CO2 Reduction System Using Amine Absorption and Electrolysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for converting carbon dioxide into valuable resources, such as electrochemical reduction, require large amounts of electric power and struggle with maintaining stable performance, and do not efficiently produce reduction products like carbon monoxide using carbon dioxide absorbed in amine-containing solutions.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide reduction system comprising an absorption tower, an electrolysis apparatus, and an impurity removal apparatus, where carbon dioxide is absorbed in an amine-containing aqueous solution, electrolyzed, and impurities are removed to enhance absorption and production efficiency, specifically designed to produce carbon monoxide by circulating the absorption liquid between the tower and electrolysis apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrochemical reduction is used to convert carbon dioxide into valuable resources, then carbon dioxide can be reduced into valuable products, but a large amount of electric power is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide conversion efficiencyVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the absorption liquid by controlling the amine concentration (2-10 wt%) and pH value (8-11), optimizing the electrolysis conditions to reduce energy consumption while maintaining high carbon dioxide conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional high-energy electrochemical reduction with a modified absorption-electrolysis system using amine-containing solutions, substituting the traditional energy-intensive approach with a more efficient chemical absorption mechanism followed by controlled electrolysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If electrochemical reduction is used to convert carbon dioxide, then valuable products can be produced, but stable performance is difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction product yieldVSAvoidperformance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a circulation system where the absorption liquid is continuously circulated between the absorption tower and electrolysis apparatus, with pH monitoring and adjustment mechanisms to maintain stable performance and consistent product yield

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains stable performance by controlling key parameters including amine concentration (2-10 wt%), pH value (8-11), and temperature (20-80°C), ensuring consistent reduction product yield through optimized operational conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If carbon dioxide is absorbed in water for electrolysis, then organic compounds can be produced, but carbon monoxide production using amine-containing solutions is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct type rangeVSAvoidcarbon monoxide production efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using amine-containing solutions with specific functional groups (primary, secondary, or tertiary amines) in the absorption liquid to selectively enhance carbon dioxide absorption and facilitate carbon monoxide production through controlled electrolysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite absorption liquids containing amine compounds combined with buffers and additives to optimize both carbon dioxide absorption capacity and carbon monoxide production efficiency during electrolysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system efficiently produces carbon monoxide by electrolyzing carbon dioxide absorbed in an amine-containing solution, improving absorption and production efficiency through impurity removal, thereby addressing the limitations of existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

an absorption tower configured to bring a source gas containing carbon dioxide into contact with an absorption liquid composed of an aqueous solution containing at least one amine compound so that the carbon dioxide is absorbed in the absorption liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the absorption liquid in the absorption tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3797854B1Carbon dioxide reduction system and carbon dioxide reduction method

Publication Date: 2023.11.01 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A carbon dioxide reduction system includes: an absorption tower configured to bring a source gas containing carbon dioxide into contact with an absorption liquid composed of an aqueous solution containing at least one amine compound so that the carbon dioxide is absorbed in the absorption liquid; an electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the absorption liquid in the absorption tower; and a circulation line for circulating the absorption liquid between the absorption tower and the electrolysis apparatus.