Electrochemical pH Control for CO2 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the pH of reaction environments in chemical and biological reactions, such as those involving CO2 conversion, are inefficient due to the need for reagent replenishment, imprecise pH changes, and irreversibility, leading to suboptimal reaction conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pH-adjustment zone with a complexation agent that associates and dissociates acids or bases in response to electrical potential, allowing for precise pH control and reversible pH adjustments, which is connected to a reaction zone where the pH-influenced reaction occurs, enabling the conversion of CO2 to a dissolved species.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sequential addition of acid and base is used to control pH, then pH can be adjusted, but reagent replenishment is required and the process is irreversible
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs water hydrolysis to automatically regenerate acid and base reagents in situ, eliminating the need for external reagent replenishment. The hydrolysis process converts water into H+ and OH- ions that can be selectively transported to maintain pH, making the system self-sustaining and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition properties of water through hydrolysis to generate reactive species (H+ and OH- ions) from liquid water. This phase-related transformation enables continuous pH control without consuming external reagents, as water continuously provides the necessary ions through hydrolysis.
2Measurement precision
If sequential addition of acid and base is used to control pH, then pH changes can be achieved, but the process is inaccurate and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the generation and transport of H+ and OH- ions into distinct pathways using selective membranes. Acidic ions are transported through one membrane while basic ions are transported through another, allowing independent and precise control of pH adjustments without the mixing and imprecision associated with sequential addition methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Selective membranes act as intermediaries that facilitate the controlled transport of H+ and OH- ions. These membranes mediate the pH control process by allowing only specific ions to pass through, ensuring accurate and reliable pH adjustments while eliminating the imprecision of direct acid and base addition.
3Ease of operation
If current pH control methods are used, then pH adjustment is possible, but the process is irreversible and requires continuous reagent addition
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses water as a self-replenishing source of H+ and OH- ions through hydrolysis. Instead of consuming external acid and base reagents, the system continuously generates the necessary ions from water, making the process reversible and eliminating reagent depletion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of pH control from external reagent addition to internal water hydrolysis. By shifting the source of pH-active ions from consumed reagents to renewable water, the system achieves reversible and sustainable pH control without continuous substance loss.
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 allows for precise control of pH levels, improving the efficiency and selectivity of chemical and biological reactions, including CO2 conversion, by maintaining optimal pH conditions and reducing the need for reagent replenishment and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a complexation agent capable of associating and/or disassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from the solution upon exposure to an electrical potential
Implementation Method 2
an electrode exposed to the solution, wherein at least 30% of the electrode by weight comprises a complexation agent capable of associating and/or disassociating an acid and/or base to and/or from the solution upon exposure to an electrical potential
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. In some embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion of CO2 to a dissolved species.