CO2 Electrolysis Cell Refresh Control for Catalyst Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon dioxide electrolytic devices face performance deterioration over time, leading to reduced CO production and increased cell voltage, necessitating a solution to maintain stable operation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The carbon dioxide electrolytic device incorporates a specific configuration with an anode and cathode flow path design, including land structures for mechanical retention and electrical continuity, and a refresh operation to manage ion distribution and precipitation, utilizing a power controller to adjust voltage and supply CO2 gas effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide electrolysis is performed for a long period of time with constant current flow, then CO production continues, but cell performance deteriorates (CO production amount reduces and cell voltage increases)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic refresh operations where the electrolyte solution is circulated and refreshed at regular intervals during continuous CO2 electrolysis. This periodic action prevents performance deterioration by removing accumulated products and maintaining optimal reaction conditions, thereby sustaining high CO production amounts while preventing cell voltage increase and catalyst degradation.
2Productivity
If Ag nanoparticle catalyst is used as cathode for CO2 reduction, then CO production efficiency is improved, but catalyst degradation occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary protective measures by using a porous aluminum oxide substrate as a stable catalyst support that prevents Ag nanoparticle aggregation and degradation before it occurs. The substrate's porous structure provides mechanical stability and electrical conductivity while protecting the Ag nanoparticles from sintering and leaching during prolonged electrolysis operations, thereby extending catalyst lifetime while maintaining high CO production efficiency.
3Reliability
If electrolyte solution is circulated continuously, then ion distribution is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial circulation of the electrolyte solution rather than continuous circulation. The electrolyte is circulated and refreshed at specific intervals (e.g., every few hours) during operation, which is sufficient to maintain uniform ion distribution and prevent precipitation but avoids the excessive energy consumption associated with continuous circulation. This optimized approach balances reliability of ion distribution with energy 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
This configuration enhances the reduction reaction efficiency, prevents oxygen gas buildup, and maintains cell performance by regularly refreshing the electrolysis cell, thereby extending its operational stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
carbon dioxide (CO2) is electrochemically reduced to be converted into a chemical substance (chemical energy) such as a carbon compound
Implementation Method 2
CO2 gas is supplied to a cathode, and CO2 is reduced to CO by applying a potential difference between the cathode and anode
Implementation Method 3
CO2 is reduced to CO by applying a potential difference between the cathode and anode
Implementation Method 4
an Ag nanoparticle catalyst is used as a cathode
Data Source
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AI summary
A carbon dioxide electrolytic device includes: an electrolysis cell including a cathode, an anode, cathode and anode flow paths, and a separator; a carbon dioxide source to supply carbon dioxide to the cathode flow path; a solution source to supply an electrolytic solution containing water to the anode flow path; at least one sensor to acquire at least one data of a data indicating a discharge amount per unit time of a liquid containing water to be discharged from at least one flow path and a data indicating a concentration of at least one ion in the liquid; a refresh material source including a gas source to supply a gaseous substance to the at least one flow path; and a controller programmed to stop the supply of the carbon dioxide and the electrolytic solution, and start supply of the gaseous substance from the refresh material source, in accordance with the at least one data.