Mixed Salt Sorbent for CO2 Capture on Mobile Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture technologies face challenges in mobile sources due to energy demand, capital expenditures, space limitations, and operating conditions such as high temperatures and low pressures, which are not effectively addressed by existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A mixed salt sorbent composition containing alkaline earth and alkali metals, specifically magnesium and Group IA elements like Li, Na, or K, is used to remove CO2 from gas mixtures at ambient or near-ambient pressures and temperatures ranging from 50°C to 400°C, with regeneration capabilities for continuous scrubbing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional CO2 capture technologies are applied to mobile sources, then CO2 removal capability is achieved, but energy demand and capital expenditures increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters of CO2 capture by using mixed salt sorbents that function effectively at ambient or near-ambient pressures and temperatures ranging from 50°C to 400°C, eliminating the need for high-energy processes while maintaining CO2 removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite mixed salt sorbent materials containing alkaline earth metals (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) in specific ratios, which provide enhanced CO2 capture performance at lower energy inputs compared to conventional single-material sorbents
2Object-generated harmful factors
If CO2 capture technologies are adapted for mobile sources, then CO2 removal is achieved, but space limitations prevent effective implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies operating conditions to ambient or near-ambient pressures and moderate temperatures, enabling CO2 capture in compact mobile systems without requiring large-volume equipment for pressure management or heating
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed salt sorbent composition provides high CO2 capacity in a compact form factor, allowing effective CO2 removal within the space constraints of mobile applications
3Object-generated harmful factors
If existing CO2 capture methods are used in mobile applications, then CO2 removal is achieved, but performance degrades under high temperature and low pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifically optimizes sorbent performance for high temperature (50°C to 400°C) and low pressure conditions typical of mobile exhaust streams, ensuring reliable CO2 removal where conventional technologies fail
Solution Approach 2:
The mixed salt composition of alkaline earth and alkali metals creates a material with enhanced thermal stability and CO2 affinity under the specific temperature and pressure conditions encountered in mobile applications
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 mixed salt sorbent composition efficiently removes CO2 from mobile sources like internal combustion engines, maintaining adsorbent capacity through multiple cycles and allowing for the recovery of pure CO2 for temporary storage, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The mixed salt sorbent compositions used in the method of the invention contain alkaline earth and alkali metals, in salt form and at a range of ratios relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
with release of the CO2 at temperatures of from about 150°C to about 500°C
Data Source
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AI summary
A mixed salt composition which is useful as a CO2 sorbent is described. The mixed salt composition comprises a Mg salt, and at least one Group IA element salt, where the Mg and Group IA element are present at a molar ratio of from 3:1 to 8:1. The resulting composition can adsorb about 20% or more of C02 in a gas. Via varying the molar ratios of the components, and the Group IA element, one can develop compositions which show optional functionality at different conditions. The composition is especially useful in the adsorptive capture of CO2 on mobile sources, such as transportation vehicles, where it can be recovered during regeneration of the adsorbent composition and the CO2 used as a coolant gas, as a reactant in manufacture of fuel, and so forth.