In-situ CO2 Conversion to Hydrocarbons via Heterogeneous Catalysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for converting carbon dioxide into low-molecular hydrocarbons are inefficient due to low catalytic activity, high energy consumption, and the need for separate process steps for CO2 separation and hydrogenation, which results in high energy costs and catalyst deactivation.
Innovation Solution
A method for in situ conversion of chemically fixed carbon dioxide using heterogeneous metal-containing catalysts or electrochemical processes, where CO2 is chemically bound to organic washing reagents and then hydrogenated directly, allowing for simultaneous CO2 conversion and product release without thermal regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If thermal regeneration is used to separate CO2 from washing reagent, then CO2 separation is achieved, but energy consumption increases and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 separation and hydrogenation into a single integrated process. The washing reagent that absorbs CO2 is directly fed to the hydrogenation catalyst without thermal regeneration, merging what were previously separate steps (absorption, thermal release, hydrogenation) into a continuous one-step process where chemically bound CO2 is hydrogenated in situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the CO2 from the washing reagent through direct catalytic hydrogenation rather than thermal decomposition. The hydrogenation catalyst selectively converts the chemically bound CO2 into hydrocarbons while the washing reagent is regenerated in situ, eliminating the need for thermal regeneration step.
2Quantity of substance
If thermal regeneration is used to release CO2 from washing reagent, then CO2 is available for hydrogenation, but process complexity and engineering effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CO2 release and hydrogenation into a single step by directly feeding the CO2-loaded washing reagent to the hydrogenation catalyst. The catalyst promotes simultaneous decomposition of the chemically bound CO2 and its hydrogenation to hydrocarbons, eliminating separate release and hydrogenation units.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing reagent serves dual functions: it absorbs CO2 and then delivers it directly to the catalyst for hydrogenation. The system is self-sufficient as the washing reagent is regenerated in situ during the hydrogenation process without requiring external thermal input or separate regeneration equipment.
3Productivity
If homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation is used, then CO2 conversion occurs, but catalyst separation and recovery become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces homogeneous catalysis with heterogeneous catalysis. The hydrogenation catalyst is in a different phase (solid) than the washing reagent and CO2 (liquid/gas), enabling easy separation by simple filtration or decantation. The heterogeneous catalyst maintains high activity while allowing straightforward product isolation and catalyst recovery.
4Reliability
If separate CO2 separation and hydrogenation steps are used, then each step can be optimized, but overall energy consumption and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 absorption, CO2 release, and hydrogenation into a single continuous process step. The CO2-loaded washing reagent is directly contacted with the hydrogenation catalyst, enabling simultaneous conversion of chemically bound CO2 to hydrocarbons while regenerating the washing reagent in situ, thus eliminating intermediate steps and reducing overall process time and energy consumption.
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 achieves high CO2 conversion with high selectivity, suppressing the formation of undesired by-products and reducing energy consumption by integrating CO2 absorption and hydrogenation into a single step, thereby enhancing the cost-effectiveness of hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
heterogeneous catalytic or electrochemical hydrogenation
Implementation Method 2
hydrogenation of chemically fixed carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
electrochemical hydrogenation
Implementation Method 4
CO2 is chemically bound to organic washing reagents
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for in-situ conversion of chemically fixed carbon dioxide into low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons by direct heterogeneous catalytic or electrochemical hydration. To this end, carbon dioxide is chemically fixed to an organic washing reagent containing CO2-binding components and hydrated directly and catalytically or electrochemically in the presence of a copper-based catalyst or a transition-metal-containing catalyst that comprises metals of the eighth, ninth or tenth group of the periodic table of the elements. Then the low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons are separated from the organic washing reagent containing CO2-binding components. The organic washing reagent containing CO2-binding components is advantageously regenerated thereby and after hydration is still present in its original structure and is not impaired irreversibly in its function.