Peroxide Oxygen Generator Using Ionic Liquid Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen generation devices, such as chlorate candles and peroxide-based systems, face challenges including high temperature requirements, weight and size penalties, production of toxic byproducts, and operational limitations at subfreezing temperatures, leading to unreliable and inefficient oxygen supply in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A chemical oxygen generator using a composition comprising a peroxide compound, an ionic liquid, and a metal oxide catalyst, where the constituents are physically separated until contact is established to initiate the decomposition reaction, allowing for breathable oxygen production at low temperatures without bulky insulation, and providing a reliable and continuous oxygen supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, but high temperature requirements result in weight and size penalties due to heat insulation needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (450-700°C for chlorate candles) to low (below 150°C) by using peroxide-based chemistry with enzyme or metal catalysts, eliminating the need for thermal insulation and reducing device weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal/mechanical system of chlorate candles requiring heat insulation with a chemical catalytic system operating at low temperatures, substituting thermal management requirements with catalytic reaction control
2Productivity
If chlorate candles are used for oxygen generation, then oxygen production is achieved, but toxic side products such as chlorine are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful decomposition pathway of chlorates that produces toxic chlorine into a beneficial catalytic decomposition of peroxides that produces only oxygen and water, using enzyme or metal catalysts to guide the reaction toward harmless products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a chemically inert reaction environment using peroxide-catalyst systems that do not produce toxic byproducts, replacing the reactive chlorate system that generates harmful chlorine gas with a cleaner peroxide decomposition system
3Ease of operation
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water for providing contact between peroxides and catalysts, then oxygen production is achieved, but the device becomes complicated due to vehement effervescing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the reaction system, using alternative liquid vehicles such as glycol or other non-aqueous solvents that do not produce effervescing when contacting peroxides and catalysts, thereby simplifying device structure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces alternative liquid intermediaries (glycol or other solvents) that mediate contact between peroxides and catalysts without causing effervescing, replacing water as the contact medium to eliminate the need for complex pressure relief and venting structures
4Productivity
If peroxide-based oxygen generators use water, then oxygen production is achieved, but no oxygen can be produced below 0°C due to water freezing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the liquid vehicle from water (freezing at 0°C) to glycol or other low-freezing-point solvents that remain liquid below 0°C, enabling oxygen production across a broader temperature range including subfreezing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a temperature-independent reaction environment using glycol or other antifreeze solvents as the liquid medium, replacing water-based systems that are constrained by freezing temperatures, thereby expanding operational versatility
5Productivity
If chlorate candles have a liquid zone travelling through the candle, then decomposition reaction proceeds, but mechanical shocks or vibrations may result in separation of candle portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable peroxide-based composition in a stable solid or gel form that does not require a travelling liquid zone, eliminating the instability caused by liquid movement while maintaining effective decomposition reaction for oxygen production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite peroxide-catalyst formulations in a stable matrix (solid or gel state) that maintains structural integrity under mechanical shock and vibration, replacing the unstable liquid-zone-through-solid-candle configuration with a homogeneous or heterogeneously distributed composite material system
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 solution enables efficient, continuous, and reliable production of breathable oxygen over an extended period at low temperatures, minimizing weight and size while avoiding toxic byproducts, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Decomposition of the peroxides yields oxygen, and the decomposition reaction can be started by contacting the peroxide compounds with an appropriate enzyme or transition metal catalyst
Implementation Method 2
the decomposition reaction can be started by contacting the peroxide compounds with an appropriate enzyme or transition metal catalyst
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a device for generating oxygen comprising at least one reaction chamber (2) for housing a composition for generating oxygen, the composition comprising a combination of constituents consisting of at least one oxygen source, at least one ionic liquid, and at least one metal oxide compound, means for maintaining at least one of the oxygen source, the ionic liquid and the metal oxide compound physically separated from the remaining constituents, means for establishing physical contact of the oxygen source, the ionic liquid and the metal oxide compound, and means for allowing oxygen to exit the reaction chamber, wherein the metal oxide compound is an oxide of a single metal or of two or more different metals, said metal(s) being selected from the metals of groups 2 to 14 of the periodic table of the elements, and wherein the oxygen source comprises a peroxide compound.