Formic Acid Production via Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for formic acid production using artificial photosynthesis are inefficient and costly, requiring coenzymes like methyl viologen, and struggle with low energy conversion efficiency and storage challenges due to hydrogen's properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mixed solution of an organic substance and a metal oxide powder with photocatalyst function, such as titanium or zinc oxide, is used to produce formic acid efficiently and cost-effectively by irradiating light, with optional inclusion of dyes or carbon powders, and a system for circulating the solution to enhance sunlight exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coenzyme (methyl viologen) is used in artificial photosynthesis for formic acid production, then electron transfer efficiency is improved, but production cost increases and overall efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the coenzyme (methyl viologen) from the artificial photosynthesis system. By removing this expensive intermediate substance, the patent achieves direct electron transfer from the photocatalyst to CO2, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining formic acid production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a solid photocatalyst (metal oxide semiconductor) as a new intermediary to replace the liquid coenzyme methyl viologen. This solid photocatalyst serves as the direct electron transfer mediator from light absorption to CO2 reduction, eliminating the need for expensive organic coenzymes and improving both cost-efficiency and system simplicity
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogen is used as a fuel, then high energy density is achieved, but storage and conveyance become difficult requiring high pressure or ultralow temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition by converting hydrogen (gas phase, difficult to store) into formic acid (liquid phase, easy to store and transport). Formic acid serves as a liquid hydrogen carrier that maintains high energy density while being stable at normal temperature and pressure, eliminating the need for high-pressure tanks or ultralow temperature storage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs formic acid as a stable, storable intermediate carrier that can be produced on-demand through artificial photosynthesis. This disposable liquid carrier replaces the need for permanent high-pressure hydrogen storage infrastructure, allowing flexible production and storage without expensive specialized equipment
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a formic acid production method and a formic acid production system with high production efficiency and in low cost. It is a formic acid production method comprising: preparing a mixed solution by mixing a solution containing an organic substance with a metal oxide powder having a photocatalyst function; and producing a formic acid by irradiating a light to the mixed solution. Also, it is a formic acid production system comprising: a raw material charging unit into which a solution containing an organic substance and a metal oxide powder having a photocatalyst function are charged; an artificial photosynthesis reaction unit for reacting a mixed solution of the organic substance and the metal oxide powder by irradiating a sunlight or a light to the mixed solution; and a formic acid recovery unit for recovering a formic acid from the mixed solution after an artificial photosynthesis reaction.