Ionic-Liquid Oxygen Composition for Restartable Oxygen Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen generators, such as chlorate candles and peroxide-based systems, face issues with high temperature requirements, weight penalties, toxic byproducts, mechanical instability, and inability to adjust oxygen production rates or restart oxygen production as needed, particularly in emergency situations like search and rescue or space flight.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using an oxygen generating composition comprising a peroxide compound, an ionic liquid, and a metal salt, where the oxygen production rate is controlled by adding a basic or acidic compound to start, accelerate, or stop oxygen production, allowing for adjustable and restartable oxygen flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, but high temperature requirements and weight penalties due to heat insulation are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the oxygen generation reaction from high temperature (450-700°C for chlorate candles) to low temperature (near ambient or refrigerated temperatures) by using peroxide-based chemistry, eliminating the need for heavy heat insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful high temperature requirement into a benefit by using a cold chemistry approach, where the exothermic peroxide decomposition provides sufficient heat without requiring external heating or heavy insulation, thus reducing weight while maintaining oxygen production effectiveness
2Productivity
If peroxides are used with water for catalyst contact, then oxygen production is enabled, but the system becomes complicated and cannot operate below 0°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from water (which freezes at 0°C and causes effervescing) to ionic liquids (which remain liquid at low temperatures and do not cause violent reactions), enabling operation across a wider temperature range and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ionic liquids as an intermediary medium between peroxides and catalysts, replacing water's role in facilitating contact while avoiding water's limitations of freezing and causing vehement effervescing, thus simplifying the system design
3Productivity
If conventional oxygen generators are used, then oxygen supply is provided, but the ability to adjust or restart oxygen production is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control capability to the oxygen generation system by allowing adjustment of oxygen production rates and restartability through controlled interaction between peroxide, ionic liquid, and catalyst components, enabling adaptation to varying oxygen demands in emergency situations
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
Enables precise control over oxygen production, ensuring sufficient oxygen supply in emergency situations with reduced weight and toxicity, and the ability to adapt production rates to meet varying demands, providing breathable oxygen reliably across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
Decomposition of the peroxides yields oxygen
Implementation Method 2
The compositions comprise at least one oxygen source, at least one ionic liquid, and at least one metal oxide compound
Implementation Method 3
the oxygen production rate is controlled by adding a basic or acidic compound to start, accelerate, or stop oxygen production
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to an oxygen generator comprising a composition for generating oxygen and a basic compound, wherein the composition for generating oxygen comprises an oxygen source, an ionic liquid, a metal salt, and optionally a basic compound, and 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, the metal salt comprises one single metal or two or more different metals, and an organic and/or an inorganic anion. The present invention also relates to a method for starting or accelerating the oxygen production of an oxygen generating composition, and to a device for generating oxygen in a controlled manner.