Integrated CO2 Electroreduction With Anode Byproduct Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for capturing and electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide suffer from low energy efficiency and significant carbon dioxide loss due to the separation challenges of by-products like methanol, ethanol, acetic acid, and formic acid in electrochemical reduction processes.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide treatment apparatus that integrates a capturing device and an electrochemical reaction device with an anion exchange membrane, where the electrolytic solution containing by-products from the cathode is supplied to the anode for oxidation, allowing for the recycling of carbon dioxide and electrons, and includes an electric energy storage device and a homologation reaction device to enhance energy efficiency and carbon utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If carbon dioxide is electrochemically reduced to produce carbon compounds, then valuable substances are obtained, but by-products are generated that are difficult to separate and cause carbon dioxide loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful by-products (carbon compounds dissolved in electrolytic solution) into beneficial products by using them as raw materials for homologation reactions. The electrolytic solution containing by-products is circulated from the cathode side to the anode side, where carbon compounds are generated through homologation reactions, thereby eliminating carbon dioxide loss and improving overall productivity.
2Reliability
If separate technologies for capturing and electrochemically reducing carbon dioxide are combined, then carbon neutrality can be achieved, but energy efficiency can be further improved through integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carbon dioxide capture device with the electrochemical reaction device into an integrated system. The capturing device captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and the electrochemical reaction device immediately reduces it, eliminating intermediate transfer steps and improving energy efficiency while maintaining carbon neutrality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous circulation of the electrolytic solution containing by-products from the cathode side through the anode side for homologation reactions. This continuous action ensures that carbon compounds are constantly converted into higher-value products, improving energy efficiency and preventing carbon dioxide loss throughout the operational cycle.
3Device complexity
If by-products are dissolved in electrolytic solution, then they are difficult to separate, but recycling them through anode-side oxidation can reduce carbon dioxide loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electrolytic solution as an intermediary medium to transport carbon compounds from the cathode side to the anode side. Instead of attempting to separate by-products directly, the system uses the electrolytic solution to carry them through the anion exchange membrane to the anode, where homologation reactions convert them into valuable products, thereby reducing carbon dioxide loss without complex separation processes.
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 integrated approach reduces carbon dioxide loss and enhances energy efficiency by recycling carbon dioxide and optimizing the use of by-products, improving the overall efficiency of the carbon dioxide treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte membrane (for example, an anion exchange membrane 23 which will be described later) that is provided between the cathode and the anode
Implementation Method 2
carbon dioxide is electrochemically reduced (see for example, Patent Document 1)
Implementation Method 3
the by-products such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid and formic acid are oxidized by oxidation reactions which proceed in the anode
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon dioxide treatment apparatus includes: a capturing device that captures carbon dioxide; and an electrochemical reaction unit that electrochemically reduces the carbon dioxide captured by the capturing device, and the electrochemical reaction unit includes a cathode, an anode, an anion exchange membrane provided between the cathode and the anode, a cathode-side liquid flow path which is provided adjacent to the cathode and through which an electrolytic solution flows, an anode-side liquid flow path which is provided adjacent to the anode and through which the electrolytic solution flows and a first liquid supply path which supplies, to the anode-side liquid flow path, the electrolytic solution A which has flowed through the cathode-side liquid flow path.