CO2 Adsorbent Electrochemical Cell for Low-Energy Recovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical methods for CO2 recovery from CO2-containing gases require a large amount of electrical energy, leading to decreased efficiency in CO2 recovery.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide recovery system utilizing an electrochemical cell with a working electrode and counter electrode, where the working electrode includes a CO2 adsorbent that adsorbs CO2 through an oxygen reduction reaction or carbonate ion dissociation reaction, using specific catalysts to reduce the required electrical energy for these processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional electrochemical methods are used to separate CO2 from CO2-containing gas, then CO2 recovery is achieved, but a large amount of electrical energy is required leading to decreased efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy consumptionVSAvoidCO2 recovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrochemical reaction parameters by using a CO2 adsorbent with promoting function that enables CO2 adsorption at lower potentials. The adsorbent modifies the reaction pathway to occur at more favorable electrochemical parameters, reducing the energy input required while maintaining recovery effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite CO2 adsorbent material that combines CO2-binding functionality with catalytic promoting activity. This composite structure enables the adsorbent to both capture CO2 and facilitate the oxygen reduction reaction, achieving dual functionality that reduces overall energy consumption while improving recovery efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high electrical energy is supplied to achieve CO2 adsorption via electrochemical reaction, then CO2 separation is achieved, but the system becomes less efficient and more costly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 separation effectivenessVSAvoidelectrical energy input

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The CO2 adsorbent acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the electrochemical reaction and CO2 capture. It facilitates the oxygen reduction reaction and simultaneously binds CO2, enabling the process to proceed at lower energy inputs while maintaining separation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adsorbent changes the electrochemical parameters by providing a catalytic effect that shifts the reaction to occur at lower potentials and currents, thereby reducing energy input while preserving the reliability of CO2 separation through maintained reaction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system improves CO2 recovery efficiency by reducing the electrical energy needed for adsorption and desorption, enhancing the overall efficiency of CO2 separation and recovery.

Implementation Method 1

The CO2 adsorbent is configured to adsorb CO2 via an oxygen reduction reaction by using electrons supplied from the counter electrode to the working electrode when a first voltage is applied between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The oxygen reduction reaction produces active oxygen via reduction of O2.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxygen reduction reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

The CO2 adsorbent is configured to desorb CO2 by discharging electrons from the working electrode to the counter electrode when a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied between the working electrode and the counter electrode.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

The CO2 adsorbent has a promoting function for promoting the oxygen reduction reaction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20230381715A1Carbon dioxide recovery system

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A carbon dioxide recovery system separates CO2 from gas containing CO2 via an electrochemical reaction. The carbon dioxide recovery system includes an electrochemical cell including a working electrode and a counter electrode. The working electrode includes CO2 adsorbent. The CO2 adsorbent adsorbs CO2 via an oxygen reduction reaction by using electrons supplied from the counter electrode to the working electrode when a first voltage is applied between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The oxygen reduction reaction produces active oxygen via reduction of O2. The CO2 adsorbent desorbs CO2 by discharging electrons from the working electrode to the counter electrode when a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The CO2 adsorbent has a promoting function for promoting the oxygen reduction reaction.