Mineral Composition for CO2 and NOx Gas Mineralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reducing atmospheric CO2 and NOx levels, such as photocatalytic paints and CO2-absorbing cements, either increase CO2 levels as by-products or are economically non-viable, and existing technologies fail to effectively mineralize these gases, leading to persistent environmental and health issues.

Innovation Solution

A mineral composition comprising magnesium, iron, calcium monoxide, silicon dioxide, and titanium (IV) oxide, used in paints, dyes, and natural rubber/gum products, which absorbs and adsorbs CO2 and NOx through carbonation and nitrification processes, converting them into a harmless white calcareous powder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If photocatalytic paints are used to reduce NOx levels, then NOx removal is improved, but CO2 levels increase as by-products

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNOx levelsVSAvoidCO2 by-products
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful CO2 by-product generated during NOx photocatalysis into a beneficial carbonate mineral. The titanium dioxide catalyst converts NOx to CO2, and the magnesium oxide then reacts with this CO2 to form stable carbonate minerals, effectively transforming the harmful by-product into a useful sequestration mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

Magnesium oxide acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the CO2 produced by photocatalysis and the final carbonate mineral product. It captures the CO2 and transforms it into stable carbonate compounds, preventing CO2 release while completing the NOx removal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If CO2-absorbing cements are used, then CO2 removal is improved, but economic viability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 levelsVSAvoideconomic viability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional paint system that simultaneously removes both CO2 and NOx, whereas traditional solutions only targeted one gas. This dual functionality increases the value proposition and economic viability by addressing multiple pollution problems with a single application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite material system combining titanium dioxide (for photocatalysis) and magnesium oxide (for CO2 absorption) within a paint matrix. This composite approach enables both NOx and CO2 removal mechanisms to work together, creating an economically viable solution that delivers multiple environmental benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If existing mineralization technologies are used, then gas capture is improved, but effectiveness in mineralization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas captureVSAvoidmineralization effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using magnesium oxide instead of traditional calcium-based absorbents. This parameter change enables more effective mineralization through the formation of stable magnesium carbonate minerals, improving both the capture efficiency and the reliability of long-term sequestration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 mineral composition effectively reduces atmospheric CO2 and NOx levels, mitigating the greenhouse effect and health risks, with a durability of 7-10 years in paints and as long as the minerals remain effective, and is economically viable for industrial sectors.

Implementation Method 1

absorbs and adsorbs CO2 and NOx through carbonation and nitrification processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbonation:

Implementation Method 2

absorbs and adsorbs CO2 and NOx through carbonation and nitrification processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

converting them into a white calcareous powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11338268B2Composition for mineralizing carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 PRIMLAB GLOBAL SL

AI summary

The invention relates to a composition for mineralising carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases, which comprises a mixture of magnesium (between 1 and 25%), iron (between 1 and 23%), calcium monoxide (between 1 and 25%), titanium dioxide (between 0.1 and 11%) and silicon dioxide (between 16 and 75%), with a particle diameter between 100 nm and 4000 μm. The composition causes the mineralisation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and of the gaseous chemical compounds known as “nitrogen oxides” (NOx) in the atmosphere. This composition can be added or mixed as an additive in paints, dyes, resins and elastic polymers (gum and natural rubber) in parts with wear, and for any type of covering.