Solid-Electrolyte Electrolyzer Refresh Unit for Salt Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maintenance methods for solid-electrolyte electrolytic devices interrupt CO2 reduction reactions and can cause cathode catalyst deterioration by requiring direct rinsing, which leads to salt precipitation and reduced electrolytic performance.
Innovation Solution
A solid-electrolyte electrolytic device with a refresh unit that supplies a recovery liquid to dilute or replace the electrolyte solution on the anode, allowing salt precipitation on the cathode to dissolve without interrupting the CO2 reduction reaction, using a solution with a lower cation concentration than the electrolyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rinse liquid is introduced to the cathode to wash away precipitated salts, then the salts are removed, but the CO2 reduction reaction must be stopped and the cathode catalyst may flow out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a recovery liquid as an intermediary substance that mediates between the rinsing requirement and the need to maintain continuous operation. The recovery liquid is supplied to the anode side, acts as a carrier to transport precipitated salts away from the cathode, and enables salt removal without directly rinsing the cathode, thus maintaining CO2 reduction reaction continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rinsing process into two separate locations: the cathode side where CO2 reduction occurs and the anode side where salt precipitation happens. By supplying recovery liquid to the anode side rather than directly to the cathode, the system separates the salt removal function from the CO2 reduction function, enabling both to operate simultaneously without interference
2Reliability
If the electrolyte solution is directly rinsed with pure water, then salts are removed, but the device structure becomes complex and operation must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery liquid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a rinsing medium to remove salts, a transport medium to carry salts away from the cathode, and a bridge medium to enable continuous operation during maintenance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing electrolyte solution circulation path to deliver the recovery liquid to the anode side, leveraging the current device structure rather than requiring entirely new maintenance infrastructure. The refresh unit integrates with the existing electrolyte supply system, minimizing additional complexity
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 enables continuous operation of the device with improved electrolytic performance by removing precipitated salts without direct rinsing, enhancing both operation rate and device life.
Implementation Method 1
a recovery liquid for diluting or replacing the electrolytic solution to the anode to remove a salt precipitated between the cathode and the solid electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
the salts precipitated on the electrode dissolve and move to the other electrode side
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-electrolyte electrolytic device may be excellent in operation rate and have device life without stopping a CO2 reduction reaction. A solid-electrolyte electrolytic device may include: a cathode that performs a reduction reaction; an anode that constitutes one pair of electrodes together with the cathode; an electrolytic solution that is in contact with the anode and supports an oxidation-reduction reaction; a solid electrolyte that is disposed between the cathode and the anode; and a refresh unit that supplies a recovery liquid for diluting or replacing the electrolytic solution to the anode to remove a salt precipitated between the cathode and the solid electrolyte, the recovery liquid being a solution with a lower concentration of a cation identical to a cation included in the salt than the electrolytic solution.