Mayenite Electrode for Low-Energy CO2 Electrolysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for carbon dioxide electrolysis using molten salt or defect transfer type oxide ion conductors face challenges such as unsuitability for industrial applications due to high temperature containment issues and irreversible blackening caused by excessive oxide ion current, leading to reduced mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
The use of a mayenite-type compound with a representative composition of 12CaO·7Al2O3 as an electrode in an electrolytic cell, which can conduct oxide ions and maintain mechanical strength even under excessive oxide ion current, facilitating the electrolysis of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen with reduced activation energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If molten salt is used as an electrolyte for carbon dioxide electrolysis, then the electrolysis reaction can proceed, but it becomes unsuitable for industrial applications due to high temperature containment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid (molten salt) to solid (oxide ion conductor), which fundamentally alters the operating temperature requirements and eliminates containment issues while maintaining electrolysis functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a solid oxide ion conductor electrolyte that avoids the need for complex high-temperature containment systems required by molten salt, effectively replacing a problematic system with a simpler, more reliable alternative
2Use of energy by moving object
If defect transfer type oxide ion conductor is used as an electrolyte, then carbon dioxide electrolysis can be performed, but irreversible blackening occurs when excessive oxide ion current is applied, reducing mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite cathode structure consisting of a mayenite-type compound (which can take up oxide ions) combined with a metal or conductive material. This composite structure allows the mayenite component to buffer excessive oxide ion current through oxide ion storage, preventing the blackening and mechanical strength degradation that would occur in simple defect transfer type oxide ion conductors
Solution Approach 2:
The mayenite-type compound in the cathode acts as a buffer or cushion for excessive oxide ion current. By having the capacity to take up and store oxide ions, it prevents sudden excessive currents from damaging the electrolyte, thereby cushioning the system against conditions that would cause irreversible blackening and strength loss
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 allows for efficient electrolysis of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen with lower activation energy compared to conventional methods, while maintaining mechanical strength and avoiding irreversible blackening, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solid electrolyte having oxide ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
carbon dioxide can be easily electrolyzed into carbon monoxide and oxygen with an activation energy lower than that of a conventional method by using a mayenite type compound as an electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolytic cell capable of simply electrolyzing carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen with low activation energy, and an electrolytic device. The carbon dioxide electrolytic cell includes a cathode, an anode, and a solid electrolyte having oxide ion conductivity. The cathode is the following (A) or (B); (A) a metal and a first mayenite-type compound are included therein or (B) a metal and a second mayenite-type compound are included therein, said second mayenite type compound including a mayenite type compound having electron conductivity.