Ion Repulsion Cell for Selective Ion Recombination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desalination and chemical synthesis processes are energy-intensive and involve multiple steps, with existing technologies like distillation, reverse osmosis, and electrodialysis facing challenges such as high energy consumption and the need for pre-purification of water, while lacking a method for synthesizing new chemical compounds from desalination byproducts.
Innovation Solution
A process and apparatus for selectively removing and recombining oppositely charged ions from different electrolyte solutions using ion repulsion cells and ion sinks, allowing for the generation of new chemical compounds by combining ion streams, thereby simplifying chemical synthesis and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional desalination processes (distillation, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis) are used, then ion removal from water is achieved, but energy consumption is excessively high and pre-purification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the ion removal process into two independent stages: (1) ion separation where cations and anions are separated from the feed solution, and (2) ion recombination where ions are selectively recombined to form new chemical compounds. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high ion removal efficiency while reducing energy consumption by avoiding the need for complete evaporation or high-pressure membrane processes used in conventional desalination.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using controlled potential application to drive ion separation and recombination reactions. By adjusting the applied potential and flow rates, the system can optimize both ion removal efficiency and energy consumption, operating at potentials below the water decomposition threshold to minimize energy use while maintaining effective separation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional chemical synthesis processes are used, then new chemical compounds are produced, but the processes involve many intermediate steps and high energy expenditure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges ion separation and chemical synthesis into a single integrated process. By separating ions in the first stage and then selectively recombining them in the second stage under controlled potential, the system directly produces new chemical compounds without requiring multiple intermediate synthesis steps, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing overall energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses ion streams as intermediaries between the feed solution and final chemical products. The separated cation and anion streams serve as intermediate forms that can be independently manipulated and then recombined to form desired chemical compounds, providing a flexible and energy-efficient pathway for synthesis.
3Quantity of substance
If ion separation is achieved by conventional methods, then ions are removed from solution, but the process cannot selectively recombine ions to form new compounds
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic control through adjustable flow rates and applied potentials that allow the system to switch between different operational modes. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize ion separation efficiency and then selectively recombine specific ion pairs to form various chemical compounds, providing both separation capability and synthesis versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-functional system that can perform both ion separation and selective chemical synthesis using the same apparatus. The second cell's ability to selectively recombine ions from the first cell's output enables the system to produce multiple different chemical compounds from the same feed solution by adjusting operational parameters, thereby achieving universality.
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 the efficient synthesis of new chemical compounds and desalination with reduced energy use by selectively removing and recombining ions, improving ion separation technology and achieving significant ion depletion in a given time span.
Implementation Method 1
separating and removing oppositely charged ions from a given electrolyte solution... generating a positively charged ion stream and a negatively charged ion stream
Implementation Method 2
an ion selective membrane for selectively facilitating flow of ions from the ion repulsion cell to the ion sinks while preventing the reverse flow of ions
Data Source
AI summary
A device and process are disclosed for the separate removal of oppositely charged ions from electrolyte solutions and recombining them to form new chemical compositions. The invention provides the ability to create multiple ion flow channels and then form new chemical compositions therefrom. The process is accomplished by selectively combining oppositely charged ions of choice from different electrolyte solutions via the capacitive behavior of high electrical capacitance electrodes confined in insulated containers.