Gas-Fed Zero-Gap Electrolysis for High-Purity Isotopically Labelled Compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing isotopically labelled organic compounds are expensive, yield limited quantities, and rely on costly, multi-step processes using materials that generate high CO2 emissions, while CO2 electrolysis has not been commercially viable due to lack of clear direction or market viability.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the electrolysis of CO2 or CO in a gas-fed zero-gap electrolyser device with D2O and a catalyst, where at least one C or O atom is selected from specific isotopes, and the membrane is pre-soaked in D2O, producing isotopically labelled organic compounds with high selectivity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-step processes are used to produce isotopically labelled compounds, then high purity compounds can be obtained, but the production cost increases and quantities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the production process by using electrochemical reduction of CO2 with isotopically labelled water (D2O or H2O containing 13C or 18O) as the starting material, rather than traditional multi-step organic synthesis. This parameter change enables direct one-pot production of isotopically labelled compounds (deuterated ethanol, deuterated ethylene, 13C-labelled compounds, 18O-labelled compounds) with high isotopic purity while increasing production quantity and reducing cost compared to traditional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical multi-step synthesis process with an electrochemical process. By using electrochemical reduction of CO2 in the presence of isotopically labelled water and a catalyst, the process substitutes traditional chemical reactions with electrical energy-driven transformations, achieving both high isotopic purity and improved productivity in a single step
2Ease of manufacture
If CO2 electrolysis is implemented, then in-situ production of toxic chemicals is achieved with minimal storage, but commercial viability is uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a new market copy by producing isotopically labelled compounds through CO2 electrolysis, which are high-value chemicals used in research, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical industries. This copying of traditional chemical synthesis approaches but using CO2 as feedstock with isotopically labelled water enables in-situ production while addressing commercial viability through high-value products with clear market applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the CO2 electrolysis process universal by demonstrating its ability to produce multiple types of isotopically labelled compounds (deuterated ethanol, deuterated ethylene, 13C-labelled compounds, 18O-labelled compounds) using the same basic electrochemical system with different isotopically labelled water sources, thereby expanding commercial viability across multiple application areas
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional isotopically labelled compound production methods are used, then specific compounds can be produced, but the process is expensive and yields limited quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous production through electrochemical reduction of CO2 with isotopically labelled water in a continuous flow system. The electrochemical cell operates continuously, converting CO2 and isotopically labelled water into isotopically labelled compounds without interruption, thereby achieving both high isotopic labelling accuracy and large production quantities compared to batch conventional methods
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 process achieves high conversion rates and selectivity for isotopically labelled compounds, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by providing isotopically labelled compounds at lower costs and in larger quantities, suitable for diagnostics, chemical analysis, and the fine chemicals industry.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochemical reduction of CO2, also known as CO2 electrolysis, is an emerging field. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 produces numerous products, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate salts (KCOOH, NaCOOH, CsCOOH), methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4).
Implementation Method 2
The electrochemical reduction of CO2 produces numerous products, such as carbon monoxide (CO), formate salts (KCOOH, NaCOOH, CsCOOH), methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4).
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for producing a isotopically labelled organic compound or a mixture of such compounds in a gas-fed zero-gap electrolyser device.