Cu-Co Electrode Reactor for Direct CO and H2 Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) require extensive and expensive separation and purification processes, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The use of Cu—Co-containing electrodes in an electrochemical reactor, combined with a mixed-conducting membrane, allows for the direct utilization of hydrocarbons as fuel without reforming, producing CO and H2 electrochemically with minimal coking, and eliminating the need for separate electricity generation or purification steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to produce CO and H2, then the production process is established, but extensive and expensive separation and purification processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the production of CO and H2 with their separation in a single electrochemical cell. The membrane selectively transports ions while the electrodes simultaneously produce and separate the gases in different compartments, eliminating the need for separate purification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical cell performs multiple functions: it produces CO at one electrode, produces H2 at the other electrode, and separates the gases spatially, all within a single device. This multi-functional approach replaces conventional multi-step processes.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional electrolysis methods are used, then CO and H2 can be produced, but extensive separation and purification processes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges production and separation into a single simultaneous process. The electrochemical reactions produce CO and H2 while the membrane and cell structure separate them in real-time, achieving both high production quantity and process efficiency without sequential purification steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydrocarbons are used as fuel without reforming, then the process is simplified, but coking occurs on electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrode material parameters by using Cu-Co alloys with specific compositions. This material modification allows direct hydrocarbon oxidation without reforming while preventing coking through the catalytic properties of the Cu-Co alloy surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite Cu-Co alloy electrodes that combine the properties of copper (catalytic activity for hydrocarbon oxidation) and cobalt (resistance to coking). This composite material enables direct hydrocarbon use while maintaining electrode stability.
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
This approach enables efficient and cost-effective production of CO and H2 without the need for separate electricity, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and simplifies downstream product processing by eliminating the need for extensive separation and purification processes.
Implementation Method 1
carbon monoxide is generated from carbon dioxide electrochemically and hydrogen is generated from water electrochemically
Implementation Method 2
a mixed-conducting membrane between the anode and the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
Herein discussed is a method of producing carbon monoxide or hydrogen or both simultaneously comprising: (a) providing an electrochemical reactor having an anode, a cathode, and a mixed-conducting membrane between the anode and the cathode; (b) introducing a first stream to the anode, wherein the first stream comprises a hydrocarbon; and (c) introducing a second stream to the cathode, wherein the second stream comprises carbon dioxide or water or both, wherein carbon monoxide is generated from carbon dioxide electrochemically and hydrogen is generated from water electrochemically.