Ambient Temperature Catalyst Composition for CO and H2 Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ambient temperature catalyst compositions for trace contaminant control in environmental control systems are inefficient for carbon monoxide and hydrogen capture.

Innovation Solution

A method of fabricating an ambient temperature catalytic oxidation catalyst composition by loading 4×8 US mesh granular activated carbon into a rotating cylinder abrasimeter, subjecting it to abrasion, washing, drying, and impregnating it with chloroplatinic acid to produce a 4×6 US mesh granular activated carbon material with 10% platinum, which is used in a trace contaminant control assembly for improved carbon monoxide and hydrogen capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ambient temperature catalyst compositions are used for trace contaminant control, then environmental control is achieved, but carbon monoxide and hydrogen capture efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant control effectivenessVSAvoidcarbon monoxide and hydrogen capture efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the catalyst by using abrasion to modify the surface area and porosity of the activated carbon, and by optimizing the platinum impregnation process to achieve higher dispersion and activity of the catalytic sites, thereby improving CO and H2 capture efficiency while maintaining ambient temperature operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite catalyst material combining activated carbon support with dispersed platinum particles, where the carbon provides high surface area and the platinum provides catalytic activity for oxidizing CO and H2, achieving both reliability and improved productivity in contaminant control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If granular activated carbon is used as catalyst support, then high surface area is achieved, but mechanical strength and pressure drop performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area of catalyst supportVSAvoidmechanical strength and pressure drop performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies abrasion treatment to the granular activated carbon before catalyst impregnation to pre-modify the particle strength and surface characteristics, removing weak outer layers and creating a more mechanically robust core structure that can withstand operational stresses while maintaining high internal surface area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates local quality differentiation within the granular structure by abrasion, where the outer surface is modified to have enhanced mechanical properties and appropriate porosity, while the inner core retains the high surface area characteristics needed for catalytic activity, achieving both strength and surface area requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The fabricated catalyst composition achieves significantly higher hydrogen removal efficiency (up to 80%) and comparable carbon monoxide removal efficiency compared to existing compositions, with improved mechanical properties and pressure drop performance.

Implementation Method 1

subjecting the 4×8 US mesh granular activated carbon material to abrasion via the abrasimeter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

loading the container into a rotary evaporator, and rotating the rotary evaporator to remove water from the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

drying the screened granular activated carbon material in a heating oven

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

adding a solution of chloroplatinic acid to the 4×6 US mesh granular activated carbon material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 5

ambient temperature catalytic oxidation (ATCO) catalyst compositions for trace contaminant control with improvements to carbon monoxide and hydrogen capture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS12533632B2Ambient temperature catalyst for trace contaminant control with improvements to carbon monoxide and hydrogen capture

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides for ambient temperature catalyst compositions for trace contaminant control (e.g., for environmental control assemblies for space systems) and related methods of fabrication and use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for ambient temperature catalytic oxidation (ATCO) catalyst compositions for trace contaminant control with improvements to carbon monoxide and hydrogen capture, and related methods of fabrication and use.