Gradient Diaphragm for Stable CO2 Electrochemical Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical reaction devices face challenges in maximizing the utilization efficiency of carbon dioxide and the value of carbon dioxide reduction products, particularly in the context of power to chemicals (P2C) technology using renewable energy sources.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical reaction device with a cathode and anode structure, separated by a diaphragm, that includes specific catalysts for reduction and oxidation reactions, along with controlled fluid pathways and a concentration gradient in the diaphragm to manage active oxygen species, enhancing the production of carbon compounds and oxygen while maintaining electrolyte stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional diaphragm is used without concentration gradient, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but active oxygen species are not effectively managed leading to reduced electrolyte stability and lower carbon dioxide reduction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is designed with a concentration gradient where the concentration of chemical species (metal elements) varies spatially from the anode side to the cathode side. The first region (anode side) has a higher concentration of metal elements for decomposing active oxygen species, while the second region (cathode side) has a lower concentration to minimize interference with carbon dioxide reduction. This local variation in composition optimizes both electrolyte stability and reaction efficiency without requiring a completely complex device structure.
2Productivity
If carbon dioxide reduction is performed without optimized catalyst management, then the device structure remains simple, but the utilization efficiency of carbon dioxide and value of reduction products are not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration parameter of metal elements in the diaphragm to enhance carbon dioxide reduction efficiency. By controlling the concentration of metal elements (such as cobalt, nickel, or manganese) within specific ranges (0.01-10 wt% in the first region, 0.001-1 wt% in the second region), the device maximizes the decomposition of active oxygen species that would otherwise interfere with carbon dioxide reduction, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex cathode structures.
3Reliability
If active oxygen species are not decomposed or inactivated, then the diaphragm composition remains simple, but side reactions increase and Faraday efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm acts as an intermediary component between the anode and cathode, containing metal elements that serve as active sites for decomposing active oxygen species (such as peroxide and superoxide). This intermediary function prevents harmful active oxygen species from reaching the cathode and causing side reactions, thereby maintaining high Faraday efficiency for carbon dioxide reduction while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 device improves the efficiency of carbon dioxide reduction to valuable products like carbon monoxide and oxygen, while minimizing side reactions and maintaining electrolyte stability, thereby increasing the production capacity and value of carbon compounds.
Implementation Method 1
the diaphragm has a concentration gradient in which a concentration of a chemical species decreases from the second surface to the first surface, the chemical species being configured to decompose, capture, or inactivate an active oxygen species
Implementation Method 2
The cathode reduces carbon dioxide to produce carbon monoxide (CO), formic acid (HCOOH), methanol (CH 3 OH), methane (CH 4 ), ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH), ethane (C 2 H 6 ), ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), formaldehyde (HCHO), ethylene glycol (C 2 H 6 O 2 ), acetic acid (CH 3 COOH), propanol (C 3 H 7 OH), or other carbon compounds by obtaining a reduction potential of carbon dioxide from power sources derived from the renewable energy sources
Implementation Method 3
The anode is placed in contact with an electrolytic solution containing water to produce oxygen and hydrogen ions (H +
Implementation Method 4
a first flow path connected to an inlet of the cathode flow path and through which a first fluid flows, the first fluid being supplied to the cathode flow path and containing the reducible material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The electrochemical reaction device includes: an electrochemical reaction structure including a cathode, an anode, a diaphragm having a first surface on the cathode and a second surface on the anode, a cathode flow path, and an anode flow path; a first flow path through which a first fluid containing a reducible material to the cathode flow path flows; a second flow path through which a second fluid containing water to the anode flow path flows; a third flow path through which a third fluid containing the reduction product from the cathode flow path flows; and a fourth flow path through which a fourth fluid containing water and oxygen from the anode flow path flows. The diaphragm has concentration gradient in which a concentration of a chemical species decreases from the second surface to the first surface, the chemical species being configured to decompose, capture, or inactivate an active oxygen specie.