Electrochemical Reaction Device with Anode Gas-Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical reaction devices for carbon dioxide reduction suffer from member deterioration, which hinders long-term stable operation, and there is a need to improve electrolysis efficiency and maintain pressure balance between cathode and anode chambers.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a cathode and anode with specific catalysts for carbon dioxide reduction and water oxidation, respectively, a diaphragm for ion exchange, and a gas-liquid separator to separate oxygen from the anode fluid, along with a power source for electrolytic reactions, maintaining pressure balance and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a conventional electrochemical reaction device is operated for long-term stable operation, then the operation duration increases, but member deterioration occurs leading to efficiency decline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the gas-liquid separator component from the conventional electrochemical reaction device configuration. By taking out the accumulated gas phase from the anode chamber through this separator, the device prevents gas accumulation that causes pressure imbalance and member deterioration, thereby extending operation duration while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-liquid separator acts as an intermediary component between the anode chamber and the external environment. It mediates the removal of gas products (oxygen) from the electrolyte solution, preventing direct pressure buildup on anode members and protecting them from deterioration during long-term operation
2Productivity
If the electrochemical reaction device operates continuously, then productivity increases, but efficiency decline occurs due to member deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid separator enables continuous removal of gas products from the anode chamber during uninterrupted operation. This maintains optimal pressure balance and prevents efficiency-degrading conditions, allowing the device to sustain high productivity over extended periods without member deterioration
Solution Approach 2:
By continuously extracting and removing accumulated gas phase through the gas-liquid separator during operation, the device maintains efficient electrolysis conditions while sustaining high carbon compound production rates over long durations
3Productivity
If gas accumulates in the anode chamber, then oxygen production continues, but pressure balance between cathode and anode chambers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-liquid separator serves as an intermediary that continuously removes gas products from the anode chamber while maintaining liquid electrolyte levels. This mediates between oxygen production requirements and pressure balance, allowing high oxygen productivity without pressure imbalance
Solution Approach 2:
The separator extracts and removes accumulated gas phase (oxygen) from the anode chamber during operation. This takes out the harmful gas accumulation that would otherwise create pressure imbalance, while preserving continuous oxygen production capability
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 solution improves the device's lifespan and electrolysis efficiency by reducing efficiency decline, maintaining pressure balance, and optimizing cooling effects, thereby enhancing the production of carbon compounds and oxygen.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode having a reduction catalyst that promotes a reduction reaction of reducing carbon dioxide to produce a carbon compound
Implementation Method 2
an anode having an oxidation catalyst that promotes an oxidation reaction of oxidizing water to produce oxygen
Implementation Method 3
an electrochemical reaction structure comprising a cathode having a reduction catalyst that promotes a reduction reaction of reducing carbon dioxide to produce a carbon compound, an anode having an oxidation catalyst that promotes an oxidation reaction of oxidizing water to produce oxygen
Implementation Method 4
a diaphragm provided between the cathode and the anode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical reaction device includes: an electrochemical reaction structure including a cathode to reduce carbon dioxide to produce a carbon compound, an anode to oxidize water to produce oxygen, a diaphragm therebetween, a cathode flow path on the cathode, and an anode flow path on the anode; a first flow path through which a first fluid to the cathode flow path flows; a second flow path through which a second fluid to the anode flow path flows; a third flow path through which a third fluid from the cathode flow path flows; a fourth flow path through which a fourth fluid from the anode flow path flows; and a gas-liquid separator in or on the anode flow path and to separate a gas containing the oxygen from a fifth fluid containing the water and the oxygen through the anode flow path.