Dissolved Polyelectrolyte Electrochemical Cell for Scalable Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-ion exchange materials in electrochemical cells create a static barrier that requires additional pressure for liquid flow, leading to energy consumption issues and hindering the upscaling of processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dissolved polyelectrolyte in the extraction compartment of electrochemical cells, which remains impermeable to the membranes and maintains ion conductivity without increasing energy consumption, allowing for efficient production of products like hydrogen peroxide and formic acid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid-ion exchange materials are used in the extraction compartment, then ion exchange and product extraction are enabled, but pressure drop increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the ion exchange material from solid (beads) to dissolved (polyelectrolyte in solution). This parameter change eliminates the need for liquid to pass through a static barrier, thereby reducing pressure drop and energy consumption while maintaining ion exchange capability through the dissolved polyelectrolyte
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a liquid-phase polyelectrolyte solution instead of solid packing material, allowing the liquid to flow more freely through the extraction compartment. This hydraulic approach eliminates the pressure drop associated with liquid passing through solid bead barriers while maintaining ion exchange functionality
2Reliability
If solid-ion exchange materials are used in the extraction compartment, then ion exchange is achieved, but device complexity and upscaling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the ion exchange material from solid beads requiring complex packing and flow distribution to a dissolved polyelectrolyte solution, the system becomes simpler to scale. The dissolved form eliminates issues with channeling, packing uniformity, and pressure drop management that complicate upscaling of solid-bed systems
3Stress or pressure
If the extraction compartment size is increased to reduce pressure drop, then pressure drop decreases, but distance between electrodes increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the nature of the ion exchange medium from solid to dissolved, which fundamentally alters the flow dynamics. This allows the extraction compartment to be made larger without increasing electrode distance, as the dissolved polyelectrolyte does not create the same flow resistance issues as solid beads, thereby reducing pressure drop without the penalty of higher energy consumption
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 reduces pressure drop and energy consumption, enabling scalable production of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid by maintaining ion conductivity and stability within the extraction compartment.
Implementation Method 1
The extraction compartment is provided between the CEM and AEM and comprises a liquid comprising a dissolved polyelectrolyte
Implementation Method 2
transporting the cations through a cation exchange membrane (CEM) into an extraction compartment
Implementation Method 3
transporting the anions through an anion exchange membrane (AEM) into the extraction compartment
Implementation Method 4
When an electrochemical cell is operated to carry out chemical reactions by using electrical energy, an oxidation reaction occurs at the anode and a reduction reaction at the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for electrochemical production of a product in an electrochemical cell comprising an extraction compartment. The extraction compartment comprises a liquid comprising a dissolved polyelectrolyte. The method comprises producing cations at an anode, producing anions at a cathode and transporting the ions through ion-selective membranes into the extraction compartment where the product is formed. The invention further relates to an electrochemical cell for use in the method.