Electrochemical Device for CO and H2 Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) require extensive and expensive separation and purification processes, which are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device comprising a metal chamber and a ceramic chamber with a closed bend, where the ceramic chamber is inside the metal chamber, and both chambers are not in fluid communication, utilizing an anode, cathode, and electrolyte to produce CO and H2 through efficient electrochemical pathways without the need for electricity or extensive separation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation and purification processes are used to produce CO and H2, then the desired compounds can be obtained, but the process becomes extensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the needed products (CO and H2) directly from the electrochemical reaction at the cathode, bypassing the need for extensive separation and purification processes. The electrochemical pathway selectively produces CO and H2 as building blocks, allowing direct collection without complex downstream processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the production method from conventional thermal or chemical processes to electrochemical pathways, altering the fundamental parameters of the reaction conditions. This electrochemical approach enables direct production of CO and H2 with controlled selectivity, eliminating the need for subsequent separation and purification steps.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional methods are used to produce CO and H2, then the building blocks can be obtained, but extensive separation and purification processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the separation action preliminarily through the electrochemical reaction itself, which selectively produces CO and H2 at the cathode while leaving other components in the feedstock. This preliminary selective production eliminates the need for subsequent time-consuming separation and purification processes, directly delivering the desired quantities of CO and H2.
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive separation and purification processes are used, then pure CO and H2 can be obtained, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the needed products (CO and H2) directly from the electrochemical reaction at the cathode, bypassing the need for extensive separation and purification processes. The electrochemical pathway selectively produces CO and H2 as building blocks, allowing direct collection without complex downstream processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple electrochemical cell design with basic components (electrodes, electrolyte, reactor vessel) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach replaces expensive, complex separation and purification equipment with a straightforward electrochemical system that achieves product separation through the reaction mechanism itself.
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 device enables cost-effective and efficient production of CO and H2, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by generating CO from CO2 locally, with easy and inexpensive CO/CO2 and H2/H2O separation, making it suitable for various chemical productions without further purification.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemical device... utilizing an anode, cathode, and electrolyte to produce CO and H2 through efficient electrochemical pathways
Data Source
AI summary
A device including a metal chamber having a first internal space defined by at least one metal chamber wall; a plate in the first internal space; and a ceramic chamber having a second internal space defined by at least one ceramic chamber wall, a closed bend, and two openings, wherein the ceramic chamber is inside the metal chamber and the second internal space penetrates the plate such that the two openings and the closed bend are on opposite sides of the plate; wherein the first and second internal spaces are not in fluid communication with one another.