Electrochemical CO2 Decomposition to Solid Carbon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for capturing and sequestering CO2 are inefficient, energy-intensive, and face challenges in transporting and storing liquefied CO2 due to geographical limitations and regulatory constraints.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical reactor system using a molten metal or metal alloy as the cathode fluid, which decomposes CO2 into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen with high energy efficiency, enabling perpetual storage of CO2 in a solid form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional CO2 capture technologies (chemical absorption, physical absorption, surface adsorption, cryogenic separation, membrane separation, calcium looping) are used, then CO2 can be captured from gas mixtures, but the processes are energy-intensive and face challenges in transporting and storing liquefied CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of CO2 storage from liquid phase to solid phase by electrochemical decomposition into solid carbon and gaseous oxygen. This phase change enables perpetual storage without the energy-intensive liquefaction process, achieving both high energy efficiency and high conversion rates (>90%) simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal separation methods with an electrochemical system that uses electrical energy to drive the decomposition of CO2 into solid carbon. This substitution eliminates the need for high-pressure compression and cryogenic cooling, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining high productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If CO2 is liquefied for storage, then it can be transported and stored, but geographical limitations and regulatory constraints arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of CO2 from gas to solid carbon through electrochemical decomposition. This eliminates the need for complex liquefaction and transportation infrastructure, as solid carbon can be stored in simple containers without requiring cryogenic temperatures or high pressure, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining storage flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the oxygen from CO2 molecules electrochemically, leaving behind solid carbon that can be stored independently. This separation eliminates the need to handle and transport liquefied CO2, simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability for various storage locations
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 achieves high conversion rates of CO2 to solid carbon (>90%), with improved energy efficiency and scalability, addressing the limitations of existing CO2 capture and storage technologies.
Implementation Method 1
decomposing the CO2 in the cathode chamber by applying an electric field in the solid electrolyte (3), forming at least oxide ions (O2-), which are selectively transported through the solid electrolyte from the cathode chamber to an anode chamber (4)
Implementation Method 2
decomposing carbon dioxide (CO2) into its elemental components, solid carbon (C) and gaseous oxygen (O2)... decomposing the CO2 in the cathode chamber by applying an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A method for decomposing CO2 into O2 and solid C in an electrochemical reactor includes at least the following steps: i) introducing CO2 into a cathode chamber containing at least one cathode fluid with electrical conductivity>5 mS/cm; ii) decomposing the CO2 in the cathode chamber by applying an electric field to the solid electrolyte, forming at least oxide ions (O2−), which are selectively transported through the solid electrolyte from the cathode chamber to an anode chamber, and solid carbon; iii) extracting, from the anode chamber, the O2 produced on the anode from the ions transported in step ii); and iv) extracting, from the cathode chamber, the solid C formed in step ii).