Reversible CO2 Adsorption via Amine-Functionalized Polymeric Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing carbon dioxide from gas mixtures, especially ambient air, are energy-intensive and costly, often requiring pressurized equipment and cryogenic processes, which are impractical for widespread use and can introduce impurities that harm plant growth.
Innovation Solution
A device using polymeric adsorbent cartridges with primary amino functionality, capable of reversible adsorption and desorption through pressure, humidity, and temperature swings, allowing for efficient carbon dioxide capture and release without the need for high-pressure equipment, and employing a heating mechanism to regenerate the adsorbent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic air liquefaction processes are used to produce bottled carbon dioxide, then high-purity carbon dioxide is obtained, but energy consumption increases tremendously and transport costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters from extreme conditions (cryogenic temperatures, high pressure) to ambient or mild conditions. The adsorption process operates at atmospheric pressure and moderate temperatures, while desorption uses heated air or nitrogen flow, dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to cryogenic liquefaction while maintaining carbon dioxide purity through selective adsorption by amine-functionalized materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous adsorbent materials with amine functional groups that selectively capture carbon dioxide from air or gas streams. These materials provide high surface area and selective binding sites, enabling purification without energy-intensive processes. The porous structure allows efficient mass transfer and regeneration through temperature or pressure swing methods
2Ease of manufacture
If flue gas is used directly for greenhouse plant growth, then costs are reduced compared to bottled carbon dioxide, but noxious components negatively affect plant growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the beneficial carbon dioxide component from complex gas streams such as flue gas or air, leaving behind noxious components like sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and other contaminants. The amine-functionalized adsorbent selectively binds carbon dioxide, which is then desorbed in a purified form suitable for plant application, maintaining low cost by using air or flue gas as feedstock while eliminating harmful substances
3Productivity
If solid adsorbent materials are used in packed bed form with pressurized gas, then carbon dioxide capture is achieved, but the system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic operation modes where the system alternates between adsorption and desorption phases. During adsorption, ambient air or gas stream passes through the adsorbent bed to capture carbon dioxide. During desorption, heated inert gas flows through the same bed to release concentrated carbon dioxide. This dynamic switching enables continuous operation and simplifies equipment by using the same hardware for both capture and regeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in periodic cycles of adsorption and temperature-swing desorption. The adsorbent bed is periodically heated to release captured carbon dioxide, then cooled and repressurized for the next adsorption cycle. This periodic operation maintains high productivity while simplifying device design compared to continuous high-pressure systems
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 method enables the production of high-concentration carbon dioxide gas mixtures with lower energy consumption, increased yield, and reduced costs, providing a reliable and flexible source for plant growth and other applications without introducing harmful contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a polymeric particular adsorbent for carbon dioxide having a primary amino functionality
Implementation Method 2
reversible adsorption and desorption through pressure, humidity, and temperature swings
Implementation Method 3
employing a heating mechanism to regenerate the adsorbent
Implementation Method 4
reversible adsorption and desorption through pressure, humidity, and temperature swings
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for the reversible adsorption of carbon dioxide from a gas mixture, comprising at least one adsorbent vessel comprising one or a plurality of gas permeable cartridge vessels of an inert and dimensionally stable material, and each cartridge comprising a suitable polymeric particular adsorbent having a primary amino functionality; to an arrangement including the device, and to a method for ad- and desorption of carbon dioxide.