Microwave Heated Catalyst for CO2 Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contributes to climate change, and existing methods are inadequate to effectively consume or convert it into valuable fuels, while also failing to utilize low-value natural gas as a feedstock for oil refineries.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a reaction vessel with a catalyst and microwave energy to convert carbon dioxide and methane into higher value hydrocarbons and hydrogen gas, employing iron, cobalt, or nickel-containing compounds that increase in temperature upon microwave radiation, facilitating reactions that produce hydrocarbons and hydrogen gas, which can be coupled with green or excess energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to handle carbon dioxide, then existing limitations on carbon dioxide sources are imposed, but effective conversion into valuable fuels is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing microwave radiation to dramatically increase the temperature of iron-containing catalysts, transforming them from conventional low-temperature catalysts to high-temperature active catalysts. This parameter change enables the conversion of carbon dioxide and methane into hydrocarbons at conditions that are both effective and manufacturable, resolving the contradiction between conversion efficiency and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional thermal heating methods with microwave radiation technology. This substitution allows for more efficient and controlled heating of the catalyst, achieving higher conversion efficiency while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of microwave ovens or similar microwave generation devices that are already well-established technology.
2Productivity
If natural gas is used as feedstock, then it can be converted to hydrocarbons, but its low value and widespread availability prevent effective utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the low-value, waste-like status of natural gas into a beneficial process feedstock. By using microwave-heated iron catalysts, the process efficiently converts inexpensive natural gas and carbon dioxide into higher-value hydrocarbons, transforming an economically undesirable input into a valuable output while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of abundant, low-cost materials.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide is consumed to reduce atmospheric concentration, then climate change effects are reduced, but existing methods are inadequate for effective consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the catalyst through microwave radiation, activating iron-containing compounds to operate at high temperatures that dramatically increase carbon dioxide consumption rates. This parameter change enables effective carbon dioxide consumption while maintaining ease of manufacture through the use of simple microwave heating apparatus.
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 effectively consumes carbon dioxide, converts methane into higher value hydrocarbons, and utilizes energy from green or excess sources, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and producing cleaner fuels, thereby addressing climate change and utilizing natural gas more efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The microwave source is in radiation communication with the vessel for placing thermal energy to the iron-based catalyst and to the reaction mixture
Implementation Method 2
The catalyst is selected from the group of iron, cobalt, copper and nickel containing compounds which upon microwave radiation increase in temperature to produce thermal energy required for the reaction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for converting carbon dioxide and/or methane into higher alkanes and hydrogen gas in a single reaction chamber using a catalyst and microwave radiation.