Composite Paper Sorbent for Moisture Swing CO2 Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional moisture swing sorbents are brittle and cannot be used to create large structures due to swelling strains, limiting their application in capturing and releasing carbon dioxide efficiently, and they require fresh water for regeneration, making them inefficient and prone to deactivation by salty water.

Innovation Solution

A composite paper material is developed by incorporating particulate sorbents, such as activated carbon with embedded ions, into a paper pulp matrix, allowing for the creation of flexible structures that can uptake and release carbon dioxide based on moisture content, and using hydrophobic barriers to protect the sorbents from liquid water while allowing water vapor to induce a humidity swing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional moisture swing sorbents are used to capture and release carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide uptake and release can be achieved, but the sorbents are brittle and cannot be used to create large structures due to swelling strains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide uptake and releaseVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining sorbent particles with a flexible polymer matrix to create a composite sorbent material. The polymer matrix provides structural flexibility and resistance to swelling strains, while the sorbent particles maintain carbon dioxide capture and release functionality. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by enabling large-scale structures to be created without losing the carbon dioxide uptake and release capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If conventional moisture swing sorbents are used for carbon dioxide capture, then carbon dioxide release can be achieved, but they require fresh water for regeneration, making them inefficient and prone to deactivation by salty water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon dioxide releaseVSAvoiddeactivation by salty water

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hydrophobic barrier as an intermediary between the sorbent material and liquid water. This barrier selectively allows water vapor to pass through for humidity swing operation while blocking liquid water and salty water from contacting the sorbent particles. This resolves the contradiction by enabling carbon dioxide release through water vapor while protecting the sorbent from deactivation by salty water, eliminating the requirement for fresh water regeneration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composite paper materials exhibit enhanced carbon dioxide uptake and release rates compared to conventional sorbents, are more flexible, and can be regenerated using contaminated water, reducing the need for fresh water and protecting the sorbents from deactivation by salty water.

Implementation Method 1

Some moisture swing sorbents can comprise polymers with quaternary ammonium ions attached to the polymer matrix and anions that are mobile in the polymer matrix. The material is active if large fractions of the anions are hydroxide, carbonate or bicarbonate ions.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

Humidity or moisture swing sorbents are materials with affinity to carbon dioxide (CO2) that can be modified substantially by the presence or absence of water. Conventional moisture swing sorbents bind CO2 when relatively dry, and release them again when exposed to increased levels of moisture.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumidity swing:

Implementation Method 3

By packaging sorbent powders behind protective barriers, at least some air flow can permeate the barrier while protecting the sorbent from direct contact with salt water without stopping the exposure to moisture.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic barrier: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS11131063B2Carbon dioxide sorbents and structures, methods of use, and methods of making thereof

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF ARIZONA

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention a method for producing a composite paper by providing a particulate sorbent, providing a paper pulp, and mixing the particulate sorbent and the paper pulp to develop a mixture. The method includes producing an article from the mixture that includes the particulate sorbent at least partially distributed through at least a portion of the article. Further, the at least one article is configured and arranged to uptake and release carbon dioxide as a function of moisture content. Some embodiments of the invention include a composite paper-like assembly including at least a first and second layer including hydrophobic fibers, and sorbent particles and/or a sorbent loaded paper sandwiched between the first and second porous sheets. Some further embodiments include a method for producing a material that supports a moisture swing by providing a material including activated carbon, and infusing the activated carbon with ionic salt.