CO2 Electrochemical Cell with Two-Phase Electrolyte Against Flooding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction technologies face issues such as low operating current density, high cell resistance, and low faradaic efficiency, along with cathode flooding.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrochemical cell comprising a cathode diffusion electrode, catholyte solution, cation exchange membrane, anode gas diffusion electrode, and anolyte solution, with specific catalysts and solvents, allows for the conversion of carbon dioxide into hydroxyl groups (—O—(O)CH from —OH in the catholyte solution, enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction is used, then carbon dioxide conversion is achieved, but operating current density is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte system by introducing a phase-separated electrolyte composition with immiscible aqueous and organic phases. This parameter change enables simultaneous high current density operation and high faradaic efficiency by optimizing mass transport and reaction pathways at the phase interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system consisting of immiscible aqueous and organic phases, creating a two-phase composite medium. This composite structure provides distinct functional zones for different reaction steps, enabling improved performance metrics simultaneously
2Reliability
If conventional electrochemical cell design is used, then carbon dioxide reduction occurs, but cell resistance is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrolyte composition parameters to create a phase-separated system with optimized ionic conductivity in each phase. The aqueous phase provides high ion conductivity for charge transport while the organic phase facilitates CO2 solubility and mass transport, reducing overall cell resistance
3Productivity
If conventional electrochemical reduction is used, then carbon dioxide is converted, but faradaic efficiency of the product is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite two-phase electrolyte system where the aqueous phase enhances faradaic efficiency by providing a conductive medium for selective reaction pathways, while the organic phase facilitates product separation and prevents side reactions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrolyte into distinct aqueous and organic phases that separate different functional roles. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently for its specific function, achieving high faradaic efficiency without excessive overall complexity
4Productivity
If conventional electrochemical cell operation is used, then carbon dioxide reduction proceeds, but cathode flooding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-phase electrolyte composite where the organic phase, being less dense and immiscible with water, forms a protective layer at the cathode surface. This layer prevents liquid flooding while maintaining gas permeability and ionic conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality differences by having the organic phase concentrate at the cathode interface where it provides flooding protection, while the aqueous phase remains in the bulk electrolyte for ionic conductivity. Each region has optimized properties for its specific function
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 solution achieves faradaic efficiencies above 30% and current densities ranging from −0.1 to −500 mA cm−2, improving the conversion process.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction is a promising a technology for the production of clean fuels and decarbonization of the chemical industry
Implementation Method 2
a cation exchange membrane, an anode gas diffusion electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention include electrochemical cells for converting carbon dioxide. In certain embodiments, the electrochemical cell comprises a cathode diffusion electrode, a catholyte solution, a cation exchange membrane, an anode gas diffusion electrode, and an anolyte solution. Other embodiments of the invention include methods for converting carbon dioxide comprising applying a voltage across the cathode gas diffusion electrode and the anode gas diffusion electrode of an embodiment of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the conversion of carbon dioxide produces one or more —O—(O)CH from one or more —OH on certain compounds (e.g., formula (I)) in the catholyte solution. Additional embodiments of the invention are also disclosed herein.