Nitrogen Heterocycle Catalyst for CO2 Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current artificial photochemical systems for CO2 reduction using light energy have low solar energy conversion efficiency and face challenges in facilitating the migration of ions across electrodes, leading to inefficient CO2 reduction reactions.

Innovation Solution

A reduction catalyst comprising a conductive layer with an organic layer containing nitrogen-containing heterocycles is used in a photochemical reactor, where the organic layer is densely oriented to enhance electron supply and inhibit hydrogen generation, facilitating efficient CO2 reduction to products like carbon monoxide, formic acid, and methanol.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a silicon solar cell is used to obtain reaction potential, then solar energy conversion efficiency is improved (about 2.5%), but CO2 reduction reaction cannot proceed successfully due to inability to facilitate ion migration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar energy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidCO2 reduction reaction success

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An ion-permeable membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the photoelectrode and counter electrode. This membrane selectively allows ion migration while maintaining the electrical circuit, thereby enabling CO2 reduction reaction to proceed successfully in solar cell-based systems without compromising solar energy conversion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different functional properties to different parts of the system: the photoelectrode is optimized for light absorption and electron generation, while the ion-permeable membrane is specifically designed to facilitate ion migration. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction by addressing ion migration needs in the specific region where it is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If electrode for reduction reaction is connected to electrode for oxidation reaction via electric wire, then electrical connection is established, but electricity extraction efficiency is reduced due to wire resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectricity extraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the ion migration function from the electric wire connection by introducing a separate ion-permeable membrane component. This allows the electric wire to be minimized or eliminated, thereby reducing wire resistance and energy loss while maintaining necessary electrical connection through alternative pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If organic layer with nitrogen-containing heterocycles is used on conductor surface, then CO2 reduction efficiency is improved, but hydrogen generation is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 reduction efficiencyVSAvoidhydrogen generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the surface properties of the conductor by introducing an organic layer with nitrogen-containing heterocycles. This changes the electronic and chemical parameters of the surface, creating a environment that favors CO2 reduction while suppressing hydrogen evolution reaction, thereby improving CO2 reduction efficiency and reducing harmful hydrogen generation.

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 catalyst achieves a significant improvement in CO2 reduction efficiency by promoting the migration of ions and reducing reaction inhibition, leading to higher yields of desired carbon compounds with improved Faraday efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the organic layer is densely oriented to enhance electron supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transfer:

Implementation Method 2

Through photochemical reactions of this system, plants oxidize water (H2O) to obtain electrons and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochemical reaction:

Implementation Method 3

achieving a high reaction efficiency by facilitating a migration of ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon migration:

Data Source

PatentUS10550488B2Reduction catalyst, reduction reactor and reduction method

Publication Date: 2020.02.04 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

The present embodiments provide: a reduction catalyst having high reaction efficiency, a reduction reactor including the same and a reduction method using the same. This catalyst includes a conductor and an organic layer comprises organic modifying groups capable of binding to the surface of the conductor, wherein the organic modifying groups contain a nitrogen-containing heterocycle.