Mixed-Conducting Membrane Reforming for High-Purity Hydrogen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hydrogen production are inefficient and require significant energy input, limiting their scalability and economic viability in industries requiring large quantities of hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical reactor utilizing a mixed-conducting membrane with electronically and ionically conducting phases, comprising porous anodes and cathodes, performs hydrocarbon reforming reactions without the need for external electricity, enabling efficient hydrogen production through electrochemical pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydrogen production methods (electrolysis, steam reforming) are used, then hydrogen can be produced, but significant energy input is required and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal steam reforming processes with electrochemical reforming reactions. The electrochemical reactor uses electrochemical pathways instead of high-temperature thermal processes to convert hydrocarbons to hydrogen, eliminating the need for significant external energy input while maintaining high production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the hydrogen production process by using mixed-conducting membranes that enable electrochemical reactions to occur at lower temperatures and with different energy characteristics compared to conventional methods. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high efficiency without requiring large amounts of energy input
2Reliability
If electrochemical reforming is implemented, then high-purity hydrogen production is achieved without electricity input, but the system complexity increases due to mixed-conducting membrane requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mixed-conducting membrane as an intermediary component that enables the electrochemical reforming process. This membrane serves as a mediator between the hydrocarbon feedstock and the hydrogen production process, allowing electrochemical reactions to occur while maintaining system manageability and achieving high hydrogen purity through the membrane's selective properties
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 reactor achieves high-purity hydrogen production without electricity input, reducing operational costs and enhancing scalability for industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
the reactor is capable of reforming a hydrocarbon electrochemically, wherein the electrochemical reforming reactions involve the exchange of an ion through the membrane to oxidize the hydrocarbon
Implementation Method 2
the electrochemical reforming reactions involve the exchange of an ion through the membrane to oxidize the hydrocarbon
Implementation Method 3
the electrochemical reforming reactions involve the exchange of an ion through the membrane to oxidize the hydrocarbon
Implementation Method 4
the metallic phase is electronically conductive
Implementation Method 5
wherein the ceramic phase is ionically conductive
Implementation Method 6
reducing the water in the second stream to produce hydrogen, wherein the reduction from water to hydrogen takes place electrochemically
Data Source
AI summary
Herein discussed is an electrochemical reactor comprising a mixed-conducting membrane, wherein the membrane comprises an electronically conducting phase and an ionically conducting phase, wherein the reactor is capable of reforming a hydrocarbon electrochemically, wherein the electrochemical reforming reactions involve the exchange of an ion through the membrane to oxidize the hydrocarbon. Further discussed herein is a method of producing hydrogen comprising providing an electrochemical (EC) reactor having a mixed-conducting membrane, introducing a first stream comprising a hydrocarbon to the reactor, introducing a second stream comprising water to the reactor, and reducing the water in the second stream to produce hydrogen, wherein the first stream and the second stream do not come in contact with each other in the reactor, and wherein the hydrocarbon is reformed electrochemically in the EC reactor.