Geological carbon sequestration and hydrogen production structure and method based on the spontaneous reaction of water-CO<sub>2</sub>-active minerals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 mineralization sequestration methods do not integrate simultaneous geological hydrogen production, leading to high costs and environmental impact from traditional hydrogen production methods.
Innovation Solution
A geological structure with CO2 injection and H2 collection channels, utilizing active minerals like iron-rich and nickel-rich minerals, which react spontaneously with CO2 and water to produce hydrogen, enclosed by a sealing structure to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional industrial hydrogen production methods are used, then hydrogen production capability is achieved, but production costs increase and CO2 emissions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 mineralization sequestration and hydrogen production into a single integrated geological system. The reaction chamber simultaneously performs carbon sequestration through mineral carbonation and hydrogen generation through water-rock reactions, eliminating the need for separate industrial hydrogen production facilities and reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts CO2, a harmful greenhouse gas, into a beneficial resource by utilizing it as a reactant in the mineralization process. The CO2 injection serves dual purposes: sequestering carbon permanently in carbonate minerals and providing the carbon source for hydrogen production through water-CO2-active mineral reactions, thereby transforming an environmental problem into an economic opportunity.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional deep geological CO2 mineralization sequestration methods are used, then CO2 storage is achieved, but hydrogen production capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The geological reaction mineral layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a CO2 storage reservoir, a reaction medium for mineral carbonation, and a hydrogen production factory. The same active minerals that facilitate CO2 sequestration also catalyze hydrogen generation from water, making the system universally applicable for both carbon management and clean energy production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two previously separate processes—CO2 mineralization sequestration and hydrogen production—into a single integrated system. The reaction chamber design allows CO2 injection for sequestration while simultaneously enabling water-rock reactions to produce hydrogen, which is then collected through dedicated collection channels, achieving both functions in one geological formation.
3Quantity of substance
If CO2 injection is increased to enhance sequestration, then carbon storage increases, but hydrogen production efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct functional zones within the reaction chamber: CO2 injection channels are strategically positioned to optimize carbon delivery to active mineral zones, while H2 collection channels are arranged to efficiently capture hydrogen as it forms. This localized optimization ensures that increased CO2 injection enhances sequestration without compromising hydrogen production efficiency in dedicated collection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous dual-function operation where CO2 injection, mineral carbonation, and hydrogen production occur simultaneously and continuously. The reactive permeable layer ensures continuous interaction between CO2, water, and active minerals, while the sealing structure maintains continuous containment, allowing both sequestration and hydrogen generation to proceed without interruption or efficiency loss.
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
Achieves low-cost, large-scale CO2 mineralization sequestration and simultaneous hydrogen production without additional energy input, reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Active minerals with carbon sequestration and hydrogen production capabilities include metal oxides that react with CO2 to form carbonates and ferrous ions that react with water to generate hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
metal oxides that react with CO2 to form carbonates
Implementation Method 3
Hydrogen gas generated from the reaction escapes from the geological reaction mineral layer due to the density difference with the active minerals
Implementation Method 4
The outer layer of the geological reaction mineral layer is enclosed by a sealing structure, which prevents the diffusion of CO2 and hydrogen from the interior to the exterior
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is related to a geological carbon sequestration and hydrogen production structure and method based on the spontaneous reaction of water, CO2, and active minerals, belonging to the field of carbon sequestration and hydrogen production technology. The method comprises the following steps: (1) CO2 collection; (2) selecting a site for carbon sequestration and hydrogen production; (3) constructing a space for carbon sequestration and hydrogen production; (4) CO2 mineralization sequestration and simultaneous hydrogen production; (5) hydrogen collection. The method permanently mineralizes and sequesters CO2 while using the water-CO2-active minerals reaction for simultaneous geological hydrogen production. It not only reduces the economic cost of CO2 geological sequestration but also opens a new pathway for in-situ geological hydrogen production, achieving green and low-carbon hydrogen energy production. The geological carbon sequestration and hydrogen production structure is designed to have low sequestration costs and enable large-scale simultaneous geological hydrogen production.