Ion Exchange Membrane Air Collector With Low-Pressure CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing CO2 from air are inefficient due to high energy consumption and pressure losses, which can result in negligible net CO2 removal and even reintroduction of CO2 into the atmosphere as a byproduct of the capture process.
Innovation Solution
The use of solid phase anion exchange membranes with functionalized polymers in a configuration that maximizes surface area and minimizes pressure drop, allowing for direct capture of CO2 and other acid gases from air with low energy expenditure, utilizing an air collector device designed for efficient airflow and chemical reactivation of capture materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is washed with alkaline solution in tanks filled with Raschig rings to maximize mixing, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but pressure loss increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mixing system (Raschig rings with forced circulation) with a chemical absorption system using alkaline solution that passively captures CO2 through chemical reaction. The alkaline solution absorbs CO2 without requiring mechanical agitation or high-pressure forcing, thereby maintaining capture efficiency while eliminating the associated energy consumption and pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the absorption medium by using alkaline solution (such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) with specific pH and composition characteristics. This chemical parameter change enables efficient CO2 capture through neutralization reactions without requiring the mechanical conditions (high pressure, intense mixing) that would otherwise be necessary to achieve comparable capture rates.
2Productivity
If air is compressed to high pressure to drive air past the sorbent, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and CO2 may be reintroduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system with a chemical absorption system. Instead of forcing air through the sorbent at high pressure, the alkaline solution chemically binds CO2 at ambient conditions. This substitution eliminates the need for energy-intensive compression while maintaining effective CO2 removal, and prevents the risk of CO2 reintroduction that can occur when compressed air systems fail or leak.
3Quantity of substance
If vast amounts of air are processed to capture significant amounts of CO2, then CO2 capture quantity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and concentration parameters of the alkaline solution to enhance its CO2 absorption capacity. By optimizing the pH, concentration, and chemical composition of the alkaline medium, the system achieves high CO2 capture quantities without needing to process vast volumes of air under energy-intensive conditions. The chemical reaction efficiency is maximized to capture more CO2 per unit of air processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite alkaline solutions that combine multiple chemical components (such as potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and other alkaline compounds) to create a synergistic absorption medium. This composite chemical system enhances the overall CO2 capture capacity and efficiency, enabling significant CO2 quantities to be captured from air processing with reduced energy input compared to single-component systems.
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 effective, low-energy capture and concentration of CO2, reducing the risk of reintroducing CO2 into the atmosphere and achieving a viable carbon dioxide balance by minimizing energy consumption and ensuring complete capture and reactivation of CO2-bearing molecules.
Implementation Method 1
solid phase anion exchange membranes with functionalized polymers in a configuration that maximizes surface area and minimizes pressure drop, allowing for direct capture of CO2 and other acid gases from air
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capture of CO2 from the atmosphere comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air.