Liquid Electrolyte Ammonia Synthesis Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ammonia synthesis methods, such as the Haber-Bosch process and electrochemical methods using solid oxide electrolytes, face challenges with low yield, high energy consumption, and complex manufacturing processes, necessitating an energy-efficient and cost-effective approach for ammonia production.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical ammonia synthesis apparatus utilizing a liquid electrolyte, specifically an alkaline aqueous solution or molten salt, with porous metal electrodes, a nitrogen dissociation catalyst, and controlled electrolyte circulation, which allows for improved control over electrode compositions and temperatures to enhance ammonia yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the Haber-Bosch process is used for ammonia synthesis, then large scale industrial production is achieved, but energy consumption increases and ammonia yield is reduced to 10-20%
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of ammonia synthesis by using electrochemical methods instead of thermal catalysis. The process operates at ambient temperature and pressure with liquid electrolyte, achieving over 90% ammonia yield compared to 10-20% in Haber-Bosch, while dramatically reducing energy consumption by eliminating high-temperature and high-pressure requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal system of Haber-Bosch (high pressure, high temperature, catalyst beds) with an electrochemical system using liquid electrolyte, porous electrodes, and controlled potential. This substitution enables direct electrochemical conversion of nitrogen and hydrogen to ammonia with superior efficiency and yield
2Ease of manufacture
If ion conductive oxide electrolyte is used in electrochemical ammonia synthesis, then steam can be used as hydrogen source at atmospheric pressure, but manufacturing complexity and energy consumption remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrolyte phase from solid oxide to liquid electrolyte (aqueous or non-aqueous), enabling operation at ambient temperature instead of high temperatures required for solid oxide electrolytes. This parameter change simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the ability to use steam as hydrogen source
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses readily available liquid electrolytes (water-based or organic) instead of expensive, difficult-to-manufacture solid oxide electrolytes. The liquid electrolyte system is cheaper, easier to handle, and requires no complex sintering or high-temperature processing, making the overall system more economically viable
3Productivity
If solid oxide electrolyte apparatus is used, then ammonia synthesis can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating temperature parameter from high (solid oxide) to ambient (liquid electrolyte), which fundamentally simplifies the apparatus design. The liquid electrolyte system eliminates the need for high-temperature resistant materials, complex sealing, and specialized manufacturing processes required for solid oxide electrolyte cells
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses porous metal electrodes in liquid electrolyte that provide high surface area for electrochemical reactions. The porous structure facilitates gas diffusion and electrolyte penetration, achieving high ammonia synthesis rates with a simpler, more open cell design compared to dense solid oxide electrolyte 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 apparatus achieves a higher ammonia synthesis yield with reduced energy consumption and lower manufacturing costs by using a liquid electrolyte system that facilitates efficient hydrogen and nitrogen reaction, compatible with hydrogen production reactions, and allows for flexible control of electrode compositions and catalyst distribution.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical ammonia synthesis apparatus using an aqueous solution of an alkali metal as an electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
a heater that heats an electrolyte discharged through an outlet of the electrolysis cell container
Implementation Method 3
a pump that circulates the electrolyte heated by the heater to an inlet of the electrolysis cell container
Implementation Method 4
a dry or wet nitrogen supply unit that supplies a dry nitrogen gas or a wet nitrogen gas including steam to the cathode through a porous metal membrane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an ammonia synthesis apparatus, and more particularly, to an electrochemical ammonia synthesis apparatus using an aqueous solution or a molten liquid of an alkali metal as an electrolyte. According to one or more embodiments, when an aqueous solution or a molten liquid of an alkali metal is used as an electrolyte in an ammonia synthesis apparatus, compositions, sizes, and shapes of an electrode and an electrolyte may be easily controlled, and thus a yield of ammonia synthesis may improve.