Ionic Liquid Oxygen Generator Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen generation systems, such as chlorate candles and peroxide-based generators, face challenges including high temperature requirements, weight and size penalties, production of toxic byproducts, system instability, and inefficiency at subfreezing temperatures, which hinder reliable and continuous oxygen supply in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an oxygen source, an ionic liquid, and a metal oxide compound, where the ionic liquid remains in a liquid state from -10°C to +50°C, enabling oxygen production at low temperatures without toxic byproducts, using peroxide compounds and metal oxides to catalyze the reaction, with components stored separately to prevent premature activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen can be produced, but high temperatures (450-700°C) are required resulting in weight and size penalties due to heat insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction temperature parameter from high (450-700°C for chlorate candles) to low (below 150°C) by using peroxide-based chemistry instead of chlorate decomposition, eliminating the need for heavy heat insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical system of chlorate candles with a chemical-catalytic system using peroxides and enzymes/catalysts that operate at low temperatures, substituting thermal energy requirements with chemical reaction pathways
2Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen can be produced, but toxic side products (chlorine) are generated requiring additional removal systems adding size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful chlorate decomposition pathway into a beneficial peroxide decomposition pathway that produces only oxygen and water, eliminating toxic chlorine byproducts while maintaining oxygen production effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the chlorate component that generates toxic byproducts, replacing it with peroxide-based chemistry that inherently produces clean oxygen without harmful side products
3Ease of operation
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water for providing contact between peroxides and catalysts, then oxygen can be produced, but the system becomes complicated and cannot operate below 0°C due to water freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the reaction medium from liquid water (freezing at 0°C) to solid absorbent materials that remain effective at subfreezing temperatures, expanding the operational temperature range while simplifying the device structure by eliminating water management requirements
4Productivity
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water for providing contact between peroxides and catalysts, then oxygen can be produced, but vehement effervescing occurs requiring complicated device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces solid absorbent materials as intermediaries that mediate between the peroxide and catalyst, providing contact surface for the reaction while controlling oxygen release rate and eliminating violent effervescing that would require complex device structures
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 solution provides a reliable, continuous, and efficient oxygen supply over an extended period at low temperatures, reducing weight and size while avoiding toxic byproducts, and ensuring stability across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Decomposition of the peroxides yields oxygen, and the decomposition reaction can be started by contacting the peroxide compounds with an appropriate enzyme or transition metal catalyst
Implementation Method 2
Decomposition of the peroxides yields oxygen
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a composition for generating oxygen, comprising at least one oxygen source, at least one ionic liquid, and at least one metal oxide compound, wherein the oxygen source comprises a peroxide compound, the ionic liquid is in the liquid state at least in a temperature range from -10°C to +50°C, and the metal oxide compound is an oxide of one single metal or of two or more different metals, said metal(s) being selected from the metals of groups 2 to 14 of the periodic table of the elements.