Metal-Oxygen Electrochemical Cell for CO2 Upgrading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon capture and utilization systems face challenges in converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels due to thermodynamic and kinetic stability issues, and require energy-intensive processes, limiting their scalability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A metal/oxygen electrochemical system that generates superoxide to react with feedstocks, such as CO2 and hydrocarbons, upgrading them into higher-value products while producing electrical current, using a configuration with a positive electrode, negative electrode, and electrolyte, and optionally incorporating ionic liquids and metal salts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classical CO2 capture technologies (absorption, adsorption, membrane separation) are used, then CO2 capture is achieved, but additional energy requirements increase cost of energy and create difficulties in transporting and sequestering captured CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture with electrical energy generation in a single electrochemical cell system. The metal anode oxidizes to capture CO2 while simultaneously generating electrical current through the external circuit, merging two separate functions (capture and energy production) into one integrated process, thereby reducing overall energy requirements compared to separate capture and utilization processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the oxidation of metal anodes to provide both the capture mechanism and the energy source for the process. The chemical energy stored in the metal is converted to electrical energy that can be used to power CO2 conversion reactions, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external energy inputs
2Productivity
If CO2 is converted to useful chemicals and fuels, then valuable products are produced, but the thermodynamic and kinetic stability of CO2 makes conversion very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical environment and reaction conditions by using electrochemically generated superoxide species and metal cations to create reactive intermediates that can overcome CO2's stability. The electrochemical potential and unique reaction conditions in the cell enable conversions that are thermodynamically and kinetically unfavorable under conventional conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces electrochemically generated superoxide species and metal cations as intermediaries that facilitate CO2 conversion. These intermediates act as catalysts or reactive mediators that lower the activation energy barrier for breaking CO2's stable bonds and forming new C-C bonds, enabling efficient conversion to valuable chemicals
3Productivity
If metal/CO2 electrochemical cells are used to capture CO2 and generate electrical energy, then CO2 capture and energy generation are achieved, but the presence of O2 enables chemical reduction that complicates the system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially problematic presence of O2 into a beneficial feature. O2 at the cathode enables the generation of superoxide species that are essential for CO2 reduction reactions. The O2 serves as both the cathode reactant and the source of reactive oxygen species needed for productive CO2 conversion, turning a potential complication into an asset
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 system effectively upgrades low-value feedstocks to valuable products like oxalates, isomerized hydrocarbons, and carboxylated compounds with high yields, concurrently generating electrical energy, thus offering a high-energy density storage and chemical up-conversion solution.
Implementation Method 1
the anode is oxidized
Implementation Method 2
the cathode is reduced in the presence of oxygen
Implementation Method 3
electrochemical cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte in which the cell is configured to produce superoxide
Implementation Method 4
an electrolyte in which the cell is configured to produce superoxide
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to upgrade a feedstock include a metal/oxygen electrochemical cell having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte in which the cell is configured to produce superoxide. The superoxide can react or complex with a feedstock to upgrade the feedstock.