Composite Oxide CO Removal Agent for Room-Temperature Hydrogen Purification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing CO in hydrogen for fuel cells face challenges in achieving low-temperature CO removal without introducing impurities like Cl ions or oxygen, which can lead to explosion risks and high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A removal agent comprising a composite metal oxide with Cu, Ce, Mn, and Bi, optionally with additional oxides like Ca, K, or La, and carriers like SiO2/Al2O3, is used to remove CO at room temperature, avoiding oxygen and reducing energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional catalytic oxidant is used to oxidize CO at nearly 100°C in the presence of O2, then CO removal is achieved, but the risk of explosion and side reactions with hydrogen increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO removal efficiencyVSAvoidexplosion risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the harmful element O2 from the reaction system. By using a composite metal oxide catalyst that operates without requiring O2 introduction, the patent eliminates the explosion risk associated with introducing oxygen into hydrogen while maintaining CO oxidation capability through the catalyst's intrinsic oxygen storage and release mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite metal oxide acts as an intermediary that facilitates CO oxidation without direct O2 contact with hydrogen. The catalyst material stores and releases oxygen in a controlled manner, mediating the oxidation reaction while preventing the formation of explosive H2-O2 mixtures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If PSA and TSA methods are used for removing CO in hydrogen, then high-concentration CO is separated, but the risk of introducing Cl ions and the controversy over H2O and CO2 affecting adsorption performance arise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO separation capabilityVSAvoidCl ion contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the operating parameters from high-temperature adsorption/desorption cycles to low-temperature catalytic oxidation. The composite metal oxide catalyst enables CO removal at temperatures below 100°C, eliminating the need for thermal cycling that could introduce Cl ions and avoiding the formation of H2O and CO2 byproducts that affect adsorption performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If traditional PSA purification process is used, then CO removal is achieved, but it is difficult to remove CO content to 0.2 ppm

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO removal capacityVSAvoidCO removal precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a composite metal oxide material combining multiple metal elements (Cu, Ce, Mn, Bi) with complementary properties. This composite catalyst achieves both high CO removal capacity and precision, reaching below 0.2 ppm CO levels by synergistically combining the oxygen storage capacity of CeO2, the catalytic activity of CuO, the structural stability of MnO2, and the promotion effect of Bi2O3

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Manufacturing precision

If noble metal catalyst is used to remove carbon monoxide in hydrogen at 100°C-200°C, then CO removal is achieved, but energy consumption is high and competitive reaction between hydrogen and CO occurs producing H2O by-product

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive noble metal catalysts with a cost-effective composite metal oxide system. The composite catalyst achieves comparable or superior CO removal efficiency at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and eliminating the formation of H2O byproduct through optimized reaction pathways

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating temperature parameter to below 100°C, which reduces energy consumption and prevents competitive hydrogen oxidation. The composite metal oxide catalyst maintains high activity at this lower temperature through its unique electronic structure and oxygen mobility characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The removal agent effectively converts CO to CO2 at low temperatures, ensuring purity for fuel cells without hydrogen consumption, reducing operation costs, and avoiding explosion risks.

Implementation Method 1

a removal agent for fine-removal of CO in hydrogen... an active component of the removal agent comprises a composite metal oxide... The removal agent provided by the present disclosure can remove CO in hydrogen at a relatively low temperature, such as room temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250205675A1Removal agent for fine-removal of co in hydrogen, and preparation method therefor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 CHINA ENERGY INVESTMENT CORP LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a removal agent for fine-removal of CO in hydrogen, and a preparation method therefor and a use thereof. The removal agent provided in the present disclosure can thoroughly remove CO in hydrogen at a relatively low temperature such as room temperature to meet the harsh requirement of a fuel cell for the content of CO in hydrogen. According to the removal agent for fine-removal of CO in hydrogen provided in the disclosure, an active component of the removal agent comprise a composite metal oxide, metal elements in the composite metal oxide are Cu, Ce, Mn and Bi, a general formula of the composite metal oxide is CuxCe3−x−y−zMnyBizO4+δ, wherein a subscript value of each metal element is a number of atoms of the corresponding metal element in the composite metal oxide, “4+δ” is a number of oxygen atoms required to meet an oxidation state of other elements, 0.2<x<2, 0.05<y<2.8, 0.05<z<1, and x+y+z<3.