Integrated Electrolytic Device for Gas Recombination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolytic devices for ion chromatography struggle with simultaneous electrolysis and catalytic gas elimination, requiring external columns and platinum catalysts, which increase operational resistance, wattage, and noise, and can damage ion exchange components due to hydrogen peroxide formation.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic device with at least two flow-through channels separated by charged ion-exchange membranes, incorporating a catalyst in two channels to recombine hydrogen and oxygen gases into water, reducing the need for external columns and lowering operational resistance by using alternating current to constantly reverse electrolytic water splitting reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external columns and platinum catalysts are used for catalytic gas elimination, then hydrogen and oxygen recombination is achieved, but operational resistance and wattage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrolytic device and catalytic gas elimination function into a single integrated device. The electrolytic cell generates hydrogen and oxygen gases through water splitting, while the same device incorporates a catalyst (such as platinum-coated porous material or ion-exchange resin with platinum) that catalytically recombines these gases back into water. This merging eliminates the need for separate external columns and reduces operational resistance and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (catalyst such as platinum-coated porous material or ion-exchange resin impregnated with platinum) that facilitates the catalytic recombination of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This intermediary enables the gas elimination function without requiring high energy input, as the catalyst lowers the activation energy barrier for the recombination reaction.
2Reliability
If external columns and platinum catalysts are used for catalytic gas elimination, then hydrogen and oxygen recombination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrolytic cell structure with the catalytic gas elimination function into a single integrated device. The electrolytic cell contains electrodes for water splitting and also incorporates catalyst-containing porous material or ion-exchange resin that performs catalytic recombination. This integration eliminates the need for separate external columns and reduces structural complexity.
3Reliability
If catalyst is used for gas recombination, then hydrogen and oxygen are converted to water, but hydrogen peroxide formation can damage ion exchange components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes catalytic reaction parameters (such as catalyst composition, surface area, and reaction conditions) to favor the formation of water over hydrogen peroxide. By controlling the catalytic recombination process, the device minimizes the formation of harmful hydrogen peroxide while maintaining efficient gas conversion.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If alternating current is used to reverse electrolytic reactions, then operational resistance is lowered, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alternating current to periodically reverse the electrolytic water splitting reactions. During one half-cycle, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen; during the reverse half-cycle, the catalyst facilitates recombination back into water. This periodic action prevents gas accumulation, lowers operational resistance, and reduces energy consumption without requiring complex control systems beyond standard AC power supply.
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 enables efficient simultaneous electrolysis and catalytic gas elimination, reducing operational wattage, noise, and minimizing hydrogen peroxide concentration, thereby protecting ion exchange components and improving suppression efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
separated by a first charged barrier having exchangeable ions capable of passing ions of only one charge, positive or negative, and of blocking bulk liquid flow
Implementation Method 2
A catalyst is packed in the first and third channels for combining hydrogen and oxygen gas and removing hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 3
The catalyst can remove hydrogen peroxide by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen
Implementation Method 4
Electrolytic devices generate electrolytic gases from the water splitting reactions when a DC potential in excess of about 1.5 volts is applied
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrolytic device, e.g. a suppressor, including at least two flow-through channels separated by a charged membrane barrier, and a catalyst, for combining hydrogen and oxygen gas, together with ion exchange material, disposed in one of the channels. Also, a method for simultaneous electrolysis and catalytic gas elimination in a channel of the device is described.