COx Reduction Cell Layout for Ethylene Concentration and Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon oxide reduction reactors face challenges in achieving high concentrations of gas phase products like methane and ethylene due to issues with water management, low COx utilization, and inefficient product concentration, particularly for many electron products.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems with bipolar membrane MEAs and recycle loops, multiple electrochemical cells in series, and AEM-only MEAs to manage water, increase COx utilization, and enhance product concentration through recycling and purification processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional membrane electrode assemblies are used for carbon oxide reduction, then electrochemical reduction can be achieved, but high concentration of gas phase products cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrochemical reduction process into multiple separate electrochemical cells, each optimized for specific products. This segmentation allows independent optimization of reaction conditions for different products (CO, C2H4, CH4), enabling high concentration of gas phase products in each cell while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different membrane electrode assemblies with specific catalyst compositions and configurations are assigned to different cells based on their product requirements. Each cell has tailored local qualities (catalyst type, membrane properties, flow conditions) optimized for producing specific gas phase products, thereby achieving high concentrations of desired products.
2Productivity
If electrochemical cells are configured for high COx utilization, then product yield increases, but water management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes water from the electrochemical cells using dedicated water management components. By separating water removal from the main electrochemical reduction process, the system can achieve high COx utilization without being constrained by water accumulation issues, as water is continuously extracted and managed independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Water management components act as intermediaries between the electrochemical cells and the external environment. These components facilitate controlled water removal from the cells, enabling high COx utilization rates while preventing water-related operational difficulties through intermediate water extraction and management.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple electrochemical cells are connected in series to increase product concentration, then gas phase product concentration improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrochemical cells are merged into a single integrated system with shared components. The cells are connected in series with common reactant and product streams, allowing the system to achieve high gas phase product concentration through cumulative effect while minimizing device complexity through component sharing and integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal components that serve multiple functions across different cells. Flow distribution systems, electrode configurations, and control mechanisms are designed to be multi-functional, enabling the same components to operate effectively in multiple cells. This universality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to produce high concentrations of gas phase products.
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
Enhances the concentration of gas phase products by improving COx utilization and managing water effectively, resulting in higher yields of methane, ethylene, and other multicarbon products while minimizing hydrogen production.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) that provides ionic communication between the cathode layer and the anode layer
Implementation Method 2
electrochemically reduce COx and produce products such CO, hydrocarbons such as methane and ethylene
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for increasing the concentration of a desired COx reduction reaction product are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include ethylene purification.