. 15.2 g of potassium carbonate (2 mol%) was added to the reaction vessel, and argon gas was introduced to create an inert atmosphere. In the above formula 6A, M ｚ１ = Li, M ｙ１ When K = [M], ΔGM was negative. From the obtained ΔGM, the equilibrium constant was determined using equations 6B and 6C. As a result, K > [M] ｙ１ X ｍｙ１ ] （２／ｍｙ１） / [M ｚ１ X ｍｚ１ ] （２／ｍｚ１） Therefore, Li was selected as M in the above formulas 3A and 4A. A nickel plate measuring 20 mm x 20 mm with a thickness of 0.1 mm was used as the negative electrode. A graphite rod was used as the positive electrode. Electrolysis was performed for 1 hour at an applied potential of 0.4 V. After the electrolysis was completed, the generated carbon material was removed by ultrasonic cleaning of the negative electrode, and the obtained carbon material was sequentially washed with 1 M hydrochloric acid and water, and dried at 80°C for 24 hours to obtain the carbon material. Table 2 shows the electrolysis voltage, amount of electricity, carbon material yield, and current efficiency along with the estimated manufacturing conditions. Current efficiency is the ratio of the actual carbon material yield to the theoretical carbon (C) yield that would be produced if the amount of electricity listed in Table 1 was entirely used in the reaction represented by formula (i), expressed as a percentage. High current efficiency indicates that side reactions are suppressed. In Example 1, carbon dioxide was not supplied, but due to the short reaction time, carbon material was generated by carbonate ions derived from potassium carbonate.

[0091] [Examples 2-4] The conditions that apply to the "Estimated Manufacturing Conditions" in Table 1 are ΔG １The carbon material was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the electrolyte concentration was 150 kJ / mol and the reaction temperature was 500°C. Table 2 shows the estimated manufacturing conditions, along with the electrolysis voltage, amount of electricity, and current efficiency.

[0092] [Comparative Examples 1-6] The reaction was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the conditions deviating from the reaction conditions obtained in the output of Table 1 were set as described in Table 2.

[0093]

[0094] As shown in Table 2, in Examples 1 to 5, which were carried out using the manufacturing conditions obtained with the information processing device of the present invention, a current efficiency of 90% or more was achieved, as per the target indicator. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 to 2, which were carried out using manufacturing conditions that deviated from those obtained with the information processing device of the present invention, the results fell short of the target current efficiency of 90%.

[0095] [Reference Example 1] Based on the manufacturing conditions shown in Table 3, Conditions 1 to 3, carbon material was manufactured according to the procedure described below.

[0096]

[0097] <Manufacturing of carbon materials> LiCl, KCl, and BaCl as molten salts ２ 400g of the eutectic salt, with Ba as the carbon source ２ CO ３ (2 mol%) was added to the reaction vessel. The composition of the eutectic salt was LiCl:KCl:BaCl in molar ratio. ２ The ratio was 35.0:37.2:27.8. The temperature inside the reaction vessel was heated to the temperature shown in Table 3, and the molten salt was melted under atmospheric pressure in an argon gas atmosphere. 15.2 g of potassium carbonate (2 mol%) was added to the reaction vessel, and argon gas was introduced to create an inert atmosphere. A nickel plate measuring 20 mm x 20 mm with a thickness of 0.1 mm was used as the negative electrode. A graphite rod was used as the positive electrode. Applied potential 0.8 V (against Na ＋ Electrolysis was performed for 30 minutes using a sodium (Na) standard. After electrolysis, the generated carbon material was removed by ultrasonic cleaning of the negative electrode. The obtained carbon material was then sequentially washed with 1M hydrochloric acid and water, and dried at 80°C for 24 hours to obtain the carbon material.

[0098] <Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Measurement> Figures 7-9 show the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of carbon materials obtained under conditions 1 (reaction temperature 600°C), 2 (reaction temperature 700°C), and 3 (reaction temperature 800°C). For comparison, the XRD patterns of an unelectrolyzed nickel substrate (Figure 10) and commercially available graphite powder (Figure 11) are also shown. As the commercially available graphite powder, graphite powder manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. (Wako Special Grade, leaf-shaped powder (average particle size 15 μm)) was used. XRD measurements were performed using Rigaku Ultima IV (Cu-Kα rays, wavelength 1.5418 Å, 5° / min). From the XRD pattern of the unelectrolyzed nickel substrate shown in Figure 10, peaks unrelated to carbon can be seen. From the XRD patterns shown in Figures 7 to 9 (carbon materials obtained at reaction temperatures of 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C) and Figure 11 (commercial graphite powder), it can be seen that in Figures 7 to 9, the graphite-derived peaks become higher as the reaction temperature increases, indicating that graphitization is progressing (the yield of graphite carbon is increasing).

[0099] The information processing device of the present invention is useful for the production of carbon materials, which are produced from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, because it can estimate the production conditions according to the purpose.

[0100] 1...Information processing system 1 2...Input device 3...Information processing device 4...Data server 5...Display device 11...Reaction vessel 12...Molten salt 13...Negative electrode 14...Positive electrode 15...Power supply 16...Carbon dioxide supply unit 31...Target indicator acquisition unit 32...Target indicator provision unit 33...Result acquisition unit 34...Presentation unit 100...Carbon material manufacturing equipment 40...Corresponding information

Claims

1. Information processing apparatus for the production of a carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, comprising: an objective indicator acquisition unit for acquiring an objective indicator for the production of a carbon material; an objective indicator provision unit for providing the objective indicator acquired by the objective indicator acquisition unit to correspondence information showing the correspondence between production conditions and the objective indicator; and a result acquisition unit for acquiring production conditions output from the correspondence information to which the objective indicator has been provided as an estimated result of production conditions, wherein the production conditions include at least one selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, the voltage applied to the molten salt, and the type of electrode catalyst used in the molten salt electrolysis; and the objective indicator includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis, the yield of amorphous carbon, the yield of graphite carbon, and the yield of carbon monoxide.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correspondence information is a trained model learned by machine learning.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, the voltage applied to the molten salt, and the type of electrode catalyst used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the target indicator is the yield of graphite carbon.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the objective indicator is the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the target indicator is the yield of amorphous carbon.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the manufacturing conditions are the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the target indicator is the carbon monoxide yield.

7. A carbon material manufacturing system for producing a carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, comprising an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and a molten salt electrolysis device, wherein the molten salt electrolysis device comprises an electrolytic cell containing molten salt, electrodes, and a control unit for controlling the temperature of the molten salt, and the carbon material manufacturing system for producing a carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis based on the estimation result of the manufacturing conditions provided by the information processing device.

8. A method for producing a carbon material from carbon dioxide by molten salt electrolysis, wherein the method is to set the manufacturing conditions to approximate a specific objective indicator in order to achieve a particular objective indicator, based on a database that stores the correspondence between manufacturing conditions and objective indicators for the production of carbon materials, the manufacturing conditions include at least one selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the molten salt used in the molten salt electrolysis, the voltage applied to the molten salt, and the type of electrode catalyst used in the molten salt electrolysis, and the objective indicator includes at least one selected from the group consisting of the current efficiency of the molten salt electrolysis, the yield of amorphous carbon, the yield of graphite carbon, and the yield of carbon monoxide.

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