Silica Aerogel Washing With Boiling Solvent for Ammonia Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing silica aerogels are inefficient in removing impurities such as ammonia and ammonium ions, leading to pipe clogging, increased thermal conductivity, and ammonia odor issues during supercritical drying, and require additional steps to address these problems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a washing solvent mixture of ethanol and water heated to a temperature above its boiling point to enhance diffusion speed, effectively removing impurities from the hydrogel composite during the washing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the washing bath temperature is increased to increase diffusion speed, then impurity removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the washing solvent from liquid to gas by heating it to its boiling point or higher. This phase change enables rapid diffusion of the washing solvent into the aerogel, significantly improving impurity removal efficiency without requiring excessive temperature increases that would consume excessive energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the washing solvent from liquid to gas (vaporization) to enhance the washing effect. By heating the solvent to its boiling point or above, it rapidly penetrates the aerogel structure through diffusion, effectively removing impurities while controlling energy consumption through the natural vaporization process.
2Productivity
If the washing time is increased to improve impurity removal, then ammonia removal rate is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the phase transition of the washing solvent to dramatically accelerate the washing process. By vaporizing the solvent and utilizing rapid diffusion in the gas phase, the patent achieves high ammonia removal rates within short washing times, thereby avoiding the need for large device volumes that would be required for extended washing periods.
3Productivity
If washing water usage amount is increased to reduce ammonia concentration, then ammonia removal is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the washing medium from liquid water to gas phase vapor by heating to boiling point or higher. This enables highly efficient mass transfer and ammonia removal through rapid diffusion, achieving effective purification without requiring large volumes of washing water that would consume excessive energy for heating and circulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly enhances impurity removal efficiency, reduces pipe clogging, minimizes thermal conductivity increases, and eliminates ammonia odor, thereby improving the manufacturing process and product quality of silica aerogels.
Implementation Method 1
increasing a diffusion speed of a washing solvent from the aerogel to a washing bath during washing
Implementation Method 2
the washing solvent is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point (b.p.) of the washing solvent
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a silica aerogel, which includes: (1) manufacturing a hydrogel composite; (2) washing the manufactured hydrogel composite with a washing solvent; and (3) drying the washed hydrogel composite, wherein impurities are removed from the hydrogel composite in Step (2), and the washing solvent is heated to a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point (b.p.) of the washing solvent.