Electrode Module for Metal Ion Recovery via Insulating Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for recovering valuable metal ions from seawater are inefficient and environmentally harmful due to long adsorption times and the use of toxic acidic materials.

Innovation Solution

An electrode module is developed with a first electrode part coated with a porous carbon layer and an adsorbent layer, and a second electrode part with an anion-exchange membrane, separated by an insulating layer, which uses an electric field to selectively adsorb and desorb metal ions without acidic reagents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional ion-exchange or adsorption methods are used to recover lithium ions from seawater, then high recovery of lithium ions is achieved, but the time required for adsorption is very long and economy and efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithium ion recovery amountVSAvoidadsorption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional chemical adsorption mechanism with an electrochemical mechanism. By applying voltage to the electrode module, metal ions are selectively adsorbed or desorbed through electrochemical reactions at the electrode surfaces, eliminating the need for long-duration passive adsorption processes while maintaining high recovery efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by applying controllable voltage to the electrode module. By adjusting the voltage, the adsorption and desorption processes are accelerated significantly compared to conventional methods, reducing adsorption time from days to hours while maintaining high lithium ion recovery rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional ion-exchange methods using polymer membranes are used, then selective removal of specific metal ions is achieved, but toxic materials such as acids must be used in post-treatment processes causing system corrosion and environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselectivity for metal ionsVSAvoidenvironmental pollution and system corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical post-treatment processes with electrochemical desorption. By applying reverse voltage to the electrode module, the adsorbed metal ions are desorbed directly into a collection solution, eliminating the need for acid treatment and associated environmental hazards while maintaining high selectivity for target metal ions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful chemical treatment step into a beneficial electrochemical process. The electrode module enables direct electrochemical desorption of metal ions, transforming what was previously a harmful acid treatment step into an environmentally friendly electrochemical process that produces no corrosive waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 method significantly reduces ion adsorption and desorption time, is environmentally friendly, and effectively separates specific metal ions from seawater, reducing dependency on overseas resources and enhancing resource stability.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrode part and a second electrode part for electrically adsorbing or desorbing metal ions contained in a liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

electrode module for recovery of metal ions... which can recover only specific valuable metal ions from an aqueous solution such as seawater, etc., which passes through electrodes, using an electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic adsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS9057139B2Method for manufacturing electrode module for recovery of metal ions, electrode module for recovery of metal ions, and apparatus for recovery of metal ions including the same

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode module for recovery of metal ions, an electrode module for recovery of metal ions, and an apparatus for recovery of metal ions including the same. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode module for recovery of metal ions, the method including the steps of: a) preparing a first electrode part and a second electrode part for electrically adsorbing or desorbing metal ions contained in a liquid; and b) interposing an insulating layer, through which the liquid passes, between the first electrode part and the second electrode part, an electrode module for recovery of metal ions manufactured by the method, and an apparatus for recovery of metal ions including the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to significantly reduce the time required for the adsorption and desorption of ions when specific valuable metal ions are recovered from an aqueous solution in which various valuable metal ions are dissolved.