Integrated Electrolyzer for CO2 Capture and Water Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture technologies are expensive, energy-intensive, and lack economic viability, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective method for producing synthetic fuel through CO2 capture and water splitting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a CO2 capture device and an electrolyzer, where the CO2 capture device absorbs CO2 from a CO2-containing stream using an alkaline solution, generating a carbon-rich solution, which is then fed into the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen, oxygen, and high-purity CO2 gas streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CO2 capture devices are used, then CO2 can be captured from the atmosphere, but the initial capital costs and operating costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture with water splitting into a single integrated electrochemical system. The CO2 capture device and water splitter share common components including electrodes, electrolyte, and gas handling systems, eliminating the need for separate conventional capture devices and reducing overall system costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrochemical cell performs multiple functions simultaneously: CO2 capture from the atmosphere, water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen, and production of synthetic fuel precursors. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate processes and devices, reducing capital costs and simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If conventional CO2 capture devices are used, then CO2 can be captured, but the operating costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
By merging CO2 capture with water splitting in a single electrochemical system, the patent eliminates the need for separate energy-intensive capture processes. The integrated design allows for shared energy input and reduced operational complexity, lowering overall operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using electrochemical methods instead of thermal or mechanical processes. This enables operation at lower temperatures and pressures, reducing energy consumption and operating costs while maintaining effective CO2 capture capability.
3Productivity
If CO2 is captured and processed, then high-value products can be produced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing steps into a single integrated electrochemical cell. CO2 capture, water splitting, and synthetic fuel production occur within one system architecture, reducing the number of separate devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining high-value product output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into functional zones within the electrochemical cell: CO2 capture region, water splitting region, and product separation region. This internal segmentation allows for simplified design and easier operation compared to multiple separate processing systems.
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 reduces the economic and thermodynamic barriers of CO2 capture by producing high-value products from captured CO2, improving the system's overall efficiency and viability.
Implementation Method 1
The aqueous alkaline solution includes hydroxide ions and/or carbonate ions and absorbs CO2 from the CO2-containing stream to generate a carbon-rich solution
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyzer receives the carbon-rich solution in an incoming stream and generates hydrogen, oxygen, and CO2 gas streams
Data Source
AI summary
A system for producing gas streams for use in synthetic fuel production through CO2 capture and water splitting is disclosed. The system includes a CO2 capture device configured to receive a CO2-containing stream and including an aqueous alkaline solution. The alkaline solution includes hydroxide and/or carbonate ions. The CO2 capture device generates a carbon-rich solution when the alkaline solution absorbs CO2. The carbon-rich solution includes carbonate and/or bicarbonate ions. The system also includes an electrolyzer fluidically coupled to the CO2 capture device, and defining a volume including an anode region having an anode, and a cathode region having a cathode. The volume includes an electrolyte solution having a pH gradient generated by an electric current, causing the electrolyte solution to be acidic in the anode region and alkaline in the cathode region. The carbon-rich solution is received into the electrolyzer. The electrolyzer generates hydrogen, oxygen, and CO2 streams.