Ionic Liquid Oxygen Generation 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, production of toxic byproducts, system instability, and inefficiency at low temperatures, making them unsuitable for reliable and continuous oxygen supply in various environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of ionic liquids as dispersants and solvents in oxygen generation compositions, combined with peroxide compounds and metal oxide catalysts, allows for oxygen production at low temperatures without toxic byproducts, using a kit format to ensure safe and efficient oxygen generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, 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 fundamental reaction parameter from high-temperature thermal decomposition (450-700°C) to low-temperature catalytic decomposition (near ambient temperature). This is achieved by using peroxide compounds as oxygen sources instead of chlorates, and employing metal catalysts or enzymes instead of thermal energy, thereby eliminating the need for heavy heat insulation
2Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, but toxic side products (chlorine) are produced requiring additional removal equipment adding size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful chlorate decomposition pathway into a beneficial peroxide decomposition pathway. Instead of producing toxic chlorine gas, the peroxide-based system produces only oxygen and water as decomposition products, eliminating the need for toxic byproduct removal equipment while maintaining efficient oxygen production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful chlorate compound and its associated toxic chlorine byproduct from the oxygen generation system. By completely replacing the chlorate chemistry with peroxide chemistry, the system removes the source of toxic emissions while preserving the core function of oxygen generation
3Productivity
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water as a medium, then oxygen production is achieved, but the system fails 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 peroxide compounds that decompose catalytically. This phase change allows the system to function across a wide temperature range including subzero conditions, as the solid peroxide-catalyst system does not rely on liquid water for the decomposition reaction
4Productivity
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water as a medium, then oxygen production is achieved, but vehement effervescing occurs requiring complicated device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies catalysis to control and moderate the decomposition rate of peroxides. By using metal catalysts or enzymes, the reaction proceeds at a controlled, steady rate rather than violent effervescing, eliminating the need for complex pressure relief and containment structures while maintaining high oxygen production rates
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 reliable and continuous oxygen production over an extended period at low temperatures, reducing weight and size penalties, and eliminating toxic byproducts, thus providing a stable and efficient oxygen supply in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
the ionic liquid is used as a dispersant or solvent and as a heat sink in a composition for generating oxygen
Implementation Method 2
at least one metal oxide compound formulation, wherein the oxygen source formulation comprises a peroxide compound... the metal oxide compound formulation comprises a metal oxide compound which is an oxide of one single metal or of two or more different metals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to the use of an ionic liquid as a dispersant or solvent and as a heat sink in a composition for generating oxygen, the composition further comprising at least one oxygen source formulation, and at least one metal oxide compound formulation, wherein the oxygen source formulation 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 formulation comprises a metal oxide compound which 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.