CO2 Sequestration via Group-2 Carbonate Mineralization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing carbon dioxide from waste streams, such as those produced by power plants, are inefficient and economically unfeasible, as they require high capital costs and consume more energy than they save, and existing sequestration techniques are not economically viable due to high costs and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of hydroxide salts, group-2 silicate minerals, and chlorination processes to form group-2 carbonate salts, which sequester carbon dioxide into a mineral product form, while also generating valuable by-products like chlorine and hydrogen, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing ecological efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If geologic, terrestrial, or ocean sequestration techniques are used to transport and inject carbon dioxide into repositories, then carbon dioxide can be sequestered, but the process consumes large amounts of energy and incurs high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and chemical form of CO2 from a gaseous waste product to a solid carbonate mineral through chemical reaction parameters. By converting CO2 into stable carbonate minerals (CaCO3, MgCO3) via reaction with hydroxide salts and group-2 chlorides, the system eliminates the need for high-energy transport and injection processes required by conventional geologic sequestration methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces hydroxide salts and group-2 chloride salts as intermediary substances that facilitate the conversion of CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. These intermediaries enable direct chemical transformation of CO2 at the source, avoiding the need for physical transport to remote repositories and the energy-intensive injection processes associated with conventional sequestration.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional carbon capture and sequestration methods are implemented, then carbon dioxide can be removed from waste streams, but the capital costs and operational costs become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the sequestration system to be self-sustaining by generating valuable by-products (chlorine, hydrogen, oxygen) from the decomposition of organic matter and electrochemical reactions. These by-products are sold to offset operational costs, and the system uses the generated electricity to power its own operations, eliminating the need for external energy inputs and reducing capital costs associated with dedicated power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful CO2 emissions and organic waste materials into valuable resources. CO2 is transformed into stable carbonate minerals, while organic matter is decomposed to generate chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen. This conversion turns environmental liabilities into economic assets, making the sequestration process economically viable rather than costly.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing sequestration technologies are deployed, then carbon dioxide can be captured, but more energy is consumed than saved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes continuous useful actions through the decomposition of organic matter to generate chlorine, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are then utilized in electrochemical reactions to produce electricity. This electricity continuously powers the sequestration process, creating a self-sustaining cycle where waste materials continuously generate energy that drives the CO2 conversion process without external energy inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical transport and injection systems with chemical transformation processes. Instead of using energy-intensive mechanical compression and injection to sequester CO2 in geologic formations, the system uses chemical reactions to directly convert CO2 into stable carbonate minerals, eliminating the need for high-energy mechanical systems and significantly reducing 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 effectively sequesters carbon dioxide with superior ecological efficiencies compared to prior art, producing valuable products worth more than the reactants, and can operate at a profit, achieving significant CO2 removal and incidental pollutant reduction.
Implementation Method 1
the absorption of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from flue-gas-like streams
Implementation Method 2
admixing the hydroxide salt with carbon dioxide produced by the source under conditions suitable to form a first carbonate salt
Implementation Method 3
chlorinating a group-2 silicate mineral with hydrochloric acid under conditions suitable to form a corresponding group-2 chloride salt, water, and silicon dioxide
Implementation Method 4
admixing the group-2 chloride salt with the first carbonate salt under conditions suitable to form a group-2 carbonate salt in a second admixture; and separating said group-2 carbonate salt from the admixture
Implementation Method 5
the reaction of step (d) occurs in an electrochemical cell. In some variants thereof, step (d) further comprises: (d)(1) reacting the first carbonate salt with a proton source under conditions suitable to form a first bicarbonate salt; and (d)(2) reacting the first bicarbonate salt with the group-2 chloride salt to form the group-2 carbonate salt
Implementation Method 6
liquefying the chlorine under photolytic conditions to form hydrogen chloride
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to carbon dioxide sequestration, including processes in which group-2 silicates are used to remove carbon dioxide from waste streams to form corresponding group-2 carbonates and silica.