Ion Exchange Membrane Air Collector for Low-Pressure CO2 Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing CO2 from air are inefficient due to high energy consumption and pressure losses, which can lead to the reintroduction of CO2 into the atmosphere as a byproduct, negating the carbon dioxide balance.
Innovation Solution
The use of solid phase anion exchange membranes with functionalized polymers in a specific configuration to facilitate direct capture of CO2 and other acid gases from air, minimizing energy use and pressure drop while maximizing surface area for effective capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is driven past the sorbent at high pressures to efficiently remove CO2, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases due to compression requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression systems with a chemical field-based approach using ion exchange membranes. The functionalized polymer membrane selectively captures CO2 from ambient air at atmospheric pressure through ion exchange mechanisms, eliminating the need for high-pressure compression while maintaining effective CO2 removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating pressure parameter from high pressure to atmospheric pressure by using functionalized ion exchange membranes. This parameter change allows CO2 capture to occur efficiently without compression, directly resolving the energy consumption problem while maintaining productivity.
2Quantity of substance
If vast amounts of air are processed to capture low concentration CO2, then CO2 capture quantity is improved, but pressure losses increase resulting in higher energy expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical pressure-driven air processing with a chemical field-based ion exchange process. The functionalized polymer membrane enables CO2 capture from large volumes of ambient air at atmospheric pressure, eliminating pressure losses associated with compressing vast amounts of air while maintaining the ability to capture low concentration CO2.
3Productivity
If energy is used to compress air for CO2 removal, then CO2 capture process is improved, but CO2 may be reintroduced as a byproduct of energy generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive mechanical compression with a passive chemical field-based ion exchange process. By using functionalized polymer membranes that operate at atmospheric pressure, the system eliminates the need for compression energy, thereby preventing CO2 reintroduction from power plant emissions and achieving a favorable carbon dioxide balance.
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 enables efficient, low-energy capture of CO2 with minimal reintroduction to the atmosphere, achieving a viable carbon dioxide balance by optimizing surface area and aerodynamic design for the air capture device.
Implementation Method 1
solid phase anion exchange membranes with functionalized polymers in a specific configuration to facilitate direct capture of CO2 and other acid gases from air
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capture of CO2 from the atmosphere comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air.