Electrochemical CO2 Permeation Device Using Anion Exchange Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for carbon dioxide permeation require high energy consumption and large-scale apparatus, such as pressurizing gases to 200 kPa or maintaining solid molten salts at 600°C, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide permeation device comprising a first and second gas diffusion electrode, an anion exchange electrolyte membrane, and a DC power source, which accelerates carbon dioxide absorption and emission through electrochemical reactions, reducing energy consumption by applying a voltage to facilitate efficient carbon dioxide transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a facilitating transport membrane is used to increase carbon dioxide concentration, then carbon dioxide permeability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to required pressurization to 200 kPa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressurization system (requiring 200 kPa pressure) with an electrochemical system using anion exchange membranes and applied voltage. The electrochemical reactions at the electrodes drive carbon dioxide permeation through the membrane without requiring high mechanical pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from high mechanical pressure (200 kPa) to controlled voltage application. By using electrochemical reactions driven by applied voltage between electrodes, the system achieves carbon dioxide permeation at much lower energy input, transforming the energy consumption characteristic while maintaining permeability.
2Productivity
If solid molten salt is used to transport carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide permeability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to requirement to maintain temperature at 600°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field-based system (molten salt at 600°C) with an electrochemical field-based system. By using anion exchange membranes and applying voltage to drive electrochemical reactions, the system achieves carbon dioxide transport without requiring high temperature maintenance, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating conditions from high temperature (600°C) to room temperature with applied voltage. The electrochemical reactions enable carbon dioxide permeation at much lower thermal energy input, transforming the energy consumption characteristic while maintaining high permeability through the electrochemical mechanism.
3Productivity
If large-scale apparatus is used for carbon dioxide permeation, then carbon dioxide processing capacity is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carbon dioxide permeation process into discrete functional components: anion exchange membrane, electrodes with catalysts, and voltage source. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve high processing capacity through optimized component performance rather than large-scale apparatus, reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity.
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 achieves high carbon dioxide permeability with significantly lowered energy usage, enabling efficient carbon dioxide transport without the need for large-scale apparatus, thereby reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
accelerate absorption of carbon dioxide into the electrolyte membrane from gas in a vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode by causing an electrochemical reaction
Implementation Method 2
accelerate emission of carbon dioxide from the electrolyte membrane to gas in a vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode by causing an oxidation reaction of water in the electrolyte membrane
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a carbon dioxide permeation device which has high carbon dioxide permeability and can operate with greatly lowered energy. The carbon dioxide permeation device in accordance with the present invention includes a first gas diffusion electrode, a second gas diffusion electrode, an electrolyte membrane which is between the first gas diffusion electrode and the second gas diffusion electrode, and a DC power source. The carbon dioxide permeation device accelerates absorption of carbon dioxide into the electrolyte membrane from gas in a vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode so as to decrease a carbon dioxide concentration of the gas in the vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode, and accelerates emission of carbon dioxide from the electrolyte membrane to gas in a vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode by causing an oxidation reaction of water in the electrolyte membrane so as to enrich carbon dioxide in the gas in the vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode.