Ion-Selective Electrode System for CO2 Separation and Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high energy input required for capturing and storing CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion in power and process plants poses a significant obstacle to efficient energy production and environmental mitigation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the separation of CO2 from gas flows using ion-selective electrodes and ion exchange membranes, where cations and anions are absorbed by electrodes to generate electrical energy through electro-neutrality maintenance, and a reversible capacitive absorption process that alternates between absorption and desorption steps to regenerate electrodes, utilizing the energy present in flue gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If CO2 is captured and stored from flue gas, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but high energy input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions into a beneficial resource by using the CO2 concentration gradient between flue gas and ambient air to generate electrical energy. The CO2 that would otherwise be waste is transformed into a driving force for energy production through capacitive electrodes that exploit the chemical potential difference, thereby converting harm into benefit while simultaneously reducing emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent energy contained in the CO2 concentration difference between flue gas and ambient air to drive the separation and energy generation process. The CO2 gradient itself provides the driving force for ion transport through the membranes and capacitive charging, making the system self-sufficient in terms of energy input rather than requiring external energy consumption for CO2 capture.
2Quantity of substance
If CO2 is separated from gas flow using conventional methods, then CO2 concentration is increased, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation methods (such as compression, cooling, or chemical absorption requiring energy input) with an electrochemical system based on capacitive electrodes and ion-exchange membranes. The separation is driven by the spontaneous diffusion of CO2 ions from high to low concentration regions, generating electrical energy in the process rather than consuming it, thereby substituting mechanical energy-intensive processes with a self-driven electrochemical system.
3Power
If electrodes are used to generate energy from CO2 flow, then electrical energy is produced, but electrode saturation reduces continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic alternation between two electrodes: while one electrode is charging with CO2 ions from the flue gas stream, the other electrode is discharging to ambient air. This periodic switching allows continuous energy generation as one electrode regenerates while the other produces power, overcoming the limitation of single-electrode saturation and enabling sustained operation without interruption.
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 method effectively generates electrical energy while reducing CO2 emissions by utilizing the energy stored in flue gases, achieving efficient energy production and CO2 separation with minimal energy usage, capable of concentrating up to 70% of CO2 from combustion gases, and operates energy-neutrally with reduced temperature dependence.
Implementation Method 1
the gaseous CO2 absorbs in the water, according to reaction R1
Implementation Method 2
the absorbed CO2 reacts with water to produce carbonic acid (R2), which can dissociate into a proton and a bicarbonate ion (R3)
Implementation Method 3
diffusing of the cations towards a cation-selective electrode and of the anions towards an anion-selective electrode
Implementation Method 4
adsorbing the cations and anions by the electrodes
Implementation Method 5
the proton will be adsorbed in the cation-selective electrode and the bicarbonate ion in the anion-selective electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method, system and plant for generating energy from a gas, the method comprising the steps of: providing a gas flow to a flow channel; production of cations and anions; diffusing of the cations towards a cation- selective electrode and of the anions towards an anion-selective electrode; adsorbing the cations and anions by the electrodes; and transporting of electrons through an electrical circuit to maintain electro-neutrality of the electrodes and generate electrical energy.