Integrated CO2 Capture Electrolyte for Direct Electrochemical Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for capturing and electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide lack comprehensive energy efficiency and carbon dioxide loss reduction when combined, necessitating improvements in both processes for enhanced economic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide treatment apparatus and method that integrates a capturing device for dissolving carbon dioxide in a strong alkaline aqueous solution and an electrochemical reaction device for electrochemical reduction, utilizing a power storage device for efficient energy supply and a homologation reaction device for multimerizing ethylene, along with a heat exchanger and ethanol purification device for enhanced carbon compound production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If carbon dioxide capture technology and electrochemical reduction technology are combined separately, then each technology can function independently, but the overall energy efficiency and carbon dioxide loss reduction effect are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carbon dioxide capture unit and electrochemical reduction unit into a single integrated system where the capture solution flows directly into the reduction cell. This combination eliminates intermediate transfer steps, reduces energy losses, and improves overall system efficiency while maintaining functional integration between capture and reduction processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic solution serves multiple functions: it acts as both the capture medium for absorbing carbon dioxide and the electrolyte for electrochemical reduction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and improves overall energy efficiency by eliminating redundant processes.
2Quantity of substance
If carbon dioxide is captured using physical or chemical adsorption followed by desorption with heat, then carbon dioxide can be concentrated, but energy is consumed in the desorption process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the desorption step from the traditional capture process by using an electrochemical reduction cell that directly processes the absorbed carbon dioxide in the electrolytic solution. This eliminates the need for thermal desorption while still achieving carbon dioxide concentration and utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolytic solution acts as an intermediary that transports carbon dioxide from the capture phase directly to the reduction phase without requiring thermal desorption. The dissolved carbon dioxide in the electrolyte serves as the intermediate form that enables direct electrochemical conversion.
3Productivity
If a cathode with catalyst layer is used for electrochemical reduction with carbon dioxide supplied from the gas diffusion layer side, then reduction can occur, but carbon dioxide loss and energy efficiency remain suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-absorbing carbon dioxide into the electrolytic solution before it reaches the electrochemical reduction cell. This ensures that carbon dioxide is already in the appropriate form and concentration for efficient reduction, minimizing losses and maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by circulating the electrolytic solution between the capture unit and reduction cell, allowing unreacted carbon dioxide to be重新 absorbed and utilized. This closed-loop approach minimizes carbon dioxide loss and improves overall reduction efficiency.
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 integrated system achieves high energy efficiency in carbon dioxide capture and reduction while minimizing carbon dioxide loss, enabling the production of valuable carbon compounds with improved economic viability.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption unit that brings an electrolytic solution composed of a strong alkaline aqueous solution and carbon dioxide gas into contact with each other to dissolve carbon dioxide in the electrolytic solution and absorb the carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
reduces the dissolved carbon dioxide in the electrolytic solution at the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a carbon dioxide treatment apparatus, a carbon dioxide treatment method, and a method of producing carbon compounds, which have high energy efficiency from carbon dioxide capture to reduction and a high carbon dioxide loss reduction effect. In a carbon dioxide treatment apparatus 100 including: a capturing device 1 that captures carbon dioxide; and an electrochemical reaction device 2 that electrochemically reduces carbon dioxide, an absorption unit 12 of the capturing device 1 brings an electrolytic solution A composed of a strong alkaline aqueous solution and carbon dioxide gas into contact with each other to dissolve carbon dioxide in the electrolytic solution A and absorb the carbon dioxide, supplies an electrolytic solution B that has absorbed carbon dioxide between the cathode and the anode of the electrochemical reaction device 2, and electrochemically reduces the dissolved carbon dioxide in the electrolytic solution at the cathode.