Copper-Exchanged ZSM-5 Zeolite Adsorbent for Vacuum Thermal Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum thermal insulation materials face challenges in maintaining thermal insulation properties over time due to gas adsorption limitations at pressures below atmospheric pressure, particularly with nitrogen, which is difficult to adsorb due to its stable triple bond, and the use of substances like Ba, which are environmentally hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A gas adsorbent comprising copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite with specific crystallinity and Si/Al ratios, which enhances nitrogen adsorption capacity and stability, replacing environmentally harmful substances and improving durability by adsorbing a large volume of gas at pressures up to atmospheric pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If Ba-Li alloy is used to adsorb nitrogen, then nitrogen adsorption capacity is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates due to Ba being a hazardous substance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen adsorption capacityVSAvoidenvironmental safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing Ba-Li alloy with copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite, which has different adsorption mechanisms and environmental properties. The copper-exchanged ZSM-5 maintains high nitrogen adsorption capacity while eliminating the environmental hazards associated with Ba

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite material system (copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite) that combines the advantages of copper's high reactivity toward nitrogen with the structured porous framework of ZSM-5, achieving effective nitrogen adsorption without the environmental problems of Ba-Li alloy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional vacuum thermal insulation materials are used, then thermal insulation properties are improved, but long-term stability deteriorates due to gas permeation and internal pressure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation propertiesVSAvoidlong-term stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite is pre-installed inside the vacuum thermal insulation material to perform preliminary gas adsorption. This preliminary action prevents gas accumulation over time, maintaining long-term vacuum stability and thermal insulation performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gas adsorbent acts as a consumable component that gradually adsorbs permeating gases over time. Even as it becomes saturated, the initial adsorption capacity provides sufficient long-term stability for the insulation material's service life

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

3Strength

If chemical adsorption is used to adsorb nitrogen, then adsorption strength is improved, but difficulty of adsorption worsens due to nitrogen's stable triple bond

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption strengthVSAvoiddifficulty of adsorption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Copper acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates nitrogen adsorption. The copper ions in the ZSM-5 framework provide active sites that interact with nitrogen molecules, enabling chemical adsorption despite nitrogen's stable triple bond through copper's high reactivity

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 copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite adsorbent effectively maintains thermal insulation properties for extended periods by adsorbing a significant volume of nitrogen, ensuring long-lasting performance and environmental safety, outperforming existing solutions in terms of nitrogen adsorption and material safety.

Implementation Method 1

chemical adsorption, which forms stronger bond, is desirable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical adsorption: Chemisorption

Implementation Method 2

a gas adsorbent that can adsorb gas in a pressure range not higher than atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3178550B1Gas adsorbent and vacuum thermal insulation material including the gas adsorbent
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3178550B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3178550B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3178550B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A gas adsorbent includes copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite, and the crystallinity of the copper-exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite is set to at least 40% and up to 80%.